It's exactly what you think it is. We're excited and happy to finally announce that we will have full time TeamLiquid staff for the first time ever. R1CH and I will be living and working together full time for the site at our headquarters in New York City. A little bit about ourselves: R1CH is a programmer from the United Kingdom with an Internet Computing degree from the University of Hull. He is a level 80 wizard not only on TL for Starcraft but also for the Quake and Diablo franchises as well. Hot_Bid graduated from Michigan Law School and recently passed the bar in New York. He's now chief ESPORTS counsel for TL.
Why are you doing this? What are you goals?
TL has exceeded even our most optimistic predictions for it when the SC2 beta launched. We realized we had two choices, either sit back and keep doing what we were doing, or try to fulfill the potential we all see in this website and community. Our goal, of course, is to make TL as awesome as possible for our users. We want TL to not just survive, but to prosper. We want the site to keep its position in the StarCraft scene and turn into a financially sustainable organization.
Financially sustainable!? WTF are you guys selling out!?
We're going to try to make money. We're going to use the money we make to sustain and grow TL. But most importantly, we're going to do it with the same style and spirit that TL is know for. We hope you guys can trust us to make the right decisions, as TL has never been about money grabs or "going corporate" or stuff like that. We would never jeopardize what we've always seen as our greatest asset -- our reputation and relationship with our users.
Hot_Bid in the HQ before it had a whiteboard or TL poster.
Can TL afford this?
We generate billions of ESPORTS dollars per hour. More seriously, we get revenue from advertising, sponsored threads, and our store.
Do you guys even have enough stuff to do to? What's a regular day like?
We have way, way more than enough stuff to do. We actually don't have enough time during the day. We basically do what we used to do for TL but just x10. We collaborate with other admins for decision making on big projects, and we do a lot of the administrative grunt work as well. That means running tournaments, finding sponsors, creating new features, and generally making TL as awesome as possible.
Jinro let us keep it.
Is this really necessary? Can't you just volunteer harder?
We have a lot of exciting stuff coming up that is really helped by having full time staff. We have so many staff members now that the next logical step is to have responsible people available 24/7 to make sure everything is coordinated properly. It would be a disservice to all the hard work everyone was doing around TL to not do it this way. We're going to do a lot of important TL work but one of our main jobs is to make it easier for everyone else. Also, it's just so much easier and more productive getting work done in person -- the work environment is awesome.
What do the TL staff think about this?
We had a big thread talking to our 100+ other staff who work for the site and they are all extremely supportive of the idea. In fact, many staff have visited and stayed with us already. We have an extra room specifically for any TL staff that wants to visit, vacation New York City, and see what it's like to "live the dream". Nazgul stayed here and we watched him practice blink stalkers all week before MLG Dallas. Heyoka, Mango, Brood, Waxangel, JWD, CSheep, Liquid`HuK, and many others have paid us a visit. We ran two TL Opens with our HQ being the hub for referees. In the end, our job is to make their jobs easier. That could be adding little features to make TL Calendar input better, or buying our writers GSL3 premium coverage, or treating them to a dinner in the city.
The TL HQ guestbook.
What about the future? Where are you guys going to take this?
We have a long term plan, and we'll see how it goes. We obviously want to expand and reward our staff as much as possible, but at the same time we know that nobody is doing this because of the money. We're all here doing what we love because we're huge Starcraft fans just like you. Worst case scenario we can't sustain this and TL lives on through part-time volunteer work like before. Best case scenario we become an mini ESPORTS ESPN and have a giant office building with hundreds of TL employees. Maybe we end up somewhere in between.
Can I help? How?
There are many ways to help! Make good posts. Introduce someone to our site, teach them how to play or watch the game. Buy a shirt if you want one. Write a Liquipedia article. Support our staff, say thanks when they do something awesome. Apply to our graphics team if you want to draw. Do some coverage if you want to write. We'll have opportunities to contribute in the future, whether it's helping our TLPD guys add games or our Calendar guys add events. If you want to help, there is a place for you. We'll be very appreciative. But don't feel that it's mandatory at all. If you're just a good, kind community member, you've done enough.
Can I visit? I'll bring some food!
We appreciate the sentiment, but as you can see, we're not in an actual business office, we live in a typical residential area. Hundreds of people coming by to visit is not really fair to our neighbors or landlord, so we ask that you guys come say hi to us at the live events we go to.
R1CH in a normal day at the TL HQ.
That's awesome. Dream job?
Pretty much, yeah. It's a bit of a surreal experience to work on TL full time considering we'd probably be doing it in our free time anyway. It's amazing, it really is. It really changes your perspective about what you want to accomplish in your professional life. I think R1CH and I are extremely lucky to be able to wake up everyday and love what we do.
Also, something that's been on my mind lately and this is as good a place to ask as any: Does R1ch actually like Starcraft or is it more of a community/ him being a total boss thing?
This was much needed. I'm surprised that it didn't happen sooner. TL needs to make money so they can do bigger TSL tournaments and send more players to Korea.
Amazing. And a UofM Law School Grad? Awesome! It's currently my undergrad and I would love to do law school here, we'll see how it goes though. Go Blue!
On November 24 2010 15:30 Bibbit wrote: Holy shit that's really really crazy.
Also, something that's been on my mind lately and this is as good a place to ask as any: Does R1ch actually like Starcraft or is it more of a community/ him being a total boss thing?
He was enjoying playing but he made a bot that plays the game perfectly so now he's bored.
you've both worked so hard and earned this, not just for yourselves but the community as a whole is blessed to have something like this. Thank you so much
Wow this is so cool, can't believe TL now has a HQ. Go TL! You guys are living the dream, no doubt TL will get even bigger. Looking forward to any new site features too! Good luck and keep up the great work.
That is really really awesome, I'm glad that TL staff has this ' HQ ' to visit, and a roof over hot_bid / r1ch's heads while they do awesome work. This sounds very promising, I can't wait to see the awesome things to come in the future. Having all of those cool people visit the HQ is also a plus, I bet pretty soon you guys are going to need a bigger guest book. ^_^ Good luck TL staff and happy working! (that HQ sign on the floor looks pro, even if it was made out of tape, or whatever you used, looks cool guys ! )
On November 24 2010 15:36 Manifesto7 wrote: Are you hiring interns for the summer months? :p
Are you worried you're going to have to interview dozens of TL users? Start thinking of questions now, if they can't do a good overlord impression they will 100% not be hired.
On November 24 2010 15:39 GGzerG wrote: Good luck TL staff and happy working! (that HQ sign on the floor looks pro, even if it was made out of tape, or whatever you used, looks cool guys ! )
This is excellent! I've always known (through experience) that you can only take any endeavor so far through volunteer work. It is absolutely necessary to have full time staff, even if it's just two people, in order to take something like TL to the next level. I'm glad the TL staff had the foresight to come to that conclusion as well. Couldn't be happier about this, and can't wait to see where TL is heading! I'm sure it'll be to bigger and better things.
On November 24 2010 15:36 Manifesto7 wrote: Are you hiring interns for the summer months? :p
Watch out, people will actually start posting applications. (Actually, interning for TL wouldn't be a poor resume addition, business experience, coding experience, community management, etc. It isn't worse than a lot of the other stuff people can put on resumes )
It's great TL is expanding and has the ability to support full time staff now, good luck to R1CH and Hot_Bid for being roommates!
On November 24 2010 15:36 Manifesto7 wrote: Are you hiring interns for the summer months? :p
Are you worried you're going to have to interview dozens of TL users? Start thinking of questions now, if they can't do a good overlord impression they will 100% not be hired.
If I can manage my way to NYC(gonna have to do a lot of hitchhiking and possibly some explicit things) can I' ditch my co-op coming up in January to come work with TL?
Whilst I've only actually been registered/posting since this year, I've been following the site for as long as I can remember and I think it's truly incredible how far it's come. Very exciting.
G15/G5 Combo is pretty stellar. Would it be cool if I came up there with some friends and camped out? ^^....well doh of course the heartbreak is in the last paragraph.
gl hf!! Good move: with a lawyer, a wizard and lets not forget a zillion happy minions willing to die at the slightest order, it can not and will not fail! <3 all things tl.net and love its evolution even more. I wish I had the time for gaming but alas those days are no more unless I retire - still, teamliquid is the first forum I check even these days. Best wishes & be thrifty!
As far as I understand it you do what you were doing anyways - but your hobby became a job now. So if anyone asks, you work for teamliquid. This is so awesome.
man.. if only you guys actually had a teamliquid window decal like the one in that first pic... it looks so cool! I wonder if people would be interested in purchasing one if you guys decided to get one into production ;D
Finally the best sc community gets a decent basement!!! Its so awesome because TL is only one site where i wont get spammed by all these ads and such stuff. Also in comparison of the quality, it would look like this in sc1 scene:
TL = flash & jaedong emergerd to archon
all the other websites = B-team squad
TL HWAITINGGGGGGG!!!
On November 24 2010 15:25 ComusLoM wrote: MY DICK IS HARD
Very nice, congrats and GL!...I'm fairly new to TL but can definitely appreciate the hard work and can see how involved and dedicated everyone is starting from the top.
Is this really necessary? Can't you just volunteer harder?
We have a lot of exciting stuff coming up that is really helped by having full time staff. We have so many staff members now that the next logical step is to have responsible people available 24/7 to make sure everything is coordinated properly. It would be a disservice to all the hard work everyone was doing around TL to not do it this way. We're going to do a lot of important TL work but one of our main jobs is to make it easier for everyone else. Also, it's just so much easier and more productive getting work done in person -- the work environment is awesome.
:O! This is awesome news! Will you guys be taking job applications soon? I'm about to graduate from NYU Stern next May and don't really want to work at a bank..would love to work in esports!
Holy shit this is HUGE news. TL is awesome for everything they provide to the Starcraft community. I really hope this decision helps drive SC2 and other e-sports to be a mainstream thing in the West. TL Staff Hwaiting!~
This is so great. I love being a part of TL growing like this. In 2030 when you guys have bought up Blizzard I can tell the younglings about the old days Awesome news, congrats!
That's pretty awesome. I notice something while reading the post, maybe I was always there and I never noticed, but there are 3 icons at the bottom right of the OP to share on facebook/twitter/reddit. Is this new?
Two men of very different and conflicting personalities who are forced to work together to solve e-sports and/or defeat criminals. One is a lawyer. The other... a wizard.
I have no doubt that this will be enormously helpful. I'm often hearing about how things are pushed along slowly by a well of ideas and the occasional fountain of effort. I'm sure having folks working full time will make things move so much more smoothly.
Congrats on all the progress guys. Great news for all.
I think TL should expand the store a lil bit, more different t-shirts, add hoodies etc if you see it worth it. I would definitely be interested in those clothes, and i'm sure many others are aswell.
Good luck to you with this, i hope it works out best possible way!
Well it looks like an amazing pad but I still think you need to step it up a little bit. Maybe start of with a hawaiian punch fountain and a stripper pole?
Love it =)
edit: I agree with he guy above me.You need to expand the store with TL gear. Tshirts and hoodies ftw!
After seeing a screenshot of R1CH's desktop, it's obvious that he is not bound by the conventions of our ordinary dimensional space, so I can only imagine what "full time" means for him
On November 24 2010 16:25 Shuray wrote: That's pretty awesome. I notice something while reading the post, maybe I was always there and I never noticed, but there are 3 icons at the bottom right of the OP to share on facebook/twitter/reddit. Is this new?
On November 24 2010 16:27 waterglen wrote: Well it looks like an amazing pad but I still think you need to step it up a little bit. Maybe start of with a hawaiian punch fountain and a stripper pole?
Love it =)
due to our SFW policy, only super-tame pictures can be posted.
That's pretty sick. Even as just a normal user, I was kind of starting to think that you guys needed something like this. This site just has a lot going on and the team also needs a lot of attention i'm sure. This pretty awesome. I'm so excited.
What in the world is going on R1CH's second monitor? It looks like he modifies the matrix for fun.
Also, quoting tastosis, THIS IS HUGE. From a lurker view, it's amazing from where you guys began to now. I'm extremely curious what the future holds for you all.
I really do hope that someday TL will have its own office building with hundreds of TL staff sending out TL news vans and have reporters holding microphones with TL on it and in the background a TL helicopter and and TL satellite relaying live TL all over the world!
Not sure how I feel about this, but I like R1CH's officewear.
On the one hand it's amazing to have people working full time to make this place nice. On the other hand, making good posts suddenly means working for free, rather than donating to the community. That could make this site end up like every other professional site with a forum.
On November 24 2010 16:39 hordeau wrote: What in the world is going on R1CH's second monitor? It looks like he modifies the matrix for fun.
Also, quoting tastosis, THIS IS HUGE. From a lurker view, it's amazing from where you guys began to now. I'm extremely curious what the future holds for you all.
ok so reading the op again after i've calmed down, i gather that it's r1ch and hot_bid currently working there. what're the other 2 for? is it for guests? also, please tell me the tl logo on the window is real
I really hope this works out for you guys. I only got introduced to this community since the SC2 beta, but the work you guys did was extraordinary (and for free!). I can't wait to see you guys work for money. Best of luck and looking forward to your awesomeness.
This is very cool news, its good to see all the amazing opertunities which are arising from peoples passions. That is the only way awesome things come about, wanting to provide something, then thinking about the money, not the other way around. I plan to help out in any way i can.
OMG R1ch has the same keyboard as my sister, WE'RE BASICALLY BROTHERS! I like where this is going. Keep inspiring me like this and in a couple more years I might actually be able to contribute to the site with something other than sarcasm and idiocy. Are you excited? Yeah I'm, like, totally excited.
I really wanna thank you guys for putting so much time into this awesome resource for the community. Without TL, Starcraft wouldn't be what it is today.
On November 24 2010 16:38 ddrt wrote: I think I have the same monitor as them… that being said is that being said; is that artosis in the wizard hat lol
Artosis and R1ch are very different people... I can assure you of that.
Artosis: You need a place to crash, you can just sleep in my bed. R1ch: You can sleep on my floor after I move all the spare computer components to one side.
Artosis: <discuss esports instead of sleep> R1ch: You snored.
People should click the ads on the site as much as possible. Maybe add a few more? I sure won't mind at all as long as they aren't those annoying retarded ones that slow down a page and annoy me.
Wow how exciting!! I'm new to TL, but I'm really happy for you guys, it's great to see all your hard work paying off since I've benefited so much from the information here. I can't wait to hear about some of these big projects, thank you for everything TL and good luck with your new enterprises!
Man, this absolutely made my night. It's so good to see how far this website has come, and I'm super happy for everyone's hard work paying off. Cheers TL!
Make sure you dont post a daytime pic where you can see out the window or someone will use the skyline to work out exactly where you are. There are some rabid TLers out there....
On November 03 2010 18:07 Meapak_Ziphh wrote: 1 What would happen if tdot showed up at Chill's house in the middle of the night? 2 Who is your supplier of Internet crack that keeps me addicted to TL? 3 When will TL hit 150000 users based on current growth? 4 Where would TL's office be if it existed (I mean like corporate office not team hq)? 5 Will there be another round of banlings? 6 Would chill win a 1v2 vs combat ex and big t? 7 Why am I not a 2500 point diamond leaguer with a 15000 post count, a ban hammer and universal respect/love/adoration?
1 I'd ban him IRL. 2 We only ship home grown 3 Probably tomorrow, haven't checked 4 New York City 5 Yes 6 No 7 Good at Starcraft, good at posting, good at real life - pick two.
This is surely amazing thing and i am really glad for you guys. TL deserves this as it is awesome page. It has been my guide to starcraft for very long time and always got the shit done. Cudos to you.
On November 03 2010 18:07 Meapak_Ziphh wrote: 1 What would happen if tdot showed up at Chill's house in the middle of the night? 2 Who is your supplier of Internet crack that keeps me addicted to TL? 3 When will TL hit 150000 users based on current growth? 4 Where would TL's office be if it existed (I mean like corporate office not team hq)? 5 Will there be another round of banlings? 6 Would chill win a 1v2 vs combat ex and big t? 7 Why am I not a 2500 point diamond leaguer with a 15000 post count, a ban hammer and universal respect/love/adoration?
1 I'd ban him IRL. 2 We only ship home grown 3 Probably tomorrow, haven't checked 4 New York City 5 Yes 6 No 7 Good at Starcraft, good at posting, good at real life - pick two.
hahaha holy shit i remember reading that and thinking to myself...hmmm..strange. couldn't have imagined that it would actually happen!
America is in desperate need of a team to push eSports to the limit. Even though we have things like MLG, I think Liquid can really take strides in pushing towards a stronger and more rewarding eSports community. I for one am excited for your guys and hope that everything pans out to what you want. Just remember, with great reward comes great sacrifice, so prepare to bear down and grit your teeth through the shit that will inevitably come your way.
On November 03 2010 18:07 Meapak_Ziphh wrote: 1 What would happen if tdot showed up at Chill's house in the middle of the night? 2 Who is your supplier of Internet crack that keeps me addicted to TL? 3 When will TL hit 150000 users based on current growth? 4 Where would TL's office be if it existed (I mean like corporate office not team hq)? 5 Will there be another round of banlings? 6 Would chill win a 1v2 vs combat ex and big t? 7 Why am I not a 2500 point diamond leaguer with a 15000 post count, a ban hammer and universal respect/love/adoration?
1 I'd ban him IRL. 2 We only ship home grown 3 Probably tomorrow, haven't checked 4 New York City 5 Yes 6 No 7 Good at Starcraft, good at posting, good at real life - pick two.
Cheers to you Team Liquid. This is the best run website I've ever been a member of honestly. The coverage, analysis and general handling of it is superb. Good luck!
Whoa... sometimes I wish I'd joined TL.net sooner - but I know that now is the cusp of TL's teenage life and soon TL shall blossom into a beautiful woman. Er, website. Successful website. TEAMLIQUIDHWAITING!~
Super super amazing. This is awesome that a permanent base of operations has been created for this awesome site and I look forward to even more content/tournys coming from TL.net. Joining this site after lurking for years was sooo worth it.
I guess that last pic is what R1CH meant when he said "Don't worry, you know I'll wizard that shit up" :D :D :D
I'm definitely going to buy a shirt now to help support TL and advertise it. With the few months I've been here, I have absolutely loved it. It's great to hear TL is expanding to getting its own semi-office where dedicated people are working to help nurture TL to grow even more.
I wish you guys have breakthroughs and accomplish what you guys hope to do. I hope you achieve your dreams and continue to make TL grow.
Thanks for making TL awesome and please continue to do so! Good luck on your futures but you wont need it.
Oh god, Hot_Bid and R1CH in one place. It may get violent.
[17:26] R1CH: the performance is kind of shitty so try to use it sparingly [17:26] R1CH: mysql refuses to do an index merge [17:26] R1CH: and i don't feel like adding a whole new index just for this feature [17:26] R1CH: if we open it up to users though i will [17:27] HotBid: well maybe the binary or one of the libraries linked was misconfigured or corrupt? [17:27] HotBid: do a backtrace [17:28] R1CH: you just googled some random mysql bug didn't you [17:29] HotBid: ?
[22:40] R1CH: man [22:40] R1CH: this SSD is ridiculously fast [22:40] R1CH: it installed all the win7 updates in like 10 seconds [22:41] Kennigit: sick, how big is it [22:41] R1CH: 160 [22:42] HotBid: r1ch have you tried modding your SSD by replacing it with a pata hd using the same ZIF connector [22:42] R1CH: im gonna slap you if you keep trying that [22:42] HotBid: ?
This is absolutely an incredible step in the right direction for TL. Really looking forward to seeing just how much more you guys can get done with some full timers now. :D
On November 24 2010 21:45 101TFP wrote: There was a thread by a staff member about the real TL headquarters quite some time ago, anyone know how to find it?
This is quite awesome, you gotta get all the checks rewarded to the TL players for tourney wins put up on the walls, so that when you have your business meeting, you can say to your potential sponsor:
Wow ! That's pretty sweet, epic, awesome and baller ! I wish all the best of luck to TeamLiquid.net, all the Liquid players, the TL community and the entire e-sports world ! :D This is so awesome I'm giggling like a lil' school gurl !
Wow this is insane! You guys really made everything come together, thank you for your work and dedication to TL, you deserve an opportunity like this one! Have you received any feedback from blizzard, razor, or any other companies?
Edit: Something that would be awesome, if you have the time, would be to add games to the starcraft 2 database, you can add vod 1 of all the gsl games right? Maybe some other stuff too, I remember what an awesome resource this was for brood war, if I wanted to learn a matchup better I would always go there to look for vods, and search the names of my favorite players.
Thank you for all your hard work guys. I am a long time lurker. I have played SC for around 8 years and I have always lived in a separate world from the pro scene. Watching VODs in Korean, not knowing anyone. This house, this site, and it's affiliates have been to me, the only true representation and icon of the U.S. in the SC world. I am happy to be a part of what you do and await more years of exciting SC and wish only the best for you and your business.
Damn this place has come so far. Only like 8 years for this actual site right? The good thing is it's changed so much but still looks almost exactly the same. I think this bodes well for the future of the community.
OMG! Can't really believe this is true. Would be just so awesome if you can take eSports and SC2 to that kind of next level outside of Korea. Keep it up, you guys are amazing!
Wow liquid is really bursting out! grats! If it werent for the no-visitors rule(regular TL users) this place would have been like the frickin Mecca for us :D
This is very good news! One small step for TL.net and one giant step for E-Sports for sure. I hope you guys exceed you'r expectations and become something greater and bigger than you already are.
Since you both have nice degrees (we have a programmer and someone with a law degree), how do you earn money/a living this way (what if when you guys get families, is working "full time" for TeamLiquid profitable in anyway? I would never in a hundred years ever imagine that you make enough money doing this to even support a wife) For instance, people buy some shirts, this generates money for TL. Correct? But, now that you guys are "full time" does this mean TL is actually paying you some wage? (but even then, revenue from some shirts is not enough to live properly. Yet, I do realize if you've rented out an apartment in NYC (which I assume was split between you two/from TL revenue), you already have funds saved. But that's besides the point. Also, what is indicative of "full time"? Does this mean you work 9-5, weekends off, or what?
Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for you guys that you are happy doing this. Do what makes you happy, right? But I'm just wondering, how do you actually make a living this way? Can we have some numbers? (and yes, I do realize sharing salary, etc is something Americans frown upon), but I believe this is an interesting question.
From my opinion, you'd both (R1CH and Hot_Bid) be more wealthy (not happier, just wealthy) doing jobs related to the degrees you have.
Aside from this, great move! Glad to see the TL community always wanting more and doing it in the name of the users.
On November 25 2010 02:15 Chill wrote: When do the webcams get installed? I will pay up to $14.99 a month to see the hilarity of R1CH dealing with Hot_Bid.
U're selling out! i'd rather have teamliquid keep it's soul. I'm watching you! Just never forget that if teamliquid ever lets us down the world might explode.
This is great news! Sellout? I don't think so. You guys are so passionate, I admire you. I wish you all the best and that we get this giant office building with hundreds of TL employees!
R1ch certainly has to like this position if he moved to New York for it. Didn't he live on the Bahamas before?
On November 25 2010 02:15 Chill wrote: When do the webcams get installed? I will pay up to $14.99 a month to see the hilarity of R1CH dealing with Hot_Bid.
The first ever TL reality show.
Seriously this news is so awesome. I am estatic, I love this site and to see it growing like this makes me giddy. TL FIGHTING!!!!!!
On November 25 2010 02:21 nttea wrote: U're selling out! i'd rather have teamliquid keep it's soul. I'm watching you! Just never forget that if teamliquid ever lets us down the world might explode.
what the hell do you mean when you say selling out? cuz right now its just an empty negative general meaningless statement.
if TL sold out then that implies they took money to undercut the entire community. do you see that happening? no. think before you post stupid shit like that.
I think they make lights similar to on tanning beds that simulate sunlight. You guys should install a few of those, in those pictures you guys look a little sickly pale.... Anyways what a fun job to have! Don't eat too much junkfood...
There has always been a lot of talk about ESPORTS around TL. SC:BW and SC2 are certainly some of the biggest esports, and SC2 certainly has the highest profile and biggest prize pools at the moment. Despite all that, it's Starcraft = esport, not esports = Starcraft.
The "espn of esports" is a very exciting, interesting comparison to make. Is TL going to branch out from SC, then?
Omg this is absolutely awesome. Nice to see how a community grew up to a "business" without ever thinking of becoming one in the first place (I mean, 10 years ago did Nazgul did really thought of making a full time office?).
This is amazing, I hope that all the hard work you guys have put into making e-sport possible get paid back (not necessarily in money) and I'm sure it will.
I really hope this kind of stuff can come to Latin America, at least we are trying hard :D.
TL is just going to get bigger and bigger, really excited that this happened, i was shocked when i saw this on the front page i just didnt expect something like this.
Since you both have nice degrees (we have a programmer and someone with a law degree), how do you earn money/a living this way (what if when you guys get families, is working "full time" for TeamLiquid profitable in anyway? I would never in a hundred years ever imagine that you make enough money doing this to even support a wife) For instance, people buy some shirts, this generates money for TL. Correct? But, now that you guys are "full time" does this mean TL is actually paying you some wage? (but even then, revenue from some shirts is not enough to live properly. Yet, I do realize if you've rented out an apartment in NYC (which I assume was split between you two/from TL revenue), you already have funds saved. But that's besides the point. Also, what is indicative of "full time"? Does this mean you work 9-5, weekends off, or what?
Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for you guys that you are happy doing this. Do what makes you happy, right? But I'm just wondering, how do you actually make a living this way? Can we have some numbers? (and yes, I do realize sharing salary, etc is something Americans frown upon), but I believe this is an interesting question.
From my opinion, you'd both (R1CH and Hot_Bid) be more wealthy (not happier, just wealthy) doing jobs related to the degrees you have.
Aside from this, great move! Glad to see the TL community always wanting more and doing it in the name of the users.
Hope no one missed this (especially mods). I'm really curious to know the answer to this. I've been refreshing every so often but got no responses to it
Since you both have nice degrees (we have a programmer and someone with a law degree), how do you earn money/a living this way (what if when you guys get families, is working "full time" for TeamLiquid profitable in anyway? I would never in a hundred years ever imagine that you make enough money doing this to even support a wife) For instance, people buy some shirts, this generates money for TL. Correct? But, now that you guys are "full time" does this mean TL is actually paying you some wage? (but even then, revenue from some shirts is not enough to live properly. Yet, I do realize if you've rented out an apartment in NYC (which I assume was split between you two/from TL revenue), you already have funds saved. But that's besides the point. Also, what is indicative of "full time"? Does this mean you work 9-5, weekends off, or what?
Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for you guys that you are happy doing this. Do what makes you happy, right? But I'm just wondering, how do you actually make a living this way? Can we have some numbers? (and yes, I do realize sharing salary, etc is something Americans frown upon), but I believe this is an interesting question.
From my opinion, you'd both (R1CH and Hot_Bid) be more wealthy (not happier, just wealthy) doing jobs related to the degrees you have.
Aside from this, great move! Glad to see the TL community always wanting more and doing it in the name of the users.
Hope no one missed this (especially mods). I'm really curious to know the answer to this. I've been refreshing every so often but got no responses to it
Wow, awesome! Congrats R1CH, HotBid and TL! Finally, an actual headquarters to call for our big best awesome community!! And a great decision too, the heart of media, arts, music, entertainment, and now esports, all in New York City!!!
Btw, are you two be joining us in the NYC TL meetup #2 coming up next month??? You should definitely come come come!!! :D
Holy shit when we have 100s of employees can I be in charge of commercial advertising? We can have ESPN Sport Center (ESPORT Center, obviously) style commercials.
Very nice. Next step is to open up a TeamLiquid megastore on Times Square. Considering how the American economy is still in the toilet, rent should be manageable.
I've just taken a look at Alexa.net to see how this page is performing. Interestingly enough, teamliquid.net is very popular among Cubans http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/teamliquid.net#
Haha this awesome! We have a fulltime wizard now and hot_bid to annoy and contract everyone into doing work! Hope this all turns out for the best, maybe someday we'll be able to afford even more peoples.
Congratulations! I'm very happy to see that the hard work that this amazing staff puts into this site everyday is going to be rewarded. This also means that the options for events and other bigger dreams can come to pass with a financial backing. As long as the spirit of Teamliquid stays, i'll be more than happy to refer everyone I know to this great community.
I think to help grow the site, everyone should have the responsibility of recommending TL to any noob allies that they get on team games. That way they get better, and TL gets traffic. Its win-win :D
Looks amazing guys, can't express how excited I am that you guys really are jumping on this opportunity rather than letting it fly by. TL can only grow stronger through this, thanks for all the hard work!
This is the best day ever. TL having an official headquarters means I can tell my girlfriend that ESPORTS dollars are legitimate currency, citing this as a reference.
On November 25 2010 14:50 FoBuLouS wrote: So... are you guys open to visit for NY TLer's or is it a private office space? And are you open for interns or volunteers?
Too bad you didn't read the damn article or you'd know this =.=
On November 25 2010 17:13 BruceLee6783 wrote: So Hot_Bid graduated from law school, and passed the bar, and is now working "full-time" on running this site?
Am I missing something here?
The part where Hot_Bid is made of pure awesomeness?? or what are you hinting/referring to
On November 25 2010 17:13 BruceLee6783 wrote: So Hot_Bid graduated from law school, and passed the bar, and is now working "full-time" on running this site?
On November 25 2010 17:13 BruceLee6783 wrote: So Hot_Bid graduated from law school, and passed the bar, and is now working "full-time" on running this site?
Am I missing something here?
That's correct.
Shouldn't you be working full time as an attorney? Unless you are doing both, but I thought attorney's schedules are tight enough as it is.
On November 25 2010 17:13 BruceLee6783 wrote: So Hot_Bid graduated from law school, and passed the bar, and is now working "full-time" on running this site?
Am I missing something here?
That's correct.
Shouldn't you be working full time as an attorney? Unless you are doing both, but I thought attorney's schedules are tight enough as it is.
He's working full-time on the site. Just because someone has a law degree doesn't mean they have to work in the legal industry...?
Lawdegree is perfect for running a homepage. There will be even more work for Hot_Bid in the future if TL.net gets bigger. I study law, too and I know there may be lots of legalissues with homepages and stuff. Big respect!
On November 25 2010 17:13 BruceLee6783 wrote: So Hot_Bid graduated from law school, and passed the bar, and is now working "full-time" on running this site?
Am I missing something here?
That's correct.
Shouldn't you be working full time as an attorney? Unless you are doing both, but I thought attorney's schedules are tight enough as it is.
Interesting point of view. So now, just because you have the degree, you are forced to work within that area? Very interesting....
On November 24 2010 15:36 Manifesto7 wrote: Are you hiring interns for the summer months? :p
Are you worried you're going to have to interview dozens of TL users? Start thinking of questions now, if they can't do a good overlord impression they will 100% not be hired.
Did anyone else try their best overlord impression right after reading this...I did and laughed.
On November 26 2010 08:16 LittleeD wrote: Interesting point of view. So now, just because you have the degree, you are forced to work within that area? Very interesting....
That's not what I said.
Going to college for 8+ years only to graduate and run this site full-time seems like a waste of time, even if you get to apply that knowledge towards running this site or not. If he's fine with it, cool. Still seems strange to me.
On November 26 2010 08:16 LittleeD wrote: Interesting point of view. So now, just because you have the degree, you are forced to work within that area? Very interesting....
That's not what I said.
Going to college for 8+ years only to graduate and run this site full-time seems like a waste of time, even if you get to apply that knowledge towards running this site or not. If he's fine with it, cool. Still seems strange to me.
I am fine with it, and clearly I do not feel it is a waste of time, otherwise I wouldn't have chosen to do this lol. I agree with you that it's different than what a typical law student does, but amazing things have never really been accomplished by taking the safe, normal path.
Since you both have nice degrees (we have a programmer and someone with a law degree), how do you earn money/a living this way (what if when you guys get families, is working "full time" for TeamLiquid profitable in anyway? I would never in a hundred years ever imagine that you make enough money doing this to even support a wife) For instance, people buy some shirts, this generates money for TL. Correct? But, now that you guys are "full time" does this mean TL is actually paying you some wage? (but even then, revenue from some shirts is not enough to live properly. Yet, I do realize if you've rented out an apartment in NYC (which I assume was split between you two/from TL revenue), you already have funds saved. But that's besides the point. Also, what is indicative of "full time"? Does this mean you work 9-5, weekends off, or what?
Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for you guys that you are happy doing this. Do what makes you happy, right? But I'm just wondering, how do you actually make a living this way? Can we have some numbers? (and yes, I do realize sharing salary, etc is something Americans frown upon), but I believe this is an interesting question.
From my opinion, you'd both (R1CH and Hot_Bid) be more wealthy (not happier, just wealthy) doing jobs related to the degrees you have.
Aside from this, great move! Glad to see the TL community always wanting more and doing it in the name of the users.
On November 26 2010 14:12 Hot_Bid wrote: I am fine with it, and clearly I do not feel it is a waste of time, otherwise I wouldn't have chosen to do this lol. I agree with you that it's different than what a typical law student does, but amazing things have never really been accomplished by taking the safe, normal path.
That's really awesome, congratulations man. I've got some personal issues that I need to work on, such as trust, but I definitely wish you the best, regarding this new HQ news.
Since you both have nice degrees (we have a programmer and someone with a law degree), how do you earn money/a living this way (what if when you guys get families, is working "full time" for TeamLiquid profitable in anyway? I would never in a hundred years ever imagine that you make enough money doing this to even support a wife) For instance, people buy some shirts, this generates money for TL. Correct? But, now that you guys are "full time" does this mean TL is actually paying you some wage? (but even then, revenue from some shirts is not enough to live properly. Yet, I do realize if you've rented out an apartment in NYC (which I assume was split between you two/from TL revenue), you already have funds saved. But that's besides the point. Also, what is indicative of "full time"? Does this mean you work 9-5, weekends off, or what?
Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for you guys that you are happy doing this. Do what makes you happy, right? But I'm just wondering, how do you actually make a living this way? Can we have some numbers? (and yes, I do realize sharing salary, etc is something Americans frown upon), but I believe this is an interesting question.
From my opinion, you'd both (R1CH and Hot_Bid) be more wealthy (not happier, just wealthy) doing jobs related to the degrees you have.
Aside from this, great move! Glad to see the TL community always wanting more and doing it in the name of the users.
You asked this yesterday already, Chill already replied, why copy/paste your post again?
Since you both have nice degrees (we have a programmer and someone with a law degree), how do you earn money/a living this way (what if when you guys get families, is working "full time" for TeamLiquid profitable in anyway? I would never in a hundred years ever imagine that you make enough money doing this to even support a wife) For instance, people buy some shirts, this generates money for TL. Correct? But, now that you guys are "full time" does this mean TL is actually paying you some wage? (but even then, revenue from some shirts is not enough to live properly. Yet, I do realize if you've rented out an apartment in NYC (which I assume was split between you two/from TL revenue), you already have funds saved. But that's besides the point. Also, what is indicative of "full time"? Does this mean you work 9-5, weekends off, or what?
Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for you guys that you are happy doing this. Do what makes you happy, right? But I'm just wondering, how do you actually make a living this way? Can we have some numbers? (and yes, I do realize sharing salary, etc is something Americans frown upon), but I believe this is an interesting question.
From my opinion, you'd both (R1CH and Hot_Bid) be more wealthy (not happier, just wealthy) doing jobs related to the degrees you have.
Aside from this, great move! Glad to see the TL community always wanting more and doing it in the name of the users.
Hot_Bid and R1CH working full time for TL does mean they are getting wage. As for specific numbers that is not something that will be public knowledge and is frankly not an appropriate thing to ask. I can say that 40 hours on a set schedule would work counter productive on TL because it is constantly moving day and night, midweek or weekend.
On November 26 2010 08:16 LittleeD wrote: Interesting point of view. So now, just because you have the degree, you are forced to work within that area? Very interesting....
That's not what I said.
Going to college for 8+ years only to graduate and run this site full-time seems like a waste of time, even if you get to apply that knowledge towards running this site or not. If he's fine with it, cool. Still seems strange to me.
I am fine with it, and clearly I do not feel it is a waste of time, otherwise I wouldn't have chosen to do this lol. I agree with you that it's different than what a typical law student does, but amazing things have never really been accomplished by taking the safe, normal path.
This is absolutely right. Its people like this who make the Facebooks of the world. And even if it doesn't become the next ESPN, I mean hell, you're doing what you love in a "start-up" and the skills learned there will transfer to so many aspects of future life/job. Totally respecting what you guys are doing - you're only young once so take advantage! =D
I cant believe how arrogant and idiotic some people are in here, god damn if these guys wanted to do things more closely tied to their degress they would, you should be happy they are being paid to do something they love for the benefit of the community rather than projecting your own drama on them. Its like the thread where the guy said he was going to quit and become a pro-gamer and there were pages of abuse hurled at him, get the fuck over yourselves and respect and admire someone for going after his dream when he has the time and capability to do it. Its really disheartening to read some of these posts that seems like such an awesome community is only content when it shits on people.
I think they are helping more people with TL.net than they would in jobs related to their degrees. Plus, pioneering is always a good thing and might actually look good in a résumé . As does successfully running a company(insert correct term here) built from scratch.
Plus, I at least do not know what they are working on right now anyway. As far es we know they are negotiating with blizzard for a TeamLiquidStarLeague and set up all the paperwork.
On November 26 2010 21:45 Oslo wrote: I cant believe how arrogant and idiotic some people are in here, god damn if these guys wanted to do things more closely tied to their degress they would, you should be happy they are being paid to do something they love for the benefit of the community rather than projecting your own drama on them. Its like the thread where the guy said he was going to quit and become a pro-gamer and there were pages of abuse hurled at him, get the fuck over yourselves and respect and admire someone for going after his dream when he has the time and capability to do it. Its really disheartening to read some of these posts that seems like such an awesome community is only content when it shits on people.
Hope that wasn't directed at me, because me and Hot_Bid have no beef and respect each other. Read my responses for the bigger picture. I am very happy for Hot_Bid, and even congratulated him for his work. I am over myself. I respect and admire him for going after his dream, and no one is trying to shit on anyone.
with all respect and congrats to hot_bid, you probably don't want a kid just out of law school making you legal decisions if you have any serious ones to make. the secret thing about law school is that it doesn't really teach you anything useful for operating in the real world. i've been out of law school for a long time, for instance, and i still don't know how to use caps.
U guys are doing a great job, always a pleasure visiting and reading your site, even if i am pritty new (found out about u once i got sc2). I look forward to seeing u grow! Keep up the great work
This is so fantastic news guys! Bringing the TL community to such a higher level was a great choice from your guy's side. Keep up the great work and may TL prosper
Hey I know that you guys said that visits to the HQ are out of the question, but if we mail a letter with a return envelope, do you admin folk think that it's possible to wrangle some autographs from some of our favourite players when it's convenient for them and you guys?
I'm not even sure if they'll be coming by the HQ or not .
EPT![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Hot_Bid/TLoffice01.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Hot_Bid/TLoffice03.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Hot_Bid/TLoffice02.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Hot_Bid/TLofficeGB.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Hot_Bid/TLwizard.jpg)
) that is more deserving of this.
![[image loading]](http://imgur.com/fE0vq.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Hot_Bid/R1CH/R1CHDesktop.png)
