MySpace is My New Space and My Big Move to LaLa-Land!

A lot of people have been asking if I moved to L.A., and I didn’t want to say anything until I was sure. Since last year, I have been contracting with MySpace and only told a few close friends. However, as more people are starting to find out I thought it was time I finally talked (or blogged) about my move and what not.

Are you cringing right now? It’s ok if you are, I completely understand. Heck, almost everyone I told’s first reactions was this hilarious face — like they guzzled a jar of pickle juice type sour face — immediately proceeded with a WHY?!? People have also told me the same bajillion reasons why I am out of my mind to want to work there, followed with the prying: “What’s going on? Are you guys tanking?” etc., etc., so when I say it’s ok, I understand, I do.

However, I am proud and honored to be a part of this phenomenal team and MySpace is far from dead. It’s funny how one of the first things out of people’s mouths are: “MySpace isn’t going to beat Facebook.” and that’s completely ok too, since MySpace isn’t trying to be “a Facebook.” Yes, we are both social platforms but what we leave out of the equation is the most important piece: target audience.

An excerpt from a “MySpace isn’t dead.” piece:

If you check the most recent comscore, MySpace has grown 2 months in a row, and is back up to 120MM users worldwide. That may not sound huge compared with Facebook’s 350MM, but it is still 2X twitter’s audience, and blows almost any other site out of the water. We in Silicon Valley tend to think that when something is not hockey-sticking anymore than it is dead. That is not true. If MySpace lost 1MM users a month it would take 10 years to disappear. That still gives them some time to figure out what to do. (read the rest here.

MySpace still owns the 0-17 and 18-24 age groups. We tend to forget — especially, since we are no longer in those age groups. ;)

I believe in MySpace for many reasons and thrilled to be a part of this organization. The team — my co-workers and bosses — rock my socks off, you have no idea of the collective brain power and charisma (pertinent to leadership roles) this group has. The camaraderie and creative energy is something I definitely want to be a part of. I wish I can introduce you guys to everyone, for they are an exceptional bunch. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to work with and learn from these individuals, respectively.

There are still many many reasons, product related reasons — most I cannot talk about — all I will say is stay tuned. ;)

So to all of you asking me about my So Cal Foursquare check-ins or L.A. Yelp reviews: Yes, I moved to L.A. for this once in a lifetime opportunity. :) If you are ever in the area (or even live down here) you are more than welcome to stop by. We’ll go have tater tots from @grlldcheesetruk, they come once a week!

ps: there is more after the jump, but it is all personal (sappy) stuff, fyi.

Separately, there is a motherload of people I need to acknowledge and show appreciation to.
My rocks — the ultimate support system up in Seattle who helped me through an extremely difficult time and I cannot thank enough. Shannon and Kristy, especially. I don’t know how I would’ve survived October-January without you guys. Thank you, for being there. Krystyn Chong – girl, you know why. ;) Natasha who never fails to make me laugh, I heart you. Clint, my brother from another mother, Christine, Shauna and Betsy, who have been incredible ears and mentors. Also huge props go out to the LA Tech community for being so great and welcoming me with open arms. Can’t wait to get to know you guys better! A special shout goes out to Dan for connecting me to Mike Jones and for Mike for not passing me off as a nut job and connecting me to the incredible Angela who hooked me up with Sean (phew what a mouthful!) And of course Sean for believing in me from day one. I am so honored to be working with you and can’t believe we’ve ‘known’ each other for almost two years – double u tee F! Everyone needs to meet you and Laurie. STAT.

My heros — mentors, if you will — who have been kind to me for no reason when I first stumbled onto FriendFeed: Dave, LG, Robert, Erin, Dave, Kevin,  Micah, Rizzn, Tamar, Sarah, Marshall, Richard… basically the entire RWW team, Duncan, Yama, Zee, Orli, Chris, Jesse, Mark, Leo, Ben, Lucretia, Leslie, Brazell, the entire FriendFeed community (mostly the FF team who are now Facebookers haha oh man, the irony!) and many many many others I am sure I’m forgetting — maaan I hate listing names since I am terrified of leaving people out — but thank you. You guys are inspirations, every one of you, and I will take everything I learned from all of you with me, as I start my new role as Social Media Manager (!).

Also, much props to Jeremiah, Brian, Dan Zarrella, and SEOmoz for consistently providing top notch content (for free!) I have learned so much just reading your blogs over the past few months — so thank you, for all that you do!