I think the year was 2006, or maybe it was 2007.
In any case, Myspace was hot and on a ridiculous trajectory as it introduced social networking to the masses. I had been using it since its very first days. As user ID #3201, I was apparently an early adopter even back then.
During that same time, I was basically toiling as a crappy Web developer working on boring websites. I wanted to work at Myspace badly. I mean really badly. I applied for nearly every job it posted–even if I didn’t completely understand the role or job title. Myspace never returned my many job applications, so I ended up taking a different path. Perhaps the company sensed my desperation. More likely, it just had too many applications to manage. The stories coming out of Myspace were as sensational as its traffic growth, so there was a great deal of interest in working there.
Fast forward a few years to late 2009. I found myself sitting in the lobby of Myspace in Beverly Hills. By now, a few things had changed. For one, the company’s trajectory was a little different. I also didn’t have to beg for a job this time. No, instead the company would be pushing me to join–selling it as a big opportunity to make an impact.
They didn’t have to push though.
I would say “yes” mostly because I loved the story behind Myspace. Los Angeles doesn’t have many huge Web players. I almost felt it was my obligation to the city and tech community to try. Try what? To try and make something happen. If we could only move the needle enough, perhaps we could save the iconic Internet destination that Myspace is. Furthermore, to do that alongside Mike Jones and the many other world-class colleagues at Myspace was a dream ride.
Today, however, that journey ends. It was my last day along with majority of my team that handled Online Marketing. I want to send a “thank you” to the team that continuously worked through many challenging situations with both style and class.
As far as what’s next for me, I’m happy to say not much right now. I’m going to enjoy some time with my family and sit on a few beaches. When I’m back though, I plan to return to the start-up world.
I’ve missed it so.
Around the Web:
- Myspace to Be Sold to Specific Media for $35 Million
- Myspace Acquired, CEO Out: Email From Mike Jones
- News Corporation Sells MySpace for $35 Million
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Sean Percival is an internet entrepreneur based in Los Angeles, California.
June 29th, 2011 at 10:12 pm
Good luck Sean! We will all be looking forward to what you get into next. Enjoy the down time.
June 29th, 2011 at 10:16 pm
Really looking forward to seeing what you’re going to do next, and seeing more of you in SF!
We’ve got a place for you to crash anytime :)
June 29th, 2011 at 10:33 pm
Good luck…looking forward to what’s next…
June 29th, 2011 at 10:41 pm
Good luck Sean!
June 29th, 2011 at 10:48 pm
It was nice to cross paths in the MySpace halls. I hope we cross paths again soon!
June 29th, 2011 at 10:48 pm
You’re going to continue doing awesome things Sean, maybe some day we’ll work together, I’d love to.
June 30th, 2011 at 12:12 am
Charlotte will go nuts having both mummy AND daddy home. Enjoy your reprieve. :-)
June 30th, 2011 at 12:37 am
It was nice working with you again, Sean, even if it didn’t last as long as we all would have liked.
Good luck with whatever your future holds. I have no doubt great things are in store for you.
June 30th, 2011 at 12:43 am
While I am sad with the outcome, I am excited to see what the future holds. Enjoy your family, spend all the time you can with Charlotte and relax. I will be watching to see your next step and wish you luck in whichever direction you head!
June 30th, 2011 at 12:51 am
[...] moment in time and an impossible problem to solve. Was proud to be a part of it.” He later blogged of his imminent return to startup world, where no doubt he’ll continue to have great success [...]
June 30th, 2011 at 12:53 am
Can’t wait to read about your next move, Sean.
June 30th, 2011 at 12:58 am
Beaches and beer.
June 30th, 2011 at 1:20 am
Good luck Sean. Will be interesting to see where you go next.
And look out for a chipmunk…(that statement will make some semblance of sense soon.)
June 30th, 2011 at 1:53 am
Best of luck Sean – the beach sounds like a great place right about now. Whatever startup you join upon your return will be lucky to have you.
June 30th, 2011 at 2:08 am
It was great working with you Sean.
June 30th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
Best of luck to your next adventure Sean. Thanks so much for your teaching and mentoring at Myspace. Enjoy the nice summer with princess Charlotte. Looking forward to seeing you return soon!