Michael Linden Departs Linden Lab

Posted on by Marianne McCann
Michael Linden in his usual Mole look, attending the February 2017 Mole Day
Michael Linden in his usual Mole look, attending the February 2017 Mole Day. Credit: Marianne McCann

As explained below, long-time Lab employee (over 13 years with the company) and head of the Linden Department of Public Works – the Moles – Michael Linden, has departed the Lab. I didn’t know Michael that well, having only chatted on a couple of occasions, so I invited Marianne McCann, someone who has known him for a long time, to write a piece about him and his impact on Second Life.

By Marianne McCann

Over the weekend of February 11th and 12th 2017, it was noted that Michael Linden’s profile was not showing up in Second Life search, nor was he showing as a member in several groups within his profile. Many began to question if he had left Linden Lab, and – given he was known as the head of the Linden Department of Public Works – if the LDPW was being shuttered.

At the Bay City Alliance meeting on the 14th of February, a trio of LDPW staff, Shaman Linden, Squishy Mole, and Sylvan Mole, attended in part to address these concerns.

Speaking at the meeting, Sylvan Mole confirmed that Michael has indeed left Linden Lab, but was unable to give many specifics. It is assumed that he left of his own accord.

Michael once showed up at an impromptu Lab / resident get-together aboard the SS Galaxy, (2015) complete with an Starax wand, and proceeded to set about with good-natured mischief: until he doused himself beneath a giant faucet!
Michael once showed up at an impromptu Lab / resident get-together aboard the SS Galaxy, (2015) complete with an Starax wand, and proceeded to set about with good-natured mischief: until he doused himself beneath a giant faucet! Credit: Inara Pey

Michael Linden started with Linden Lab in the autumn of 2003 as an in-world Liaison, moving briefly to Governance in 2007 before becoming one of the heads of the LDPW with the former Blue Linden. The LDPW has expanded to include several Linden staff members and a fair number of “Moles,” as the resident contractors working on content for Second Life are known.

One of the first projects released by the LDPW under Michael was the Bay City mainland regions. Last week, Michael added a rail and boat terminal to Bay City, in the Grub Beach region. It is believed that was his last project under his Linden name.

Michael has been heavily involved in the past with vehicles as a Resident, in particular with Second Life railway projects. It is expected that he will again do so, but no longer as a member of Linden Lab’s staff. Resident and Linden alike will miss his presence within the LDPW.

Grub Beach Station - thought to be the last of Michael's projects while at the Lab
Grub Beach Station – thought to be the last of Michael’s projects while at the Lab. Credit: Marianne McCann

As to the question of the LDPW’s future, they are most certainly still an ongoing department under Patch Linden, with Shaman, Dee, Keira, Kona, and Vitae Linden as an active part. As we’ve seen, the LDPW has just recently completed the multiple-region residential and experience-laden Horizons project, and they have several current and future projects on their plates.

Those of us who know Michael will miss his presence and guiding hand as a Linden, as well as his sense of fun. We all hope he enjoys every success wherever his career and work take him, and offer three cheers as he sets sail to pastures new.

Michael's love of vehicles can be seen in his collection of vintage seaplanes
Michael’s love of vehicles can be seen in his collection of vintage seaplanes. Credit: Inara Pey

Many thanks, Michael for your years of work within Second Life!

Published by Marianne McCann

19 thoughts on “Michael Linden Departs Linden Lab”

  2. Wherever you end up, Michael, your work for SL will never be forgotten! May your ongoing career elsewhere be a continuing success; and may you have time left to still come back to SL regularly!

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    1. I agree! He won’t be forgotten. Even the fabulous carrier amid Jeogeot gulf was made by him and the moles. It has been always fun to takeoff and land there.

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  3. Michael has several times saved my bacon, so he was kinda my favourite Linden. I hope he has landed a better gig with a much better employer now.

    =^.^=

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  8. Michael, if you end up reading this, thank you for everything you’ve done for the Jeogeot Gulf.

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  11. He will definitely be missed! I just hope Linden Labs doesn’t undo any of his great creations, especially in Jugeot Gulf. We’ve finally managed to get the place set up as a WWII “Contested Waters” battleground for those of us who like combat gaming.
    Be happy, Michael, wherever you are, you’ve earned it!

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  15. Thanks for all the kind thoughts! I am still plugging away on the GSLR and a few other SL things; and I’m in Sansar (and HF) from time to time.

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    1. Don’t forget to fly a plane past Hotel Adriano from time to time 😉
      Thanks again for all the good work man and enjoyment you’ve brought us all.

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