It’s been quite a while since I wrote much of value - but Gab Goldberg did an interview with a few of us at SMX Santa Clara (or more was invited to listen to Me, Rae, and Michael BS’ing in the bar having a few beers.) Gab has really done some nice work on his site - including the Independent Webmaster’s Manifesto which is a really great piece you should check out. Most of all, I was impressed that he took the time to show us all the article first before posting. Thanks Gab for taking the time to do things the right way. In other news - I just got moved to the west coast. Officially in San Francisco now for those that were curious.
I love SEO conferences and meetups. I’ve met most of my favorite people on the planet at them. There’s also lots of douchebags, who really don’t get what an incredible community of people it is most of the time. I sat down with Mike McDonald and talked a little bit about what to do, and what not to do at SEO Conferences. I thought I’d do a written version for the things I forgot as well. So here is what you should do if you really want to be a total outcast douchebag at an SEO Conference:
I am a proud - card carrying member of IM-NY, and the group is a gathering of some of my most favorite people on the planet. Mr. GoodROI does a fine job of planning monthly events to entertain this group of wiley search vets. As with last year’s SES party - the boys have outdone themselves. IM-NY and Best of the Web Directory will be holding a Charity Party for SES NYC on Tues. 3/18/08 8PM - Midnight at Black Finn NY 218 East 53rd Street (map). The really great news is ANYONE can go to the party. No elite-edness here (yes, I can’t even speak properly). You will be asked for a $40 donation for all-you-can-drink fun with a bunch of awesome search marketing nerds who love to have a good time (remember this is a charity party you lushes). Here’s more information about the IM-NY / BOTW SES Charity Party. Please help spread the good word - one of these charities will get a nice big fat check. Please tell a few friends, and we look forward to seeing you there. For anyone willing to help as co-sponsors the party, I’ll throw in a few months of free advertising on my site - just drop me a line through my contact form. For the unintiated - this is Search Engine Strategies NYC.
A little Pre SMX West warmup to get your liver (oh and your search questions) ready. You can RSVP on facebook.6PM drinks (and food if you’re hungry) on the rooftop at Medjool if its nice enough out (otherwise inside). I’m planning a little on the early side because it can get packed on Fridays. Medjool: Located at 2524 Mission St, between 21st St and 22nd St. in the Mission District of San Francisco. Valet parking is available, or if you prefer, public parking is available behind us on 21st Street at Bartlett Street.
I had the pleasure of meeting Jay Westerdal at SMX Seattle, and got to chat a bit about the great idea of SEO’s and domainers being internet superfriends by combining their super powers. So here’s your first chance. If you’re here often, you’ll know I don’t often hawk people’s wares, unless I really think their worthwhile (I’m not getting paid for this by the way you fickle, fickle readers:). There’s huge emerging opportunity for these groups of people to work together, and networking and understanding is the first step in that process. Stephen Douglas (the conference promoter) did, however, send me a special promo code for the readers here. The first 10 people that signup using the code “malicoat1″ will get an extra $100 off the lowered $995 price of the conference. The conference will be held August 13th - 15th at the Seattle Sheraton.
As usual, I’m quite a bit behind, but I figured it’d give me a chance to showcase the best roundups of the show, and give my shoutout list the proper attention that it deserves, now that I’m almost done wading through email. I’m pretty laid back at the conferences, and generally just go to see some friends, and eat and drink well. Business is kind of a bonus to having a good time I suppose. I’m pretty crappy at taking notes, and I surely don’t have near the skills that some of the amazing live bloggers have. I presented with Neil Patel, Rand Fishkin, and Cindy Krum on SEO meet SMM, and either people were just being polite after it, or it really was a great session. Some of the better coverage was provided by the infamous live bloggers Tamar, Lisa, Rhea, and Jordan (who I think cheated watching the videos - she even got my opening quote right!)
I’m getting into Seattle Sunday afternoon, and leaving Wednesday. I’ll be speaking with Neil, Rand, and Cindy Krum on SEO meet SMM. Looking forward to an interesting panel. Here’s my conference tips and tricks post for those just getting acclimated. Dustin has some nice tips on the conference as well. It should be a great show. Be sure to come up and say hello.
