David P. Saia
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Functional layout | Chronological layout
WRITING AND EDITING EXPERIENCE |
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Potlikker.com, Technical Writing Consultant, Jan. 2008 - present
For client Trend Micro, Inc., Jan. 2008 - Dec. 2009
- Plan, create, update, and maintain online help, Getting Started guides, API documentation, and other developer and end user documentation
- Work with development manager and localization (L10N) team to ensure that L10N teams have all necessary files and help to troubleshoot any technical issues arising from source files or deployment
- Create and manipulate graphic files as needed to produce high-quality documentation
- Use FrameMaker 8.0, RoboHelp 7 (and X5), and Adobe Acrobat 3D to create state-of-the-art documentation deliverables
- Maintained and enhanced client’s web presence using html and php
- Customized client’s WordPress blog theme; added and configured several widgets and plug-ins.
Matrix Resources, Technical Writing Consultant, April 2007 - Feb. 2008
For client Agile Software, July 2007 - Feb. 2008
- Plan for and write user guides for product lifecycle management software
- Interview subject-matter experts and write and revise content based on those interviews
- Modify and maintain FrameMaker 7.2 templates
For client SensorLogic, Inc., Apr. 2007 - July 2007
- Produced entirely wiki-based documentation for an open-source developer community
- Interviewed subject-matter experts and wrote and revised content based on those interviews
- Administered and implemented new functionality in an Atlassian Confluence wiki installation
Trend Micro, Inc. Oct. 2004 - Mar. 2007
Technical Writer
- Wrote technical manuals for software administrators who use our network security products
- Daily use of FrameMaker 7.1 and RoboHelp X5
- Regularly worked closely with Quality Assurance and R&D teams to produce accurate documentation sets that met our customers' needs
- Major documentation work, in reverse chronological order:
· InterScan Gateway Security Appliance 1.1 Deployment Guide, Administrator's Guide,
Firmware Update Guide, and Online Help
· Client Server Messaging Security 3.5 Quick Tour (an HTML-based tutorial)
· InterScan VirusWall 6 for Linux Getting Started Guide, SMTP Configuration Guide,
HTTP Configuration Guide, and Online Help
· ServerProtect 2.5 for Linux Getting Started Guide, Online Help, and readme file
· Damage Cleanup Services 3 Administrator's Guide, Online Help, and readme file - Served as the lead technical writer in the Small and Medium Business segment
- Performed technical edits and peer reviews of other writers' work
- Served as a resource for issues of grammar and style
Hess Educational Organization, Sept. 2002 - Mar. 2004
(Native-Speaking English Teacher, Sept. 2002 - Aug. 2003; Writer, Oct. 2003 - Mar. 2004)
- Taught English language speaking, reading, and writing to Taiwanese children aged 5 to 17
- Developed test for Junior High English course
- Primary author, English reading book, Stanley Learns to Duck, Step Ahead series
- Wrote chapter in Cultures & ME, Hess Modern English Series
Note: Took leave of absence to care for family member who was terminally ill
Technical Writing and Web Consultant, Aug. 1997 - July 1998
- Designed, planned, and implemented 100-page commercial website, including contracting out with CGI programmer for back-end functionality
- Updated and maintained existing websites with new content. Upgraded new partner sites to match their look and feel. (CareGuide.com)
- Interviewed System Engineers for technical information. Updated Command for Windows NT Agent Guide and release notes. (Boole & Babbage)
- Edited transcripts of seminars on software localization and internationalization for an audience of technical end users. (SimulTrans)
Remedy Corporation, Mar. 1997 - Aug. 1997
Senior Technical Writer
- Wrote HTML documentation: Installation and Licensing sections of ARWeb for UNIX
- Created web pages with style recommendations for HTML documentation and notes on localization seminar for internal use
One-year Sabbatical/Travel Writer, Dec. 1995 - Dec. 1996
- Wrote 100+ travel narratives while traveling throughout Southeast Asia
National Science Foundation, July 1993 - Nov. 1995
Supervisory Technical Publications Editor
- Supervised two full-time staff and coordinated the work of several contractors and one intern
- Oversaw development of RADAR, a critical LAN-based management information system, including requirements analysis, stress and beta testing, and rollout. Went into source code and debugged program.
- Reduced overall publications turnaround time by 46% and error rates for Data Brief publications by 85%
- Re-engineered numerous production processes
- Established for the first time a desktop publishing function in the Division (using Adobe PageMaker). Set a new standard of professionalism for the appearance of our publications.
- Redesigned agency publications. Established standards for editorial style and page design.
- Wrote SRS Format Specifications for Tables and Charts to set out agency standards to improve document consistency and usability
- Co-authored interagency task force report: Electronic Dissemination of Statistical Data
U.S. International Trade Commission, Oct. 1988 - July 1993
Writer-Editor, Technical Publications
- Edited technical investigative reports authored by writers from multiple departments
- Held U.S. government security clearance
- Wrote style guides and revised Rules for Tables and Figures specifications manual
- Expert knowledge of GPO Style Manual, proficient with Chicago Manual of Style and Associated Press StyleBook
- Developed and taught course on technical report writing, including use of our in-house style, report format, and onscreen editing
- Developed comprehensive system of macros to move our editing work from blue-pencil and paper to entirely electronic. System was implemented for all agency editors to use.
Union Labor Life Insurance Co., Aug. 1987 - Oct. 1988
Proofreader
RELATED TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE
Contract Web Developer, June 2000 - Aug. 2002
For client Western Multiplex Feb. 2002 - Mar. 2002 (via Aquent, Inc.)
- Built HTML pages from design comps
- Implemented and enhanced DHTML navbar
- Using VBScript, implemented ASP functionality to dynamically load form elements
For client WeddingChannel.com June 2000 - Apr. 2001 (via Aquent, Inc.)
- Implemented new functionality in Java/Oracle-driven site using HTML, DHTML, ASP scripting, Java Server Pages, XML, Jscript, and JavaScript
- Key contributor in large-scale project integrating two sites, one MS/IIS/NT/ASP/Java and the other, Solaris/Apache/CGI/Java into one seamless site. Primary responsibility: implementing unifying dynamic top navigation bar (DHTML, JSP, XML)
- Built dynamic pages (ASP) from spec, revised UI variables tool for customized rendering of interface variables
For client Terrawave Communications, Sept. 2001 - Oct. 2001 (RHI Consulting)
- Using VBScript in an ASP environment, implemented feature to link Crystal Reports to company intranet as soon as they are deposited in a given directory
- Revised ASP pages, fixed Intranet bugs re: NT permissions, etc.
Rapid Logic, Inc., Nov. 1999 - May 2000
Web Developer
- Implemented server-side includes (SSI) in company website to greatly ease site maintenance
- Installed Apache web server on Linux, including configuration for SSI
- Modified Perl scripts for traffic analysis and forms/e-mail handling
- Wrote Perl scripts to determine peak data transfer rates
- Drafted Web Development plan and strategic planning documents
- Significantly enhanced usability of company Intranet, including use of JavaScript, CSS-P, and DHTML
(Webmaster, Aug. 1998 - Aug. 1999; Senior Web Developer, Sept. 1999 - Nov. 1999)
- Grew Web Development team from one staff to four full-time equivalents
- Implemented database-connectivity code for highly interactive Web application/site
- Used embedded Perl to build highly dynamic page elements
- Developed ability to update content on scores of partner sites simultaneously
- Upgraded our ability to incorporate look and feel of partner sites into cobranded sites
- Wrote UNIX (Linux) shell scripts to automate the bulk of the cobrand production
- Managed documentation of our production processes, using contract technical writer
- Created Quality Assurance procedures to maintain quality standards for each site developed
PROGRAMMING SKILLS
Java Server Pages, PHP, Linux shell scripting (bash); ePerl, Active Server Pages, HTML 4.0, 3.2, CSS-1, CSS-2, JavaScript, Jscript, DHTML, Perl, VBScript, familiarity with C and Java
HARDWARE, SERVERS and OPERATING SYSTEMS USED
IBM PC compatibles, Apple Macintosh, Sun Workstations, Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP SP2, UNIX (Solaris 2.5, S.U.S.E., Redhat Enterprise Edition 4, CentOS, Mandrake, Knoppix, and FreeBSD distributions of Linux), Apache, MS IIS
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Professional Training: Java Language Programming, January 2001, Perl Programming, April 2000 (Sun Educational Center)
1988 - 95: Numerous computer courses, including Structured Programming Techniques and Introduction to C Programming. Contracting Basics, Managing the Publications Department, STC Annual Conference
Professional Associations: Senior Member, Society for Technical Communication; Washington Independent Writers; Instructor, The Writer's Center (Bethesda, MD)
Graduate Studies in Writing, Emerson College, Boston (Teaching Assistantship)
B.A., English, Louisiana State University
1988 - 95: Numerous computer courses, including Structured Programming Techniques and Introduction to C Programming. Contracting Basics, Managing the Publications Department, STC Annual Conference
Professional Associations: Senior Member, Society for Technical Communication; Washington Independent Writers; Instructor, The Writer's Center (Bethesda, MD)
Graduate Studies in Writing, Emerson College, Boston (Teaching Assistantship)
B.A., English, Louisiana State University