The Fortunately, Unfortunately, Fortunately of Google Fiber

Fortunately, Duluth-Superior put together a great bid for Google Fiber in the Spring as Google Twin Ports. We generated tons of buzz nationwide, and even worldwide and mobilized thousands of community members in support of the project. I was a tiny (miniscule, really) cog in the wheel that was the ad-hoc Google Twin Ports steering committee in the first part of this year. And just like everyone else, I have been anxiously waiting for the end of the year for the community (ies) that will get Google Fiber to be announced.

Unfortunately, as noted in another PDD post, Google has said they can’t decide yet and they’ve kicked the announcement date down into 2011.

Fortunately, that aforementioned PDD post from Brian B was on the coveted first page of “links” on the most recent official Google Fiber blog post!

This could mean anything or not much so try not to call me too naive here. But one thing is certain: They haven’t forgotten us. I say that means we are still in the hunt folks, and I think we’re a front runner when I consider all the factors I can think of, climate, community support, integration, availability of “dark” fiber, competing delivery systems (WiMax, 3G, Cable, DSL, even Superior Broadband’s nifty radio thing) attractiveness of the community and the list goes one. And I’ll just add in one more huge asset we have: Perfect Duluth Day. And that there screenshot proves they know that, too.

9 Comments

Sjixxxy

about 13 years ago

The Coveted first page of links just looks like the most recent trackbacks instead of any sort of "best" or "preferred" links. As of writing this, this post is now the #1 link on that list.

Adem

about 13 years ago

Yeah, thems is totally automated.

Maybe they will get another wink-wink nudge-nudge from us by them seeing the link on their post, not the other way around.

We should continue upping the ante. I say FREE HUGS to any Google employee that shows up in town? HMMM?? (You guys I think I just put us over the top.)

Terry G.

about 13 years ago

I'd feel better about this delay if I knew they were planning on visiting Duluth to check us out (as they said they would for the top few cities).

wildgoose

about 13 years ago

That's just the thing, Terry, they likely have visited already. Have been visiting, on Google maps and Google Earth and in all of their search and aggregation technologies, but chances are, they've been quietly, even secretly visiting the top communities in person, too.  Google isn't gonna do this like GM/Saturn in the 80s.  That was a great big, highly public jerk around, where they played states and localities off of one another to see who could provide the best subsidies (or kick backs, in "tea party" speak).  This is not a smokestack industry, this is an IT/media superstart and they do things differently.

baci

about 13 years ago

Google has been here the whole time. Google is in us, it flows through us, binds us to each other and the universe....oh wait, that's the force .. sorry. Seriously, we're indexed and have been scoped. We have as legitimate a chance as anyone else. The best thing to do now is keep the heat up! Place cool pics on picassa, then on Google earth and tag them "Duluth, Google Fiber" ... tagging is an easy and rewarding way to let the great Google know you care.

Terry G.

about 13 years ago

They were going to physically visit each top contender and mentioned in their blog that they have visited some already....

Claire

about 13 years ago

Terry G, did they mention by name the cities they visited on their blog? I think WildGoose is right, they have visited, with nobody being the wiser. Like restaurant critics.

I'm trying to remember if I've seen any young California-y, geek-types on any of the shuttles I've been on lately between here and MSP.

Bad Cat!

about 13 years ago

Pshaw, shuttles? Google has money, they can actually afford to fly out of Duluth (unlike all the locals who have to drive 2 hours).

Claire

about 13 years ago

You are so right, Bad Cat! I wasn't thinking.

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