I had to put up this post, because what happened gave me a real giggle.
Part of an SEO's "off-site" Search Engine optimisation tasks is to submit a website to respectable directories to try to obtain links back your own site to try and gain referral to your site and therefore business (in the real world) and reputation (on Google).
Now, there are millions of directories out there and you can grow old and grey pursuing these links. Best to choose wisely. Don't linger on time-wasters: move on.
So naturally enough, I presumed a directory promoting IT professionals in the Limousin ("Pole excellence eDesign" - it sounds the business) to be a sensible choice (act local before going global, right?). So although I live just outside the border of the Limousin, I applied. (You know, turn right outside your drive you get to the Limousin, turn left, you stay in the Charente).
Ha! I received an email from the administrator telling me (sic) "You can't apply to this directory. You work in the Charente. Go away".
But I am an SEM expert and web designer. I work IN the Charente, but I work ON the web. I can work anywhere for anyone and the only border I have to respect is tax (and as far as I know, Charente and Limousin are both in France).
Well, I didn't reply to the lady: there are millions of directories and noone can stop me turning right out of my drive to get work (in the real world or virtual). But was this a directory promoting "competition in the Limousin"? In a time where Europe is trying desperately to promote cross-border trade (see http://ec.europa.eu/youreurope/business/index_en.htm) the parochial and protective behaviour displayed by Pole Excellence eDesign belongs to an age millennia past.
Author's footnote: Readers will be shocked and saddened to learn that "Pole Excellence eDesign" was recently taken over by "Elopsys" due to a lack of business. Even if you don't like this post, I thought you'd enjoy the pictures of endangered species.
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