Searcharazzi: The Googlers (Definitely) Do Not Wear Prada

Oct 5, 2007 at 11:20am ET by Searcharazzi

While Google events are a known entity for those in the search crowd, the rest of the world is now getting a taste. In an effort to craft more targeted events, parties now focus on a single vertical. From a sales perspective, this most certainly makes sense. However, the recent “Press Party” held on October 3 seems to have backfired.

The premise: get hot consumer publications to write about how sexy Google tech can be. But come on, did Google really think it could so easily sway a room full of devils that wear Prada? Do Googlers know what Prada is? PR was definitely entering into dangerous territory by inviting fashion rags such as Vogue France, not to mention gossip rags like Star. A shout out to Valleywag for calling this one early.

The bad press started as early as August, when Page Six wrote “It’s not a ‘media party,’ ” one invitee snickered. “It’s a party for horny tech nerds who want cute girls to show up.”

Read some of the attendees’ harsh comments after the jump.

The dis-invitation of Silicon Alley Insider editor Dan Frommer also sent tongues a-waggin’. He was later re-invited.

For all the talk leading up to the event, one would think that the PR team would have figured out how to exploit the buzz. This is one case where the Google “we will do it our way” approach fell flat. The excessive security, Google cafeteria food, and overall dress code of Googlers did not impress.

Some of the harsher comments included describing some senior Google execs’ outfits as “hideous.” Julia Allison, editor of Star, had much to say, ultimately summing it up with “Their stupid event had NO FREAKING POINT.” Her undercover party crashing friend from Gawker had similar thoughts.

Anyone have notes from the inside? Do tell.

Opinions expressed in the article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land.

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