Sitting in a Google Blog Search Session at SMX

Ryan    Uncategorized     Blogsearch, Google, SMX

Chris Pennock – Senior Software Engineer – Speaker

So I wanted to do some live blogging while I was at SMX this year, but as you may have noticed.. notta. This session being on Google Blog Search, however, I couldn’t have found a better opportunity. That being said, Chris is now talking.

“Who uses Blogsearch”? – Somebody looking for more raw or opinionated data.

“How does Blogsearch Work”?

Blog author publishes, Google ges a Ping, Crawl the post, Index, user searches, finds it… takes about 10 minutes. Should I publish now? Sure, why not, stay tuned.

– Saved

High quality content is the most important aspect in Google Blogsearch. Actually, if you think about it, in all search. What am I talking to a bunch of 1st graders? No! I shouldn’t be telling you this. I guess it’s just the only thing I can think of writing at this point. This session is kinda hard to listen to, especially while I’m trying to live blog. Looking up at the PPT now… … I’m too far away. I think there is an image of a Google Blog Search page. Chris is talking about ‘Related Blogs’ now. Whoops now he’s talking about Meme Tracking… what is it?

MeMe Tracking: Part of the page that talks about blogs. How long somethings been going on, … tracking for about a day… …working to updo that… … one thing, similar to Google News, and it is… …no bias between niche blogs, if you have a great post, Meme could pick it up…? …can also look up by topic… …whats going on…

Man this guy is all over the place. Either that or I just am not a good live blogger. I think probably the latter. I’ll stick to Twitter.

– Saved

So yeah, I just wanted to write a new post since it’s been a good long while. Sorry the content kinda sucks. I’m wrapping up day 2 at SMX and like yesterday, I’m running on fumes. Sorta. Actually, I was able to it up Alex Chen at Google in San Francisco for lunch today. Oh My Gosh! I want to work there. Well who doesn’t? So their cafeteria is quite impressive. Couple different ‘hot bars’ with Italian, Asian, etc… sandwich bars, a couple salad bars, dessert bars, and then the view. Man the windows look right on San Francisco Bay and it’s just amazing. I’m sorry I didn’t get any pictures. Let me look at Google Image Search for a possible example….

So yeah I realize this isn’t the view of San Francisco Bay at Google, it is the slide that goes from the 3rd floor to the 2nd! Yeah I know. Apparently this person does not no how to ride a slide correctly, but as Alex mentioned, people can use lunch trays for maximum sliding efficiency. Anyways… best thing I could find in Google Image Search.

– Saved

So Chris is done talking now. Now we’re all trying to get him to open up on what Google sees or uses as an important aspect to blogs… links, comments, titles, etc. Yeah he’s not opening up too much.. “You know, just the normal stuff… tough to get into a lot of detail.” Alright.

“Is Google reader/feedburner a factor?” Answer: “We have lots of data about blogs… we’re data driven.”

“If you get flagged for spam, is there an appeal process?” Answer: “Yes, we will look at it and help”

“How much of a challenge to identity a blog versus a forum versus a website that updates frequently?” Answer: It’s a challenging problem, especially with forums. Can’t talk to much on that.

“If your site if hosting it’s own blog, is there any way to differentiate or block Blogsearch from crawling your blog versus a forum?” Answer: Is that a problem? No.. Okay… Yeah No (I added that one)

Okay I’m sure I’m not the only one writing about Google Blogsearch at the Google Blogsearch Seminar at #smxwest. I’m done, and I’m ready for some food, and sleep… and then flying back home to Phoenix tomorrow! Yay!

Overwhelmed, but Looking for Conferences

Ryan    Uncategorized     Conferences, Organic Search, Paid Search, SMX

After my meeting with Christel today, all I can really say is.. Holy Crap. With Keith gone, and everyone else picking up some of the slack all around… with the added bonus that this is the beginning of the year, we’ve just recently are making some structural changes, and so on and so forth, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed. A lot.

As my job description has increased by maybe 4 or 5 paragraphs, I think I really need to take a minute or two to revaluate where I am at professional, what I think I can do, and what I’m going to have to step up to do. It’s not all too hard stuff, but the more I dig down into the system, the more I’m realizing that there are quite a few flaws that need eleviating. Quite a few. I’m all about a good challenge though. As long as I can keep my head above the water, feet moving, arms wailing, I might just come out of this alive, and when I do, I’ll be well on shore with more than just a paddle. Oh the imagery and dreamlike helplessness.

That being said, another task I have at hand is looking for some good SEO, PPC, Social Media, or just any kind of Online Marketing Conferences out there. Know of any? I’ve seen a lot of sites out there for SMX… and it’s many dates, but was just wondering if there are others. Any ways, as the week winds down, I’ll be doing a little bit more research. Just thought I’d plant it out there. It’s about time to start thinking about going home though.

Peace