I'm Feeling Lucky

Google is looking to build and test high-speed fiber optic connections in a small number of trial locations across the United States. The Austin American Statesmen editorial board talks about why Austin should be chosen. The article is aimed at the general population of Austin, and the goal is to rally their support, because community support is one of the elements that will influence which cities are chosen.

The authors argue that Austin is a good choice because it's a high-tech city with a lot of infrastructure in place that would make the overall process easier, in addition to having a very strong community. At first glance this argument seems to sidestep the main goal of the article, discussing the advantages for Google rather than the advantages for the population of Austin, but it does serve to persuade the audience that Austin deserves to be chosen. This seems to be the central argument of the article. The authors also briefly discuss the benefits that Austin would receive by being chosen, which appeals more directly to the audience, but this argument seems to take somewhat of a back seat.

In conclusion, it is a well written article with well presented arguments. A bigger emphasis on the benefits for the audience probably would've been helpful, but the authors do a good job explaining why Austin deserves to be chosen, and in that sense, the article succeeds in rallying the support of the readers.

Jobs in Austin

The Austin American Statesman writes about the state of jobs and the economy in Austin. The author talks about jobs lost, as well as the new job opportunities coming in from Facebook and Yingli Green Energy Americas Inc.

Interestingly, while the country as a whole is suffering from somewhat of a recession, Austin seems to be standing strong. I think the article is well worth reading because the author talks not just about the state of jobs in Austin, but exactly why it is that Austin can stay afloat successfully in the middle of a recession. Take a look.