Frogboy Frogboy

I'm always going to do what I want to do

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I'm always going to do what I want to do

from WinCustomize Forums

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.

 

28,481 views 30 replies
Reply #26 from WinCustomize Forums Top
guy who's really full of himself!
End of quote


I'd be more worried if Brad were full of somebody else... split personalities are a bitch to deal with... take Jeykll & Hyde, for instance.

Seriously, though, the thing I admire about Brad is that he's consistent and sticks to his guns... which translates wonderfully for those of us who are Stardock customers. We know where we stand and what to expect from his company, which didn't get to be worth $20 mill by pussy footing around or backing down to detractors and petty jealousies.

Arrogant??? If it were purely self-serving, perhaps... but when ones knowledge, experience and belief if their self worth provides much to many (jobs, great software, etc), it's called success. Anyone who has a problem with that really needs to grow up and take a look at the real world... or alternatively, crawl back under the rock from whence they came and stay there. ;)
Reply #27 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Nice read Brad just one thing. I don't see why you need to continue to explain yourself?
End of quote


I think it's clear why. Because he wants to. :)

And why does Brad get a special smiley? Who does he think he is?
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #28 from WinCustomize Forums Top

And why does Brad get a special smiley? Who does he think he is?
End of quote

It's the 'arrogance' of position .... JAFOCHECK

;)

Reply #29 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well it seems I'm always late for the party...Brad, I hold you in high regard, it is people like you that make a difference in this world. I have always enjoyed your posts and look forward to them. I don't think you are arrogant I think you are "real".  :)    ;) 
Reply #30 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I must agree with you on a few key points... somewhere! But I jest.. the flamers and the anal retentive disgruntled who misuse the forums are a tiny percentage of the vast community who thoroughly enjoy your posts and the fact that you care deeply about your role in Stardock per se. You have achieved a state of existence most can only dream of, or be jealous of... I admire a "hands on" and "real" approach! The continued success of this community is dependent on the care you show for it's feel, content and relevance. If you ever make it to my piece of God's Country I'd be happy to share a brewski with you... and talk shop! Party on!