Thousands of PayPal users counted on his help. He was to be found online wherever you found eBayers and PayPalers congregating. In a world of Web forms and FAQ pages, he was a voice in the wilderness.
His name?
PayPal Damon.
Damon Billian, commonly referred to as PayPal Damon, became the last resource for frustrated PayPal users who were in dire need of customer support. When rumors floated, Damon was there to set the record straight. With a public presence, Damon also felt the wrath of the frustrated, disgruntled, the disenfranchised.
AuctionBytes was sad to learn that Damon will be retiring from PayPal next week. We sat down with Damon (virtually) for one last interview.
AuctionBytes: When did you start at PayPal?
Damon: December of 1999. I remember my first day because I had the flu (I am sure my co-workers appreciated the fact that I came in that day).
AuctionBytes: What was your job?
Damon: I started out as a Customer Service Manager. My title has changed a fair amount over the years, so I won't bore people with the titles.
AuctionBytes: What was fun about your job?
Damon: The people would be first because there are a lot of really bright, talented people working at PayPal. The fact that every day was different when the company was growing so fast would be second. I also had quite a few friends that joined the company.
AuctionBytes: What did you dislike about your job?
Damon: Having to remove a couple of hate sites directed at me.
AuctionBytes: What's the most interesting or strange request or problem you encountered?
Damon: A customer contacting me thinking that I was the "mailer-daemon."
AuctionBytes: Will you miss your role at PayPal?
Damon: Yes.
AuctionBytes: Without being specific, can you share what kind of position you will do?
Damon: No immediate plans for work. I am taking a little time off before starting my next adventure :)
AuctionBytes: Anything else you want to add?
Damon: While very stressful at times, interacting with the community was a great way to get feedback on the service.
AuctionBytes: Will there be a replacement?
Damon: Customer service is working on additional support for the boards. We already have several reps that watch the boards part-time.
There were lots of good wishes on the PayPal board for Damon to send him off. This one seems to sum it up best.
"Damon: You took a lot of Flack - You helped a lot of People."
