LoveMachine Inc.

Philip Rosedale recently announced in his blog he is leaving Linden Lab® in the capable hands of CEO, Mark Kingdon to start a new company. He cryptically noted this new company is based on the founding principles of LL™ and credits Second Life® for making it possible. He assured his following there is nothing to worry about and that this is an exciting move forward. Without much more to go on, this left many of us wondering what he is up to, which is what I suspect playful Pip gleefully envisioned.

This week, Philip revealed what he's up to. He and friend/new business partner, Ryan Downe, are applying Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to 'LoveMachine', the successful Linden Lab internal performance program that generates good vibes through positive reinforcement and  monetary transactions between co-workers. In other words, they have a system that enables team members and friends to publicly thank - and tip - one another for jobs well done. This brings out an honest exchange between people, which leads to open discussions, pride and accountability. When it's ready, 'LoveMachine'  will be released to the general public as an A.I. application available on iPhone. Cory Ondrejka, a Linden Lab originator, wrote about his fondness of what was originally called 'Tip Joy' and his excitement to see it go "to the big time".  This week's brief, official announcement boldly states that 'LoveMachine' is out to change the world and make money, not just for this feel-good budding company, but also for 'LoveMachine' users.

My friend, Author Wagner James Au, a former Linden and trusted industry reporter adequately explains 'Love Machine' in his popular blog, New World Notes.   "The original Love Machine, as longtime NWN readers know, is an internal Linden company system for bestowing and receiving praise among team members, which is not only a fun thumbs-up, but also has the managerial benefit of aggregating and tracking employee performance. It's a non-hierarchical organizing system that Philip was passionate about, and as Linden CEO Mark Kingdon told me, it's still in use today."

Those with their finger on the pulse of 'all things Philip' are having fun posting commentary over first official news about 'LoveMachine',  a curious start-up company with a curious new product.  Dusan Writer has been piecing together the Philip mystery every step of the way in his blog, 'Dusan Writer's Metaverse'. He reported from 'P Squared', Philip's location in Second Life, where he found clues to the mystery, including a burrito, artificial intelligence and humorously added prim babies to the recipie. Responsorial commentary to Dusan's article about Philip Rosedale's Artificial Intelligence (Part 2), include, "You're shitting me, right?" - Crap Mariner, and "You had me at steak burrito" - Doubledown Tandino.   

As mentioned in an earlier article, I had lunch with Philip in San Francisco this summer. In gratitude, I wrote him an old-fashioned thank you note. Although that note of thanks was not meant for public viewing, I can see how the 'LoveMachine' may come in handy with certain modern day correspondence. In Second Life, we are accustomed to tipping using micro transactions, but that's Second Life. Praise and gratitude in the real world... I guess we will have to watch the development of this interesting new concept and its company dually called 'LoveMachine'. 

Like many new companies with humble beginnings, 'LoveMachine' is born out of passion.  True to its nature, 'Love Machine' is recruiting the pure hearted and clever - through a game-like application process - at least for the prominent Executive Assistant position which is found on Craigslist. (I am giggling at the idea and marveling at the simplicity). Also true to form is Philip and Ryan's approach to laying the foundation of 'LoveMachine'. They're posting available 'LoveMachine' jobs and freelance assignments on a 'Worklist', which includes location scout to find 'a cool bar' in San Francisco. They want to rent some space and a few tables where they can set up a comfortable workspace and have some food and drinks while they look for a permanent location. They're also looking for code reviewers, web coding and developers. 'LoveMachine', from its conception onward, demonstrates a bold new way of thinking and working. They're keeping it transparent and true.

Though this is a promising new endeavor that warrants respect, Philip and Ryan appear to be having a little fun with this. They love bringing out the best in all of us.

Pass it on. 

< Prev		Next >