(5)
As reported, Google held their first live chat even hosted by the Google Webmaster Help team. I listened and participated in the live chat event, and I can personally attest that it was a huge success. I believe there were well over 200 attendees, maybe almost 300.
It was hosted using an 800# call in, to hear the Googlers. Plus a WebEx plugin to view slides, video and two methods of chat. The first was a general chat area, which Matt Cutts spent most of his time in. He even helped out this webmaster who had his site recently hacked (it was nice to see). The second chat area was reserved for Q&A, webmasters submitted questions and Googlers answered them either live or via the chat.
I did copy the transcripts of each chat area, and I was going to post it today, but no need to. Googler, JohnMu, posted both transcripts in Google Groups, so if you missed what went down, check it out there.
If you have questions about the transcripts or have feedback on the live chat event, use this Google Groups thread, started by MattD.
I was told by one webmaster that they were recording the audio and they would email it to me. But I have not yet received a copy of that audio. If you have it, I would love to add it to this post.
It appears to me that Google will be hosting the events more regularly. It seemed like almost every Googler associated with web search and webmasters was on board (maybe we were missing Brian White?). But it seemed like they were all there, all helping webmasters. A great thing to see - like I said before. Kudos Google and great job!
Forum discussion at Google Groups.
Postscript: John posted audio recordings of the chat session. Check them out over here.
