I was fortunate enough to not only carry on my Introduction to Analytics session, but extend it four times over in a classroom setting. Departing from the usual collection and available metrics information, I covered a broad spectrum on key performance indicators – from selecting to analyzing. For the first time, I also participated in an SEW Labs session with other Search Engine Watch authors. We talked tips and tools and gave some tough love to a bunch of audience members.

Networking is key at any conference. While social networks are a big part of search and online marketing, you still can’t beat the face-to-face connections made with new contacts and old friends alike. This time around, we set a new bar (I wont’ say high or low) at a post-conference dinner. Sitting in Buca Di Beppo’s “Pope room,”  many of the SEW contributors discussed Black Hat and White hat tactics, which included the +1 button, social media use and the centerpiece bust at the center of the table. While humorous and fun, it spawned an interesting case study for what influences Klout.

More lessons learned will be forthcoming, I’m sure. For now, memories will spark discussions, which will in turn spark links and other social signals.

1. March 18th: Apple employee Gray Powell leaves his iPhone 4G prototype in a bar.
2. A college-aged gentleman finds the phone and tries to return it.
3. After Apple ignored him, he tried to contact Wired and eventually contacted Engadget and Gizmodo.
4. A Gizmodo editor agrees to help him return it to Apple and paid him for an exclusive story.
5. Apple tracked down this individual at his home, whom the police have identified, but will not release his name.
6. April 19th, Apple asked Gizmodo to return it and Gizmodo agreed and returned it Monday (April 26th).
7. In the meantime, Friday (April 23rd), REACT (the CA computer crimes division) obtained a warrant to search the journalist’s home; which they did and seize his computers, servers and UDB drives because they were suspected of being “used to commit a crime.”
8. The San Mateo DA’s office still claims they are “still not saying it’s a crime.”
9. In the meantime, the editor retained a criminal defense lawyer, while the prosecutors defend their seizure, but say they won’t investigate just yet.

Oh, and as an FYI – Apple is one of the 25 companies on the REACT steering committee and asked for the criminal probe.  The Silicon Valley Blog has a great iProbe recap.  The EFF calls it OverREACTing.

Bear with my while I try to fiddle with a decent theme.