In 1994, during an intense summer thunderstorm, I experience an epiphany. I realized that the Web would allow me to bring three life long passions into critical focus. To combine my life long passions together — for the first time. These passions, Art, Technology, and Experiences had intrigued me since I was a child. Never before had I been able to fuse these passions into one form. The Web offered me that power. My life has not been the same since.
   I still get goose bumps when I recall that magical moment when I realized that my dreams could come true. I still have that sense of excitement about the web and its offspring — despite the dotcom meltdown and my share of death–march projects. My excitement is real and profound — it is based upon one simple emotion, LOVE. I honestly Love the Web. I do what I do for I Love It!

   In the earlier days, the people I had the pleasure of working with were more focused upon doing and making — less on stock options. We dreamed of electric sheep brought to life by Future Splash and controlled by JavaScript. Sure enough, we wanted to be paid — but the excitement of creating great experiences was the real juice that drove us.
   Then something happened. It seemed as if overnight the Web world was invaded by mindless money zombies who were more focused on their option packages and the type of chair they sat in. They spoke in pseudoscientificmarketingmumbojumbo that reminded me of mental Twinkies. Nothing but dead calories and fat.
   It was an interesting experience to go through a dotcom IPO. It is quite a roller—coaster ride to find your self worth millions of dollars — overnight. Unfortunately, some people really let the money go to their heads and forgot what their Mother taught them "Nothing lasts forever". I was at Burning Man in the Nevada desert (where I proposed to my wife) in 2000 when the market imploded. The wheat began to be separated from the chaff. I returned to a different world.

    Most of my friends in the business agree with me when I say "I miss the party, but I am glad it is over". Sanity had returned to the marketplace. Now I believe the real business at hand can get underway. Creating meaningful online experiences that address customer needs. Experiences that provide customers an ability to learn about products, purchase products, and get support for them. Increasingly, this work means extending the Web experience beyond the browser — into wireless, handheld devices and even clothing.