Google Lawyer Speaks About Kansas City Google Fiber Project at KCSEM Meeting

The Kansas City Search Engine Marketing group (KCSEM.org) met tonight, 9/27/2011, at the Wheat Room in Barleys Brewhaus. Greg Kratofil, Jr. Technology Attorney at Polsinelli Shughart, and attorney for the Google fiber project spoke about all the details concerning Google Fiber’s implementation in Kansas City. Sure, there have been questions answered by Google about the details of this project, but this was a Google-appointed lawyer from Kansas City, proud to announce some serious opportunities, so I had expectations. Google fiber pricing details were discussed, Google fiber location ground-breaking was discussed, Google fiber features were discussed, and Google fiber dates of availability were all asked by the crowd, but a guarded, Mr. Kratofil, held solid and did not answer a single question.

Here’s what Greg did say, however.

Google is protective of their brand. I took this as if they are focused on game-changing technology. One element of proof is that Time Warner Signature Home program, which includes the new Ultra-Wide Band Internet, is now more frequently advertised in the Kansas City market. It’s clearly an attempt to lock customers into the Time Warner product, so Google fiber penetration is minimized. Several people I know already have the Signature Home service and love it. I still think Time Warner has room to grow.

There are many business opportunities in many different markets for Kansas City that Greg spoke about. For example, real estate, start-up, medical advancement, and a venture capital booms were heavily discussed. If the town becomes an incubator for start-ups, for what I like to call them (finish-ups), there’s no telling how many business consulting opportunities could crop up. There also needs to be a good mix of business coaching that’s available in the Kansas City area from marketing to financial expertise if we expect any traction with start-ups.

In 2004, North Kansas City started liNKCity.com with the aim to draw in businesses with a ultra-high speed fiber-optic asymmetrical internet connection that was cheaper and faster than anything. linkcity.org has been down for maintenance for weeks now.



Google fiber is not aimed at Business, but instead, aimed at home consumers. Google is an advertising company first, so that only makes sense. Implementing in customer homes provides Google far more doors for their ads to knock on.

Check out the Google Fiber FAQ, blog or email kansascity-fiber@google.com for the most current information. If you have a business in Kansas or Missouri and need a website, please sign-up for Google's free Kansas and Missouri Business Website Offering at http://www.kansascitygetonline.com. In Missouri - http://www.missourigetonline.com and in Kansas - http://www.kansasgetonline.com

Great Opportunity To Geek-Out With The SEO's Of The World In Kansas City

In the Wheat Room at Barley's Brewhaus tonight, many folks met at the most recent Kansas City Search Engine Marketing Association meeting to compare several versions of analytics software.   When I walked in, I asked, "Where's the geek fest?"  They laughed.

Steve Wright, Digital Marketing Consultant  from vml started the evening covering omniture.  Steve says he comes to viewing analytics from a staticians view.  Take for example, If you look at conversion through the eyes of one channel, but operate in many, Steve likened that to the following statement.  Given a family with multiple kids of both genders, and when someone inquires about them, you respond the hermaphrodite is fine.   Interesting analogy Steve.

The main difference I could ascertain is that omniture has a more refined user-interface and is built for multi-dashboard-style custom displays and reports.   Ben Douglas of H&R Block presented on Omniture and how HR Block leverages the tool.  There were no company secrets released, but Ben did discuss how H&R Block uses Omniture to make data-driven decisions.  Viewing the screen shots of omniture, I could tell the application interface is well polished.  Since Omniture is sold on a per-license basis, they can milk excess dollars from companies who need multiple users to access the system.  Steve recommended using the report email tool to get around this issue.

The second speaker was John Koehler, from Vizion Interactive, who was presenting on Google Analytics.  John mainly focused on the differences between omniture and Google Analytics, so you know what you are paying for with omniture.  Then, John discussed some of the new attribution features in the new version of Google Analytics.

There were many questions for each speaker, which I enjoyed.  However, even though the A/V equipment was great, the sound was not.  The speakers needed a podium so they could continue to see their slides, but view the crowd so their voice-level would sustain.  What really happened, is that the speakers viewed their slides while speaking which meant they faced the same way as the audience.  Some people in the back had to move forward, but once they did, we were back to the seminar.

Breht Burri spoke on the recent MozCon conference in Seattle, Wa.  There were many speakers he mentioned and pulled slides from.  Brett covered the best parts from that event.  Every month someone that attends a conference is encouraged to present.

If you are interested in Search Engine Marketing or just want to hang with some nerds and drink some adult beverages, then KCSEM is the right thing for you.

Come see us at kcsem.org.