Member of the month is ... A BIG SURPRISE!!

[sarahtowny]

Actually the surprise is that we are not doing it this month.

We the staff decided to put Jeff in the hot seat and let our members know who the boss of BBB really is! So Mr Jeff Hester here is your interview!

When did you decide to set up BigBlueBall and why?

I registered the domain originally back in 1998. A friend and I sat down with a pad of paper and a pen and brainstormed domain names. We filled an entire sheet of paper with domain names, and went through the list to find what was already taken. As I recall, BigBlueBall.com was one of only two domain names that wasn't already taken. I liked it because it reminded me of a NASA photo called the Blue Marble that shows earth from space -- looking very much like, well, a big, blue ball. We snapped it up.

At the time, we wanted to setup a website where we could hone our coding skills and use it to show prospective employers. It worked, and both of us landed jobs in the dot-com world.

For the next two years BigBlueBall sat mostly untouched as we slaved away under the promise of stock options and eminent wealth (neither materialized in the end). If you're interested, you can peruse the WayBackMachine to catch a glimpse of what BigBlueBall used to look like back then.

When the dot-com boom when bust in 2001, I found myself with some time on my hands once again, and turned BigBlueBall into a portal for instant messaging news, tips and tricks -- a subject that fascinated me. It's continued to evolve in the years since, and has grown more than I ever had imagined possible back in those days.


How long have you been using computers?

I've always been fascinated with computers, and first started using them when the original Mac came out in 1984. I took numerous programming classes, including Basic Basic, where the lab was filled with Apple II computers. I first began really using computers at work, where I learned AutoCAD 2.17 on DOS, using a computer that had two 5-1/4" floppy drives and no hard disk. Really.

Of course, now I can't imagine not using a computer. Can you?


What is your preferred instant messenger and why?

I really like Google Talk, but there aren't enough of my friends on it to use it exclusively. My most-used IM today is Windows Live Messenger. I usually also run Skype, Gizmo, imeem, and occasionally Trillian Pro or Meebo.


What would you like to see in the future of BBB?

In simple terms, I'd like to see more of the same; a dynamic, growing and thriving community where people feel comfortable asking questions and sharing answers -- and having fun, too! The website itself can sometimes get in the way, so I'd like to make it easier for people to navigate and participate.

Gazing into my crystal ball, I see a more sophisticated content management system that allows blog-like commenting on news stories; gives our IM teams direct control over the content in the IM Centers; and maybe even a wiki that allows everyone to get involved and share their knowledge.


Why did you come up with your user name? (Sorry had to ask!)

Not very inventive, is it? Yes, Jeff is my real name. I've even considered expanding it to my full name. I'm proud of BigBlueBall, and I have no problem putting my name on it.


If you were to design your own IM what features would you think were top of the list?

Security, reliability and interoperability, running on multiple platforms (PC, Mac, handheld devices) with an uncluttered user interface. I also regularly use voice and file transfer capabilities. Those would be my top features.


What question is asked most on BBB?

The most asked question is "BigBlueBall? Is it 'safe' for me to look at?" The most popular topic of all time, at least in terms of the number of views, is Trouble Signing Into MSN Messenger 6. It's been viewed over 180,000 times. I guess a few people have had trouble signing into MSN Messenger at one time or another.

I can always tell when one of the big IM networks has an outage, because we see an immediate spike in traffic to BigBlueBall as people flock here for answers, or at least for assurance that they aren't the only ones affected.


What would you like the members past and future to think BBB is all about?

My immediate response was "instant messaging, of course!" But as I thought about it, I realized that it's more than just IM. It's about connecting with other people and sharing knowledge. It's about discovering a new way of using technology to make our own world a little bit better. It's about how those changes in technology trickle down into changes in each of our own lives, and together, learning to make the most of them. That's what BigBlueBall is all about.


What has been your biggest joy about running BBB so far?

Really it's the people I've met. My IM contact info is readily available, and I generally let anyone add me who wants to. I don't have time to really get to know everyone well, but over the years I've made numerous friends, and those friends bring the greatest joy.


And finally what do you think the future of IM'ing will be?

The future of IM will include seamless interoperability. I'll have one account, and be able to communicate to my friends regardless of what IM program they prefer to use. It will include text, voice and video, and allow me to easily move between the three as needed without disrupting the flow of a conversation. Best of all, it will allow me to move between devices with equal fluidity, so a conversation that I start on my PC automatically can be transferred to my mobile phone when I leave, or to my hands-free headset when I get in the car.

Phone calls will be free, with a few exceptions for international calls. The IM companies will be communication companies, and they'll earn revenue through transaction fees -- making purchases and exchanging money via these networks. Just as I can transfer files with you on Windows Live Messenger or Skype, I'll be able to transfer money to you just as easily. It's going to be a whole lot easier to split that lunch tab.

Eventually, we may even see "heads up" styled display systems built into a contact lens, giving us a full-time, real-time connectivity to the net. Yes, the distraction level is going to get much worse.

When I look even further, I see a sort of IM via mental telepathy. I think the IM networks could still be a factor even if telepathy could be learned or genetically designed. For instance, imagine how distracting it would be for a famous movie starlett to "receive" millions of mental messages from her fans. If instead, these thoughts could be first routed through an IM network, you could create filters. "Ignore messages from anyone not on my contact list." Hey, it could happen.


How do you feel about getting this award?

Honestly, it was the nicest surprise I've had in a long while. You guys are the greatest. Now... what do you want?

Thank you Jeff for your interview and I cannot but help giggle and say that your t-shirt is on it's way. On behalf of the staff and members of BBB thank you for all you do, and for bringing BBB to us!

[Tea Granny]

I loved the interview Jeff!

Mostly I'm glad that you get involved and talk to us regular members here at BBB. A lot of forums don't have any interaction with "the boss." It's good that you get involved with conversations and answers here. It shows you really do care about what you have created.

Perhaps this award is long over due! Congratulations Jeff!

[PolarBearNPR]

Congratulations, Big Guy on this most prestigious . . . interview It's very interesting to see your take on this whole IM thing, where it's all been, where it's all going, and what part BBB will play in the process.

Here's to many more years of BBBing and to the fella who envisioned it all.

[Spike]

Ah, yes Jeff. "Surprise!" Sarah had this wonderful idea, and as soon as I heard it I thought it was an excellent idea.

I loved reading the interview, as well. It's interesting to see where the site has gone since the past, and hopefully where it's headed.

[Nessa]

This just goes to show how great Jeff is.

Originally Posted by Jeff

How do you feel about getting this award?

Honestly, it was the nicest surprise I've had in a long while. You guys are the greatest. Now... what do you want?

Pftt, *doesn't get nervous* Who said we wanted anything?

Nah, Jeff knows he deserves this honor simply because he is great! I bet Sarah got 100% approval after suggesting this idea.

[seb_thib_55]

Haha! Congratulations Jeff. I am for one glad I found your site on Google over 2 years ago. It doesn't seem that long ago, but WOW! Time flies. It an amazing community. I get 99.9% of my questions/problems answered here. Thank you very much!

Also your views and opinions on IM are pretty amazing. You have great ideas.
Loved the interview.

[MrOats]

What a great idea indeed Sarah!

Congrats Jeff. Thank you for making BBB such a great place to belong to, and for doing all that you do!

[MrEggsalad]

Haha, now this is great! Congrats man! Now you know how much pressure is on the other members of the month!

[sarahtowny]

It was a great interview Jeff.

I have now ordered your sweatshirt. I have to say I asked, MrEgg to help me with the design, we had quite a giggle! Thanks for that MrEgg

Be sure to take a photo of yourself in it when it arrives :0)

[Jeff]

Thanks to everyone for the kind words. I was really surprised, and happily so. It's very gratifying when people find something good in what really has been a labor of love.

Thanks for helping make BigBlueBall the best IM community around.