A couple of weeks ago I attended an event called “Euratechnopolys day” in Marcq-en-Baroeul Lomme.
I went there on foot (as usual) following Google Maps’ instructions but I ended up in the middle of nowhere. It took me around 30 minutes to find the place.
When I finally got there, I was warmly welcomed by some nice young people. There was a choice of workshops, one-to-one discussions, and other events providing advice on different areas of technology.
I met a number of techies there…
I first met Pierre who is an SEO consultant. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation. Simply put, SEO involves how you should design your site and manage its content and what keywords you should use on different pages to be ranks higher in Google and other search engine results. Obviously If you appear at the top of the search results or at least on the first page, more people will visit your site and you’ll have more traffic. As MyEnglishWorld.org is a closed website and you have to log in in order to see the website content, it seems that the effect of SEO in promoting the website will be rather limited, In any case, Pierre suggested trying to advertise the website in other ways first and then start using SEO when we have around 1000 to 200 members. So, go ahead dear My English World members! Help make this website better known by telling other people about it and recommending it. For example, why not send the website’s link to the people on your contact list and tell them this is a website you like… You do like this website, don’t you? :-)
Next, I met Gauthier and Teddy.
Gauthier is an app developer (= he creates applications). He examined this website and told me that in his opinion having an app for the site is not a priority and we should perhaps concentrate on improving the website, so he called one of his colleagues, Teddy, and the three of us had a discussion for some minutes.
Teddy specialises on website design. He also likes gamification (= using games for teaching and other purposes), so he was interested in the website’s points award system and ranks. He liked the website design in general, but identified some problems. Firstly, that it hasn’t got a clear colour scheme (or colour palette). Secondly, that the design and colours are not perhaps fun enough. Thirdly, that the website menu system is not well-placed and easily viewable. And finally the fact that website needs a logo and visual identity. I think his observations are to the point, and when I have more time (and/or money) to invest, I’ll try to improve those aspects of our website’s design. In the meantime, as you may have already noticed, I have made some changes to the website’s colour scheme. What do you think of the new colour palette and the overall website design by the way?
I enjoyed the talks I had with Pierre, Gauthier and Eddy, and I learnt quite a bit from them.
As it was a sunny day, I then had a drink on a nearby café’s terrace and walked back to Lille to meet a friend.
Waouh! It must have been very interesting! When you plan to go to this kind of event, do not hesitate to share the information! And when you walk until Marcq-en-Baroeul, please send me an SMS, so that you can have a blue Chimay or at least you wouldn’t end up in the middle of nowhere, because I might be a better guide than Google Maps’ instructions! About the website, I think when you have more money to invest, my daughter should be able to provide you a logo as she is a graphist. Keep it in mind… I have already… Read more »
Thank you for the feedback Blandine, and the kind offer. :-)
Visitors can open a free account which will give them “viewing” access to the website (without the ability to interact, comment, post and get corrected).
Here is the link to the page where they can create a free account: https://www.myenglishworld.org/register
Ok it’s already done. I hope it will bring you some newbies! ;-)
I have invited one of my friends months ago and she is still waiting for your approval. Is it necessary to create another free account?
I have no pending membership requests. Could you send me an email with your friend’s name and email so that I can double-check?
I agree with you on the whole article, except for one thing! Tymate is not in Marcq-en-Baroeul but in Lomme (Euratechnologie) next to Lille :-) During the open house, we wanted to mistake (20 min) on website or mobile projects, existing or in reflection. We tried, as much as possible, to help you in your project and we are delighted to see that you have already applied TED’s advices on the UI (User Interface). The red buttons, who looked like an error, have disappeared. You’ve left us speechless with MyEnglishWorld.org that you have fully designed. Your range of skills is… Read more »
Thank you for the kind words Guathier. And I’ll certainly get back in touch with you to benefit from your expertise… when I have the budget to pay for it. ;-) So, about the word “expertise”… “Expertise” is a false friend for speakers of French. It does NOT mean an evaluation, assessment or examination. It means some special skill or knowledge that you have (because of your experience, training, etc) that you can use to solve problems, develop and improve things etc. Here are a couple of examples: We would really like to hear your opinion about this case. Your… Read more »
Ah! In Lomme and moreover at Euratechnologie. That’s why Pejman ended up in the middle of nowhere! ;-)
Euratechnologie is a very nice place and a very good example of transformation/conversion of industrial architecture of the North of the France.
Yes, they are in Lomme, but that’s not why I was lost. Tymate is not in EuraTechnologies’ main building. It’s located in a nearby building. Their address is “2 allée de la haye du temple”. Enter it in Google Maps and you will end up in the middle of nowhere like me… and you’ll feel like an explorer lost in the Sahara Desert! :-) Joking aside, if you follow Google Maps instructions you will arrive at a little crossroads among some residential buildings. It’s actually only 50 metres or so from Tymate but as there are no signs, you have… Read more »