An era passes at NOAA
As I sit here with less than an hour on the clock before the weekend, I realize this is not an average Friday. After over thirteen years in my current division, next Monday I’m being kicked out of the proverbial nest. Assuming I don’t hit the ground and splat, I’ve been tasked with creating a “virtual worlds” project for NOAA’s “Technology Outreach Branch.” Strange considering looking back I probably should have been fired. In fact, NOAA’s virtual world presence began because I was tired of “real” work and ready to call it a day.
Not surprisingly, there are no trumpets sounding or goodbye celebrations. Honestly, I think a lot of folks around here are irritated I wasn’t fired. Instead, I have the realization that I’ve now staked my career on what is basically unproven technology. Here’s to hoping that the concept of virtual worlds doesn’t blow up in my face.
“Creativity is piercing the mundane to find the marvelous.”
Although it is an enormous loss to me personally that you are leaving GMD I cannot deny that in the long run this will be a greater thing for you. Few people are able to pierce the mundane. You have. You will be admired by some, envied by many, and misunderstood by the rest. I am one of those who admire you.
September 28th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Wow, this is really interesting news. Can you tell us more?
September 28th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
[…] Hack’s Haven: An Era Passes at NOAA - “After over thirteen years in my current division, next Monday I’m being kicked out of the proverbial nest. Assuming I don’t hit the ground and splat, I’ve been tasked with creating a “virtual worlds” project for NOAA’s “Technology Outreach Branch.”“ […]
September 30th, 2007 at 9:20 am
“Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him.” ~Dwight D. Eisenhower
The truly brave and wise PILOT THE TRAIN! Cool striped hat optional.
October 3rd, 2007 at 8:02 pm
As a government contractor for NOAA, I’m just amazed at how much you’ve been able to do with SL. With new technology, there are so many internal roadblocks to overcome yet you somehow managed to keep moving forward. You’ve inspired the rest of us to keep pushing for Web 2.0 in government.
November 9th, 2007 at 9:47 am
Hey Eric, all the best for your new position/role!
What you’ve achieved in SL has been inspirational to the wider education community there… so good on you!
December 4th, 2007 at 9:15 am