I’m pleased to let you all know that I recently accepted an offer to join Nokia and I will be moving to San Francisco in the next few weeks. The role i’m taking on is going to combine several of my very favorite things, the web, video games, and of course mobile phones (or multimedia computers as they are calling them now). I’m going to be working in the video game group, and my role will be about extending and integrating mobile gaming through the web, social media and multimedia. I should point out that my decision had nothing to do with the announcement of the N95, although I will be doing my damnedest to get my hands on one of those babys asap 
From the standpoint of ExperienceCurve I will still be focusing on Social Media and marketing for sure, but I wouldn’t be surprised if a few more mobile focused posts slip through, and certainly some more video gaming posts. Overall though my focus in the new job is more closely aligned with my interests and passions than any of my previous jobs.
I won’t be starting until the middle of October, so I’ve decided to do a road-trip from South Florida to San Francisco in my Mini with my trusty Tom-Tom. The high level plan is escape Florida on October 2nd, take some detours in Louisiana, stop for a couple of days in Austin and visit my friend Erik, through New Mexico, hit the grand canyon, through Las Vegas, on to Los Angeles, and take the Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco. Sounds much shorter than the 3,000 miles that it is I’m thinking I’ll probably aim to be in San Francisco by October 12th. This does mean that I don’t know where I’m going to be celebrating my birthday on October 8th… maybe the Grand Canyon.
Anyone en-route drop me a line, maybe I can stop for a coffee on the way. Also, any tips on things that I have to see or must eat on the way, I’m open to suggestions.
I’m delurking to say congrats… and welcome to the Bay Area. I just moved to San fran from Atlanta and I wish I had thought to do the whole cross country thing.
Karl - congrats and best of luck! Sounds like a fantastic opportunity. Looking forward to seeing/experiencing the fruits of your efforts.
Thanks so much, especially for delurking Natasha
The next year is going to be an absolutly facinating one, and i’m really thrilled about what’s coming. One of my first tasks is going to be rolling out some blog/podcast stuff to keep people updated as to what’s rolling out from the gameing group. Something like this blog they did for E3 http://www.n-gage.com/e3/ I recomend checking out the videos
Cool Karl, glad to see you’re doing the road trip. Now you get to be a working class blogger like the rest of us (well, working for a big company anyway)
You’ll do great. Like Scott said, can’t wait to see what you come up with. Nokia is a great brand.
Congrats! Let’s grab a coffee when you get here…
(and I’ll bring my original TomTom GO)
Congrats and good luck Karl!
Mobile is definately the area which is exciting me the most at the moment - and Nokia are definately doing some great things.
Interested to hear how it all goes…
Karl,
Congrats and good luck!
Once you get settled in the Bay Area, we should absolutely meet when you get over here in San Francisco. My office is nearby Union Square.
And you know…if you have happen to have a spare N-series phone laying around, let me know!
Cheers!
Daniel
sounds like a dream job my friend!
Good luck - I wish you all possible best
A.
Congrats Karl! I remember telling people this time last year that companies were going to start going after smart bloggers in earnest, and getting a ton of blank stares and laughter! Looks like the future is now
I think at first companies started paying attention to bloggers, then they realized that the ones that had grown their own blogs, might be able to help grow their company too!
BTW I have no idea what the date of the game is, but if you can you should try to go to the Texas-Oklahoma game, the Red River Shootout. I think it’s in Dallas at the State Fairgrounds. Stadium is split down the middle half UT fans, half OU. Always thought that would be cool.
Karl — congrats! This is great news. Let me know when you’re in town.
Awesome, thanks guys. My first day at work is going to be on a plane to Finland, I should be back in SF on the 20th. I’m in temprary housing for a couple of months near union square, so i’m pretty central, give me some time to save up for that deposit
I wish I could join you on the roadtrip but I look forward to following your progress via your blog. And I look forward to some phone calls from interesting places.
CONGRATS, Karl!
Wishing you the very best. I can’t wait to continue reading your thoughts on blogging, NOKIA style.
I’m all the more excited for you, since you’re moving to the Bay Area. Feel free to contact me as soon as you get here and we can meet up.
Mario
CONGRATS, Karl!
Great news
I am sure it’ll be great experience for you
Go Karl Go
Thanks so much everyone! One thing that just struck me reading these comments is that i don’t think i’ve met in person anyone, except for my Mum of course. It just goes to show how this technology, can really extend and augment personal relationships.
Cheers,
Karl
Great news, Karl … cool, fun job and a road trip/adventure. Congratulations!
Hi Karl,
Welcome to Nokia!
I recently joined Nokia Research Center, Palo Alto (September 18), and judging from your blog, I suspect we have some common ground(s).
I’ll look forward to connecting with you once you arrive; meanwhile, I hope you are enjoying your road trip!
Joe.