Rick Barretto Answers Your Questions!

Hey everyone! We are joined by Rick Barretto, the new owner of TLN. We asked you all to send in questions and I am pleased to bring you the answers you have been looking for! Let's jump right in with this Q&A.

TLN: Give us some brief information about yourself.

Rick: We will start with my family - family is very important to me - I live in Carmel, Indiana with my two young sons named Grant (11) and Pierce (9) and my amazing, love of my life named Cara. I have one sister Christy and my Mom and Dad also live in Carmel. I graduated from Carmel High School and then later Indiana University Bloomington with a double major of Computer Science and a marketing degree through the Kelley School of business. I have always been an entrepreneur. I grow up with my father being a leading key executive at Dictaphone Corporation to being a self-made millionaire as an Entrepreneur. I have created several successful companies that mostly have involved gaming and streaming video/IT infrastructure technologies. As you will read - I have always been an avid gamer since the first day when I was about 14 I sold everything I owned as a kid at a garage sale to buy my first Atari 800 computer with 48k of memory and a cassette tape drive to load and after that point I have never been the same.

TLN: What is your career background?

Rick: I studied computer science throughout grade school and high school in the 80's and through college. I went to Indiana University in Bloomington, IN and had a double major of Computer Science and graduated from the prestigious Kelley School of Business with a BS in Marketing. At one time at IU I was actually a Theoretical Physics major but soon found out that I did not know any Physicists and was not sure how promising job opportunities were so I switched over to Computer Science. After graduation I went to work for my dad's company WSI - where I started a career as a Computer Systems Analyst designing new technologies for the company and was at the forefront of the PC networking boom as I became a Certified Network Engineer (CNE) for Novell and set up Novell Networks for companies running Windows 3.11 - boy how things have changed. Everything was self-taught for computers since they had just began to blossom in the mid to late 90's. I have always had the passion of inventing as a computer programmer - I had been so enamored by the Atari 800, 5200 and 2600 I started writing my own video games. The first game I wrote was similar to the classic Zork game that was basically a text adventure and another called The Wizard and the Princess that introduced graphics to the text adventures. I made improvements with my game because I also added realtime sound and music in the game with one of the first multimedia game presentations that actually played audio and video off the cassette player hooked to the Atari 800! I wanted to go to work for Sierra Online which at the time was one of the leading game/software developers. In high school I wrote an accounting program to run my father's business. That was in a word - BORING so I did not write any other business apps! At WSI I was primarily in the technical capacity as a developer and integrator but also went on many sales calls to help the sales folks sell very complex (and expensive) systems to hospital, corporations and law enforcement. I really enjoyed getting out to meet new people and TEACH them about what our products could do for them. I also enjoyed LISTENING to the clients tell us what their problems were and coming up with SOLUTIONS to their problems. I learned quickly when interacting with others to LISTEN 80% of the time and talk 20% of the time (or less) - that is why God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth ;) - from there I started working on what would be my next Company, iRecord. iRecord is currently the number one selling solution for police and law enforcement interviews and interrogations. All born out of a vision to help customers organize their digital video interviews. I went into many client locations with a BLANK PAD of paper and have them tell me their issues. The solution is now in Law Enforcement agencies.

TLN: What brought you into the gaming scene?

Rick: As mentioned previously my passion for gaming started back in the 80's with my first Atari 800 computer - It was love at first sight and through that computer, my first game systems were the Atari 2600, Atari 5200 and Mattel Intellivison. I was big into the Commodore Amiga scene and gamed extensively there. I loved growing up in the 80's and all the arcades - I still remember fondly playing games like Tron, Centipede, Galaga and Dragon's Lair in the arcades. Later after college I started a company out of my basement called DreamAuthentics.com which is still the number one custom personal video arcade manufacturer on the planet - we have been making incredible games for customers and corporations such as Microsoft, Blizzard Entertainment, SONY PlayStation, Playboy, Norwegian Cruise Lines and many other across the globe. One of my very close friends is Tommy Tallarico who is one of the foremost video game music composers in the industry - he started a company called Video Games Live which is a touring, interactive video game concert that goes around the world. VGL plays music from video games from the 80's through Halo, World of Warcraft, Modern Warfare, Final Fantasy and others - our company has been a sponsor of VGL from nearly the beginning and allows me to go on tour to meet video game professionals from the industry and meet rabid game fans all over the world. As you can tell - video games run throughout my entire life!

TLN: What brought you into the competitive gaming / MLG / TLN scene?

Rick: The introduction to MLG/TLN was something nothing short of miraculous. One of my friends had been mentoring a bright young man named Rob Frayer. My friend knows about my passion for video games and technology and introduced me to Rob. Rob had approached me via email and phone to sponsor his MLG team. He communicated to me very eloquently that his team needed a sponsorship and funding to help them all get to their MLG tournaments for a chance to win some amazing prize money. Rob did a great job explaining his team's need for a sponsor and outlined many of the expenses necessary to compete in the tournament. It appeared that the budget could become quite sizeable if my company would sponsor his team for the entire tournament season. It appeared that many of the expenses for the team were travel related. He also articulated how important it was for his team to practice together as a cohesive team so they could closely simulate the environment of the MLG main stage. We had talked for a few months and during one of our conversations he mentioned The LAN Network and Joe ("Mr. P") and that he was going to close down TLN and was looking for a buyer/investor. I spoke to Joe several times to understand the business model and between he, Anthony (Totz) and Rob I was educated as to the special nature of TLN and MLG. Rob and I actually drove to Chicago (only about a 3 hour drive from my home) to meet with Joe and we had a great time. I really, really liked him and we got along splendidly. I have been told so far more than once that he and I are very similar in our views on life, gaming and creating an environment of family, trust fun and contribution. We did more negotiating, I did more research and knew that the timing was right to take my background, skills, expertise and talents to continue on what had already been started. Every day I wake up I feel a sense of honor, pride and humility when I think about what I have the privilege of carrying on for this amazing community.

TLN: What background do you have in MLG or TLN?

Rick: Other than reading about MLG in game trade magazines and what I follow on the internet I actually did not know much about MLG other than it was a fun, fast-growing organization. When I learned of MLG I became somewhat envious of all the people that have the honor and privilege in becoming a professional video game player Moving back the clock several years into the past - I would have liked nothing more than to be a professional video game player. I have every confidence if it was around in the 80's I would have also been a pro on main stage with my team competing at the latest incredible game title! I fully intend to travel to most, if not all MLG events in 2012 to meet the pros, fans and industry professionals that attend the event. I believe it is very important to study the pulse of the community and make sure that TLN continues to have a strong presence and partnership with MLG and the game community at large.

TLN: What were your reasons for purchasing The LAN Network?

Rick: Most of the reasons I have discussed but the main reason is that as a gamer myself and I wanted to be a part of a community and utilize my contacts, talents and resources to CONTINUE building a community that has its roots in family, fun, growth, community and teamwork. Those are all key values I live by with my family and businesses. Because of the fact that I am an avid video game fanatic that is accented by the fact I have collected nearly 4,000 video games that range from the first PONG system all the way through Nintendo, Atari, Emerson Arcadia, Intellivision and nearly every console imaginable (see picture) - I wanted to be part of a vibrant community and family of people that share a common passion for video games and are driven to continually improve, have fun, help each other, work together, grow as individuals, learn new gaming and life skills - for those reasons I decided to purchase the LAN Network. I also have a vision of TLN to continue using video gaming, teamwork, and community and family values to positively impact the lives of individuals worldwide by entertaining, educating and inspiring people to go beyond limitations they currently know I will be running the LAN Network as I do all of my businesses. Budgets will be made, goals will be set, roles and goals will be defined and I will continue to listen to the community as to what direction to continue with. One of my goals is to power and help sponsor new teams with several new fund raising initiatives we are evaluating. The other, more obvious reason is that now I have an excuse to play more games (when time is there) and network and get to know the top professionals in the business. I want to be involved in an organization that is continually bringing in new talent "i.e. players" and the next generation of gamers. I want to be close to the Pros so that we can really spotlight and highlight them as people who can set an example as role models for the next generation.

TLN: Will this be the first time you are involved in a gaming website?

Rick: I have had lots of experience with gaming websites. I created a video game website named www.dreamauthentics .com and www.retroarcadeslive.com - both websites are focused on classic video arcade games - DA has been around nearly 10 years and the RetroArcades site was purchased from another game company that made products and accessories that complimented the DreamAuthentics products. If you are asking if I have been heavily involved with a video game website 'community' like TLN then the answer is no - but I have been involved from more of a product manufacturer role. I look forward to continue learning the culture of TLN and MLG websites and communities. I believe there are many positive, proactive things we can do as a community together to spread awareness, increase competition and continue to develop pro players and team that can dominate gaming.

TLN: Have you met any of the Halo Pro's?

Rick: Yes! I have met several of them - during the trips I went to visit the original LAN Center House I got to meet Anthony ("Totz"), Justin ("Fearitself) and have gotten to know Everett ("Small") and of course Rob ("Invictus") Frayer. I have really considered it a pleasure to meet these awesome men and have really started to create a friendship with these pros and look forward to getting to know the other pros in the community. The observations I have seen so far from the Halo pros I have met have shared similar character traits which include: Passion, Dedication, Honesty, Integrity, Enthusiasm and professionalism The pros I have met thus far have all been very impressive - all very smart, creative people who care about their community and passion deeply. Many are open to new ideas about how to grow TLN beyond where it is now. Sometimes to get something different you have to take new actions.

TLN: What can we expect from TLN?

Rick: A vibrant, fun, energetic, passionate collection of like-minded individuals who share similar interests in the gaming community. You will all be communicated to on a regular basis and we will create an open, interactive forum that allows you to voice your opinions, likes and concerns. While it will not be possible to act on each and every idea - the collective community's foremost concerns will be evaluated and acted on based on their merits. TLN will also enjoy the latest-and-greatest technologies in the XBOX/Halo realm in addition to other major titles and platform announcements. We will endeavor to continue to build on the tremendous base that "Mr. P" and the original LAN Network founders have established. I have always been about "family" - having worked for many years with my father and sister in business - I realize the importance of family and will endeavor to treat the entire community as I would my own family members that are welcomed into my own house. I am interested in taking new actions based on new ideas from the community and other industry professionals. I want to focus on generating funds for team sponsorships to continue growing the TLN community. We want to highlight the pros more within the community and help develop new talent. I have many great ideas already from my own list and the community I am very excited to see come into reality.

TLN: Do you intend to make another TLN Gaming house?

Rick: Good question! There are lots of options in this area. Currently we are utilizing my personal home which as you can see from the pictures we have shared this far has lots of extra space. My adage will always be simple - if the community is thriving, growing and wanting more TLN Gaming Houses and the finances and funding allow it - then yes, why not! I can vividly imagine TLN Gaming Houses springing up all over the united states - so stay tuned!!

TLN: Are you taking the site in another direction?

Rick: Good question! The simple answer is ABSOLUTELY NO! The site will continue to have the same focus on Halo but I look forward to expanding the game line up as the community sees fit. We want to continue what has been started and grow based on what the community demands. This is not a dictatorship - I firmly believe that by listening to the pros, leaders, community and members who have come before me will help shape what YOU want the site to become. I consider myself to be a humble servant of the community and cherish the opportunity to continue something special that has been created by the previous owners to create something even bigger and better we can all be proud of.

TLN: What ideas do you have for innovating on the TLN site?

Rick: Many of my ideas have been written down in an electronic journal. I have come up with a couple pages of new ideas that could be used to innovate on the site. I won't go into all of them within this article but suffice it to say that we have already started pilot programs with key pros that we are evaluating. Nothing has been cemented yet but I have several ideas we are testing that all revolve around HELPING and GROWING this vibrant community. Some of the ideas have been mentioned in this article - others you will be hearing about in greater detail in the weeks ahead. Several will involve the improvement of the video and streaming quality and many other technology ideas I have been experimenting with over the years that can be very innovative for the community. Stay tuned as we roll some of these new ideas out to the field.

TLN: Do you intend to provide free streaming or will there be some sort of membership fee?

Rick: There will be a combination of Free streaming and membership fees. I am going to be running TLN like a business. In order to keep any business open you need to have cashflow to keep the doors open, operate and enhance the technology and compensate people that help. As I develop sponsorships with major sponsors this will help things and as we continue to invest in new technology, servers and state-of-the-art systems that will make your gaming and viewing pleasure on the internet.

TLN: Do you plan to expand beyond Halo and possibly incorporate other majortitles?

Rick: Yes, for sure! I want to consult the community on this and have already heard this expressed from several pros but absolutely - I want to reach out to other gamers and grow our community as we see opportunities. If you know someone who is a pro in another title/game please let us know.

TLN: Is there a possibility for TLN to become a sponsor for players and teams?

Rick: YES! One of my big initiatives (based on pro feedback) is to help create a 'funding mechanism' for teams to get sponsors. TLN will be actively involved in sponsoring players and teams. I have 3 or 4 funding mechanisms in mind for the teams - one funding idea (which is still in early BETA testing and evaluation) was leaked recently due to excitement but has not yet been fully finalized to show you how it fits in with TLN. I have a strong track record in my professional career with negotiating and putting business deals with some of the largest companies in the world such as Microsoft, SONY (via their PlayStation team) and Warner Bros. Studios via the Harry Potter franchise to name a few. I am going to be utilizing my array of contacts in the media/entertainment/video game industries to create UNIQUE and INNOVATIVE programs that will transform the way teams grow, play, earn money and live their passions. Some of these new ideas - left by themselves - may seem a bit unique at first and may not be immediately apparent as to how they tie in with MLG, TLN and personal gaming passions - but I assure you once the community sees exactly the way the new sponsor packages will work everyone will be as excited as I am about the future of TLN with MLG!

TLN: Will you be making a TLN store for merchandise?

Rick: YES! We have had several requests for video game merchandise and MLG/TLN products. I have about 25 new product ideas in mind that can instantly and immediately add value to our site and will be products that everyone will enjoy from the pros to amateurs and other gaming fans across our community. Stay tuned for additional details.

TLN: How can TLN stay viable now that so many streams are available?

Rick: Another good question - I believe that the streams tell me that there is a big demand out there for knowledge, information and entertainment value. Video gaming is a HUGE ocean to swim in and our goal at TLN is to create a VERY HIGH QUALITY PRODUCT that is at a competitive price point and born as a result of the feedback of the community. In other words - I am all ears in listening to what YOU want. I am not someone that makes a decision from high with no feedback. There are many of you that have much more experience with streams and you all know the strengths and weaknesses of other streams out there. My goal is to listen, research and come up with a product and service that we will all be proud of and will be setting the example for many others to be envious of. The great thing is that I have been in this (streaming) industry for more than 10 years from back when it started - I have created a company (iRecord) that basically is a form of a streaming software so I know the technology, I am comfortable with the technology and I have created software that has become the leading application of its kind in other vertical markets. I intend to take that very same technical expertise and vision - combine it with that the TLN community wants and come up with something that is truly something special. You can't ignore the amazing progress TLN has made from its inception. I know it is not perfect but it is really amazing what has been done and what can be done! Get ready for an amazing ride!

TLN: Will you be doing any staffing?

Rick: YES! Currently I am working with several key individuals (Totz, Small, Invictus, Fearitself and D Moralize) to begin doing work. While I am busy getting to know "who is who in the zoo" I have been really impressed and honored to have started working with some amazing individuals that have been willing to pick up the ball and run with us. It is a true blessing to have these people involved and I know many more of you have expressed interest in roles. We are currently forming our leadership team which will not be vast - and will continue to accept help from others who want to help continue the growth of TLN way into the future and to really have the community that we can all be proud of.

TLN: Any final words before we close out?

Rick: Game on!!

There you have it folks! A pleasure as always hearing from Rick Barretto. I feel as if we are in great hands and I look forward to seeing what’s in store for us. Follow The LAN Network on Twitter so that you are sure to stay informed! See you next time.

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