I agree with you both that this can and should lay the groundwork for recruiting some faster and better internet alternatives should Google go elsewhere. We recognized the need for this a year ago when Time Warner Cable wanted to put us on tiered pricing. No progress has been made since then.

DJ, can’t say I disagree with you at all.

Roch/DJ, I was really hoping to see something happen here that was bigger than simply Google, or coming up with ideas. I wanted to see various groups come together and play off each others strengths, share ideas and work towards a common goal. Doing so would have brought new people together, created a broader/more unified information source and also given us a little practice for the next time something of this nature comes up.

I also think this experience (as it continues to evolve) highlights that Greensboro (the City) could use a little help when it comes to marketing and building campaigns. Hopefully when this is all said and done (no matter the outcome), the City will look back and review what worked, what didn’t and what could have been done differently.

I agree with Roch. We need a “big wig” to step forward from one of our targeted economic development sectors in accordance with our economic development strategy. They would need to make the case for how this advancement would impact their business or institution. Not only would it get the city staff’s attention but it would probably provide broader ripples.

In addition, I think aside from the Google initiative…we really need to have a discussion about how to move this city into the new century. Almost every candidate in the last municipal election touted “Transparency/Efficiency”…things that can only be delivered without additional cost through the implementation of new technology and advancement.

The issue and need is there and felt by many in the city…Google provides the centerpiece for the conversation but the effort shouldn’t end there. That is the key piece of what the city staff doesn’t understand. They are prepared to float an RFI out there of which there is a small percentage of success. If folks want what is being considered, why not organize around the concept with or without Google.

If Google can make it easier for us to implement, then we should work with them…but if there is a need and desire to move in this direction, then we can move beyond Google and accept responsibility for the effort and move our city forward together.

DJ

May I suggest that you slightly redirect your effort? What about a meeting to discuss how we, as independent grassroots freelancers, can pool our efforts? One thing I’d propose at such a meeting is “adopt a big wig,” where each of us sign up to encourage, prod and enable some person of stature in the community to produce some kind of written, audio or video expression of support for this pursuit. People like university presidents, business CEOs, media moguls, institutional leaders, etc.

I’m sure other people have ideas that they might want to recruit others to help with.

I’d find that kind of meeting potentially beneficial and I’d come if you set it up.