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Google I/O promised both the I and Ohhhhh’s. But so far Google I/O delivered only the ‘i’ (note the lower case) and delivered neither I’s nor Ohhhh’s ( of any case). Furthermore, Google I/O seems to be perpetually out of A’s ( needed for the best students), E (as in eeks!) and of course the all important U ( needed for assigning blame!). People looking to buy a vowel for their Wheel of Fortune appearance should go elsewhere.
I made the purchase and then discovered that Google I/O will ship May 19-20 (4 months from now!). Even with this long wait there is no promise that any quality Ohhhs will be in stock. There is no return policy if the promised Ohhh’s turn out to be disappointing oh’s. In spite of this Google I/O is promising to sell out. So Google I/O is suggesting that people arrive early – latecomers may find only damaged Ohhhs left in the bins.
With the promised sellout crowds and the potential scarcity of Ohhh’s Google I/O has shown little interest in increasing security or crowd control measures. San Francisco Police indicate that they have not been asked to assist. Currently, they regard Google I/O 2010 as just a normal event in the Moscone Center. It’s also my understanding that alcohol will be served. It is almost certain that there will be Oakland Raider fans in attendance!:
Any time the Oakland Raiders make their way south, San Diego gets nervous. Police officials call more meetings and re-check security plans. Home-team executives bring in extra guards and cut off beer sales early.
This year’s game is drawing special attention because it is being played on Halloween – and because a spate of bloody outbursts at sporting events in recent years has rekindled concern about spectator violence.
As well as some Manchester United fans:
Seven football fans have been arrested after trouble during Manchester United’s Premier League match at Birmingham.
West Midlands Police said there were two incidents of disorder Saturday, one just before the game at St. Andrews’ and one during half time.
All of this leaves me highly concerned that Google I/O 2010 will be a repeat of Walmart 2008’s Black Friday experience. I am sure the other Google I/O 2010 participants are aware of this. So in spite of Google I/O 2010 being billed as a family affair, I doubt that there will be many children in attendance. Since women lack the physical strength to compete for the mad rush to get the Ohhhs, I suspect women will also be underrepresented.
On the other hand, Microsoft has shown considerable effort in improved security. Microsoft TechEd Conference should be a safer experience. (Not withstanding that poor security in Microsoft IE was responsible for the Aurora attack)