47 replies to this topic

[deborah2002]

I couldn't find the appropriate place to put this, so if someone needs to move it....okay.

I found this just a few minutes ago and I thought this might be interesting to some. I have done little more than peruse the site, but it seems pretty interesting.



http://www.sempo.org/

Just an FYI kinda thing.........................

deb

[Lynn Terry]

Thanks Deb! Checking it out

[deborah2002]

Just as a side note, if you check out the prices for membership, you get a bunch of "free" stuff----for $5,000.00! go figure.l...

deb

[patrickh]

Their main page says they are a non-profit group -- where the heck is all that money going to?

[deborah2002]

Dunno............

deb

[mcanerin]

Many NPO's require lots of money just to keep going, like server space, travel-time, funding other NPO's (like the Shriners), paying for various services they can't get donated, and so forth.

I've run into a couple, though, that are technically non-profit because the reason for the organisation's existence is not to profit. That's fine, but when you look closely the "Executive Board" or founders get very high remuneration - sometimes in the range of 100's of thousands of dollars! So the organisation itself may be non-profit but the organisers are profiting. Be careful with groups like that. One way to tell good from bad is to see if they make their budget publicly available.

I'm not suggesting that this company is (don't know) but I do a lot of NPO work and I'd probably charge these guys at my "normal" rates rather than the discount

Ian

[toprank]

There's some pretty big SEO players participating in sempo.org. Seems like an updated version and alternative to AIM. Especially as AIM seems to be falling out of favor with the DMA. Definitley more geared towards SEO companies rather than consultants.

It's great to see this forum listed on their Resources page!

[Scottie]

SEMPO is geared toward raising awareness of Search Engine Marketing in general.

It is brand new- hasn't even started accepting members yet. It does have an impressive team heading it up though, including our own Chris Churchill (horsecove).

[Matt B]

They had an "interesting" meeting at the San Jose conference.
They are taking members, but there are no by-laws or standards published as of yet. It's been interesting to watch this group forming over the past year, and who is forming it. I think I may just watch for a while longer and see what direction it takes . . .

Matt

[Jill]

SEMPO is definitely one to watch.

If anyone will pull off a real professional organization for search engine marketers, this group will be the one to do it.

That said, I can't help wondering if/why we need a group. But apparently, many in the industry feel we do. I'm reserving judgement until I actually understand and agree with the "why's" of such an organization.

Jill

[qwerty]

If anyone will pull off a real professional organization for search engine marketers, this group will be the one to do it.

I agree that we may not need a group. I'm really not sure what to think of SEMPO. I've been on their mailing list from the beginning, and I haven't seen much reason to get involved. And now that they've laid out the costs for membership, I assume I'm off the list unless I pay.

But I'm curious as to why you think they may be able to pull it off, Jill. Is that because of the people behind it?

[Jill]

Yes, Bob, the people. Many SEM/SEO "leaders" of our industry are involved in SEMPO. These are people who do know SEO and SEM inside and out. And not only that, they are doing of good job of being organized at this point.

Their mission is still a bit fuzzy, as well as the benefits to those who join, but I do believe that they have the best chance of success. Just having Danny Sullivan on your board, pretty much ensures that.

Again, I personally still don't get it. But for those who understand the apparent need for a group like this, they should look into joining it.

Jill

[glengara]

I do NOT like the way the fee structure seems based on the number and prominence of links you get.
I can't but be reminded of a certain company that got into trouble for selling PR.

[Bernard]

It looks like an expensive PFI directory to me. They claim to be an organization of professionals, but there are no professional standards or qualifications required. Just money for links.

I have e-mailed them asking about my concerns. I hope to receive a reply soon....

[Jill]

From what I understand by listening to their spiels, the idea is basically to raise awareness of SEM to the masses. I believe that's their major goal.

I imagine Chris Churchill can write a bit more, as she's been involved since the beginning.

Jill