I left CNET Networks on May 10th, about nine weeks ago. I’ve hinted at my departure a few times here, but I haven’t said much. When I noted the launch of OpenDNS, it reminded me of my silence on the topic of CNET.
I am proud of my five and a half years at CNET. I worked with smart people and contributed to two redesigns of CNET News.com, and helped start the reshaping of CNET. Working with Jai Singh is a highlight of the time, and there are many, many others whom I look forward to crossing paths with over the years. And I cheer for their continued growth, across all brands and sites, with a special nod for the “Red Ball.” (I’m startled and surprised by the stock option issues. CNET Networks always felt like a company that was painfully correct about HR issues.)
Why did I leave?
First, I feared not recognizing when I needed to try something new. Read Seth Godin from a month ago: “Time to quit?” I was promoted in January (up, not sideways), and I was still growing, but I was also somewhat comfortable. I’m usually a fan of that word, but I started to believe that I needed to change to stretch myself.
Second, David got me energized about the opportunity in DNS, and the chance to be a big part of making something small into something very big. It’s a chance, not a right or a guarantee. It was time for me to put my shoulder into something where I could feel the organization move every time. I met the team, and I liked both the people and the ratio: six engineers or web developers to one wanna-be geek (me).
For me, it’s been the right choice. But I still skim all of CNET News.com via RSS every day. I’m looking to buy a new digital camera this week, to replace my Canon PowerShot S400 with something no bigger, physically, with at least the same 4 megapixels, but with a faster shutter speed. I’ll blog the process as a focus group of one for my former colleagues.
Thanks, CNET.
