Fourteen A-list bloggers spent 60 minutes in the company. I found reports of the event from Niall Kennedy, Michael Arrington, Steve Rubel, Molly Holzschlag, Liz Gannes and Chris Pirillo.
In terms of the PR mechanics of this experiment in engaging new influentials: It seems like it was tagged onto the Mix06 event for relevance and probably access to Bill's diary. A few of the bloggers disclosed flights and accomodation were covered for their trips. No audio, video or photos were allowed (beyond the team photo published on a few of the blogs). Coverage ranges from straight reportage of the Q&A, to politely critical analysis of Bill's viewpoint (all 14 used Macs, which must give some clues). I have seen blog posts from the attendees, most garner alot of comments, and from other third party blogs referencing the event, but so far I have seen no pick up in traditional media.
A few posts seem to think the bloggers let Bill off lightly. Interesting to see how this plays vs say an audience of tech journalists.
Disappointingly, no-one seems to have asked the cheeky question: whether Bill reads Microsoft's own self-appointed corporate conscience, the anonymous but well connected Mini-Microsoft, or whether it has influenced management opinion.
For the record (and courtesy Chris Pirillo) the 14 were: Evan Williams (Obvious), Jeremy Zawodny (Yahoo), Kelly Goto (Goto Media), Liz Gannes (GigaOm), Mike Arrington (TechCrunch), Molly Holzschlag (Molly.com), Niall Kennedy (Niallkennedy.com), Rael Dornfest (Values of N), Ryan Freitas (Adaptive Path), Ryan Stewart (Digital Back Country), Shaun Inman (ShaunInman.com), Steve Rubel (Micropersuasion), Tantek Celik (Technorati) and Chris Pirillo himself.
Tags: Bill Gates, PR, blogging