JX Bell - Resume for Technical Writing, San Francisco Technical Writer

Technical writer and technical editor with 12 years experience. Programmer with 27 years experience. Clients include 3Com, Palm, Apple Computer, Electronic Arts, MapQuest, AOL, Openwave Systems, Guidewire Software. Experience includes FrameMaker, Quadralay WebWorks, XML, Windows, Macintosh, UNIX, Word, HTML, XML, Dreamweaver, C/C++, Java, Visio, graphic design, art, photography, and more.

Available for a permanent or contract position for onsite, offsite, or mix, anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area. Other cities are possible with telecommuting. Currently maintaining general liability insurance and health insurance for contract work.

Operating Systems: Windows, UNIX, Linux, Solaris, VMS, Newton OS, Palm OS, Macintosh, Mac OS, Mac OS X.

Languages: C, C++, Java, BASIC, Visual Basic (VB/VBA), FrameScript, Perl, CFML (ColdFusion), AppleScript, NewtonScript, Pascal, FORTRAN, Prolog, Lisp, Scheme, 68000 Assembler, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Visual Basic (VB), JSP, ASP, ASP.NET, PHP, ADP, XML, XSLT.

Software: Adobe FrameMaker, Quadralay WebWorks, Microsoft Visio, Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Dreamweaver, FreeHand, Fireworks, Photoshop, FileMaker Pro, ColdFusion, Perforce, BBEdit, RoboHelp, and more.

Dartmouth College
Bachelors degree, 1993. Full double major in Computer Science and Religion, Hanover, NH, with additional study at University of Edinburgh Scotland. Awarded the Dartmouth Kemeny Computing Prize for coding style and design.

Marin NLP
Master Practioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Master certification, 2006

Technical Writing Consultant @ Guidewire Software
Wrote documentation that describes how to integrate a leading software package for the insurance industry with legacy business software systems. The Integration Guide included detailed programmer-oriented API (SDK) documentation for using the client’s API with Java/JSP, Web Services (W3C SOAP protocol), Windows .NET, Apache Axis, and XML. Customers used this documentation to integrate claims-management systems with legacy policy management systems, write and deploy custom Java plug-in code, connect to databases, import and extract data, authenticate using custom Java plug-ins, integrate custom code with the application user interface, and integrate remote Web Services with the claims-management framework. Designed (and implemented) a custom PDF and HTML documentation publishing system using FrameScript, FrameMaker, and other tools; it created documentation for multiple products as a "single source" publishing solution and generated custom daily validation reports for each writer.
San Mateo, CA, 7/2005-present

Technical Writing and Graphic Design Consultant @ Cisco Systems
Designed a suite of twelve diagrams describing the Cisco Digital Media System (DMS) architecture and deployment options. The DMS is a highly- distributed video streaming and VOD (Video-on-demand) system consisting of various Cisco networking products that encode, publish, and distribute video over the Internet to a platform-independent consumer video portal. Cisco uses the diagrams to train internal engineers, sales and marketing teams, and eventually will be in external white papers.
San Jose, CA, 7/2006-8/2006

Senior Technical Writer (and Project Lead) @ Openwave Systems
Designed and wrote documents detailing user interface flow for an industry-leading mobile software company. Design project required creating a visual language acceptable to internal and external audiences with widely varying technical knowledge and needs. Tools included Microsoft Visio combined with a custom-written suite of Visual Basic for Applications macros (VBA code) for documentation management and sophisticated intra-document hyperlinks. Wrote PERL scripts to parse proprietary XML source code files to extract icon information. Delivered 5 documents in 17"x11" format, as printed documentation, interactive color PDFs, and interactive Web/HTML format . Supervised a team of 2 additional consultants helping the project. Wrote technical content describing customizable mobile Web/WAP browser software used in half billion phones worldwide, a customizable e-mail/SMS/MMS/SMIL messaging system based on OMA (Open Mobile Alliance) standards, phone-desktop synchronization, multimedia content management, and memory management. The documentation tools customized exports for different audiences, such as internal engineers (more programming & API details) versus specific external licensees (some information censored). Custom scripts that I wrote took text strings from the Openwave source code and overrode diagram text with licensee-specific text changes and/or translated the documentation into one of many supported languages (Spanish, French, Japanese, and others).
Redwood City, CA, 8/2004-6/2005

Technical Writer @ Inquisant Solutions
Prototyped a “quick start” manual for a consumer software product using Macromedia (eHelp) RoboHelp and Adobe Acrobat. Wrote a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document for new customers using consumer-oriented image organization and photo publishing software.
Fremont, CA, 8/2004-9/2004

Senior Technical Writer @ AOL, MapQuest division
Wrote documentation for developer tools (SDKs). Content included installation, configuration, programming guide, and API reference. Target media included print and online documentation. Languages/interfaces included Java, C++, Visual Basic, ASP, ASP.NET (ASPX), COM, and ADP. Platforms included Solaris (UNIX), Linux, and Microsoft Windows 98/NT/2000/XP. One of the programming manuals was for a Web service that relies on the open standards XML and XSLT. Tools included Adobe FrameMaker, Microsoft Word, Macromedia FreeHand, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Visual Studio (including Visual C++), Microsoft SQL server, MySQL, and Quadralay WebWorks Professional 2003 for FrameMaker.
Mountville, PA, 4/2003-8/2004

Web Designer, Marketing Communications Writer @ Surplus Mobility
Designed new Web sites and marketing materials. Tasks included technical writing, marketing communications, graphic design, and Web production. Tools included Macromedia Dreamweaver and Fireworks, Adobe Photoshop, and BBEdit.
Philadelphia, PA, 3/2003-present

Asset Specification Writer @ Electronic Arts, Maxis division
Researched, designed, and wrote specifications using architectural terminology. These confidential design documents (2 to 27 pages), written in Microsoft Word for Windows XP, defined contractual requirements for external 3D CAD artists.
Walnut Creek, CA, 5/2002-8/2002

Sex Educator, Database Consultant, Web Designer @ San Francisco Sex Information
Wrote detailed, accurate, non-judgmental information about sex, based on extensive training about medical and psychological research. Managed Web site. Edited content from others for e-mail and Web. Designed and implemented databases, including a call reporting database and a Web content management system, using FileMaker Pro and AppleScript on Mac OS X. Co-supervised a public phone switchboard, spending many hundreds of hours answering questions about safe healthy human sexuality from people with diverse age, education levels, and communication skills. As a supervisor, helped train new switchboard staff.
San Francisco, CA, 10/2001-present

Platform Communications Consultant @ 3Com and Palm
Wrote and edited programmer-level (API / SDK) information and business development copy for Palm OS mobile (PDA) platform developers. Most of the writing was for the Web using HTML, CSS, and Dreamweaver.
Santa Clara, CA, 3/1999-8/2001

Web Engineering Consultant @ 3Com and Palm
Programmed dynamic content (CGI, PERL, ColdFusion, JavaScript). Consulted on technical problems and company-wide Web infrastructure integration issues. Used Dreamweaver UltraDev, Fireworks, TeamSite, ColdFusion, BBEdit on Mac OS, Windows, and implemented dynamic Web site scripts (CGIs) on Windows NT and Sun Solaris (UNIX) using ColdFusion, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server.
Santa Clara, CA, 3/1999-8/2001

Developer Technical Support Engineer @ Apple Computer
Wrote programmer-level (API and SDK) documents, researched programmer problems, wrote technical presentations, wrote interim documentation, and edited extensive technical copy for our group. Designed content management database and publishing system for Web site, PDF format, and CD-ROM using FileMaker Pro, AppleScript, and my own custom C++ code. In addition to internal writing, a technical journal published four articles I wrote related to this job. Used C++, NewtonScript, Windows, Mac OS, Newton OS, MPW, Metrowerks CodeWarrior, and Microsoft PowerPoint.
Cupertino, CA, 6/1993-9/1998

Software Engineer @ Apple Computer
Wrote Macintosh and Windows code to exchange information between handheld (PDA) and desktop Windows and Macintosh computers via serial and network communications protocols. Assisted in code related to communications, scripting, and user interface. Used C++, Windows, Mac OS, Newton OS, AppleScript, MPW, Metrowerks CodeWarrior.
Cupertino, CA, 10/1997-6/1998

Shareware Programmer @ JX Software
Wrote the Macintosh software application Do It All! Calendar, using C++. MacUser gave it Four Mice rating. Shareware Magazine said "Definite A+ for user interface design and overall product usefulness."
Hanover, NH, 1/1991-12/1996

Software Engineer @ Paradigm Technologies
Wrote a product manufacturing process management tool for memory chip manufacturer. Wrote a Windows application to download and integrate data from offsite warehouses and detect invalid data from data sources. Written in C++ on Windows.
San Jose, CA, 6/1991-9/1991

Software Consultant @ Active Systems
Designed user interface for and wrote new modules for Macintosh educational software for decision making and training using custom hardware. Implemented scripting language and graphical editor in object-oriented C, a variant of C++.
Lebanon, NH, 1/1991-6/1991

Assistant System Manager @ Lockheed Missiles and Space Corporation
Managed room of VAX/VMS computers for the Lockheed Missiles and Space Corporation Palo Alto Research Laboratory Solar Astronomy Group (LMSC PARL SAG). Wrote utilities in the FORTRAN programming language. Provided technical support for company users. Answered technical questions. Solved user problems.
Palo Alto, CA, 6/1988-12/1988

National Writers Union (NWU), member
Society for Technical Communication (STC), member
Certified Practioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Marin NLP, 2005-2006

RECOMMENDATIONS

"JX has a rare ability to discover very creative solutions while staying incredibly focused on delivering solid and accurate documentation on schedule. He moves easily from quickly grasping the 'big picture' to drilling down to the detailed level to fill in that picture."
– Openwave Systems

"JX translates technology details for a variety of audiences. He keeps his audience in mind, whether it is in person, on the phone, in e-mail, in writing, or in design. He translates complex information into what would be useful for each audience, and even knows how to talk to varied audiences all at once with elegance and clarity."
– AOL MapQuest

"An invaluable asset to any technical communications department."
– Palm Inc.

"Another example of the value he added can be seen in his technical communication skills. I have rarely seen the attention to detail and concise description of technical details."
– Newton, Inc., a subdivision of Apple Computer

"Our internal customers, management and personnel in tech support, engineering, training/education, and other departments all praised his work."
– Palm Inc.

"A professional of the highest caliber, who meticulously developed, formatted, edited and managed critical user documentation and content for one of Palm's premier Internet properties."
– Palm Inc.

"He is capable of explaining complex things to a variety of audiences...JX understands the big picture yet with a great attention to detail as well as demonstrating excellent communication skills..."
– San Francisco Sex Information

"A valuable part of my team ... a very well rounded and solid professional."
– Apple Computer

"JX combines a depth of technical knowledge and skills with an artist's eye for presentation and design."
– Openwave Systems

Guidewire ClaimCenter Integration Guide
Instructed customers how to integrate a leading software package for the insurance industry with legacy business software systems. The Integration Guide included detailed programmer-oriented API (SDK) documentation for using the client’s API with Java/JSP, Web Services (W3C SOAP protocol), Windows .NET, Apache Axis, and XML. Customers used this documentation to integrate claims-management systems with legacy policy management systems, write and deploy custom Java plug-in code, connect to databases, import and extract data, authenticate using custom Java plug-ins, integrate custom code with the application user interface, and integrate remote Web Services with the claims-management framework.

Openwave System User Interface Flow (UI Flow) Documentation
User interface flow documentation for an industry-leading mobile software company required creating a visual language acceptable to internal and external audiences with widely varying needs and widely varying technical knowledge. Tools included Microsoft Visio combined with a custom-written suite of Visual Basic for Applications macros (VBA code) for documentation management and sophisticated intra-document hyperlinks. Wrote PERL scripts to parse proprietary XML source code files to extract icon information. Delivered 5 documents in 17"x11" format, as printed documentation, interactive color PDFs, and interactive Web/HTML format. Supervised a team of 2 additional consultants helping the project. Wrote technical content describing customizable mobile Web/WAP browser software used in half billion phones worldwide, and also a customizable e-mail/SMS/MMS/SMIL messaging system based on OMA (Open Mobile Alliance) standards, phone-desktop synchronization, multimedia content management, and customizable memory management. The documentation tools customized exports for different audiences, such as internal engineers (more programming & API details) versus specific external licensees (some information censored or added). Custom scripts that I wrote took text strings from the Openwave source code and overrode diagram text with licensee-specific text changes and/or translated the documentation into one of many supported languages (Spanish, French, Japanese, and others).

Site Advantage Developer Guide
150-page complete product introduction, API guide, and API reference documentation. The Site Advantage service is an interface to a MapQuest-hosted server that provides maps, driving directions, and location searching to Web servers anywhere on the Internet. Site Advantage takes HTTP requests and returns results in a standard data interchange format called the Extensible Markup Language (XML) and optionally reformats the data using an XML-related standard called XSLT.

Data Manager Guide
30-page user documentation for a Web application used to manage customer location data in MapQuest-hosted databases.

Advantage Enterprise 3.x Developer Guide
200-page documentation detailing the programming interface (API) to a MapQuest client-server architecture that provides mapping, geocoding, driving directions, and proximity searching. The Developer Guide is published in multiple versions corresponding to multiple programming interfaces: C++, Java, COM (Microsoft Visual Basic and Microsoft ASP), and ADP (AOLserver Dynamic Pages). Each of the four manuals were exported in both PDF and HTML versions, for a total of eight variants, or sixteen variants including the related Advantage API 3.x Developer Guide documentation.

Advantage API 3.x Developer Guide
A variant of the Advantage Enterprise Developer Guide (see above). The 4 manuals were exported in both PDF and HTML.

Advantage Enterprise 3.x Server Guide
150-page documentation detailing installation and configuration of a server for Solaris (UNIX), Linux, and Windows.

Site Advantage Product White Paper
A marketing document written for technical decision makers who may be potential MapQuest customers.

Advantage Enterprise Product White Paper
A marketing document written for technical decision makers who may be potential MapQuest customers.

Advantage API Product White Paper
A marketing document written for technical decision makers who may be potential MapQuest customers.

MapQuest Enterprise 2.x Server Guide
150-page documentation detailing installation and configuration of a server for Solaris (UNIX), Linux, and Windows.

MapQuest Enterprise 2.x Developer Guide
200-page documentation detailing the programming interface (API) to a client-server architecture supporting mapping, geocoding, driving directions, and proximity searching. The Developer Guide is published in multiple versions corresponding to multiple programming interfaces: C++, Java, COM (Microsoft Visual Basic and Microsoft ASP), and ADP (AOLserver Dynamic Pages). Each of the 4 manuals are exported in both PDF and HTML versions.

Newton Technology Journal Articles
Author of four published technical journal articles for programmers. Articles included API code in C++ for Windows and Macintosh, plus the NewtonScript language for the Newton OS. Editing and review of selected articles. Technical Peer Review Board member.

Newton Development Q&As
Wrote significant portions of the programmer-level (API) documentation. Edited the 150-page document.

CREATIVITY

Photographer
Professional photographer, with portraits and fine art photography on the Internet at http://www.jxphotography.com

Musician
Download music (electronics, flute, voice, piano) on the Internet at http://www.doitall.com