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THE ADDICTION:
My computer addiction started at a very young age.
I was hooked way before the internet came to be what it is
today. I was communicationg with people throughout the world
via the computer since 1989. Many ask how that is possible,
well, let me enlighten. Before the internet and IP addresses
were popular and readily accessible, there were dial-up systems
called Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) using the phone lines
and limited bandwidth. These BBS's connected users to share
files and send eachother messages by dialing into other computers.
I got hooked on it, and began to run my own host to provide
a place for artists to come and share their knowlege and their
work. My BBS became one of the top rated artist locations
in the world within a mere 4 years. I began running my own
art group while using the popularity of the site to recruit
members. The art group released artwork from over 50 artists
on a monthly basis and was one of the premier groups of its
kind. I was young, energetic, and motivated to produce the
highest quality product from the beginning.
THE QUEST FOR KNOWLEDGE:
It was time to move on to learn more aspects of the computer
at the completion of High School. I went to college to study
Computer Science and was extremely intrigued by the internet
and its capabilities. I began to learn how to build websites,
program web applications, and use my skillset to advance my
graphic design ability using the new technologies available.
Although college itself mainly taught about the fundamentals
of Computer Science I began to pick up the web on my own and
push myself harder to gain as much knowledge as possible to
turn dreams into reality for display to unlimited audiences
worldwide. The quest, I quickly learned, is continuous as
new technology is constantly being developed and the methods
for development are constantly changing.
THE REAL WORLD - SEASON ONE:
Upon completion of my degree, it was time to venture out and
put my skills to use. It was a perfect time as the internet
was just reaching mass appeal and the demand was high for
web developers. I landed my first job at a media company.
At this company I handled all of the web programming and information
technology. I worked on dozens of website applications and
was in charge of hosting and maintaining all of the company's
websites. Although this job was intensive, I learned so much
about business and the industry. In addition, I met some very
talented people who I have joined up to develop a web consulting
company called Pixel Code.
THE REAL WORD - SEASON TWO:
The people I met as well as myself came to the conclusion
that we have a tremendous skillset amongst us, and decided
to venture outwards. We got placed as a web development team
for a software development company. The company focused on
privacy / personalization software and built server applications
as well as Internet Explorer toolbars. We developed the company's
website and marketing materials. I worked along side the developers
to help to put together their applications and make them suitable
for the web. While working for this company, I was still actively
freelancing and consulting with my team. Unfortunately, this
company was like many others at the time. It was funded and
the money started to run out. Fortunately, I got a great new
job before the end.
THE REAL WORLD - SEASON THREE:
Quickly, I got on my feet and walked to a new position within
a marketing research company which I am currently still employed
to this day. My duties entail a large spectrum of tasks for
them. I am the internet techonology director as well as the
head of online development. Basically, I am responsible for
anything that has to do with computers. I manage all of the
servers including web, email, ftp, etc. In addition, I build
all of the web content necessary for online studies. Also,
in my time here, I have developed many web applications that
turn traditional means of research into interactive online
solutions. During the past three years at this company, I
have actively consulted on the side and kep up with technology.
In addition, I have started to go back to school to acquire
an MBA with a concentration in Computer Information Systems.
THE UNKNOWN:
So what now? Welp, the future is open to endless possibilities.
I do hope to one day run my own company. Possibly an internet
solutions provider for medium sized companies. This is only
one option, and I am not limited in any way. I am keeping
my options open and look forward to whatever may be in my
future.
OK, so maybe it wasn't so quick. But, in any event, thank
you for reading, and I hope I did not bre you to death. View
the projects section to see examples
of my work.
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