I was out to lunch (yes – we still do this from time to time) a few weeks ago with some industry vets. We were discussing how much the industry had changed and who was still around (sort of our own version of VH1’s “where are they now?”) I opened up my Palm Pilot and took them through one particular week – as it turns out 2 years ago, to the exact day.
They suggested I write about it in an upcoming article. Thanks for the idea – I’m doing just that – with one change – I’m NOT going to comment about the specifics of each day. I’m sure you’ll recognize a few familiar companies – some still around, and others not. I’ve omitted the last names of the people I met with, in order to keep things somewhat non-specific. If you should happen to see your name, drop me a note and let me know where you are and what you’re up to.
Monday November 1, 1999 @d:tech Conference (NYC) 9pm: Latitude 90 Party
Tuesday November 2, 1999 @d:tech Conference WiseAds Party
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Wednesday November 3, 1999 @d:tech Conference
Thursday November 4, 1999 8.30am: On Now – Wendy – 57/57 @ Four Seasons 10.00am: Flycast – Joyce – Paramount Hotel 12.30pm: IGN – David – Chin Chin 2.30pm: About.com – Rob 4pm: 24/7 – Blu 7pm: Sony – Sean – Windows of the World (WTC)
Friday November 5, 1999 8.30am: Mplayer – Donald 10am: DoubleClick – Andrew 12.30pm: Go2Net – Marne – Il Nido 2.30pm: Phase2Media: Drew 4.30pm: AdAuction
I remember sitting at the @d:tech conference in 1999 and thinking two conflicting thoughts: “If only I had been here two years prior” and “imagine where I’d be in two years time.”
The first thought made me think that I’d missed the gold rush. The second thought reassured me it still wasn’t too late. I must admit my eyes flashed dollar signs; I too was bitten by the get-rich-quick bug. I remember meeting with companies that were then no more than 4 or 5 months old: 9 employees, 3 cities and IPO plans within the year.
Today, my two questions have been answered. Firstly, I didn’t miss the boat. In fact, it hasn’t even set sail. Secondly, I am today where I was two years ago, and where I want to be in another two years time – a part of this exciting and dynamic industry.
In just two years, so much has changed. Kind of makes you understand what they mean when they talk about Internet dog-years. And whilst I can’t possibly predict how things will look in two years time, I know one thing: they will look very different. I welcome this change.
Bring it on!