A 45 day competition by Google in February 2010. The winner got gigabit internet into every home. Individuals could vote for towns by filling out a short form. @penguinspark organized a flashmob/publicity stunt for CoMO Fiber to get the word out to Columbia to vote. While the event its self was a moderate success, the goal of raising awareness was an overwhelming success.

Everything for this event was donated or volunteered by people that want to improve Columbia, MO internet. Many local news organizations picked up the story. 16,000 signs with voting instructions were passed out at the sold out Mizzou vs Kansas basketball game. The Columbia Public School board responded by submitting their own nomination as well as encouraging all schools, teachers and parents.

How it went down

Monday: The concept for #comoflashmob is discussed by @CommercialScott and@CoMOFiber members.

Tuesday: An email goes out with the plan and instantly spreads throughout Columbia like wildfire. People promote on Twitter and Facebook to make sure everyone knows what’s going on.

Wednesday: Shakespeare’s Pizza offers to donate pizza to the sign party scheduled for the night before the flashmob. First grader students at Fairview Elementary make signs for our flashmob.

Thursday: Boone County National Bank approaches us to donate 16,000 signs.

Friday: The press is going nuts! KFRU’s David Lile talks about it on his morning show, Simon Rose & Renee Hulshof discuss it on the their show, and  93.9 The Eagle discusses the event on their morning show. KOMU, KRCG and the Columbia Missourian all promo the event in their evening news and publications. That night we held the sign making party that was a blast!