Jan 29 2007
Australian Local Search – it’s all a bit Incestuous
It’s probably well known that Truelocal (which is owned by News Limited) acquired Australian Local Search (for a rumoured sum of around $12m) around 12 months ago prior to launching their business directory. It is stated on TrueLocal’s pages that their search and data is powered by Australian Local Search.
Australian Local Search indicates, however, that TrueLocal provides it’s listings as shown in the following from a Google search
It seems that until recently Australian Local Search has been maintaining their own website, search facility and directory listings and even provided Yahoo! Local with their listings as well.
But here’s the really strange thing. Now clicking on the above link in the Yahoo listings directs you straight to TrueLocal.com.au. And ANY attempt to go to the Australian Local Search (ALS) website takes you to TrueLocal as well. Below is a cache of ALS taken on the 10th of January.
Pardon me if this isn’t all a tad confusing. Yahoo! Local is being powered by ALS which is in turn being powered by TrueLocal, which is being powered by an entity (or at least a website) that no longer exists?
Or, if you prefer we have one directory providing their direct competitor which their listings? It’s all very strange.
(disclaimer: I run an Australian Online Business Directory which is in direct competition to TrueLocal and Yahoo! Local)
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