Ctrl+Alt+Delete Function for the iPhone?

Weird, and it doesn’t seem right to mention Ctrl+Alt+Delete on an Apple product, but that was my initial reaction.

The iPhone froze while I was opening up Google Maps and got a Twitter message at the same time.

Suppose I’ll get up early tomorrow so I can take an extended lunch going to the Mall of Suburbia’s Apple store to see what they can do. If you’ve called since 2:00 today, you’ve gotten voice mail. It’s not that I don’t like you, but apparently the iThing doesn’t.

Aaron and Glen are probably laughing right now.  

The Kelsey Group & Search Engine Strategies (SES) Combine for the Interactive Local Media 2007 (ILM:07) Event

 
Local Search panels have increased in both quality and quantity at the SES events over the years. This year’s SMX Local event is poised to have a really good turnout, too.

One local search event I’ve always wanted to go to is the Interactive Local Media (ILM) conference, put on by the Kelsey Group. Well, this fall they’re teaming up with Search Engine Stratagies (SES) to present ILM:07.

In the search marketing world, ILM isn’t talked about nearly as much as SES or SMX, maybe because it involves a broader spectrum. You have Internet Yellow Pages reps touting stats, online newspaper execs wanting to boost their online presence, mainstream companies wanting to find out what, exactly, interactive local media has to offer, and even a few search marketers. It can take local search to a higher level. Here’s a list of 2006 attendees.

I see local user reviews being a hot topic (and debate).

What really intrigues me is conversations with so many different industries, getting different viewpoints, and absorbing so much information that you can come back to make your own decisions on what would work for your own company or clients. That, and being able to chat with the Kelsey Group folks.

I might be saving my pennies for this one.

Kudos to the Team Rainbo Skating Team

Team Rainbo and company did a great job organizing and running the July 21st inaugural Chicagoland inline marathon.

I wanted to get a chance to chat with Pete (main organizer) on how they marketed it in only two months, but he wound up having to split for a post-race sprint contest. About the same time, there was also a small interuption involving a “loco” local resident and a tractor.

Although, there is a quick article about the event at the Vernon Hills Review.

They did a really good job hyping it up on active, online skating forums. It seemed like they drove a lot of elite skaters from many different States.

There weren’t a lot of recreational skaters like myself, and most did the ten-mile option. Hopefully, they will be more represented in future events.

Special thanks to Hermann, who skated the last lap with me due to me being slloowwww.

Here’s a Flickr set of the trip.

Search Marketing Get-Together and “Blogger Hour”

Just a heads up as a couple social functions are coming up next week.

Chris Dohman arranged a search marketing get-together at The Liffey on Tuesday, July 17th in St. Paul. It should be fun and a great turnout as the Twin Cities has a ton of great search marketers!

Blogger Hour is coming this Thursday, July 19th. Patrick Schaber, Aaron Weiche and myself are going to be hanging out at the Red Robin in Plymouth, starting sometime around 4:30 or 5:00. We’re hoping other bloggers join up with us. I always enjoy meeting other bloggers in person whether they blog about marketing, the Twin Cities scene, or just stuff!

Quick Chicago Skate?

A little late notice, but I wanted to quick point out the inaugural Chicagoland Inline Marathon on Saturday, July 21, hoping for some Twin Cities representation. Some reasons to do the skate:

1) They gladly accept old, huff-n-puff recreational skaters like myself

2) It sounds like the course is pretty flat and fast

3) Registration is only 40 bucks (before July 19th)

4) If you decide to stay Saturday night, you can probably find something to do. Hey, you’re near Chicago!

5) The marathon is in Mundelein, a far northwest Chicago suburb which cuts down driving time and has plenty of affordable lodging. You could actually leave after work Friday and make it in time. Race packets are picked up the morning of the race

They do have a ten mile option, too.

I can’t go down there without geekin’ out, and will bring the Mac down to do some blogging. Hopefully I’ll get to chat with some who helped put the event together and how they’ve been able to market it.

Anyone?… Bueller?

Update: July 20, 2007 – At the Mundelein hotel right now, not much to do in this town unless you golf (really, golf courses are everywhere!), but the hotel’s Karma Lounge is really sleek and cool. The food and presentation is fantastic!

Marketing for the iPhone?

We probably all had our iPhone media fill by now. We saw the TV stations covering the long lines for the launch and the endless buzz on whether it’s a revolutionary product or an over-hyped gadget. I’m one of many that bought into the iMarketing and now own one (justified by my way-outdated other cell).

Online social media was on it, too. Technology Evangelist covered the launch with popular lifecaster iJustine at (for one day known as) the iMall of America. One of their more popular views is for a guy named Joe, the first in a 13 hour line to purchase and open his new iPhone.

The full post is at Search Engine Guide. Some intial thoughts…

The iPhone really is a great user experience.

If you’re a local business prone to iPhone users, it’s critical to enhance your business listing through the Google Local Business Center.

Cassette Adapter for your iPhone?

I just came across an interesting iPhone accessory. It’s a cassette adapter for your car.

I’m guessing they don’t sell a ton of these, although it looks like it’s been an iPod accessory for quite some time.

Following the Avvo Lawsuit

I’ve written about Avvo a couple times. Once to wonder if they would be a good fit for the Super Lawyers model, and once because of a lawsuit against Avvo from attorneys who erroneously think I’m simple-minded enough that I would qualify them solely based on a 1-10 ratings system.

I’m glad to see that Avvo has filed a motion to dismiss the complaint.

For the record, from a business point I can write this objectively. For a couple years, I did client search marketing for a large legal corporation. They would consider Avvo neither an opportunity or a threat. The legal marketing experience is what makes me follow this case.

On Avvo’s blog, I really liked a comment from a user named That Lawyer Dude. I think he tells it like it is and I couldn’t word it better.

Upon checking, I’m 99% sure the attorney who made that good blog post is the same one that I literally saw hug and pick up Akhil Saklani, which is a huge accomplishment in itself! You rock, Tony! Here’s a pic of myself with Akhil keepin’ it real and pretending we’re tough and all.

I’m hoping my next post about Avvo is that the silly lawsuit has been dismissed.