Greeter_Canuck
Members
22
June 2003
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Well as many of you know me I have been working for THERE as Greeter_Canuck since early last year. Today I got informed that the company is cutting back in staff and myself and other inworld CSR folks have been let go... Unfortunately we were not informed who got to keep their jobs only that seniority does not play any factor in this decision nor does job performance.
This brings great sadness to me because I considered many of you friends even though I was sometimes too busy to chit-chat like I would have liked to. Mainly too busy because I put everything into this job and always went above and beyond my call of duty to help folks.
Tonight will be my last day as well as several other Greeters. The sad part is I just bought a new car yesterday and now let go without notice kinda hurts 
So let me bring this to a close and wish you all well in your future paths where ever that may be and if anyone wishs to keep in touch I welcome your emails to john@online-solutions.org
Kindest Regards,
John R. Marshe
(Ex Greeter_Canuck)
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River
Members
29
Feb. 2003
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Jan. 07 2004, 5:21 pm |
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Well guys it's been fun.. Most of the time it's even been a blast. And I'm sad to say goodbye as well.
I worked since the middle of last year hosting events in There and I met a lot of absolutely wonderful people that I'll miss very much. I hope you enjoyed this time as much as I have and that you willl all continue to have fun in there.
With the risk of sounding like I'm accepting an oscar instead of being laid off here I would also like to thank all the great people who welcomed me into the community when I was new and made me want to create my own fun in there.
Tonight's my last night as an event host but after that I'm sure I'll pop in to say "hi" every now and then as well as do some asskicking in my buggy 
I wish you all the best of times and lots of love to go around.
If you haven't had enough of me yet I can still be reached most hours in the spots below:
AIM: Allgo12
MSN: danwestin523@hotmail.com
ICQ: 177437930
email: danwestin@bredband.net
home: < http://allgoodnames.no-ip.info/ >
Goodnight and goodbye 
-River/Dan
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greeter_july
Members
1
Jan. 2004
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My time is up as well. I have truly enjoyed There with all of you and I just hope I've been a help when when you needed it and brought a smile to everyone who I had contact with. For all of you I told to contact me anytime with your questions, I'm sorry I won't be able to be your point of contact but I know there are many in the community that are willing and able to help you!
To all my fellow employees, I wish you the best! You are one crazy, fun bunch of peeps....Nucky, I'll miss you the most those events we hosted, the high 5's we shared when we accomplished our goals and the IM's we kept going to support each other were awesome.....
Goodluck to everyone and peace out!
'bow 'wave 'tu
Greeter_July
Kitty
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mackie
Members
678
Feb. 2003
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Heh.... they can stop paying my hiney but I'm still a partying FOOL!!! 
 I will continue with my schedule til I do find something cos ya know what??? There is FUN and I love it!
See ya in there!
Mackie 
Lifeinthere.com
Real News for a Virtual World
So... wheres that "I don't work here" shirt in auctions?   Bamaboo, you are whack... straight and true! Good thing I love you! Pass the popcorn please!
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lostangel
Members
1
Sep. 2003
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'hugs to Canuck and to River..
I feel sort of lost here trying to think of the right words to say. I, too, was just hired on in December as a Live Event Host by THERE. My work avie's name is Xia.
I got a call today that I, too, am cut from the roster as are many others. 
It's hard to not be selfish and feel sorry for myself, but then I think about others that have been there forever and a day and shaped THERE to be the wonderful community that it is, and I really feel sick inside for them.  
Xia will NOT be dead...nor Lostangel, and I am planning on sticking it out w/ THERE and continue to meet the NICEST people on the net and have a ball doing it! 
So if you see an event hosted by either avie, come by and say hi! Hopefully, things will turn around and the community as a whole will continue to ROCK out in THERE, and have a blast to make it the wonderful place that it is and will continue to be.
If you want to contact me, you are welcome, so please do.  Here's my info:
Email: lostangel_us@hotmail.com
AIM : XiaTHERE
ICQ: 16268061
Yahoo:lostangel_us@yahoo.com
MSN: lostangel_us@hotmail.com
Well, thats it for now... Later guys!!
'hugs & 'blowkisses... I wish that I could have had a chance to serve the community better and A LOT longer  Maybe some other day, eh?
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mackie
Members
678
Feb. 2003
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HEY girl... what are July and I chopped LIVER?!?!?! where are our hugs!?! ROFLMAO!!
Love ya girl and we'll always have BINGO!!!!
see ya later!
Mackie:) Bamaboo, you are whack... straight and true! Good thing I love you! Pass the popcorn please!
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Galilee
Members
27
Sep. 2003
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Sorry to see all of you go. I wish you all the best in whatever you do next.
Interesting that they are cutting down CSR staff.....
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Catlyn
Members
3
Aug. 2003
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Jan. 07 2004, 7:15 pm |
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Wow this is pretty astonishing! Especially the part where they say that neither performance nor seniority were factors in who stayed and who left.
I'm really sorry to hear this news -- and really hope you all stick around and continue to be There ...
Oh btw ... '''hugs to Mackie and July
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Virtual_Vikki
Members
113
Aug. 2003
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I am glad you all were so nice to let us know here that you are leaving. Otherwise I would not have had a clue.
I am very upset about this myself.  Perhaps livid would be the right word!  Why now when you are needed the most (as the masses start to enter There) would they be letting all of you go? I understand you probably can't answer that question...
At this point There should be hiring MORE people not laying more people off!
I will miss you all very much in the There. You all made There a much better place to be in.
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Innie
Members
28
July 2003
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Oh my!!! Bad There, bad bad There! 
I am gonna miss you guys soooooooo much! I do hope that There really does let you keep your avies. I know oh too many people that have been "let go" to only get home and have their avies turned off, so that they can never log into There again, unless they purchase a new one.
I do hope you get to keep all your stuff, and your avies.
You will be sorely missed! Canuck, I never did get to hang out with you as much as I wanted. BIG GIANT HUGS TO YOU.
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Rickpa
Members
3
Jan. 2004
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This really saddens me.
You people are what makes There great.
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Catlyn
Members
3
Aug. 2003
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Jan. 07 2004, 7:42 pm |
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The news just keeps getting worse and worse -- we just heard from Josie2, and she's also on the list of hosts who've been laid off.
There is not ever going to be the same.
'''sad
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cristiano
Members
22
Feb. 2003
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Not that I would play There these days if someone paid me, but I am still sad to see that they are cutting back on people who have put a tremendous amount of work into helping to make player's experiences worthwhile. During the time I spent in There, I met a lot of the people that have been cut, and I am sorry to hear about this. Thank you for the time that you put into making There a better environment for everyone.
Cristiano
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TopCat
Members
48
Jan. 2004
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DAMN! I always bother greeter canuck when i'm bored.
NOW what do i do?  TopCat - Really Really Mean, because he was abused as a child..
Employee Stalking winners and info can be found here
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BigMike
Members
49
Feb. 2003
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Its a shame to see all these CRS's and others go.... I will you guys especailly july and Mackie You 2 know how to reach me so dont be strangers...
Really sad...
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Pillz
Members
34
Aug. 2003
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I am just.... Sorry I need to go find a corner
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iSpy
Members
10
July 2003
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Sorry to see you all go you all will be missed. But that is life. 
iSpy aka  iSpy There's Spy :Þ
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Iron_Ace
Members
1
Jan. 2004
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I got the axe too. I've been a greeter/tour guide for a year (fired 3-4 days after my 1 year anni with the company actually). The ones that are staying are not happy either, I hope I can speak for them since they cannot speak for themselves.
People are not happy about the way things happened, it could have been better. My biggest disappointment is the great community fostering uniqueness that There brought to the online world is basically dead. Tom's departure for reasons we have not even been told was a big sign I think.
Have fun in There while it lasts, I really enjoyed exploring its many touches and attention to detail.
Iron Ace out...
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iSpy
Members
10
July 2003
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ok if thay go so will I as a "protest" And I am not Joking at all. So is some of you in this with me on this? lets Protest and lets see now how There puts the user 1st This is not a good move There if you need help and call There it can some times take A long time to get help one time I was on the phone for 1 1/2 hr O_O now with the firing (and yes I say firing) it will take longer to get help. If there keeps this up and not fixs the bugs There will be gone by may. There stop adding stuff and just fix the bugs. by adding more you just add more and more bugs. and if you have to let some of the hosts and greeters go give thim 2 weeks. (in my book if you let some one go just like that it is called a fireing) not cool at all.
this mybe my GOOD BYE! iSpy There's Spy :Þ
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oli
Members
84
June 2003
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I don't know what to say to all of you that have lost your jobs. I am lousy at saying goodbyes but I just wanted to post something here... to acknowledge that you all are saying your goodbyes to the rest of the community.... your community.... our community.
I think I have met all of you at least once, some more. And I really mean this when I say I have so much appreciated all your help, and your patience, and your upbeat, wonderful attitudes whenever I've seen any of you.
I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that I really appreciate all you've done to help us and for your dedication to this There world and to trying to help it be fun for all of us.
I wish you each the very best in whatever comes your way and I hope that cliche holds true now.... the one that goes something like a "blessing in disguise".
((((((((((((((((((((((((((Greeter_Canuck+Greeter_July+River+Xia+Mackie+IronAce and anyone else I forgot))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) hugs to all of you.
oli
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Daemona
Members
994
Feb. 2003
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I am neither shocked nor surprised about this. I am saddened by how it played out. They could have been decent and given you guys two weeks notice like normal companies do.
But come on guys let's dry the tears. As far as I know nobody has been banned from playing right? Everyone can still play as a normal avatar?
Growing pains HURT, but we can only move forward if we can make necessary sacrifices even if they do suck at the time. I am just trying to keep an optimistic outlook here. To do otherwise is to entertain thoughts of the end of There, and I am just not ready to hang up my hat just yet.
I am not understanding why everyone is saying good bye. Have the laid off employees been told not to come in world and play with us? I hope not. If so then that's a whole other kettle of fish.
Yes, let's allow ourselves to feel the loss of days gone past, but let's try not to lose sight of the future. Yes, these employees contributed immeasurably to our community, but the regular members have contributed just as much if not more. Let's pull together and support one another in our various endeavors.
I think many of us are in shock. Once we get our bearings let's come together stronger than ever before to take this game into 2004 and make it even better. I don't have all the answers but I'm sure if we put our heads together we can come up with something brilliant and lasting.
So I'm sending out a great big hug to everyone who got let go today and everyone who came to love them in this game. But please don't think for one minute that any of you have nothing left to contribute just because There laid you off. Please consider coming back to us and continue being our friends. As much as we pestered or bugged you it was all out of love. You are welcome among us regardless of your employment status. You were already in our hearts, come be a part of our community as one of us now. Sin like you mean it!
"I love the life but I never sold my soul" {Kid Rock}
http://www.angelfire.com/rpg2/mafioso/pics.html
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Orixx
Members
8
Dec. 2003
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that sucks... I'm Sorry Canuck, about your car delimma.. It will work out. With your experience with this game, you can probably find a good job soon.
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Greeter_Canuck
Members
22
June 2003
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Daemona,
I won't speak for everyone but you know THERE wasn't a game for us.. It wasn't paid in T$ ... It was our main source of INCOME.. For myself at least logging into THERE on my play avie is painful.. Knowing that I should be getting paid and doing my job like I have been for 7 months... Knowing that my rent is getting paid, my credit cards getting paid, my christmas franklin blues getting paid etc etc...
Its not as easy as it sounds to just pickup and move on within THERE for us.. Atleast not for me...
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Galilee
Members
27
Sep. 2003
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I feel for you Canuck. How could they let such dedicated and hard workers go without any notice? If this is a sign of things to come from There, then who knows how bad they will screw us paying customers over.
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ravioli
Members
5
Dec. 2003
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Jan. 08 2004, 3:04 am |
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i have to agree with Daemona here, it is not cool to lose ya job in this way but honestly if you was only in there to make money and thats gone and you dont want to play no more then why bother?
i know thats kinda rude to say it this way but if they was paying for basically gm support like eq or sumthin and it was your main income then wo mang :P
i also dont think chat logs and this post should be made it seems more like there bashing and that its over....when its not. seems like a goodbye but is more like a screw you to a job for firing you.
sorry, i know im a ass
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Greeter_Canuck
Members
22
June 2003
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ravioli,
How much do you pay rent?
What is your car payment?
What is your insurance payment?
How many credit cards do you pay?
Any student loans?
Life insurance?
Any kids?
To some people THERE was just a game.. Yes a game.. a community online... What you dont seem to understand is that to many of us THERE was our fulltime jobs that paid all our bills...
Hell yeah I am going to bash THERE.. They lied to us.. Flat out! They lied to us at the worst time of year and AFTER we spent our money they told us the truth.. Your JOB is gone...
Can we take any legal action? Nope, not a bit.. How can we seek justice? Bashing I guess if thats what you want to call it.. I personally call it INFORMING MEMBERS OF INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW!!! Big difference... HUGE difference..
Paying members need to know that they lost customer service that THEY PAID FOR!!!
Paying members need to know that the company they paid is having major internal problems with not only lack of direction but also lack of funds!!!
Tomorrow I have a meeting with my first manager before Levi_Jones was hired who I believe was a core source of the problems THERE has seen over the past few months...
I am requesting that THERE give ALL of us EMPLOYEES some sort of severance package because they were dishonest with us.. Two weeks notice should have been used.. If not they should have given us two weeks pay..
The only way I can see a person not understanding that is if the person never had a real job with real responsabilities..
My next step is if THERE doesn't do anything to offer us EMPLOYEES something to help us get by till we find another job (such as 2 weeks pay) then I will be taking all the info I have on the dishonesty of the company to their sponsors. Grant it they probably have contracts with the sponsors in writing but I doubt they will want the sponsor's investigating them with a possibility of refusing to renew their contracts.
Now look over on There.com forums.. Do you see any topics started by THERE saying they had some problems and had to fire more than half their staff? Nope! You dont see that! Because it does not exsist!
I'll come out looking like the bad guy here maybe but you know what? I do not care! Because I have not only myself in interest but also the members and SOME of those members will thank me later!
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ravioli
Members
5
Dec. 2003
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i understand where your coming from here ..that is a terrible way to fire all the people, but i was kinda shocked reading this because i figured they paid in there bucks or sumthing.
for one if i had all your responsabilities of car payment, rent, student loans and kids ...i would not have a there job as my main income, btw im very much a bum.
i could of told u when tom was takin out, fired, left whatever that you should prob not have this as your main income.
your not looking like a bad guy really your just sticking up for what you beleive in but im tryin to see this from both sides, id think there would be losing money if they paid helpers the way they do, ive talked to a helper maybe twice.
i can see this thread goin into a flame war or sumthing, not meaning to attack anyone just stating my thoughts on it 
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Numtini
Members
1
Jan. 2004
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| Quote (Greeter_Canuck @ Jan. 08 2004, 3:24 am) | |
Someone at THERE has never heard of the EA/UO and AOL lawsuits and the fair labor standards act. You can't replace employees with volunteers. It's not legal. Even if not requested, for-profit businesses are required to pay minimum wage. You cannot volunteer labor to a for-profit business, it's been used too many times historically to rip off workers with claims that it will lead to a full time job, with claims that unpaid overtime was volunteering, etc.
Unless event hosting and newbie helping rewards come to T$9203.05/hour, which is minimum wage converted into T$. And I'm not sure how exactly that would work.
It does sound to me like the in game staff was way too big and There is obviously not doing well financially and the virtual world market is littered with failures. And honestly, while some individuals shined, as a whole, the customer service staff don't seem to have done very much. That's poor management more than anything else though.
But Levi blew it big time when he said they were being replaced with players. That's not asking for a lawsuit, that's begging for it.
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No_Doubt_Chik
Members
349
Sep. 2003
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Canuck and July and all the others, I'm so sorry to hear about this. I hope things work out for ya'll in the future. Here's a little pic of my memories with a couple of you. Thanx for the good time and you will be missed.
And Canuck, I'm sure Tobius would want to say goodbye to you too but since he won't be back for another month I thought I'd say it for him. G'day mate.
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Marcy_D
Members
53
May 2003
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Get wise folks....There terminating en masse Customer Service is a definate herald of a Company Sale...believe it! Marcy_D
"It is not our abilities that show who we truly are, it is our choices" ~ Professor Dumbledore
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MarcusD
Members
10
Nov. 2003
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| Quote (Marcy_D @ Jan. 08 2004, 9:07 am) | | Get wise folks....There terminating en masse Customer Service is a definate herald of a Company Sale...believe it! |
I believe it!
If it is true that the layoffs were across all departments and even some VP's, then the only way it makes sense is There is being sold!! 
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_Jackson
Members
95
Nov. 2003
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| Quote (MarcusD @ Jan. 08 2004, 11:11 am) | | Quote (Marcy_D @ Jan. 08 2004, 9:07 am) | | Get wise folks....There terminating en masse Customer Service is a definate herald of a Company Sale...believe it! |
I believe it!
If it is true that the layoffs were across all departments and even some VP's, then the only way it makes sense is There is being sold!! |
well..... no.
lay-offs are almost always aimed at keeping a company afloat. here in southwest michigan we have lost 50,000+ jobs over the past year to layoffs and plant closures, and it's purely because these companies are trying to keep their financial boat above water. as malicious as this layoff of There employees sounds, it's not much different from an auto worker who gets a pink slip. i can only send my warmest sympathy and regards to the affected people and wish them best of fortune in finding new employment. i would also recommend not getting tangled in any legal action with There, in favor of moving on and finding more honest and trustworthy employers as quickly as possible. "I'll take your best shot."
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Marcy_D
Members
53
May 2003
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Wait and see Jackson...wait and see...
This isn't the auto industry/manufacturing...this is hi-tech. Furthermore, those industries layoff relational to sales and labor costs that are cheaper in foreign countries.
There's labor costs are tied to this country...they are not going to farm out labor to lower end countries (the scale is too small...though there are ways to do that easily and cheaply for large scale firms). They are just now going public and now is when their sales are largely starting.
Here is an interesting bit of "food for thought". I recently took a survey for Yahoo. They are interested in opinions on offering an avatar service. They asked LOTS of questions about There specifically and described an environment and system just like There's...only difference was that the avatars and such would be extendable to the Yahoo environment including IM....
*things that make you go hmmmmmmm* Marcy_D
"It is not our abilities that show who we truly are, it is our choices" ~ Professor Dumbledore
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vyrjames
Members
164
July 2003
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First off let me say that I'm terribly sorry to see you guys go. When I started I got to know just about all the greeters that were online at the time. You guys were shafted in this situation and that's a shame. However, we as players do need to understand that for some this was the way they made their living so there will (and should be) some grieving and some bitterness at the way this termination was handled. I don't have a lot of experience with online gaming, but the one thing I think THERE has started to fall short on is their customer service. I know these guys and I know that they ALWAYS went above and beyond the call of duty. This is a blow that will definitely be felt by remaining players. This is also a opportunity for us in the Buddy Program to step up and improve our assistance.
John... you know you'll always hold a special place in my heart. You weren't officially my greeter, but you adopted me and showed me the ropes. You shared with me all your knowledge of THERE and gave me the tools to go out and help other people. There is a wonderful man behind the avatar and I'm thankful that I was lucky enough to get to him personally. You know that I'm here for you if you just need to talk or whatever.
Once again, good luck to everyone in finding better opportunities than you even imagined. If you need "references" from your customers (all the THERIANS that you've helped along the way) please feel free to contact me and I will get a team together to provide accounts of the awesome help and friendship you've given. We know that job performance wasn't the problem. So... GOOD LUCK!!!!!!! VJ
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Elvie
Members
19
Nov. 2003
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I am very sorry for everyone who lost their job yesterday. I know how painful it is as my husband recently went through layoffs with his company. I also understand that companies must make these decisions. However, I am disgusted by how There handled it. I don't think many people realized that these were full time jobs paid in real money to support real households. With this in mind, I am shocked that you were all laid off without notice or compensation! I will keep you all in my thoughts and hope that you find new employment quickly. {hugs}
I hope that many of you chose to stay on game, although I understand completely if you don't. To those we won't see again, an Irish blessing that is a favorite of mine:
"May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain."
Cheers,
Elvie
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BOINCer
Members
592
Aug. 2003
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I heard about the layoffs last night and was shocked! The only person involved that I know is Mackie, but I am still so sorry to that any of you have lost your jobs! Good luck and God bless!
I think Marcy may be right, as much as I hate to admit it. With the layoffs and the fact that the new Beta has been quietly ignored makes one think something bad is up! Then I look at the problems we were having last night and I wonder if they are in over their heads. BOINCer, but you may call me Bo
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Hula
Members
48
Sep. 2003
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Aloha my dear There Ohana (family)...
I've held off posting. I needed time to gather my feelings and thoughts. Today, I wanted to send my heartfelt love and appreciation to ALL my co-workers, both those departing their role with There and those staying on, and our wonderful member community.
I am still with There. I will continue on as best I can and in honor and tribute to everyone, both member and staff, that has created this very special world of ours. I do this because There is unlike anywhere I've ever had the pleasure of working before, in that it is about "people" and "community". I have both a personal and emotional attachment to everything and everyone associated with There.
But, that has never been my experience with a company before. At 47, I started in "high-tech" in 1979 (ouch). Since then, I've been through around 8 or 9 major company upheavals, including: Osborne Computer's "rise and fall to poof", IUS' sale to Computer Associates, Computer Associates' ongoing restructures (too many to keep track of), Breakthrough Software's sale to Symantec, Symantec's reorganization after multiple acquisition (4 times BTW, resulting in massive success), Tool Technology's sale to Microsoft, UMAX's change of executive staff, teams, and subsequent restructures (3 times BTW, all resulting in massive growth for both company and staff - new and old), and Baltimore Technologies' closure of their US operations and removal from NASDAQ...
As you can see, not all the above experiences resulted in the company's demise. However, each of the above experiences were NEVER pleasant to go through - for either remote or internal staff, for those that were departing or those that remained, and regardless of staff "level" or "position" within the companies. IMHO, change is never comfortable, but it is sometimes necessary.
I have been both "employee" and "self-employed independent contractor or consultant" in the various relationships to the companies that I have been associated with. Whether employee on "salary" or "self-employed" and invoicing for my services, not all relationships ended up positive, nor did all relationships end in tragedy. Regardless of good and bad outcomes, I would not change any of my past experiences if give a choice today. They are partly what molded me into the person I am now and I'm kinda proud of that fact!
I value each experience itself for what it taught me along the way. I certainly value the connections and relationships made during each experience. My father once told me, "You never burn a "bridge" that you have made (respective company, professional, or personal relationship), as you never know where that "bridge" may lead you in the future. And, in my case, it has lead me to some GREAT places, including There
What I will not do now is speculate. To do so would either minimize the true possibility and greatness for success or wish demise upon that possibility. Nope... I won't go there.
I am an independant contractor. Self-employed and contracted by There to fulfill a role, do a job needing to be done, and that I invoice them and get paid for. That is what I have been and am fortunate to still be. I will do my best and be happy to do it for the members, the community, the company, and MYSELF.
Why? Because I choose to and love it.
In closing, my sincerest hopes for much success go to those that are now faced with the challenge to make changes, whether former staff, current staff, or member. May your opportunities be wonderful, rewarding, and positive!
Kacey, Xia, Josie, River, Mackie... I love you.
C. Keiki Stacy
Hula in There
In-World Live Programming, Events, and Event Staff Coordinator
There, Inc. Hula
Live Programming and Events Coordinator
Event Host Team
There, Inc.
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switch_79
Members
268
July 2003
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My 2 cents:
Those of you saying that the laid-off greeters and CS people should move on have got some f*ckin NERVE. IT WAS THEIR JOB, GET IT THROUGH YOUR HEAD! It wasn't their little escape from reality, jesus. They DEPENDED on their employment to make things work in RL. How hard a concept is that to grasp? My god! 
Anyway, my heart goes out to those who got the brunt of the sh*t from this very sudden layoff. I hope your lives normalize as quick as humanly possible. If i were you, I'd never look back.
*mumble at no one in particular* f*ckin bastards. 
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teara
Members
84
June 2003
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Jan. 08 2004, 1:44 pm |
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I am "coming out of the closet" so to speak. I was recently (very recently) hired by There as an event host. I believed so much in the concept I took a risk gave up my position at a group home, and plunged right in!
It was a GREAT one month contract. I knew that there was risk taking this contract that it may not last forever.
I made some fantastic friends, hosted so way cool events (lol IMHO) and it was worth it.
Am I screwed that I do not have a steady income? A lil but hey I have never been unemployed long and I stayed on call at the agencey I had a position with so I have hope something will come up soon!
As for There....it may not ever be the same....but maybe change is good. This does open the doors for community members to step up and give amazing tours, teach macro classes and have a blast as the event hosts, greeters and the rest did.
My hope (and yeah I have always wore rose coloured glasses) is that this is the beginning for There, not the end!
Love all the people I worked with to pieces, and all the avies that supported me!
Hula, Mackie, Xia, Josie, Minai, Krystal, m0nkey, Greeter Peggy Sue, Jeffery and the rest......It was an honour working with u all......no regrets b/c u are a team of amazing people that made me a better person!
~teara~
May it always be Uber Sexy ..... And the Mohawk Revolution will never die!
Keep it Uber Sexy!
Scandelous Porscha Scandelous
Hoot Hoot
http://home.cogeco.ca/~teara
www.lifeinthere.com
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mackie
Members
678
Feb. 2003
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 Thank you Keiks you know I adore you and will support you if you ever need/want a lil  mackinatiousness roflmao and you better or I'll 'giddyup ya 'til you say "uncle" teehee
There is a wonderful place and you and your events and planning make a place I *wanna* be! 
Love you my sweet dear typonic sister!
Mackie! Bamaboo, you are whack... straight and true! Good thing I love you! Pass the popcorn please!
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Tikki
Members
32
July 2003
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Having bills you thought you could pay but suddenly can't is just awful. It must be a horrible shock losing your job with no notice after you've been assured it was safe.
Greeter_Canuck, I never had the pleasure of meeting you in world, but I hope you soon move onto better things and are able to keep your finances out of the red.
My very, very best wishes to you.
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Cirris
Members
22
Mar. 2003
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i'm really sad for all of the people let go. I knew alot of them .... i had a chance to talk to mackie last night. She's such a sweetheart about it. You'd think she won the lottery.. not just got let go from There.
from what i've heard from articles and whatnot This was ugly mess the way it happened. But in there's history it's just another installment of lousy attempts to do something.
They hire people and pull them away from other jobs just to fire them one month later. They tell people to take a few weeks off and come back and then "can" them. How can a company care about how it treats it's customers when they don't even treat their own employees with respect, class, and dignity. I'm not mad at There at letting people go.. in business world things like this happen. But i Cannot stand for F*CKING BACK STABBING MANAGEMENT practices. When you let people go you give them their two weeks and apologize to them. You don't lie to them and treat them like #### and shut the door in their face.
well... that's enough of that.... let's get back to the tough part.
I hope some of the Ex-Members stop by and say hi. I know mackie said she ain't goin nowhere. God she's such a sweetheart . Josie's quest's were a great part of There's growth They will sorely be missed. i hope she still does one from time to time for fun. all the greeters i've met and helpers, thank you..especially canuck who i've met the most. I hope teara and xia haven't been soiled by what's happened. I can understand resentment. yeah there were risks but There shouldn't have promised you anything when they pretty much had already in their mind they were going to do this.
I hope this isn't Goodbye for good... but if it is.
Good luck to you.. and luv ya all.
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Greeter_Canuck
Members
22
June 2003
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I couldnt have said it better myself Cirris!!!
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mackie
Members
678
Feb. 2003
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well cripeys Cirris... I'm not happy bout losing my employment... just happy that There found a solution.. bummed I am part of the fat they trimmed of course, cos indeed I loved my job.. but as a member, I can still do it .. so.. there we go..
Macksters Bamaboo, you are whack... straight and true! Good thing I love you! Pass the popcorn please!
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HUGSaLOT
Members
50
Feb. 2003
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This is a TOTAL shock to me. After all this time I've been rather ticked off at the fact I was never hired by there, after applying nearly year ago, and a few times after that since... I got nothing, and now this happens.
Canuck and I had this little contest that we didn't sign up for. There was this voting contest on who was most likely to be hired by There (among other topics).. and for a while I was winning, but Canuck got the last vote and won.
I still wonder if I would have been hired of I got that last vote. However we both knew that this contest had nothing to do with getting an actual job... but then Canuck did, and im sure that little voting contest helped.
So, I'm almost glad I wasn't hired or I would be SO bitter right now because I'm quite sure I would have been let go also. Because I would have had ALSO made There my entire life, even more so what it already is. It would have made it my meal ticket. But now... I realize now that would have not been a wise thing to do, I should learn something from this.
As for severance pay... I believe all of you guys were contract workers, so I don't think you were entitled to one, or any other benefits. In fact you probably didn't have any tax withholdings, so you'd probably have to pay this year (except for Canuck he's in Canada).
Also I remember back to wards mid PB3 they hired a bunch of workers when all kinds of CRAP was going wrong. Submissions were backed up, lag was horrid every wednesday when There would invite 6000 more newbies into the beta that week. We would get forced teleported to some weird place on the side of a hill. It sucked. Those people were temporary hires to work on submissions and lifetime membership sign ups, etc. So that might explain the bulk of the lay offs they had yesterday since I don't think they need them anymore.
I'm really more worried about the things that Canuck had said in this thread in regards to There it self. Internal struggles, lack of focus, lack of money; it would explain a lot from what we see out here.
If people like me (Mentors and event hosts) are replacing paid employees like Canuck, July, and Mackie.. then I feel like I took their jobs from them. And we get paid diddly SQUAT compared to what employees got. I get like 50k of T$ a week roughly, and that's about $27 US, but I'll be lucky if I can get $25 since selling T$ is different exchange rate. Plus I have to work up a good amount of T$ before I can sell it to anyone.
I sold 1mill in T$ last month for just $455 us, and that's basically about 8 months worth of working to get that money. I don't want to do the math on that but I'm sure that's WELL below minimum wage even in 3rd world countries.
It costs There nothing to give us this T$. Even there Bankers are worried if the T$ they bought will be worth anything later, and a lot of them don't want to buy any T$ right now. After this news I don't think they will be as comfortable now.
Time after time we would see examples of what the left hand was doing and the right hand was doing something else. Contradictions in policies, and what not. All of this may also shed some light on why Tom stepped down as CEO.
Who really knows. When it comes to companies of ANY size they can't tell people everything that goes on behind the doors of a meeting. Even if it's GOOD stuff that's going on, they want to keep it private.. and they are entitled to that.
And we complain about all the drama that occurs in world, and on message boards.
I just hope they don't SCREW it up in the long run.
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HUGSaLOT
Members
50
Feb. 2003
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Also, why is everyone assuming these folks who got let go are LEAVING? Their work avatars might be suspended, but I'm sure most of these guys still have their regular avatars they created back during the beta, and probably have lifetime memberships too.
So Canuck, are you going to use your old avatar, or are you to pissed to use it anymore? Maybe in the future? What about everyone else who has been let go? July? Mackie?
__ HUGSaLOT
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River
Members
29
Feb. 2003
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While I am as many others leaving very dissapointed in how things were handled and in the end how we were treated, I also still very much love the people in There and I will still come in and play with you guys whenever I can.
Maybe sometime in the future they'll start hiring hosts again and then I'll be sure to be in the lineup, but atm I am worried how there will fare even after they've "cut their losses".
I wish There and everyone in it the best of luck and I hope to see you around soon.
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Greeter_Canuck
Members
22
June 2003
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We all got to keep our play avatars and I have logged in twice for a few minutes. To be honest for me, personally, its rather upsetting when Im in THERE but I have made hundreds of friends and don't want to let that go so maybe when I get my life back on track I'll start to hang out in THERE again.
Canuck
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mackie
Members
678
Feb. 2003
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Hi all!
here is an assortment of replies I have made regarding the layoffs-- you can just call me "pollyanna"
posted the following on "so there" forum in response to some posts thinking that we are all disgruntled or feel betrayed I certainly do not..
| Quote | I am not leaving There, I will be a plain old member now.. and a member of MAB ''yay' I will miss the nightly chat rooms with helpers, greeters and other event hosts as well as all that lovely paperworrk roflmao!! 'wink'wink!
"I understand yours' and others' frustration and confusion but... we were not fired and were not let go because they didnt appreciate us... they needed to cut back.. plain and simple.. I am not naive enough to think I am a better host than any of the member hosts! It makes sense to cut us...
I have fun and I will continue to! The paycheck was a bonus!
I spoke with Josie and she too is going to continue with her quests as I continue with my events!
relax... this IS for the betterment... of course I am not leaping for joy over it in my selfish mode, but if this is what it needs then I am behind it. There is nothing for me to gain by being negative... I still love There!
I don't mean to sound all pollyannish but .. I figure ya'all need to hear it. I am not scared, I don't relish looking for a job tomorrow, but I do look for There to be my escape just like you do.. and I want that for a long time to come!" |
in response from official forums...
| Quote | Thank you Innie, but see I don't feel I was ever lied to... They were extremely outright in talking to me when I spoke with Levi and Nicole yesterday.. I was in shock, I'll admit, but they compassionaltely waited for me to collect my thoughts and answered any and every question I had, and then offered their cell phone numbers for anything I might think of later.. In fact, I did call back about an hour later.... to inquire about this very topic and they took extra time to discuss all the questions I had.
I am so ill about how Canuck feels.. I adored working with him and know he is a wonderful man! I'm saddened about his and all of our circumstances, not that I think there will ever be an ideal time to be let go... basically from my genious friend at There, he basically called it "trimming the fat and knicking the bone..." (Heh, imagine the razzing he got for calling me FAT teehee) for financial reasons only. I have been assured over and over that these layoffs have nothing to do with our job performance! |
"And who else besides Mackie could possible put up with all those 'buzzin related errors while attempting to do trivia on a stage?" -- virtual_Vikki
| Quote | ROFLMAO hahahha you know it sister! The other event hosts made fun of me for still using them! hahaha...
And as for how I was let go, indeed I thought they handled it quite wonderfully and you know what -- I feel for them now ... how many companies have a forum that has everyone questioning their moves ...
Keiks, you better call me up if ya need me for anything ok? You are a great asset to There and we all love you dearly!
ok ok enough of my jabberjaws...
Have a great day! |
"WEEBLES WOBBLE BUT WE DON'T FALL DOWN!"
Mackie
Lifeinthere.com
Real News for a Virtual World Bamaboo, you are whack... straight and true! Good thing I love you! Pass the popcorn please!
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Cirris
Members
22
Mar. 2003
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mackie your a pollyanna! 
you put up a brave face about it... thats why i said what i said. I know your sad about losing your job and all. heck you still do all your events like your still working for There.
i said my piece about the situation. nuff said there.
but i'm still wishing you all the best. and i can't wait for another interactive storytelling session mackie 
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HUGSaLOT
Members
50
Feb. 2003
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The one sinking feeling I'm having now is I feel like (as a mentor) that I replaced people like Canuck for his job, simply because a mentor is "more cost efficient" since I get paid peanuts (umm I mean therebucks) compared to that employees get paid.
However, I don't work around the clock from 5-11pm, and I can slack off any time I wish, or work any time I wish since newbies get online at any hour; or not work at all! Plus I'm not stuck in Mirage all day waiting for newbies to appear! LOL
BTW, Canuck is your play avatar still a mentor?
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BOINCer
Members
592
Aug. 2003
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In the past few months I've seen more and more Avies hosting events, and quality ones at that. With this heightened activity I'm sure There Mgmt. felt that they had reached a point where they no longer needed to hire contractors to keep us busy/happy. This could have been part of the business plan from the start. The same goes for Mentors as has been mentioned in this thread. So, it seems that There has built up a large enough volunteer force to move forward without the paid positions. Just my observations. BOINCer, but you may call me Bo
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Greeter_Eve
Members
1
Jan. 2004
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Jan. 11 2004, 4:06 am |
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'hmmm
Thought I'd make a post... though to be honest there's no way in HELL am I saying "GOOD-BYE!"! 
I'll probably take a job overseas again, but There will always be there, so there! 
I can't say that I'm sad about being terminated, but I'm not happy about it either. I'm more on the lines of thinking like Martin Sheen in the West Wing, "What's Next?" 
I will say that I'll miss hanging out in the office TPing cubicles (I only did it once m0nk4y), placing post-it notes on everything in another cubicle (thought I'd help out MargoLuna), being offered candy and sugar (thanks for the orange altoids Greeter_Alex) messing about with someone's computer so he can't log in or use his mouse (Greeter_PHD you were askin' for it), or just having a sugar high and shooting the fodder with Helper_Chareve (she's so great!! I love her).... but I guess what i'll miss most is forcing myself not to shoot unsuspecting newbies with a paintgun... (I'm a big Newbie Hunter fan) It was a matter of honor see - it wasn't a fair fight. Usually I would loan them a paintgun and then the greeting would start!!!  MWhahahahaaaa!!! ................. :0 .................. 
But hey, I had fun as Greeter and I certainly will do my best to cause delightful havoc in There.
(Oh my gawd, that means I don't have to be sober!!! 'doh did I say that?? delete or not delete that is a question.... .  )
No, I won't grief (Helper_Chareve can be scary when she wants), but I can promise a good whack to all you p33ps with a paintgun every now and then!!
Anyway, I think this my first ever post as Greeter_Eve... LMAO and possibly my last.... I'll come back as some other reincarnation  , you can be sure of that.
So watch your backs, get to typing, and be wary of your honest ears - pleasantries may be my specialty but no one called me evil eve without good reason!
MWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!!!!!
I'll see you There!!!
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mackie
Members
678
Feb. 2003
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heehee chalk up another Polyanna!!!!!
'''hands Evil Eve something other than a "Flaming Banana"! ROFLMAO
Eve, get cocked and loaded.... meet me ... where? Good ole Zephyr or shall we hit the Employee clubhouse some night? Muahahaha.. let's have some fun! *giggle*
Mackie Am I kidding? ROFL Bamaboo, you are whack... straight and true! Good thing I love you! Pass the popcorn please!
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