Google has been hosting a day- and- half local symposium here for local media and directory partners (and potential partners). Roughly 120 execs have come to the invite-only event – the glamour of the Google-plex campus, and excellent food and drink, making quite an impression. I spoke on a lively blogger panel with Perry Evans, Sebastian Provencher and Greg Sterling.
In a morning keynote, Craigslist Founder Craig Newmark said his 25 employee company – jokingly called the anti-Christ by Outside.in founder Steven Johnson – was now in 450 cities around the world, and is looking at 50 more. He notes that the most popular segments on the site are, in order, jobs, housing, stuff for sale and personals.
While the company has basically been content with the status quo, Newmark said it needs “better customer service. We need search….we need to be able to search more than one city at a time.” He also says it is also looking into providing language support for Spanish and possibly other languages.
Newmark notes that the site started at a good time, circa 1995. If it began today, it would require lots of advertising to make headway; and consequently, VC funding. “It wouldn’t work. It would be a non-starter,” says Newmark. He also notes that he occasionally meets with Google founders Sergey and Larry. “But honestly, I can’t tell them apart.”
I agree Peter, it was a productive and interesting symposium. Since it had never held been held previously we didn’t know what to expect – and hoped it would not be one long “Google infomercial”. It wasn’t, and I actually think Google was very open and honest with the entire event – including the competitive stuff.
It was good to get the confirmation that we are in the right place, at the right time. What an interesting mix of the 80 or so guests – traditional media companies hanging out with Internet-based businesses.
A long way to travel for such a short event, but worth it. Thanks G.