As most seasoned bloggers will tell you, no different than a reporter, get your facts right before going out with a story. This is the reason why reporters loath bloggers; our unverified rumors are taken as fact in this little joint we know as the web. Humble pie has been served.
As clear as I tried to be in my Nov. 7th posting, I was reporting on information that was shared with me by a few Third Sector Systems customers about their experience and response to recent communications with the company.
There is no doubt I got my information wrong. Third Sector has no plans of closing up shop or discontinuing support. Based on a memo to its staff and clients in October, the Third Sector board is actively looking for investors/buyers for the company. They have restructured into a virtual office (perhaps based in Florida) and as far as clients can tell, they have scaled back their operations to a skeleton crew.
Based on the board's memo to clients and the restructuring of the company, the Third Sector clients that I spoke with had reservations about the fate Third Sector as a company, but hopes of another company/investor of picking up Mission Maestro to carry it forward and continue to build off its potential.
My sincere apologies for the misinformation.
Don't apologize too much - you were not far from the truth. As having served as the Senior Developer for Third Sector Systems for two and a half years, most of the clients will recall my name. Third Sector Systems is barely crawling along with a staff of perhaps 2. All employees were let go at the beginning of September because the company mismanaged it's finances. I am personally owed for 6 unpaid paychecks and the company stole 19 months of my 401(k) payments. I can go on with other complaints - but it would be of no purpose in this forum. It is true that TSS is looking for a buyer/investor to pull it out of the red, but the damage has been done. I believed in Mission Maestro as a software package for the Non-Profit industry and still do. I have been supporting customers data issues for a couple months now and occasionally still support the one 'official' support person at TSS because she deserves better than what she can get from the company - and so do the clients. The memo to the staff and customers was all fluff and no conviction in resolving the company's issues. They are looking for a exit strategy that will enable another firm to resolve the mess that Third Sector's Management and Board of Directors created via their own deeds. I would be happy to explain further if there is any interest. For now - Ciao.
Posted by: Bret | December 13, 2004 at 01:38 PM