Saturday, June 28, 2008

Subtracting the ads...

Controversial as always, it seems that President Sarkozy intends to press ahead with plans designed to remove advertising gradually from French public television. Similar to the UK, there is a television licence in France, the income from which goes part-way to funding the several public channels, but this is currently supplemented by advertising revenues. In order to make good the inevitable shortfall created by banning advertising, it seems the intention is to increase taxes on other media, including private television (whose advertising revenues are sure to increase) as well as internet and telecoms companies.

Of course, as there are so many vested interests at stake, there has been the inevitable uproar on all sides - and, apart from financial interests, there are those who believe that this will eventually lead to public television being pushed to the sidelines in France. Well, we will see, but if one makes a comparison with the UK's BBC, then perhaps one could see the potential for greater independence in programme making, editorial content, etc.

Here at 245 and Counting, sweltering in the South of France as temperatures hit 30°C and everyone heads for the Mediterranean, it is perfect timing to point out that you will usually find on this blog a few links to associates and affiliate advertisers, which can include hotel booking service, holiday rental accommodation, French house hunting services, commercial currency exchange, etc.

These limited links do make a small contribution to running the blog and hopefully do not prejudice our content - but then, of course, we are not able to do away with advertising and simply raise a few taxes here and there...



Photo: fito

Sunday, June 22, 2008

A friend for life... style...

An amazing story is approaching its conclusion today - earlier this year an expat Brit in Australia announced that, following parting with his wife, he would be selling up in order to make a fresh start and perhaps enjoy a life-changing adventure. OK, so what is so unusual about someone selling up in such circumstances?

Well, this is unusual in that what is being sold is not just his house and some possessions - Ian Usher came up with the unique idea of putting up for auction his entire expat lifestyle - this is to include not only his Perth home but also its entire contents and the trappings of his life, such as jet ski, motor bike, parachuting equipment. Not content to leave it at the purely material, he has also included the chance to take over his job (his employers have agreed to offer the buyer a trial with a view to full-time employment) as well as introductions to his circle of friends. Yes, to enable him to offer the complete lifestyle package, his friends agreed to meet the highest bidder. Great friends indeed!

Bidding is under way today and of course we wish him all the luck in raising the funds for his new adventure!

This does add a fascinating dimension to the expat experience, though. We see many expats here making key decisions about their home in terms of an investment for the future - particularly thinking that there may be a time when they will want to sell up and move on or return "home". So, people will often consider their property type and location as much for later reselling as for their own pleasure - and many will renovate and develop properties purely for the investment potential. Quite normal, of course.

However, whereas Mr Usher had this great idea when he needed to make a change, what if people considered building from the outset a complete expat experience, with a view to its future value? Might that also influence the type of work we find, what pastimes we enjoy and possessions we acquire... and even where we like to be seen and the friends we make? Imagine becoming a friend for your investment value!

Well, enhancing a property is one thing but the idea of developing a lifestyle for its later value is a fascinating thought - now did I mention my good friend the ambassador...



BBC News: Bidding begins on 'entire life'

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Announcing new services in the Languedoc...

A slight aside from our usual expat observations now... to announce our new sister enterprise offering business support services in the Languedoc region of the South of France.

D'OC Management specifically aims to help English speaking expats with a business in the region with a range of services including... web design, marketing and advertising services, copywriting, etc... interior design for home or business... admin. and bookkeeping / secretariat services... and relocation support for those making the move to the region...


If you are an existing or new expat in the Languedoc these services may help with various aspects of your new life, particularly if you have a business - but we hope you will also continue to visit 245 and Counting from time-to-time...