Yahoo, Passion and Retirement: This is a Big Problem

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/1700AP_Yahoo_Resignation.html

Yahoo's CTO is retiring.. presumably he wants to spend more time in the Cayman Islands..  and I can't really blame him.

But as you chuckle, consider how big a problem this is for domains and tech in general. Many of the folks administering domain names and domain portfolios have 10 years in.  What's going to happen when these folks tire of the race?

Speaking for myself, managing domain names is a 24x7x365 affair..  I truly love it of course,  but one day I may not.  Is there going to be a qualified person with a passion and the fire in his (or her) belly, to take the reins and make the sacrifice to run the company the way I would want them to? Will they understand the subtleties and nuances of the trade?

How about Yahoo.. will they find the right individual who truly bleeds the company colors? Even the greatest careers last just 20 years or so. This half-way point (and Yahoo retirement announcement) is a great time for us all to perform a temperature check and plan for the future (yes, you too Google).

Domain names will be around in 20 years.. but you may not -- not at the company anyway. You'll probably be sipping rum-runners on the beach with me.. Domainers get to live forever (hope you got the memo)  ;)

Comments

[julien]

frank, i doubt you'll have problems filling YOUR shoes. on some levels, though, entrepreneurs are never really happy with anyone else doing the work on their baby(ies).

[Adam]

Is there going to be a qualified person with a passion and the fire in his (or her) belly, to take the reins and make the sacrifice to run the company the way I would want them to? Will they understand the subtleties and nuances of the trade?

You taking applications ? What's the pay ?
;)

[Dave Wrixon]

That's what sons (or daughters) are for Frank.

I certainly don't want mine to do a "proper job", like my father did, and like I have been expected to.

[nate]

I'd be happy to take on your business Frank. Just let me know when. :)