Google Fiber Sparks Online Competition Between Cities Nationwide - Wed, 10 Mar 2010
It seems like every city in America wants Google Fiber. And who can blame them? Ever since Google announced its plan last month to bring ultra-high speed Internet connections (as in, up to 100x faster than what most of the country has today) to between 50,000 and 500,000 people, cities across the U.S. have been clamoring to curry the favor of the search giant.
First there was Topeka, KS, which renamed itself by proclamation to Google, KS. Then Duluth, MN upped the ante by promising (comedically, we hope) to name all the town’s first-born children after Google. Then Greenville, SC entered the fray with their all-out “We Are Feeling Lucky” social media campaign that included a landing page, YouTube channel, Facebook events, and Twitter hashtag.
But will any of these efforts be enough?
The Competition
Topeka, Duluth, and Greenville are not alone in wanting Google to trick out their municipalities with super fast Internet speeds. A growing number of American cities are making their pitch to Google in advance of the March 26th deadline, and some of them are pretty creative.
Peoria, IL, for example, is playing off its reputation as the prototypical middle American town with the famous “Will it play in Peoria?” catchphrase. They’ve launched Google Plays in Peoria in an attempt to convince the company that their town is the perfect test-bed for Google’s new technology.
Perhaps taking a cue from Topeka, on the other hand, Sarasota, FL has also renamed itself… to Google Island. Their site includes the standard YouTube videos, Facebook Fan Page, Twitter account, and cleverly, a “Declaration of Independence from Narrowband Networks.”
Other cities have also pulled out all the stops in their campaign to get Big G to invest in their infrastructure. Baltimore, MD thinks a petition is the way to go, and presents their case using a Google Maps mashup, YouTube videos, and a list of local startups that could use a few more bits on their BmoreFiber.com pitch page.
Austin, TX, Charlottesville, VA, Greensboro, NC, Portland, OR, Grand Rapids, MI, and Indianapolis, IN are also in on the action with either official or citizen-led campaigns to catch Google’s attention.
Who Wins? Google, For One
Google has yet to reveal how it will pick where its magical fiber will be implemented — glitz and numbers may ultimately have nothing to do with it. However, no matter which city wins the ultimate prize of having Google come to town and pimp out their Internet connections the way Xhibit pimps out cars, Google itself is a big winner in the process. So are social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.
Google wins because they get to further their agenda. The stampede among cities to compete for Google’s trial has already demonstrated the desire that people and municipalities have for faster Internet infrastructure and “open access” networks. “It’s obvious the ISPs and incumbent utility providers don’t feel the incentive they need, the pressure they need, to keep themselves up to date,” wrote a commenter on a blog post from Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn’s office declaring their intention to compete for Google Fiber. Making the public more aware of the issues that Google cares about (better/faster infrastructure, universal access, net neutrality) is a win for Google, whose plans for the cloud-based computing hinge on faster and more ubiquitous broadband connections.
Facebook, meanwhile, has proven to be one of the most popular meeting grounds for Google Fiber advocates. Most of the campaigns already mentioned in this post have a presence on Facebook, and some communities and citizen-led groups have put the entirety of their energy on promoting the case to fellow citizens through the social network. There are growing Facebook groups for Google Fiber in Ventura, CA, Columbia, MO, Davis, CA, Huntsville, AL, Buffalo, NY, Baton Rouge, LA, Rochester, NY, Fresno, CA, Cincinnati, OH, San Luis Obispo, CA — to name just a few. In fact, a Groups search for “Google Fiber” on Facebook this morning yielded almost 250 results.
Other cities and towns are turning to Twitter to make their case. Madison, WI, for example, has a Twitter account and is using the hashtag #madfiber to spread the word about Google Fiber to other Madison residents. And Memphis, TN mayor A.C. Wharton, Jr. is using his Twitter account to tweet about his city’s pitch and encourage citizens to get involved using the #memphisgoogle hashtag.
Social gathering places like Facebook and Twitter are used all the time for campaigns bigger than the Google Fiber competition, so it may seem naive to call those sites winners here. But like Google, social networks would benefit immensely from faster, more universal broadband access, so getting their brands entangled in the movement early might be a major boon down the road.
Is your city gunning for Google Fiber? Which of these campaigns do you think will best catch Google’s attention? Let us know in the comments.
Tags: facebook, Fiber Optic, Google, google fiber, Google Kansas, ISP, isps, social media, tech, twitter, youtube
SXSW 2010: The Complete Social Media Guide - Wed, 10 Mar 2010
This year’s South By Southwest (SXSW) festival is rapidly approaching. Beginning with the Interactive Media events on March 12th, Austin, Texas will be the place to connect with the brightest in tech and media and get the scoop on some exciting new ventures.
Whether you plan to physically attend or not, social media will be critical to how people connect and share ideas at this world-class event. If you want to keep in touch with all the goings-on, look no further than these tools that you can use on the web, your mobile device, and your favorite social networks.
For Those Headed to Austin
While in-person networking is the goal of many, social media will be key in bringing interested parties together across this vast festival that this year is spread across four separate campuses. If you’ll be in attendance, check out these resources for staying connected.
The Official SXSW First-Timers Guide
If you’re brand new to SXSW and feeling a bit overwhelmed at the scope, the first-timers guide has a wealth of resources to assist the uninitiated. These include links to online registration (if you still need to sign up), hotel booking, scheduling tools, maps, and this informative video.
my.SXSW and QR Coded Badges
The official social network of the festival is my.SXSW, and you are automatically invited to join upon registering. This closed network, just for attendees, allows users to build personalized conference schedules, join exclusive groups, and connect with others at the festival.
The addition of QR codes on registered badges gives attendees with smartphones an added way to solidify in-person connections. Simply scan a new friend’s personalized QR code and you’ll automatically be following him or her within the my.SXSW network.
For additional ways to utilize the my.SXSW network, check out the info on their tools page.
SXSW2010 Event Calendar on sched.org
Sched.org is an interactive calendar with social media integration that makes it ideal for festivals like SXSW. An “unofficial” but highly useful calendar has been created for SXSW that will give you an overview of each day’s events, talks and panels.
Sign in with Facebook Connect or Twitter and start compiling a list of the events you’ll be attending. By clicking on a particular event, you can also see who else is attending, and view real-time updates about the event from other attendees on social networks. With a bit of effort, this tool could become your go-to social dashboard and connection builder for the entire festival.
SitBy.Us
Social media aficionados will be converging on Austin from all over the U.S. and the world. It’s likely that some of your Twitter friends will be in attendance while you’re there.
Don’t let an opportunity for an in-person meeting slip by. SitBy.Us is a useful tool that lets you see which panels your Twitter friends will be attending, and even where in each room they will sit.
By logging in with your Twitter account (via OAuth), SitBy.Us provides a mobile-optimized web interface that allows you to plan and coordinate panel attendance with people you’re looking to connect with in person (and perhaps even avoid those you don’t!).
SXSW Badges for Foursquare
Foursquare has created 16 new SXSW-specific badges for those location-based networkers who are Austin bound. What’s more, if you do unlock a badge, you can track down a Foursquare team member at the festival and claim a temporary tattoo with the mark of honor.
Cliqset’s SXSW Map
Cliqset.com has created a real-time map that aggregates all of the geo-tagged activity in the festival area of Austin. Pulling in data from the major location-based social networks (Brightkite, Flickr, Foursquare, Gowalla, Qik, and Twitter), the map will give you a bird’s eye view of who is at SXSW, where they are, and what they’re doing.
Click a pinpoint on the map to expand the user’s status update. It should be interesting to see the map fill up with notes come festival time this Friday.
Disclosure: Cliqset is a Mashable sponsor
Mashable’s Austin Real-Time
Looking to connect with like-minded festival goers or other attendees from your hometown? Check out Mashable’s own Austin Real-Time Network. Sign in with your Twitter, Facebook, or Cliqset ID and browse or search for other festival patrons by common interest or location. By adding yourself to the network, you can also share what you’re doing and where you are via your favorite social networks.
For Those Who Will Watch from Afar
If you’re not able to make it to Austin this year, don’t fret. The magic of social media and the web can bring the festival within reach. While you may not be able to hob-knob with your favorite tech and music geeks in the warm Austin sun, you can still get your SXSW fix with these resources.
The Official SXSW Twitter and Facebook Accounts
Being the socially-savvy team that they are, the crew behind the festival does a good job keeping their fans and followers in the know. If you want to keep an eye on developments in Austin, be sure to add these official channels to your social feeds.
SXSW Videos
Though not officially connected to the festival, SXSW Videos is a user-generated destination for footage from the event.
Powered by Viddler, the site lets you browse videos that come out of SXSW (in various categories, including Interviews, Shows, Bands, etc.) as well as upload your own if you’re in attendance.
The content can be a bit of a grab-bag, but if you’re looking for some first-hand video accounts of what’s happening on the ground, check in there every once in a while.
SXSW Blogs
Searching for other ways to live vicariously through the SXSW attendees? Dedicated blogs are a good way to stay in the loop.
The Unofficial SXSW Insider’s Guide is a blog/community built with Ning where festival attendees (and interested parties who couldn’t make it) can blog, upload photos, and discuss events.
You can browse the site blog-style to see what people are up to, or connect with individual members to get a more social scoop.
SXSW Baby is another unofficial blog that will be covering the events throughout the festival.
Currently, they have quite a few tips for those who are enroute to Austin. But if you’ll be checking in from home, stay tuned for further updates as the festival kicks off this Friday.
Mashable’s SXSWi Channel
Of course you can always stay up to date on the latest news coming from Austin with Mashable’s own channel, dedicated to the Interactive Media portion of the festival. Members of our team will be on the ground in Austin to get you the social media and tech scoops that are sure to break in the days ahead.
More SXSW resources from Mashable:
- 3 Things to Do Before MashBash SXSWi This Sunday Night
- Coming to SXSW? Add Yourself to Austin Realtime!
Tags: BLOGS, cliqset, facebook, festival, foursquare, gowalla, location-based, networking, ning, social media, social networks, sxsw, sxsw2010, twitter
Google and Facebook Sued for Mobile Patent Infringement - Wed, 10 Mar 2010
Facebook may have secured a patent for its news feed technology, and Google for location-based ads, but that doesn’t make the two companies immune to other patent challengers. In fact, both Google and Facebook are being sued by Winksite over mobile social networking technology.
The complaint, first reported by Bloomberg, was said to be filed by Winksite yesterday in a Manhattan federal court, and points to patent infringement claims around Facebook Mobile and Google Buzz. The company is looking for reparation in financial form (though specific amounts have yet to be disclosed). More importantly, it is also seeking “a court order to prevent further use of its invention.”
Winksite was awarded the patent in question — United States Patent No. 7,599,983 “Method, apparatus and system for management of information content for enhanced accessibility over wireless communication networks” – in October of last year, though its mobile application technology dates back to 2004. Given this, Winksite’s lawyer Jeremy Pitcock believes that both the social networking and search giant were aware of the patent and are thus liable for damages.
The patent summary reads:
“In accordance with one aspect of the invention, information content is managed in a network-based communication system by providing a content management site accessible to a user of the system. The content management site is configured so as to permit the user to enter information in accordance with a specified format comprising a plurality of selectable mobile information channels each corresponding to an information category. The entered information is processed to generate for the user a mobile site comprising information content that is accessible via one or more mobile devices over a wireless network of the system.
“By way of example, the content management site and the mobile site may each comprise web sites accessible over the Internet. A given mobile site may be shared by a group of members having a common interest. The mobile site may comprise, for example, a collaborative workspace, a data mailbox, a collaborative community, or other similar element(s). The information content of the mobile site is preferably configured such that a persistent version of the content is accessible via one or more mobile devices over the wireless network.
“In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the information content of the mobile site is configured so as to integrate therewith information associated with at least one messaging action, collaboration action, location-based service action, or other wireless networking functionality of the wireless network. The information associated with the wireless networking functionality of the wireless network may be determinable based on one or more parameters associated with one or more of the mobile information channels of the content management site. “
Both Google and Facebook are said to be reviewing the complaint but have yet to put out public statements addressing the matter.
We’re curious to see how the court and companies respond, but until then we will dig into the case and original patent to see if we can get more clarity on the specific technologies that Winksite feels are being unlawfully used in Buzz and Facebook Mobile.
[img credit: KLH49, iStockphoto]
Tags: facebook mobile, google buzz, lawsuit, patent, patent infringement
Mashable’s Weekly Guide to Social Media Jobs - Wed, 10 Mar 2010
If you’re seeking a job in social media, we’d like to help out. For starters, Mashable’s Job Lists section gathers together all our resource lists, how-tos and expert guides to help you get hired. In particular, you might want to see our articles on How to Leverage Social Media for Career Success and How to Find a Job on Twitter.
But we’d like to help in a more direct way, too. Mashable’s job boards are a place for socially-savvy companies to find people like you. This week and every week, Mashable features its coveted job board listings for a variety of positions in the web, social media space, and beyond. Have a look at what’s good and new on our job boards:
Mashable Job Board Listings
Senior ASP.NET Developer at a confidential company in Santa Monica, CA.
We are seeking an exceptionally ambitious .NET Software Engineer with a passion for programming and an insatiable desire to develop products that will impact users around the world.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Digital/Social Media Director at Chlopak, Leonard, Schechter & Associates in Washington DC.
Strategist: Develops digital/social media strategies and weaves them into public affairs, crisis and corporate communications plans to meet clients’ needs and goals.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Social Media Coordinator at Surfaces USA in Los Angeles, CA.
Must have strong writing & communication skills for launching a social media platform for 7 stores.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Web Developer at Scheels in Fargo, ND.
Experience developing object oriented applications, software and software systems in order to meet customer requirements
Read more about this opportunity here.
Online Marketing Specialist at United Domains in Cambridge, MA.
In this role you will bear considerable responsibility for driving forward the continued growth of United Domains’ business in multiple strategically critical areas. These include:
Read more about this opportunity here.
Operations Engineer at Blackboard Inc. in San Francisco, CA.
We are currently looking for an Operations Engineer to join our Mobile team in our San Francisco offices.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Mobile Web Developer at Blackboard Inc. in San Francisco, CA.
In particular, our team is looking for an engineer who has experience and ambition in developing mobile optimized websites.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Blackberry Developer at Blackboard Inc. in San Francisco, CA.
In particular, our team is looking for an engineer who has experience and ambition in developing software using the Blackberry platform.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Android Developer at Blackboard Inc. in San Francisco, CA.
In particular, our team is looking for an engineer who has experience and ambition in developing software using the Android platform.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Online PR Associate at Xomba.com in Jacksonville, FL.
The ideal candidate will possess an understanding of traditional as well as online PR strategies, a proficiency using Web-based social media tools and experience developing and executing successful marketing programs.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Social Media Sales Consultant at Meltwater Buzz in Mountain View, CA.
The position offers complete account responsibility from first contact to end negotiations, and account management.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Account Executive at Impact Radius in Santa Barbara, CA.
We are looking for an experienced Account Executive to recruit and retain Media Partners to work with Advertisers on a performance basis.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Social Media Sales Consultant at Meltwater Buzz in New York, NY.
The position offers complete account responsibility from first contact to end negotiations, and account management.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Community Account Manager at (mt) Media Temple in Culver City, CA.
In this role, you’ll be the primary point of contact between our VIP clients, select partners and various internal departments.
Read more about this opportunity here.
New York Editor at Citysearch in New York, NY.
We’re growing here at Citysearch and we are Seeking: Consummate person-about-town for a full-time position as Citysearch New York City’s local City Editor/Community Cruise Director.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Senior Account Executive at MWW Group in New York, NY.
Senior Account Executive serves as primary day-to-day client contacts.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Part Time Marketing/Social Media Intern at SheSpeaks Inc. in New York, NY.
You will play a key role to contribute in our fast growing technology focused social community platform business working directly to deliver great ideas and results to hundreds of thousands of consumers and for the best known Fortune 500 brands.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Senior Account Executive at Electric Artists in New York, NY.
Two of our entertainment clients require a marketing, PR and social media superstar who will support some of the hottest shows on cable with online marketing, PR, social media and promotional initiatives.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Web/Multimedia Designer at Colby College in Waterville, ME.
The Web/Multimedia Designer is responsible for design, project management, usability, and implementation for assigned parts of the official Colby website and for ancillary sites, and for being an active contributing member to the College’s multimedia efforts.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Technical Champion at CreativeFeed in New York, NY.
We are looking for an entrepreneurial tech leader to drive the technical train at CreativeFeed.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Media Sales Professional at TMG in Washington DC.
We are looking for a confident, enthusiastic account executive with 5+ years of demonstrated experience to generate new business across multiple platforms – print, online and video.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Facebook Application Developer at a confidential company in Houston, TX.
You’re a frontend capable developer whose true skills are backend.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Social Media Strategist at M Booth & Associates in New York, NY.
The right candidate will be able to provide strategic counsel to the agency’s internal teams and to our clients who are looking to create conversations with consumers and influencers online.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Account Executive at Wildfire Interactive in Palo Alto, CA.
We are looking for Account Executives to build relationships and win business from large, well-known agencies and brands.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Account Manager at Wildfire Interactive in Palo Alto, CA.
We are looking for Account Managers to provide the highest level of customer service to our largest customers.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Product Manager at Wildfire Interactive in Palo Alto, CA.
We’re looking for folks with a passion for creating great products.
Read more about this opportunity here.
MySQL DBA/Developer at Interactive One in New York, NY.
Interactive One is seeking a MySQL DBA/developer with a minimum of 3 years experience.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Corporate Social Media Rockstar at Harrah’s Entertainment in Las Vegas, NV.
The Social Media Manager will lead Web 2.0 strategy for all casino/hotels nationwide.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Social Media Manager at Hachette Filipacchi Media US in New York, NY.
The ideal candidate will help increase uptake of HFM traffic, content and other digital assets via social media activity.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Senior Marketing Manager at SheSpeaks Inc. in New York, NY.
The right person will get an opportunity to shape all aspects of our marketing business: communications, materials, online, social media and client products.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Creative Strategy Consultant at Common Cents Inc. in New York, NY.
Common Cents seeks a Creative Strategy Consultant, for immediate hire, to develop an online strategy that will create a compelling user experience to highlight the Common Cents brand and spawn a devoted network of supporters who provide needed revenue to operate the program.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Senior Product Manager/Evangelist at Microsoft in Redmond, WA.
This is an opportunity to join the Windows Live Consumer Product Management team as our lead for driving the strategy and execution for how we get our core stories infused and landed with press, analysts, bloggers and other key players in the industry.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Senior Brand Manager at Smarter Travel Media in Charlestown, MA.
In this newly created position you’ll be responsible for delivering against US brand awareness & engagement goals, leveraging PR, social media, existing and new strategic partnerships and other resources, across a portfolio of online travel brands.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Web Developer at Vantage Strategy Consulting in Annapolis, MD.
As a web developer, the individual is responsible for developing innovative, reusable web-based tools for progressive websites and community building.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Social Media Admin Assistant at www.tree.com in San Diego, CA.
An online content development and social media company in San Diego is seeking a contractor based Social Media Administrative Assistant to help with its growing list of campaigns and clients.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Project Manager/Digital Media at TMG in Washington DC.
The Project Manager is responsible for managing custom digital media production’s initiatives in a dynamic publishing environment within TMG.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Digital Strategist at 360i.com in New York, NY.
Working with top names clients in media and entertainment, consumer package goods, and retail (like NBC, MTV, Ralph Lauren, Coca-Cola, and JC Penney), the Digital Brand Strategist will be responsible for leading the overall strategic vision, working across creative, media and emerging media to establish a brand road map that starts with social or digital marketing and cascades through all customer touch points.
Read more about this opportunity here.
LAMP Software Engineer at Adknowledge in Kansas City, MO.
Our Software Engineer will be responsible for integrating with third party APIS (application programming interfaces) and producing high quality code in a LAMP (linux, apache, mysql, & php) environment.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Director of Digital Communications at TCI in St. Louis, MO.
This St. Louis, Missouri based position is responsible for strategic planning, creating and implementing online campaigns for multiple clients in diverse industries.
Read more about this opportunity here.
Digital Director at TMG in Washington DC.
The right candidate must provide the structure and support for the overall vision for assigned projects (e.g. web development, strategy, technology, etc.).
Read more about this opportunity here.
Mashable has a variety of web 2.0, application development, business development, and social networking job opportunities available. Check them out at Mashable’s Job Board.
Got a job posting to share with our readers? Post a job to Mashable today ($99 for a 30 day listing) and get it highlighted every week on Mashable.com (in addition to exposure all day every day in the Mashable marketplace).
Tags: career, careers, jobs
YouTube Wants You to Grill the FCC’s Chairman - Wed, 10 Mar 2010
YouTube is pushing itself further into citizen journalism with an interview with FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, and just as it has in the past, the world’s largest video portal is allowing its users to submit questions via CitizenTube.
The interview, which takes place right after the release of the National Broadband Plan on Tuesday, March 16, will explore topics such as access and affordability, security, Internet in schools and net neutrality. Most, if not all, of the questions will come from YouTube user submissions.
Last month, the FCC released a report on broadband adoption that indicated that cost is the biggest barrier to widespread broadband adoption in the U.S. We’re sure this, along with concerns about net neutrality and the FCC’s new plan around it, will be hot topics of discussion.
Last month was the first edition of the CitizenTube series, where President Obama answered questions live on YouTube after the State of the Union. It proved to be a major success, with more than 12,000 questions submitted and 660,000 votes registered. While we don’t expect the same type of response for the FCC chairman, there still should be thousands of questions from concerned citizens on the state of broadband and Internet in America.
Tags: CitizenTube, fcc, youtube
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