Second Life Forums Archive - CEO of There, Inc. Resigns

BlackAdder York

Charter Member

Join date: 22 May 2003

Posts: 283

09-25-2003 22:34

Just officially announced on There's forums at 9:30pm:

"Steve Victorino, a senior member of the company's leadership team and one of the original investors, has been appointed acting CEO. Tom Melcher has left the company as of today."

The announcement does not give any further details.

I've been a Beta tester of There since 2/08/03. They've very recently gone semi-live. Though it's hard to believe, they are taking money from people for memberships, but still officially are in Beta until at least October 12th. That's right...they're charging money to Beta test!

Also, they've released a new version of There, which is buggy enough to be considered Alpha-level. And at the same time, have introduced massive restrictions on what members are permitted to do in world.

I've been Beta testing 3D worlds for about 15 years (beginning with WorldsAway), and I can honestly say that I've never seen a crash 'n burn to equal this one. It's utterly amazing. $37 million in investment capital...someone's gonna' have a hell of a tax write-off.

_____________________

Avatar Central (Aqua 140, 220) - Come in and Equip yourself. Everything under the sun, plus a few Freebies.

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Chip Midnight

ate my baby!

Join date: 1 May 2003

Posts: 10,231

Re: CEO of There, Inc. Resigns

09-25-2003 23:46

From: someone

Originally posted by BlackAdder York
$37 million in investment capital...someone's gonna' have a hell of a tax write-off.

Holy crap! I guess maybe those mink lined aeron chairs weren't such a good idea after all.

_____________________

My other hobby:
www.live365.com/stations/chip_midnight

Eggy Lippmann

Wiktator

Join date: 1 May 2003

Posts: 7,939

09-26-2003 08:49

MWAHAHAHA There is going under!
Maybe we will get an influx of new SL players! My classes have been so empty lately...

Zana Feaver

Arkie

Join date: 17 Jul 2003

Posts: 396

09-26-2003 09:15

For some reason this does not suprise me . . . .

Misnomer Jones

3 is the magic number

Join date: 27 Jan 2003

Posts: 1,800

09-26-2003 09:24

Are they tanking or is it a change in leadership? Any further info?

_____________________

Beryl Greenacre

Big Scaredy-Baby

Join date: 24 Jun 2003

Posts: 1,312

09-26-2003 11:19

Here's a cut and paste job of the original post on There forums (posted at 9:30 pm PST 9/25/03):
-------------------------------
Important Announcement

All-

We wanted to alert the community to an important change at There. Steve Victorino, a senior member of the company's leadership team and one of the original investors, has been appointed acting CEO. Tom Melcher has left the company as of today. We wish him well.

Our gameplan remains unchanged, our leadership team remains enthusiastic and we look forward to your continued support. Steve will be in-world next week to chat with members

All the best.
-Lee
Community Manager of There Inc.
-----------------------

Nothing else has been posted regarding this leadership change except to say that they will make no comment about Melcher's future plans. There just had a real life gathering last weekend at the company's headquarters in Menlo Park, CA, too.

James Miller

Village Idiot

Join date: 9 Jan 2003

Posts: 1,500

09-26-2003 11:41

Tom Linden, anyone?

Lance LeFay

is a Thug

Join date: 1 May 2003

Posts: 1,488

09-26-2003 14:15

From: someone

Originally posted by James Miller
Tom Linden, anyone?

LL should definately offer him a job, just to piss off There

_____________________

"Hoochie Hair is high on my list" - Andrew Linden
"Adorable is 'they pay me to say you are cute'" -Barnesworth Anubis

Jonathan VonLenard

Resident Hippo

Join date: 8 May 2003

Posts: 632

09-26-2003 14:35

I highly doubt someone making the bucks of a CEO would take a job as a Linden Liason... Though it woulud be funny.

Philip is the Godliest of all CEO's all bow down to King Phillip!

JV

_____________________

"Now that we're here, it's so far away
All the struggle we thought was in vain
And all the mistakes, one life contained
They all finally start to go away
And now that we're here, it's so far away
And I feel like I can face the day
And I can forgive
And I'm not ashamed to be
The Person that I am today"

Darwin Appleby

I Was Beaten With Satan

Join date: 14 Mar 2003

Posts: 2,779

09-26-2003 16:47

Haha I would love to have Tom working here just to shove it up There's ass, although there are so many bugs in there already I don't believe it would fit.

Let's throw a "THERE Shall Die" party!

_____________________

Touche.

BlackAdder York

Charter Member

Join date: 22 May 2003

Posts: 283

Oh, what a tangled Web...

09-29-2003 20:09

"Tom Linden" may not be as far-fetched as it sounds. Tom and Philip Rosedale are scheduled to jointly present a paper, on which they apparently collaborated, at NY Law School on November 14th. The paper is entitled, 'The State of Play.'

Quote
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The State of Play: Buffet Breakfast

Tom Melcher, CEO, There Inc, creators of There.com

Philip Rosedale, CEO, Linden Lab, creators of Second Life

Moderator: Jimmy Guterman, Editor-in-Chief, Gaming Industry News
--------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.nyls.edu/print/1430.asp
http://www.nyls.edu/print/1684.asp

Memo to Mr. Rosedale: bring check book and blank contract to conference.

_____________________

Avatar Central (Aqua 140, 220) - Come in and Equip yourself. Everything under the sun, plus a few Freebies.

The Black Adder...Lord High Executioner, and Harbinger of the Doomed Rat

Jonathan VonLenard

Resident Hippo

Join date: 8 May 2003

Posts: 632

09-29-2003 20:10

OH my,

I am disappointed in Phillip, no wonder he won't ever make fun of THERE with us! He's buddy buddy with them!! uggh.. I think i'm gonna cry.

JV

_____________________

"Now that we're here, it's so far away
All the struggle we thought was in vain
And all the mistakes, one life contained
They all finally start to go away
And now that we're here, it's so far away
And I feel like I can face the day
And I can forgive
And I'm not ashamed to be
The Person that I am today"

Darwin Appleby

I Was Beaten With Satan

Join date: 14 Mar 2003

Posts: 2,779

09-29-2003 20:22

How do you know this isn't a debate? o.0

Anyhow, they could be buddy-buddy like Bill Maher and Ann Coulter are buddy-buddy.

_____________________

Touche.

James Miller

Village Idiot

Join date: 9 Jan 2003

Posts: 1,500

09-29-2003 20:30

Linden Lab and There Inc are friendly. The developers talk to each other, and they use each other's software. I doubt that Tom would come work for Linden Lab, however, it might be interesting

Dave Zeeman

Master Procrastinator

Join date: 28 Jan 2003

Posts: 1,025

09-29-2003 21:04

Reason why it's bad if There.com actually goes under.

If There.com goes under, it's an example to investors (the people who actually get things like Second Life up, running, and staying alive) that there isn't a great demand for these chat-n-do-stuff MMO games. Lower demand seen by investors means less cash to projects like Second Life and possibly a complete cut-off from any funding. Remember, until we see some Linden Labs stock, it's not like LL is making any uber-profit with the current rate of purchasers. (This information may be wrong, but is a major assumption on my part!)

Also, if There.com goes under, where's the competition? No competition is a bad thing, it keeps SL off of their toes and on the recliner (even though I highly doubt it as they keep constantly creating huge goals for themselves to acheive). As long as there is competition (sorry for the pun), then LL will constantly be trying to out-do them at their own game, thus making Second Life a better experience for us all.

Finally, I highly doubt There.com will go under. It's just a CEO change, I'm sure that doesn't change much for a company that doesn't have a CEO like Philip Rosedale (seriously, he's the smartest CEO I've ever known) *kiss kiss*

.

_____________________

llToggleDaveZeemanIntelligence(FALSE);
Philip Linden: Zeeman, strip off the suit!
Dave Zeeman - Keeping Lindens on their toes since v0.3.2!

Darwin Appleby

I Was Beaten With Satan

Join date: 14 Mar 2003

Posts: 2,779

09-29-2003 21:10

All good points Dave makes, except for that last one...

_____________________

Touche.

Jonathan VonLenard

Resident Hippo

Join date: 8 May 2003

Posts: 632

09-30-2003 06:14

Great points dave as usual, our in world linden guru...

Though I must disagree on one point, THERE never was competition

They've always sucked .... there.... There never going to be anything, and there can shove it up there.

I do agree that Phillip is the coolest and most kickass CEO ever, and when I become a CEO I wanna be just like him.

JV

(Pssst Phillip, need any accountants working for you?)

From: someone

Originally posted by Dave Zeeman
Reason why it's bad if There.com actually goes under.

If There.com goes under, it's an example to investors (the people who actually get things like Second Life up, running, and staying alive) that there isn't a great demand for these chat-n-do-stuff MMO games. Lower demand seen by investors means less cash to projects like Second Life and possibly a complete cut-off from any funding. Remember, until we see some Linden Labs stock, it's not like LL is making any uber-profit with the current rate of purchasers. (This information may be wrong, but is a major assumption on my part!)

Also, if There.com goes under, where's the competition? No competition is a bad thing, it keeps SL off of their toes and on the recliner (even though I highly doubt it as they keep constantly creating huge goals for themselves to acheive). As long as there is competition (sorry for the pun), then LL will constantly be trying to out-do them at their own game, thus making Second Life a better experience for us all.

Finally, I highly doubt There.com will go under. It's just a CEO change, I'm sure that doesn't change much for a company that doesn't have a CEO like Philip Rosedale (seriously, he's the smartest CEO I've ever known) *kiss kiss* .

_____________________

"Now that we're here, it's so far away
All the struggle we thought was in vain
And all the mistakes, one life contained
They all finally start to go away
And now that we're here, it's so far away
And I feel like I can face the day
And I can forgive
And I'm not ashamed to be
The Person that I am today"

Dave Zeeman

Master Procrastinator

Join date: 28 Jan 2003

Posts: 1,025

09-30-2003 08:01

I just want to add that I don't want to take full and complete credit for the opinions that I expressed, because it did take a little chat with another player to realize why There.com would be better off alive than dead. If that person wants to come forward, that's his/her choice

_____________________

llToggleDaveZeemanIntelligence(FALSE);
Philip Linden: Zeeman, strip off the suit!
Dave Zeeman - Keeping Lindens on their toes since v0.3.2!

CEO of There, Inc. Resigns
BlackAdder York Charter Member Join date: 22 May 2003 Posts: 283	09-25-2003 22:34 Just officially announced on There's forums at 9:30pm: "Steve Victorino, a senior member of the company's leadership team and one of the original investors, has been appointed acting CEO. Tom Melcher has left the company as of today." The announcement does not give any further details. I've been a Beta tester of There since 2/08/03. They've very recently gone semi-live. Though it's hard to believe, they are taking money from people for memberships, but still officially are in Beta until at least October 12th. That's right...they're charging money to Beta test! Also, they've released a new version of There, which is buggy enough to be considered Alpha-level. And at the same time, have introduced massive restrictions on what members are permitted to do in world. I've been Beta testing 3D worlds for about 15 years (beginning with WorldsAway), and I can honestly say that I've never seen a crash 'n burn to equal this one. It's utterly amazing. $37 million in investment capital...someone's gonna' have a hell of a tax write-off. _____________________ Avatar Central (Aqua 140, 220) - Come in and Equip yourself. Everything under the sun, plus a few Freebies. The Black Adder...Lord High Executioner, and Harbinger of the Doomed Rat
Chip Midnight ate my baby! Join date: 1 May 2003 Posts: 10,231	Re: CEO of There, Inc. Resigns 09-25-2003 23:46 From: someone Originally posted by BlackAdder York $37 million in investment capital...someone's gonna' have a hell of a tax write-off. Holy crap! I guess maybe those mink lined aeron chairs weren't such a good idea after all. _____________________ My other hobby: www.live365.com/stations/chip_midnight
Eggy Lippmann Wiktator Join date: 1 May 2003 Posts: 7,939	09-26-2003 08:49 MWAHAHAHA There is going under! Maybe we will get an influx of new SL players! My classes have been so empty lately...
Zana Feaver Arkie Join date: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 396	09-26-2003 09:15 For some reason this does not suprise me . . . .
Misnomer Jones 3 is the magic number Join date: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 1,800	09-26-2003 09:24 Are they tanking or is it a change in leadership? Any further info? _____________________
Beryl Greenacre Big Scaredy-Baby Join date: 24 Jun 2003 Posts: 1,312	09-26-2003 11:19 Here's a cut and paste job of the original post on There forums (posted at 9:30 pm PST 9/25/03): ------------------------------- Important Announcement All- We wanted to alert the community to an important change at There. Steve Victorino, a senior member of the company's leadership team and one of the original investors, has been appointed acting CEO. Tom Melcher has left the company as of today. We wish him well. Our gameplan remains unchanged, our leadership team remains enthusiastic and we look forward to your continued support. Steve will be in-world next week to chat with members All the best. -Lee Community Manager of There Inc. ----------------------- Nothing else has been posted regarding this leadership change except to say that they will make no comment about Melcher's future plans. There just had a real life gathering last weekend at the company's headquarters in Menlo Park, CA, too.
James Miller Village Idiot Join date: 9 Jan 2003 Posts: 1,500	09-26-2003 11:41 Tom Linden, anyone?
Lance LeFay is a Thug Join date: 1 May 2003 Posts: 1,488	09-26-2003 14:15 From: someone Originally posted by James Miller Tom Linden, anyone? LL should definately offer him a job, just to piss off There _____________________ "Hoochie Hair is high on my list" - Andrew Linden "Adorable is 'they pay me to say you are cute'" -Barnesworth Anubis
Jonathan VonLenard Resident Hippo Join date: 8 May 2003 Posts: 632	09-26-2003 14:35 I highly doubt someone making the bucks of a CEO would take a job as a Linden Liason... Though it woulud be funny. Philip is the Godliest of all CEO's all bow down to King Phillip! JV _____________________ "Now that we're here, it's so far away All the struggle we thought was in vain And all the mistakes, one life contained They all finally start to go away And now that we're here, it's so far away And I feel like I can face the day And I can forgive And I'm not ashamed to be The Person that I am today"
Darwin Appleby I Was Beaten With Satan Join date: 14 Mar 2003 Posts: 2,779	09-26-2003 16:47 Haha I would love to have Tom working here just to shove it up There's ass, although there are so many bugs in there already I don't believe it would fit. Let's throw a "THERE Shall Die" party! _____________________ Touche.
BlackAdder York Charter Member Join date: 22 May 2003 Posts: 283	Oh, what a tangled Web... 09-29-2003 20:09 "Tom Linden" may not be as far-fetched as it sounds. Tom and Philip Rosedale are scheduled to jointly present a paper, on which they apparently collaborated, at NY Law School on November 14th. The paper is entitled, 'The State of Play.' Quote -------------------------------------------------------------------- The State of Play: Buffet Breakfast Tom Melcher, CEO, There Inc, creators of There.com Philip Rosedale, CEO, Linden Lab, creators of Second Life Moderator: Jimmy Guterman, Editor-in-Chief, Gaming Industry News -------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.nyls.edu/print/1430.asp http://www.nyls.edu/print/1684.asp Memo to Mr. Rosedale: bring check book and blank contract to conference. _____________________ Avatar Central (Aqua 140, 220) - Come in and Equip yourself. Everything under the sun, plus a few Freebies. The Black Adder...Lord High Executioner, and Harbinger of the Doomed Rat
Jonathan VonLenard Resident Hippo Join date: 8 May 2003 Posts: 632	09-29-2003 20:10 OH my, I am disappointed in Phillip, no wonder he won't ever make fun of THERE with us! He's buddy buddy with them!! uggh.. I think i'm gonna cry. JV _____________________ "Now that we're here, it's so far away All the struggle we thought was in vain And all the mistakes, one life contained They all finally start to go away And now that we're here, it's so far away And I feel like I can face the day And I can forgive And I'm not ashamed to be The Person that I am today"
Darwin Appleby I Was Beaten With Satan Join date: 14 Mar 2003 Posts: 2,779	09-29-2003 20:22 How do you know this isn't a debate? o.0 Anyhow, they could be buddy-buddy like Bill Maher and Ann Coulter are buddy-buddy. _____________________ Touche.
James Miller Village Idiot Join date: 9 Jan 2003 Posts: 1,500	09-29-2003 20:30 Linden Lab and There Inc are friendly. The developers talk to each other, and they use each other's software. I doubt that Tom would come work for Linden Lab, however, it might be interesting
Dave Zeeman Master Procrastinator Join date: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 1,025	09-29-2003 21:04 Reason why it's bad if There.com actually goes under. If There.com goes under, it's an example to investors (the people who actually get things like Second Life up, running, and staying alive) that there isn't a great demand for these chat-n-do-stuff MMO games. Lower demand seen by investors means less cash to projects like Second Life and possibly a complete cut-off from any funding. Remember, until we see some Linden Labs stock, it's not like LL is making any uber-profit with the current rate of purchasers. (This information may be wrong, but is a major assumption on my part!) Also, if There.com goes under, where's the competition? No competition is a bad thing, it keeps SL off of their toes and on the recliner (even though I highly doubt it as they keep constantly creating huge goals for themselves to acheive). As long as there is competition (sorry for the pun), then LL will constantly be trying to out-do them at their own game, thus making Second Life a better experience for us all. Finally, I highly doubt There.com will go under. It's just a CEO change, I'm sure that doesn't change much for a company that doesn't have a CEO like Philip Rosedale (seriously, he's the smartest CEO I've ever known) kiss kiss . _____________________ llToggleDaveZeemanIntelligence(FALSE); Philip Linden: Zeeman, strip off the suit! Dave Zeeman - Keeping Lindens on their toes since v0.3.2!
Darwin Appleby I Was Beaten With Satan Join date: 14 Mar 2003 Posts: 2,779	09-29-2003 21:10 All good points Dave makes, except for that last one... _____________________ Touche.
Jonathan VonLenard Resident Hippo Join date: 8 May 2003 Posts: 632	09-30-2003 06:14 Great points dave as usual, our in world linden guru... Though I must disagree on one point, THERE never was competition They've always sucked .... there.... There never going to be anything, and there can shove it up there. I do agree that Phillip is the coolest and most kickass CEO ever, and when I become a CEO I wanna be just like him. JV (Pssst Phillip, need any accountants working for you?) From: someone Originally posted by Dave Zeeman Reason why it's bad if There.com actually goes under. If There.com goes under, it's an example to investors (the people who actually get things like Second Life up, running, and staying alive) that there isn't a great demand for these chat-n-do-stuff MMO games. Lower demand seen by investors means less cash to projects like Second Life and possibly a complete cut-off from any funding. Remember, until we see some Linden Labs stock, it's not like LL is making any uber-profit with the current rate of purchasers. (This information may be wrong, but is a major assumption on my part!) Also, if There.com goes under, where's the competition? No competition is a bad thing, it keeps SL off of their toes and on the recliner (even though I highly doubt it as they keep constantly creating huge goals for themselves to acheive). As long as there is competition (sorry for the pun), then LL will constantly be trying to out-do them at their own game, thus making Second Life a better experience for us all. Finally, I highly doubt There.com will go under. It's just a CEO change, I'm sure that doesn't change much for a company that doesn't have a CEO like Philip Rosedale (seriously, he's the smartest CEO I've ever known) kiss kiss . _____________________ "Now that we're here, it's so far away All the struggle we thought was in vain And all the mistakes, one life contained They all finally start to go away And now that we're here, it's so far away And I feel like I can face the day And I can forgive And I'm not ashamed to be The Person that I am today"
Dave Zeeman Master Procrastinator Join date: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 1,025	09-30-2003 08:01 I just want to add that I don't want to take full and complete credit for the opinions that I expressed, because it did take a little chat with another player to realize why There.com would be better off alive than dead. If that person wants to come forward, that's his/her choice _____________________ llToggleDaveZeemanIntelligence(FALSE); Philip Linden: Zeeman, strip off the suit! Dave Zeeman - Keeping Lindens on their toes since v0.3.2!

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CEO of There, Inc. Resigns