Matt Cutts leaves Google

[viggen]

Of course not true, but now that i have your attention consider the following...

What kind of problems can those "high-profile" employees create for the searchengines? How much do they know? How much damage could they do if they switch to another engine, or even go self employed. Imagine Matt Cutts says Goodbye Google and starts his own websites, what kind of advantage would he have and for how long?

cheers
viggen

[rustybrick]

Wow, that got my attention. Then I was like, that is not nice. But it is relevant to the thread, so let's leave the title.

What would Google do? Good, great question. Google is large enough for the masses to have no idea. Outside of the SEO Community, who has heard of Matt Cutts? So it would ripple through our community, but what type of impact would that have on Google and the rest of the world? Not anything major, IMO.

[gabs]

OMG...

LOL. worked a treat on me.. hehehehe

High profile dosen't = pure fame

I agree with rusty that no one out of the community would care..

The other side of course is the fact that the net has its geeks (many of them) look at slashdot.. I do think my mum gives a monkeys about "Lowering the Odds of Being Outsourced" ???

[GuyFromChicago]

I'm sure they have to sign non disclosure and other similiar documents.

I agree with Rusty's comments...no one outside of the SEM community would notice. I could probably ask everyone in my office today who Matt was and no one would have a clue.

[St0n3y]

I think this begs the question, is there another Google employee that could step in and fill Matt's shoes? He's been absolutely wonderful for Google's PR (not PageRank) within the SEO community. While those outside may not care, or ever even know, I think Matt should be credited with creating a public face as well as an inside look at Google that is invaluable, not only to us but to Google as well.

[Sharpseo]

I'm sure they have to sign non disclosure and other similiar documents.

Yeah, I'm sure most employees have to sign a non-compete/non-disclosure agreement, which states that they won't disclose any confidential information or trade secrets. Some agreements even specify that they can't work for a competitor in the same market for a certain number of years.

[Komodo Tale]

I think Matt is great. But you need to remember:

• Google has other reps that visit trade shows and does interviews and posts on forums
• Brett Tabke (WebMaster World) has described Matt as one of a line of GoogleGuys
• Google is filled with bright, capable people. There are sure to be fellow Google Search employees who shadow Matt and can pick-up where he lets off. Matt might even be grooming someone or some two.

Do not hope Matt will never leave his post. Instead, hope that:

• Google rewards him with a quick succession of advancements, or
• Google's competition can circumvent any non-compete agreement and hire Matt for a ridiculous amount, or
• Matt opens his own consulting shop for which prospective clients line-up around the block, or
• Matt creates his own search engine
• Matt cashes in his Google options, builds his own airport, and leaves completely the life of search for the life of leisure.

[pk_synths]

I think this begs the question, is there another Google employee that could step in and fill Matt's shoes?

Have we forgotten about GG already??? At least Matt has a face