MediaFlect

Last week, in San Francisco, was nicely invited to the book party for the new John Batelle book, “Search: How Google …” at a lovely Italian restaurant. Among the technorati there was Craig Newmark, of Craigslist, whom I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time. Craig seemed bemused by a post I had done months ago after a newspaper conference in Pennsylvania. I had asked a room of about 60 Internet people there how many knew of Craigslist — about half the hands went up. “How many of you are at least concerned about Craigslist?” The same 30. I found it intriguing that all those who knew of Craigslist were concerned or worried (because of the implications to their cash-cow classified revenue) and was very very surprised that Internet people at a newspaper could possibly not know of it. That was in April. I guess they know better know — or at least I hope they’ve looked into it.

I was also surprised that Craig had apparently read my post. He said he uses Bloglines to sift for mentions of him and his lists, and he and his publicist comb them, looking especially for any negative mentions in order to counter them. And Craig, if you are upset about this post, please do let me know and I’ll try to make amends.

Meanwhile, apologies to anyone who’s missed the postings (and hats off to anyone who’s glad I’ve cut down). Between the Executive MBA, consulting for TopButton, CNET and others who request anonymity, contributing to Rebuilding Media and occasionally PaidContent, and life — you know, eating and playing with my children and saying “hello” to the spouse once in awhile — well, I sure ain’t complaining. But I do apologize.