From: Michael Sellers <msellers@ricochet.net>
Subject: Re: APPS: virtual R&D/virtual corporations?
Date: Fri, 07 Feb 1997 07:49:16 -0800
Message-ID: <32FB4EFC.34B@ricochet.net>
Organization: Archetype Interactive


Leslie Fowler wrote:
> I'm trying to get some info on the virtual R&D and virtual
> corporations, specifically papers which discuss trends/predictions in
> these areas for say the next 10 years. If anyone knows of some good
> sources I'd love to know! Ideally a survey paper/article on the topic
> would be be best.  Thanks in advance,

I don't know of any sources on this except my own experience.  I
co-founded a virtual corporation (we had people in Oregon, California,
Texas, Washington, Virginia, Canada, and elsewhere) to create an
Internet-based game.  We were all Internet-savvy and most of us were
professionally experienced.

We got the game out, were successful, and the company was bought by a
larger company (at which point we stopped being virtual).

However, I will never do this again.  IMO, both our technology and our
work practices are a long way from being ready to support this sort of
company.  There is still simply no substitute for being able to see
people daily, speak to them casually, and work out minor differences
while they are still minor (rather than letting people stew in their
own juices, as it were).

I'm about to form a new company to do a similar sort of product, and
while I might from time to time employ the odd remote contractor, I
absolutely will NOT make this a virtual company.  Even with the
reduction in overhead and the ability to recruit people no matter
where they live, it is a losing proposition.

Sorrry if that rains on your parade. :/

-- 
Mike Sellers        Internet Game Designer       msellers@ricochet.net

"One of the most difficult tasks men can perform, however much others 
may despise it, is the invention of good games.  And it cannot be done 
by men out of touch with their instinctive values."  - Carl Jung