It's been a long and tiring week with SMX, but it's been great. Google has come out with updated Webmaster Guidelines, Yahoo! has updated its search algorithm, and Ask.com has relaunched with a sleek 3D interface.
Let's talk about SMX
We had some great coverage for Danny Sullivan's first SMX event. In case you didn't get to see everything, here's what both Carolyn Shelby and I (Tamar Weinberg, in case people keep confusing me with Barry -- you know who you are!) have liveblogged:
- SMX Opens with a Blast: Barry introduces the event from Seattle.
- You&A with Matt Cutts
- Duplicate Content Summit
- SEO, Meet SMM
- Personalized Search: Fear or Not?
- Keynote with Satya Nadella of Microsoft
- Debate: Is Bid Management Dead?: This was the hardest thing to blog. Ever.
- Pump Up Your Paid Search
- Beyond the Majors
- Better Ways
- Penalty Box Summit
- Giant Focus Group
- Give it Up!: No, sorry, you'll have to wait...
All in all, it was a great conference. I finally met some of my favorite industry experts -- I wish it were a bit longer though. I was having too much fun...
...And now I'm here, back in New York. Ah, well.
By the way, as far as the "SMX Muffler" is concerned, we weren't supposed to blog that session at all. In the end, you'll all benefit, but you have to be patient!
Ask X
In other great news this week, an awesome Ask.com launch happened. There is a lot of cool coverage on the interface on Nathan Weinberg's blog, where he does videos and shows pretty screenshots. There's more to Ask3D than polka dots -- there are flowers, western skies, and other skins too!
Google Webmaster Guidelines Updated
I'm pretty sure I saw the Google Webmaster team at SMX. But whatever. They still seemed to have gotten away with launching updated Google Webmaster Guidelines during the conference. Too much to keep track of, guys!
On that note, the linking practices have been clarified. People will still keep asking questions about that one, though. I guess you can't please them all.
Google Calendar Gets Social
This past week, the Google Calendar has also been given an overhaul. Now, the focus is on user experience and on sharing calendars with friends, family, Orbitz, the NBA, and Netflix (among others). I have shown you a screenshot presentation if you are so inclined to check it out.
Google Maps nofollow Honored
Got a nofollow on your panties? The Google Maps Street team is apparently removing Google Maps Street View images that violate privacy. If you're concerned about this, you can report the infringing location's image to Google and they will have the picture removed. The panties of said woman are now gone. Too bad; it was fun while it lasted. I don't generally surf those other types of sites (I'm serious now), so it was fun to see funny pictures on a well-known site. But alas, my fun has been halted until someone finds something else for me to look at. I can't wait until Google Maps Street View extends to more cities! w00t!
Congratulations to WebmasterWorld and SEO Class
WebmasterWorld has partnered with SEO Class to offer some great search engine optimization training classes to a select few individuals. This should be good. Congratulations on the partnership.
Yahoo! Search Update Complete
It appears that the Yahoo! Search update is complete. I've noticed that some results have improved for some of the properties I am involved in. What do you think?
Google Hits a Gold Mine
With GOOG's stock at $519, it is at the highest it's ever been. Pretty impressive stuff.
So long
It was a great week at SMX. In case you want to see the pictures, they're on Flickr ... and I just uploaded mine. I'm sure you'll find them quite enjoyable.
If you didn't make it, see you next time! It was a big hit, and I look forward to attending more SMX events in the future!
