An experienced marketing and technical writer with over 25 years experience in producing white papers, case studies, bylined articles, sales and channel guides, positioning documents, brochures, ad copy, web copy, and technical manuals for both consumer electronics and computer products.
Employment History
2000 to 2007 | Director of Marketing, Network Physics, Mountain View, CA
As the first marketing professional hired by Network Physics (employee #15), I was responsible for messaging, managing public relations and analyst relations, and authoring all marketing collateral (e.g., press releases, white papers, data sheets, etc.), including the web site. As the company grew, I worked under three vice presidents of marketing with largely the same responsibilities. From 2005 to 2006 I took on the responsibility of writing technical documentation, as well—from that point on, my business card read “Dark Lord of Documentation.” The company relied on me for white papers and ad copy that generated very high lead response, and for crafting overall messaging, especially the highly successful “It’s NOT the Network” campaign.
1999 to 2000 | Senior Analyst, Survey.com, San Jose, CA
Survey.com is a market research firm specializing in Internet market research. At Survey.com, I authored a number of private and public research reports on Business Intelligence, operating systems, and other subjects. I established a signature report style using literary quotations as chapter headings, which was successful in differentiating Survey.com offerings.
1995 to 1999 | Senior Marketing Manager, Hummingbird Communications, Toronto, Canada
Hummingbird Communications was one of Canada’s leading software firms. During my tenure there I managed marketing programs for the company’s PC-to-UNIX communications software, involving positioning, competitive analysis, trade show operations, development of collateral material, press and analyst relations, and other aspects of marketing.
1989 to 1995 | Associate Editor, Computer Technology Review, Los Angeles, CA
Computer Technology Review is a magazine of technology for systems integrators, VARs, and OEMs. While employed full time by CTR, I wrote about, and solicited, developed, and edited contributed articles on, technologies including networking and telecommunications, operating systems, object-oriented technology, PC integration, and similar subjects. From 1996 to 2000 I contributed a monthly column to the magazine.
1982 – 1989 | Account Supervisor, KPR Public Relations Inc., Chatsworth, CA
KPR specializes in high-technology public relations and marketing communications. I devised and managed public relations programs encompassing corporate positioning, technology positioning, re-positioning competitive companies and technologies, editorial contacts, technical articles (which I wrote), collateral materials, and trade show activities.
1981 – 1982 | Technical Marketing Director, The Cable Works, Southgate, CA
The Cable Works was an consumer audio/video accessory manufacturer. I managed customer support, devised collateral material, and wrote technical manuals and technical articles for publication. (The company filed for bankruptcy in early 1983.)
1978 – 1981 | Video Department Manager, The Federated Group, City of Commerce, CA
The Federated Group was a major “superstore” retailer of consumer electronics. I designed and set up the physical and electrical aspects of the video department in each of ten stores, trained all of the salespeople in video technology basics, wrote a technical video sales manual, acted as customer liaison (video) for the outside service department, and assisted in product selection.
Previous Experience
Installation of large screen televisions and video systems, and sales positions in consumer audio and video.
Education
Two years (1968 – 70), Occidental College, chemistry major.
Two years (1973 – 75), UCLA, music composition major.
No degree: sufficient credits but too diverse.
Professional Affiliations
Member, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America
Member, Board of Directors, Ben Lomond Quaker Center
Member, Board of Directors, The Apdex Alliance (2005-2006)
Additional Information
I also authored a series of computer manuals for an OEM manufacturer of PCs, which were well received by reviewers. I have ghost-written many articles on a variety of computer technology topics. I am author with a co-writer of a series of five science-fiction adventure novels from Tor Books (New York), the third of which was named in the Locus (an SF publishing trade magazine) Top 50 Best-Sellers lists for August and September of 1994.
References
Available upon request.
Incarnations