Behold, the ultimate Web 2.0 moment: a longtime staffer with a renowned user-created content Internet service announces his resignation from the company-- in a YouTube video. And to give it that uniquely Second Life flavor, it's machinima-- shot like a Spaghetti Western.
That last bit isn't surprising to friends of the departing Ben Linden (including, I'm proud to say, me.) While a developer with Linden Lab, Ben has also done marvelous work through his pre-Linden alt avatar, BuhBuhCuh Fairchild, promoting SL-based machinima with his Alt-Zoom site. Over the last year, the medium has been maturing and growing in ambition (as a quick stroll here will attest), and Ben/BBC is owed a huge debt, for helping make that possible.
"Well, the video says it all really," Ben IMs me, when I ask for more details of his departure. "I've worked at Linden Lab for over 4 years, and I like to think I've helped it to become a success. Now, I feel, the best place to continue to contribute to Second Life is as part of the resident community."
And what new frontiers will Ben ride his pony to? An announcement is sure to come soon.
We'll miss you Ben!
Posted by: Jeska "Linden" | Friday, January 19, 2007 at 05:15 PM
Thank you for your help with the Nova Albion Infohub. Vaya con G'al!
Posted by: Salazar Jack | Friday, January 19, 2007 at 06:54 PM
One of the primary reasons I got into machinima was because of Ben's influence: after he did his FollowCam demo, it severely encouraged me to ask myself, if I were to get into machinimaking, what kinda kewl stuff could I make? I also remember Ben's building tutorial that I watched in the sandboxes.
Needless to say, I know it's a fact that Ben has influenced many like me over the years. I just gotta say my respects, and "HAPPY TRAILS!"
Posted by: Torley | Friday, January 19, 2007 at 08:38 PM
BTW, the FollowCam vid is here:
http://static.secondlife.com/community/video/followcam-web.mov
and it inspired me to declare: "Enough tell, more show!"
Posted by: Torley | Friday, January 19, 2007 at 08:41 PM
I've always said, "I want Ben Linden's job" but somehow, I don't think I'll be getting it even now. ;)
Posted by: Relee Baysklef | Saturday, January 20, 2007 at 06:31 AM
Bye, Ben! I've enjoyed finding stuff you've made all over the world! You've been one of my favorite Lindens.
Posted by: Ida Keen | Saturday, January 20, 2007 at 08:24 AM
Wow Ben! What an amazing journey! Thanks for showing me around SL before it was named SL.
Posted by: Haney Armstrong | Saturday, January 20, 2007 at 10:47 PM