The Apple
Lisa
I have been using the Macintosh operating
system since the Apple Lisa debuted.
At that time I worked in an artificial intelligence (AI) lab
in London, England, and which had one of the first Lisas sold
in that country. It was fascinating. One could actually draw something
without writing a program! I quickly became a Mac addict and
evangelist (though
I never had the street cred Kawasaki does!).
Desktop Publishing
When the first Macintosh arrived, I was disappointed
by its lack of a hard drive, etc., but waited excitedly
for better to come. I moved on from, and did other things,
before returning to the Macintosh platform several years later,
just as the desktop
publishing revolution began. I co-created
and taught the first commercial multi-platform desktop
publishing in London, working with a dear friend, Peter, who, at
the time, was digitizing Tibetan prayer books before they disappeared.
He created the first digital Tibetan typeface for the purpose.
At that time we were using Aldus PageMaker, MacDraw,
Ventura
Publisher, Microsoft Word and Write,
and Microsoft Paint.
Programs like FileMaker, PhotoShop and DreamWeaver weren’t
even a gleam in anyone’s eye. We worked with
floppy disks, small hard drive capacity and even smaller amounts
of RAM. Ah! Those were the days!
It
was an exciting time because everybody was eager to learn the new
technology, but, as adults, we were afraid to make mistakes and look
stupid. However, whenever we managed to learn something with the
software…when the first publication or layout was completed…the
look of joy and accomplishment on our faces was beautiful! The “AHA!
Oh wow!!!!” moment is wonderful and
such fun to behold. Kids live in them all the time, but adults are
more afraid to look silly and so don’t risk as much.
Her Own Business
As the
revolution grew, I burned out on teaching and started my own business
as a systems consultant for design firms that wanted to invest
in the new desktop technology. I helped, either integrate Macs
into existing mini computer environments, or begin to build entirely
new systems. That was fun, because designers are
basically big kids and I got loads of “Oh wow!!!!
moments. I did a few articles for MacWeek, et. al. about new programs,
and upgrades.
The Internet
When I got involved
with the Internet in the 1970’s
there wasn't that much there, but what was there was super cool!
Remember HyperCard?
That was exciting for awhile
and I did a lot of application-building with that before getting
into Omnis, FileMaker and
other databases.
Back to the States
and nonprofit work
I
came back to the United States, from London, in 1990, worked with
non profits and began creating web sites with relation to
the FileMaker, creating database-to-web
applications, working with firms like CompuMentor to provide
pro bono consulting where it was needed.
Summary
I've worked with computers
for nearly thirty years as a designer,
technical support manager, trainer and consultant, and my
experience includes graphic design and production, illustration,
creation and maintenance of database and web site solutions, as
well as applications training. When I take on a project, my goal
is to collaboratively produce clear, clean written and graphic
information. I enthusiastically analyze, troubleshoot and
problem-solve.
That’s some of my story. I can’t
wait to hear yours! It’s amazing all the stuff I've done.
Where did all that time go? Please have a look at the rest of the site
for ideas about the work I've done. I look forward to hearing
from you about your next project.
Another passion is the 4Rs:
recycling, reuse,
reduction and rot:
lessening our environmental footprint
and having fun while doing it. I'm in love with personal
development (reading, exercise, thinking), non-violent communication,
writing, bike riding, hiking, gardening, cats (we
live with three at the moment) and other animals.
Endorsements
“JB is trustworthy,
competent and efficient. Her help in integrating my work with
her team was instrumental in a quick and satisfactory end to
a shared project. Bravo!” ~ Andrew Snyder, Founder/CEO, birdDog
digital
“I have worked
with JB for several years on projects for the Sustainable Business
Alliance. As an all-volunteer organization, we rely on members
who are self-starting, good communicators, and most of all responsible
for delivering on the commitments that they make. JB is one of
the hardest-working and talented members we have. I highly recommend
her as a very professional businessperson. ” ~ Terry
O'Keefe, Former Executive Director, Sustainable
Business Alliance
"JB has given me countless hours
with her very reasonable sliding scales rates for her outstanding
services. JB’s computer support and design skills, her
aesthetic eye and hard work can only be matched by her generosity,
patience, and boundless kindness. I cannot imagine another computer
expert of higher abilities and willingness to put her skills
in the service of her clients as JB does day in day out. I recommend
JB without any reservation." ~ Marion Gerlind, Ph.D.,
Director, Gerlind
Institute for Cultural Studies
"DRAGA design revamped our web
site and made it look professional. JB uses color in an attractive
way, makes the viewer's trip through the web site easy and organizes
information. She balances each page with photos and copy so that
it appeals to the eye. And she worked quickly. I would use DRAGA
design again." ~ Melon Dash, President, Transpersonal
Swimming Institute
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