Our Man (And His Dog) In France

The beauty of the Internet is that you tend to meet people online before you meet them in person. Craig McGinty, whom I mentioned not once in the past, is the case: I came to know him and his work online at the end of 2006, through a comment he posted to Los Cuadernos de Julia. We met in person for the first time in February 2007 when the BBC Manchester Blog meet-up had finally happened at the BBC Bar. If I remember rightly, I recognised Craig by a picture in his blog; he said he recognised me by a notebook in my hands. That’s telling…

In the years since Craig has often offered wonderful advice, given help – not only to me, but to many of those who turned to his expertise and knowledge. A professional journalist, Craig is a great example of what a journo can make out of their how troubled trade – provided they have the knowledge and courage. As he uttered many times, he wouldn’t go back to a full-time work in the office. Obviously, each to their own routine, but he is undoubtedly the example for those who want to do their work online, in the comfort of their own home.

Now, the above sounds a bit nostalgic… and the good reason for that kind of feeling is that Craig has now gone to France. As the title of the slideshow in this post indicates, all of us who have known Craig personally or through online conversations are very glad that we shall now have our man (and his dog) in France. This French Life, Craig’s wonderful project for all the English-speaking folks out there who want to move to France or are just keeping their eye on what’s happening across the Channel, will surely grow stronger now that the editor is ready to immerse himself in this French life à son propre sense. But at the same time we now don’t have a great professional and friend at our service, although Craig promises to return now and again. Having said so, this is the beauty of the Internet: Craig is now only a tweet or email away. I personally wish him the best of luck for himself and his projects… and the slide show of my photos taken in different places in England and Wales is a token of my gratitude and respect for Craig who’s always been interested in, and supportive of, my photographic endeavours.