If websites could talk – part 7

Blog series UK Web Archive

Author Hedley Sutton, Team Leader, Asian & African Studies Reference Services

Due to his retirement, this marks the final instalment of the If Websites Could Talk series by Hedley Sutton. Since the establishment of the UK Web Archive, Hedley has played a vital role in identifying UK-published online content that might otherwise have been missed by our automated archiving processes, helping to ensure greater diversity and representation within the collection.

Drawing on his creativity and wit, Hedley also transformed many of these nominations into limericks, which were featured on the UK Web Archive blog as part of the popular If Websites Could Talk … series.

We extend our warmest thanks to Hedley for his outstanding contribution to preserving the UK’s digital heritage, and wish him a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement.

‘After a long gap, once again we find ourselves privileged to listen in to the ongoing debate among U.K. domain websites as to which one should be recognised as the most interesting one of all.

Check out previous episodes in this series on the Internet Archive - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 and Part 6.

The meeting was called to order by *We The Curious*. ‘Would any site present like to put itself forward for consideration?’

‘Well … we’re certainly somewhat mysterious,’ said the *International Krav Maga Federation United Kingdom*.

‘Impossible to disagree,’ said *Wise Goose*. ‘But in view of what you’re about, people might be more inclined to look to the *United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum*.’

‘Surely we want a more soothing, gentler candidate,’ said the *Holistic Energy Association*. ‘Such as … ‘

‘Us?’ chipped in *Playful UK*.

‘Or us?’ said *Cosyfeet*, not to be outdone.

‘No point looking to us,’ said the *Library of Mistakes*, candidly.

‘Why don’t we all take a deep breath, meditate for a while, and see where that leads us?’ said *Urban Yogis UK*.

‘A musical interlude at this point might help,’ said *Minor Entertainment*.‘Come on, *Highly Strung String Quartet*, show us what you can do!’

‘We’re also happy to contribute,’ added the *Multi-Story Orchestra*.

‘Ditto’, said the *Choir With No Name*.

‘You’ll never believe what happened to us yesterday,’ interjected the *Last Night A DJ Saved My Life Foundation*. ‘We were out with the *Chemical Guys* and *Mama Bamboo* when unexpectedly we ran into the *Association of Integrative Sandplay Therapists… ‘

‘Look, we’re getting nowhere fast,’ said the *Centre for Time Use Research*, irritably. ‘We need to … ouch! Was that you, *Catapult Network*?’

‘How dare you! It was probably *UPROAR*!’ came the reply.

‘Don’t panic!’ said *Don’t Panic*, somewhat predictably. ‘If push comes to shove we can always call upon the *Big Help Project* for assistance.’

‘Dahlinks,’ purred the *Marie-Louise von Motesiczky Charitable Trust*. ‘Vy don’t ve leave the decision up to the *Secret Projects Forum*?’

It was agreed this was the way forward. The preferred site was the hitherto silent *Wild Ideas*… ‘