A month after the announcement that former Electronic Arts executive Rod Humble had become Linden Lab's new CEO, Humble himself has published his first post on the official Linden blog, describing his early adventures exploring Second Life as an avatar dubbed Rodvik Linden. As you can see from the above, he's been wandering the world "to better understand the product experience, your needs, and the culture of Second Life", doing so in the guise of a toga-wearing Roman noble. (Which suggests a fondness for the former greatness of Rome... or maybe, for classic college beer parties.) Unlike the previous CEO, Mark Kingdon, who was a Second Life Resident before becoming CEO (if a somewhat disoriented one), sounds like Humble is starting his new role as Linden's chief executive while also being new to Second Life itself. "I’m in the process of getting up to speed and working with the team to finalize our plans for 2011." Will be interesting to see what those new plans are, now that he's walked the world in the Residents' shoes (or maybe in his case, sandals.)
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If you reread his post you might notice he stated he has been in SL on an alt and enjoyed holiday activities. Safe to say there are some who may have already met Rod and just don't know it.
Posted by: Ann Otoole InSL | Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 10:57 PM
I wondered what the new CEO would write in his first blog post. Would it be a couple of paragraphs of corporate-speak? Maybe just a quick hello-world? Maybe he'd ask people to fill in a survey?
I was delighted to see he's getting into SL so quickly - even doing some LSL scripting! I guess I knew he could code; he made those indie video games in his spare time.
One thing I worry about is whether he'll make any real friends in SL. As CEO, he must be cautious about any appearances of playing favorites. On the other hand, making friends and doing stuff with them inworld is a big part of the SL experience. I suppose he'll make friends at the Lab.
(Eep, I just realized I probably sound like his mother!)
Posted by: Troy McLuhan | Friday, January 21, 2011 at 12:44 AM
I love the Animal House link Hamlet.
Posted by: Commizar Janick | Friday, January 21, 2011 at 05:48 AM
Parumper exspecta!
I'd have preferred a rider in crimson cape over a golden breastplate, with his gladius drawn as his steely eyes scanned the virtual horizon for signs of trouble for his Lightning-Swift Cohort, bearer of so many Imperial awards for service along the dangerous frontier.
But we get what we get. Salve, Hegemon!
Posted by: Ignatius Onomatopoeia | Friday, January 21, 2011 at 07:27 AM
He referred to us as "Customers" not "Residents". That's awesome.
Got a good feeling about this year in SL, although I think it's safe to say that we shouldn't expect miracles right away......maybe next month......
Posted by: Fuzzball Ortega | Friday, January 21, 2011 at 08:14 AM
If he's been on an alt for a bit, why... he could have been anyone... even someone who reads this blog. Saaaaaaay... I've always wondered who Ann is in real life. (<.<)
More seriously, I'm glad his inaugural post is about trying stuff in-world. I hope he'll be able to continue that and get a real feel for the character of the place and the nature of the tools.
Posted by: Loraan Fierrens | Friday, January 21, 2011 at 08:36 AM