9rules: Roles & Responsibilities
Round 6 is open for 9rules. If you remember back in the day, I used to throw parties for rounds or launches. I didn’t this time because it’s a transition round. I wasn’t in the mood to go out, wasn’t in the mood to stream either but I did hop on the webcam and webcammed with some peeps. To commemorate the round I made clips (photos) out of the video. Considering 1) it was election night 2) I didn’t have any lights on except the monitor 3) Obama didn’t take Indiana 4) I was born on the devil’s day and 5) people were fucking with me it’s not surprising how evil I look in some of the photos. I achieved my goal, I have “memories” for Round 6…mission accomplished. No, I’m not putting them up because they didn’t pass the “show them to the guys and see what they say” test.
Speaking of 9rules, I decided to write an entry on what we “do” since others are writing the “Round 6 is open” articles. We’ve gone from having one site to two (with more on the way) and there are misconceptions on what we “do”…so let’s clear those up particularly since our roles have shifted a bit.
Mike
Mike’s is the design guy - he makes the sites look pretty. He has a tough role because when people see the sites they see his work and as everyone knows the design leaves an impression on the viewer. The benefit: if he nails the design the first time (which he normally does) he’s “done” (for awhile) outside of management responsibilities we all share. If his design isn’t well received, then it’s hell but that hasn’t happened except one time and looking back, we didn’t “rush” to change it. Scrivs and I aren’t so lucky….
Scrivs
Scrivs does almost all of the programming now. At one time they shared the programming responsibilities but things shifted to Scrivs doing the programming. This was a natural shift because (as hinted on the front page of Chawlk) Mike has a more design responsibilities now.
Scrivs is the IA guy so he works closely with Mike on designs. I’ll tell Scrivs the feedback I received from our readers/users, tell him my thoughts, he listens to suggestions Mike might have then goes to work formulating content placement which is why when Mike initially does a design it usually differs from the final design.
Tyme
My role shifted the most recently. I deal with member issues (9rules and Chawlk) but now I’m taking a more active role in the maintenance, development and progression of the sites, which excites me to no end. Scrivs sat with me and we went through 9rules and made IA decisions. I actively work in the database and I even made .htaccess changes. I know for designers/programmers this is minor league but I’m neither one so it means a lot to me that Scrivs trusted me enough (over and above my own fears) not to blow up the site.
The hard part
As I mentioned above Scrivs and I aren’t as “lucky” as Mike when a site launches. Usually what happens is that people see the site, says it looks great and say we all did a great job. People assume Mike did everything which isn’t the case (although we understand that). Scrivs rarely gets, “Man, you nailed the programming on this!” and I never get “Tyme, you improved the off-topic content ratio by 57%”. We do get (Scrivs in particular) the things that needs to be fixed, changed, etc. but usually it is not design related (meaning a launch brings more work). It was a tad rough at first but I had to remember that it balances out in the end. Scrivs and I often receive (separately and jointly) requests to stream, do a podcast, bicker in Notes or Twitter, etc. so in truth, we all have our moments to “shine”.
Hopefully that clears some things up…
…on what we “do”. We have a lot of stuff coming out shortly and I’ll be talking more about those projects and how we “do” things, because I know you guys like that stuff. *shrug
Related posts:
Hurricane Says:
Scrivs does the programming? You mean the coding? I never knew that. I don’t know what I thought Scrivs did but I didn’t know he coded.
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Mandy Says:
I had it all wrong lol. I thought Scrivs did the design and Mike made images to his sketch.
About the hard part, I bet that is hard but you’re right that it balances out. I have nothing against Mike but when I want to see or hear from the Triad I lean towards you and Scrivs because you two are the ones I follow. When I want something about the site I think of Mike. You do have your times to shine.
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Walter Henry Says:
No pictures? :=(
“Scrivs sat with me and we went through 9rules and made IA decisions. ”
Scrivs is a good teacher it seems.
“Scrivs rarely gets, “Man, you nailed the programming on this!” and I never get “Tyme, you improved the off-topic content ratio by 57%”. We do get (Scrivs in particular) the things that needs to be fixed, changed, etc. but usually it is not design related (meaning a launch brings more work).”
That’s what I get Tyme. “Your project made us 5M, thanks! BTW, you ain’t getting that raise.”
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Michael Dean Says:
I always saw Mike as the design geek guy. You and Scrivs are the two I’d have a beer and share a meal with because I don’t dance. I guess I’m saying you and Scrivs appeal to me more because I’m not a geek. The three of you have all the bases covered.
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Peggy Dale Says:
“Scrivs does almost all of the programming now. At one time they shared the programming responsibilities but things shifted to Scrivs doing the programming.”
I’m glad I’m not alone in thinking Scrivs made a design and Mike made it look good. I thought Scrivs made a barebones site then Mike added pictures.
Scrivs trusted you with files? He’s a brave man!
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Colleen Says:
Good luck on round 6. I hope you get some great submissions.
Those were good times you two playfully going at it. The best is in a stream where we can see your expressions. Scrivs gets the funny look when you say something you shouldn’t have.
Scrivs is the comedy, you’re his sidekick. Mike is for the geeks. I tried listening to your podcast and Mike would always slide into technical talk about gadgets, design or something I couldn’t follow. I’d laugh when Scrivs would tell him to stop. Or when Scrivs said it was your fault when you got off topic.
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Angelina Says:
I didn’t realize Scrivs coded either but I did find his design site. That’s cool though. The changes you all made seem to be for the best. Good luck to you on Round 6.
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Greg Vendas Says:
I found your site from your article on Fast Company and through you found 9rules, 3by9 and your business partners. From your article and reading 3by9 I thought you led with Scrivs because you always talk about the future, direction, trust, embracing users and their value to a company or blog. I thought Scrivs (although CEO and taking responsibility for everything) co-led because, from his writing, he’s building the site. He can’t build the site and lead too. The synergy between the two of you and the fact everyone embraces you two makes the combination a good one. Mike can focus on the design which is extremely important. I looked at many sites and left because I didn’t like the design but I also visit sites I detest the design because it is the only place I can get that information.
Heartfelt well-wishes on your round. I look forward to see who your new members are.
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Juanita L. Says:
Next time you guys open a site I’m going to make sure to thank Scrivs for coding it and you for decreasing off-topic material.
Good luck with the round!
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
ViperGirl Says:
I’m waiting on you and Scrivs to travel around the world teaching people they can learn and have a good too. I found you guys from ScrivsTyme talking about Dante. I had an assignment and you two really helped me out. I was sad you didn’t finish.
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Marion Says:
Viper (10): you and everyone else. They are very lucky that people want to see and talk to them. I can’t think of anyone online that I dig like I do them.
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Craig Says:
“I’m waiting on you and Scrivs to travel around the world teaching people they can learn and have a good too.”
I have no inclination to go to SXSW but I would go to a 9rules conference in a minute. I don’t care what they are talking about I know I’d learn something and have fun too. I see them like Kevin Rose and his partner traveling around, filling up places, having a good time.
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Emily Q. Says:
Scrivs coding is a shocker. He’s very smart but I didn’t think he’d like it. When I browse the site the reason why it works is because he made it? I really like that. Thank you Tyme for setting the record straight.
12: Ditto.
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Fendi Says:
The 9rules phenomenon is fantastic because they are fantastic. I can’t wait until Scrivs and Tyme come to my city. I will buy tickets to see them. To see them live, in person? That’s like a stream on steroids.
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Tyme White Says:
Ya’ll know something I don’t? We’re traveling now? I hope you guys ran this past Scrivs. Ya’ll aren’t getting me into trouble.
Almost no one knew that Scrivs coded the site which is why I wanted to set the record straight. Scrivs works very hard and it goes unnoticed often. It pisses me off sometimes. I corrected it by posting it in a place where the most volume of people will see it. And hopefully, amongst yourselves, you’ll set it straight so he receives the credit he deserves.
Ok…done ranting…LMAO
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Shadow Moon Says:
Scrivs said he was down for whatever, just schedule it, remember?
I’m glad you correct it because I didn’t know what he did. I was going to take that up in college but it was hard. Code does exactly what you tell it to do, not what you want it to do. I had trouble making the jump getting the code to function the way I wanted it to. I have the utmost respect for Scrivs because its not easy.
About you doing more with your audience, I’m down for it. I’d go because I know it would be worth the money. Good time guaranteed. My boss would approve it if I could prove I was learning something.
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Marv Says:
Thank you for talking to me last night. Very unexpected surprise. Yes, you throw some looks sometimes but most of them are kind of sexy. I’m not recommending you turn on lights again LOL.
I never thought about what you guys did but I’m glad to know. As humans we make decisions on what we know or think we know. That’s why when key employees leave a company their stock drops, what key people do in a company matters. When Gates announced his retirement I lost interest in the company. I can’t stand Yang so I don’t use Yahoo. I got to know you guys and I read your sites.
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Jay Says:
“Ya’ll know something I don’t? We’re traveling now? I hope you guys ran this past Scrivs. Ya’ll aren’t getting me into trouble.”
He said he was cool about traveling, remember? I like your laid back styles. I remember the first time I heard you guys talking about conferences and meetups. I’d knowing during the day I would learn something and at night I’d have a good time.
I don’t think you two realize how many people you affected. You taught people when you weren’t even trying. Many times I laughed while learning something new.
Good luck on your day. Hope it’s everything you wanted.
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Missy Says:
Good luck to you all. XOXOXOXOXO
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Andre Says:
I had a great time last night. I almost pissed my pants from shock. Tyme. Video chatting. With me. No way those pictures are bad but girl, I didn’t know you were into politics. And what you’re doing with World of Warcraft is kick ass.
Much success with your submissions today baby girl.
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Felicia Says:
I have work so far up my ass it’s coming out when I talk but I wanted to say I love you, had a awesome time last night, I love Scrivs, glad he turned into a code monkey with his handsome self, and good luck today.
I can’t get that song out of my head, damn you!
Hugs & Kisses
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Felicia Says:
This is the song btw:
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Tyme White Says:
Felicia I fixed your You Tube video. Blame Andre. He asked why I was still single, and I explained to him my problem with men (inability to just be honest about what is in their hearts and trust they are fine as they are to just DO it) and he said the song reminded him of me. Out there, somewhere, there is a guy missing the hell out of me but loving me very much. Had a great time btw - been a long time since we talked.
Felix - yeah, that’s me but honestly it’s a business decision. Although it irked me it irked me because it’s a false perception about our company. I couldn’t think of one pro to keep the lie going but a ton of pros as a benefit of attempting to correct the situation so I did. This one article won’t do it though but I did my part to attempt to try to correct it. We all deserve credit for the hard work we do and the achievements we make.
Andre - HAHAHA I had a blast too. And thanks for tuning me into the song. Been listening to it a lot since. And thanks about WoW.
Marv - enjoyed it and thanks
Thank you everyone for the kind words and well wishes. I cannot speak for Scrivs but I intend to do some traveling most likely the beginning of next year. Start eating your Wheaties - it’s going to be a wild ride….
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Emily Q. Says:
OMG TYME! The lyrics on that song are deep.
Even though I’m the sacrifice,
You won’t try for me, not now.
Though I’d die to know you love me,
I’m all alone.
Isn’t something missing?
Isn’t someone missing me?
http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Missing-lyrics-Evanescence/D776FF1E227117FC48256CA000091BEB
Her voice is unique. The song moves me. I’m going to check out more of her stuff when I get home in iTunes.
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Marion Says:
“I cannot speak for Scrivs but I intend to do some traveling most likely the beginning of next year. Start eating your Wheaties - it’s going to be a wild ride….”
Yeah Tyme! A long time away but you’re doing it, finally.
I’m familiar with that song. I like it but it makes me cry. I’ve felt that way in the past, maybe that’s why.
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Emo Says:
Back to those pictures you won’t show us?
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Charmyn Says:
I didn’t know Scrivs coded either. That’s great. I adore Scrivs but coding is tedious. I adore him more now.
Thank you Tyme for understanding what your followers want. I enjoyed reading about you guys and from the comments so did everyone else. Scrivs makes the site go!
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Terri in Tokyo Says:
I’m very glad I happened on you folks - you’re all inspiring, whatever you’re doing!
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Cedric Says:
Your The Hard Part hit home. That’s how it is with my job. I rarely get acknowledgment for what my department does yet my department is crucial because almost everything runs through it.
Your round closes in one hour. I hope you are satisfied with the results.
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Gerard Says:
What is Tyme doing in Warcraft? Finally making 70? :=)
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Andre Says:
I’ll go out on a limb and say she’s probably the only black female doing what she’s doing in World of Warcraft. Seems like she found a way to make the game fun to her.
Posted on May 8th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Jane Says:
Tyme- Thanks for all you do. I knew how hard Paul worked, but is seen as the clown in the group. This is okay since he has always liked being noticed. Thanks for letting everyone know he is not just a personality he really does care about the sites as much as you and Mike. The three of you make it work and I hope will continue to succeed.
Posted on May 8th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Tyme White Says:
@Jane - Thank you!
@Andre - Yes, I’m probably the only (or one of a few but I’m banking on only) black female doing what I’m doing. I’m having a blast too. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to play the past couple of days. You know what? I’m going to get some time in now.
Posted on May 9th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Aaron Says:
What are you doing? I can’t think of anything. I want to do it too, depending on what it is lol of course.
Posted on May 9th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Tyme White Says:
I still didn’t play. I said I was but I started working instead. It’s 9am, going to take some WoW time for real now. I started working at 6:30 this morning.
Posted on May 9th, 2008 at 9:02 am
Tyme White Says:
And I didn’t answer you question did I Aaron? I’ll see if I can post a video showing you.
Posted on May 9th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Marion Says:
She’s not playing World of Warcraft unless she plays and answers emails at the same time. She just responded to my email.
Posted on May 9th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Tyme White Says:
Damn, you ratted me out LOL. I was in the game and it froze. I decided to reboot and when I rebooted I opened my email, feedreader, etc. and slid right back into working lol. My inbox is empty, I’m caught up on my feeds, going back in the game for about an hour.
Posted on May 9th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Felix Says:
You three had me dying on the stream yesterday. That was the best non-drinking stream yet. I saw Tyme’s notice on her site, announced I was taking a break and went into the breakroom to watch it on the big screen. Started off with perhaps 10 people in there and it ended up being jammed. It wasn’t a long one, the bosses said why not take a break. Sucks to be a secretary because they still had to man the phones.
Scrivs was happy, smiling, dancing, laughing. Tyme was subdued letting The Star shine, having giggle episodes. Mike wasn’t on camera but he was heavily in chat. We couldn’t chat in there and it only showed up as 1 viewer probably but I’d guess at least 60 of us were jammed into that room. Laughing.
Scrivs was dancing in his chair so much he was sweating. Tyme laughed so much she started crying at one point (and Scrivs said “Look at her! Look at her eyes! Look!) and it’s a good thing he did because if viewers were like me I was so busy watching him I would have missed it. Tyme kept saying sexual innuendos without realizing it, she said about 3 of them until she caught it, tried not to laugh as if no one would catch it (WE CAUGHT THEM TYME!!) then fell out laughing. Scrivs was on it and said in a playing serious tone, “Tyme, this is why no one takes us seriously because you keep making those remarks” or something like that. The whole room started laughing.
At the end they played music trivia and we danced playing along. We couldn’t type but I didn’t feel the need to and no one else did either. We all enjoyed watching. A co-worker said what she liked the most was that there was one person to watch, Scrivs and read the chat. Tyme was there but if we took our eyes off of her we didn’t miss anything because her voice said it all. Her expressions looking at the sites were funny but what they did this time made it easier for people watching to follow. Other times watching three boxes plus the chat was a lot. Tyme being more subdued and in the chat too while Mike was all up in the chat Scrivs didn’t have to worry about it and was free to entertain. Tyme gave out the points - nice change there.
Thank you for the good times. We all enjoyed it. This was the first time I seriously considered the option of watching you guys on TV.
Posted on May 9th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Barnaby Says:
We did the same thing. Dude, I was rolling. I agree with what you were saying about the boxes. If they were in the same room it’d be different but it was much easier this time focusing on one. Scrivs brought back a lot of memories with the songs. Reminded me of past loves lol. I paid attention to the chat since Mike was in there.
Posted on May 9th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Felicity Says:
I caught it late coming out of a meeting and couldn’t stay because I had to go to another meeting. I agree with you Felix. I wished it was on my DVR so I could record it. I would have watched it later, laying up in bed eating some ice cream lol.
Posted on May 10th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Bride2Be Says:
Am I the only one that doesn’t know what Tyme is doing in World of Warcraft?
I SMS’d my fiance and asked him to watch it since I couldn’t at work when I got the notice from Tyme’s Blog. He sent SMS’d back saying there were 30 something people in the room, Scrivs was sweating, smiling and laughing. Tyme blushed deep red and laughed to the point of tears. Mike thought Will Smith wrote every black song in the 80s. He enjoyed it and I’m sorry I missed it.
Posted on May 10th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Plush Puppy Says:
I missed it, sounds like it was fun. Felix, you hit the nail on the head. My monitor is 1280xsomething and watching three boxes plus the chat is a lot. Especially with the gigantic header at the top. I would enjoy watching one or two then I would have room for the chat box.
Tyme what are you doing in WoW? Did you switch sides?
Posted on May 10th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Grace Says:
I wondered what the roles and responsibilities were at 9rules. Scrivs used to say in your audios that he didn’t do anything and I knew that couldn’t be right.
That song is very moving. There is a guy I like and I need to tell him. The part of her saying she’s the sacrifice and he won’t try for her made me look at my own actions.
I want my opportunity to chat with Tyme!
Posted on May 11th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Evil Philanthropist Says:
I have a 22in monitor and I can see all three of them. My friend has a 18in monitor and he can’t, he has to scroll around. I find that even though I can see all three I’m really watching one at a time. Tyme being cool as a cucumber allowed me to watch and enjoy Scrivs while reading the chat. Mike was funny in the chat and it made the chat fun. Scrivs was killing it. He looked very happy and it was infectious. I was having a bad day and I felt better after watching him, laughing with him. I couldn’t stay until the end but I enjoyed what I saw.
Posted on May 11th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Methu Says:
“I was going to take that up in college but it was hard. Code does exactly what you tell it to do, not what you want it to do. I had trouble making the jump getting the code to function the way I wanted it to. I have the utmost respect for Scrivs because its not easy.”
Ditto. I took two classes and they kicked my ass. Tell Scrivs he’s doing a great job.
Posted on May 11th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Felicia Says:
Where is Scrivs? I miss him.
Posted on May 12th, 2008 at 1:52 am
Margie D. Says:
I predict that programming, writing, design and video are going to be top careers in the years to come. Someone has to build, someone has to write, someone has to make it look good and video is the new way to communicate. I video chat with my friends all the time, or at least audio chat. The important people I mean.
Posted on May 12th, 2008 at 7:16 am
Tyme White Says:
If you are subscribed to the discussion I apologize for the emails you are about to receive (all at once). I didn’t look thoroughly at comments over the weekend and I noticed (just now) that all the comments were held. My apologies.
Posted on May 12th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Tyme White Says:
Glad everyone enjoyed it.
@Felix - you brought up something I had not thought about before (as did others). I have a large screen and although I thought of people being able to view all the boxes and chat I did not think about having to watch them all.
And I liked giving points and boosting the community. Later on there will be more to do with the points so that’s something I’d like to incorporate into the streams if the guys agree with it.
@Felicity: You aren’t the only one that mentioned that. You know, I’d watch it too or there are times I wish I could have re-wound it lol.
@Bride2Be - when Mike mistook Will Smith for Bobby Brown I fell out laughing. Ask him any Jay-Z or Kayne song and he’ll nail it though lol.
@Plush Puppy - Nope, I didn’t switch sides. I’ll explain more shortly.
@Grace - yeah, that song can hit home. I listened to it for a couple of days, almost continuously I suppose because I relate to it lol.
@Felicia - If he were here every day would you ever get enough of Scrivs?
@Margie - I think live video is going to start dominating the only problem is that most people can’t do it. They need to edit.
Again, sorry for the comments being in moderation.
Posted on May 12th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Curious George Says:
Is it possible to record your stuff on a DVR? That would be great.
Posted on May 12th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Yoshi Says:
I like looking at your streams but I would enjoy much more looking at you on my big screen TV or have some drinks with you. I can’t think of another web company I want to do that with.
Posted on May 12th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Tyme White Says:
Ok, I promised a video on what I’m doing in World of Warcraft. It’s short but it shows you what I’m doing.
Enjoy!
Posted on May 12th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Felix Says:
Which one is you? The Orc? You changed characters again?
Posted on May 12th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Yoshi Says:
You made a male character! Good for you Tyme! I made female characters in games.
Posted on May 12th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Juanita L. Says:
That’s you, Scrivs and Mike isn’t it? Awesome!
Posted on May 12th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Cool Guy Says:
That’s cool you guys play together. Why didn’t you make a female character? Or are you tired of them?
Posted on May 12th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Kelly Strom Says:
That’s cute, you are all dressed a like. Is that Scrivs in the center? You with the long hair and Mike’s the bald one?
Posted on May 12th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Tyme White Says:
Actually, that’s not The Triad. That’s me, playing my three toons…all at once. On one computer.
Posted on May 12th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Felix Says:
You are playing THREE game characters at the same time?
Posted on May 12th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Cool Guy Says:
Tyme from the way you talk about the game, you’re barely playing one character good. Three? Is that legal?
Posted on May 12th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Tyme White Says:
I’m playing the hell out of these characters. Yes, it’s 100% legal (Blizzard isn’t going to ban my accounts). There are people doing 5+. I want to do 5 but I’m still learning, so I’m working with 3. I have higher level toons I can add with these and have a well rounded bunch.
I know one thing, the game is fun as hell now. I’m playing a Mage, Warlock and a Priest. I opted to make male toons because, when I dance on someone’s corpse, they’ll be doing a cool dance.
Posted on May 13th, 2008 at 12:04 am
3by9 » Small Companies Need A Hat Rack Says:
[...] can only assume that at Digg each person is given a specific role. With the Triad, we all have our specific roles and responsibilities, but there are times where we have to cross over and help out with something that doesn’t [...]
Posted on May 14th, 2008 at 10:49 am