Bruce Livingstone 2.0 – For those about to rock…

I salute you!

Ljubljana iStockalypse 2006

Quote from istockphoto: On 2009-03-23 12:04:03, bitter wrote:

“It’s been more than nine years since we started iStockphoto. From the beginning, this crazy little experiment has shown the world what happens when people assemble to organize their creativity and business acumen. Together, we changed the way a whole industry works. It’s astonishing how far we’ve all come and how successful this concept has been. Our offices and staff – here in Calgary, Germany, remote teams (inspectors) and at Getty Images around the world – have all worked incredibly hard to become what we are. It’s a strong team and we’re functioning with fantastic precision. Everyone is prepared for this day.

Back when our staff was still just a few dozen people, when we were having a going away party for a co-worker, people were choked. When you’re that tight a group, the prospect of change seems really dramatic. I remember telling everybody “Hey, iStock is bigger than any one of us. People come and go, things change, but iStock was built to last. H*ck, someday even I’ll leave.”

This is my last communication as CEO of iStockphoto and SVP Consumer at Getty Images. It’s been a difficult decision, but it’s the right moment to move on. I need more time with my family, and time to figure out what I’m going to do next. Anybody who knows me, knows I’m a bit of a workaholic. So I’m finally going to make some time for myself and the people in my life.

The day I told you all that we had sold to Getty Images, I assured you we would keep all that was great about iStock and be the same, only better. Thanks to the support of Jonathan Klein and other great people at Getty Images, we have expanded into numerous countries and languages far faster than we ever could have alone. I know that momentum will continue, with many new developments in store in the coming months. I have also learned an enormous amount from my colleagues at Getty Images and will miss them a great deal as I will miss working with all of you.?
Don’t think for a minute that I’m going away, though. I’m still a photographer after all, and I’ll finally have time to take pictures now. I just won’t have one of those Admin badges and hammer anymore. Please don’t Wiki my keywords unless I really deserve it.

I am deeply honoured to have led this community and worked with all of you. I believe we made the world a more beautiful place. It’s been you who has made all the hard work over the years so worth it.”

Farewell Posting on istockphoto.

Thanks Bruce for all your time and work in the last 9 years to built up this unique community! You really changed the rules in the photography world. You`re still a worcoholic and photographer. I simply can`t wait to see the ‘Bruce 2.0′ Ideas. If you need someone to travel somewhere….you know. Rock on and have even more fun.