I'm always going to do what I want to do
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 by Frogboy | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
About once a month someone, somewhere, will comment on something I've written saying how "A CEO shouldn't act so unprofessionally in public". Over the years, I've gotten that message hundreds of times along with predictions of demise for my company due to my "public" behavior.
Now, I think the case could be made that we live in a different time. The new age of companies have executives who hang out on forums and mix it up with people. But I'm not going to make that argument because, ultimately, it doesn't matter. I would still do what I do no matter what.
My personal and professional objectives have always been the same: I want to do what I want to do.
That is my top priority. Freedom.
Freedom has consequences. I am certain, beyond a doubt, that my public postings on various topics over the years has alienated some percentage of users who have encountered what I written to the point that they have decided to not purchase products and services from my company. I'm okay with it. It's a price I'm willing to pay to be able to do what I want.
Stardock isn't a public company. It's not investor run. It doesn't even have investors. It's my company. It's a company with around 60 people these days that I can proudly say has not had any voluntary turn over in over 2 years. How many other software or game companies of that size can make that claim? And the reason for that is that my public attitude is my private attitude too -- we're going to do what we want to do. Not just me but the people there too.
Sure, there's a cost to doing what you want to do. I have gotten plenty of ribbing that we're working on a TURN-BASED fantasy strategy game instead of making it an RTS. But I want to make a turn-based fantasy strategy game. It won't sell as well as an RTS would but so what? What good is more money if you can't do what you want to do?
Every day at Stardock is FUN. Even during crunch-time it's FUN. And why is it fun? Because every day we do what we want to do.
But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter whether I'm justified or not because I'm going to do what I want to do. And so far, it's worked out pretty well for both me, my family, my coworkers, and our customers.
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Reply #2 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 10:53 PM
Reply #3 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 10:57 PM
Reply #4 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 11:14 PM
Amen.Been there done that and it felt so good...didnt impact my woodworking busines negatively at all...just meant I moved on to a better customer sooner.
Reply #5 Thursday, May 15, 2008 12:33 AM
Reply #6 Thursday, May 15, 2008 12:39 AM
I haven't registered over on Neowin but I have been following that thread.
One of the comments I was kind of amused by was:
[Referring to the bold part]
Obviously you are arrogant and all the other things you have stated you are.
But I think if they took the time to sift through some of your posts one thing people would realize you aren't is a person willing to defend something with flaws just because you own the company it comes from.
How many other public forums can you go to and see the company owner pointing out things that are wrong with products and websites his company has created?
They just need to realize the difference between defending against unwarranted/unnecessary posts and posts that are actually criticism of a real problem.
Reply #7 Thursday, May 15, 2008 12:42 AM
- but it's not my perception of you that's important, but rather how your company performs as a whole. There may be some who rant about not buying Stardock products based on their opinion of you personally, but they're in the minority because generally people will rate and buy products based on performance/reliability/after sales service, not who the CEO is.
Besides, given the opportunity,freedom and circumstance, everyone does/says what they want to anyhow... it's a part of what we call being human, and that makes you different how?
Reply #8 Thursday, May 15, 2008 12:57 AM
Reply #9 Thursday, May 15, 2008 12:58 AM
Reply #10 Thursday, May 15, 2008 1:08 AM
PS Brad, thanks for taking my "advice" post in the other thread in the spirit it was intended.
Reply #11 Thursday, May 15, 2008 1:44 AM
Reply #12 Thursday, May 15, 2008 3:30 AM
Enjoy debate with their customers on forums or IRC or whatever about everything and not only their products.
Hosting competitor like Samurize (ok little one
) http://www.samurize.com/And helping others website just cause you wanted to do it.
When i saw this and that you and most of your staff been on forums and IRC talking like everybody, about everything; i thought "WOW that's awesome i'd like every company would be like that"
You and Stardock take care of customers' needs
Freedom allow you also to create some piece of softs/games that some others Societies won't even have the idea to create by fear of the fail.
I truly think SD is a great company and you are a great man.
Reply #13 Thursday, May 15, 2008 4:51 AM
Honestly Bard...I understand and appreciate your frustration...but considering what you've accomplished at your age and in the time you have...you don't need to explain anything to anyone. And if people can't deal with your success...sucks to be them!
Enjoy the fruits of your labors, life and your family...don't bother with negative people...its a waste of time and time is something we all have in short supply. Next time you feel the need to write about detractors of your success or your supposed arrogance...grab the kids and go do something fun with them. Its time much better spent. The others aren't going anywhere...literally.
Reply #14 Thursday, May 15, 2008 6:35 AM
Feeling trapped is no fun. I respect your attitude towards personal freedom completely.
Reply #15 Thursday, May 15, 2008 6:54 AM
I have much respect for you and your 'little' $20 million/year company ($20 mil....you suck!!!
).....Keep it up, Brad. My suggestion to all those who don't like what you have to say: DON'T READ IT!
Good job!!!
(and where the hell are the new smilies?)
Reply #16 Thursday, May 15, 2008 8:01 AM
So go for it and piss on what others think. 
Reply #17 Thursday, May 15, 2008 8:22 AM
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It's because I love you |
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Once we walked together |
"Because I love you" by Masters Apprentices
Reply #18 Thursday, May 15, 2008 8:25 AM
Jafo and formatting just don't get on.....dang this copy/paste....
[and the typos ain't mine]
Reply #19 Thursday, May 15, 2008 8:36 AM
Just the other day, while flying to Europe, my Private jet had engine failure. I did manage to find other avenues and was forced to take a Charter the rest of the way.
Can you believe, I acually had to open my own bottle of wine? Now I know how the little people feel.
Terrible, I say. Just terrible.
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Reply #1 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 10:41 PM