Denise Stone
(209) 602-9726 cell
denise@denisestone.com
OBJECTIVE
Contract/telecommute position writing consumer software or developer/API documentation. Looking for a challenge and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology.
EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW
Technical writer for 17 years, technical editor for 13 years, project management for 3 years, FrameMaker user for 13 years, Microsoft user for 18 years. Produced over 30 documents (16,000 pp).
I have extensive experience writing developer documentation. I can read and analyze C++ and Java source code, write both API and narrative overview documentation, analyze and document client/server component interactions, work directly from specs or from interviews with engineers, and produce high-quality developer and/or user documentation.
I know what questions to ask when interviewing engineers and have excellent research, interviewing, and data-collection skills. I understand object-oriented design and have extensive experience documenting APIs/SDKs.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Lead/supervisor; research and interpersonal skills; document layout and template design; indexing; teaching; usability verification; software testing; production for print, web, and CD.
Ability to grasp technical concepts and communicate them quickly. Understanding of a developer’s point of view and good judgment about what aspects of a system need to be documented. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to write clearly and concisely. Proven initiative, ability to meet schedules, and ability to work independently, yet interact professionally with other technical and managerial team members. Ability to adjust to a fast-moving and constantly changing product development environment.
I also teach workshops that I have designed myself at three local junior colleges.
SKILLS SUMMARY
Operating Systems
Mac OS; Windows 2000, 98, 95, NT; UNIX; IRIX; OS/2; DOS
Programming Languages
C, C++, Perl, IDL (Interface Definition Language), Java, Pascal, COBOL, RPG, 370 Assembly, Ada, BASIC, FORTRAN, Lisp, Prolog, and PL/I
Desktop Publishers, Word Processors, and Online Help Facilities
FrameMaker, PageMaker, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat and Catalog, QuickView, Quadralay WebWorks Publisher, and Information Presentation Facility (IPF), Macromedia RoboHelp
Illustration and Screen Capture Tools
Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Capture, and Snapz Pro
Web Design
Adobe GoLive, HTML, JavaScript, Microsoft FrontPage
Others
PeRCS, Perforce, ClearCase, SourceSafe, CVS, Track, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel,
FileMaker Pro, Quicken
EDUCATION
University of California - Irvine, CA - 9/85 to 6/89 Bachelor of Science,
Information and Computer Science
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
ADX – Newark, CA – 1/05 to 8/05 Contract Sr. Technical Writer
ADX Desktop User’s Guide (170 pp.)
Owens Corning Proposal (21 pp.)
o ADX delivers translated business documents for small to mid-sized businesses, centralizing orders and customer documents in one place.
o Rewrote the ADX Desktop User’s Guide to incorporate major changes in the product.
o Created from scratch the Owens Corning Proposal — a marketing document used to impress the top executives at Owens Corning to remain an ADX business partner.
o Revitalized the 4.2.1 product online help (RoboHelp version).
PalmSource – Sunnyvale, CA – 1/04 to 7/04 Contract Sr. Technical Writer
Testing with Palm OS Garnet Simulator (52 pp.)
Palm OS Cobalt Simulator Guide (60 pp.)
Palm OS File Formats (42 pp.)
Palm OS Protein C++ Compiler Language & Library Reference (250 pp.)
o Reviewed and revised the Simulator and File Format books in a quick-turnaround timeframe (less than 1 week total).
o Created from scratch the Palm OS Protein C++ Compiler Language & Library Reference with little or no engineering input whatsoever. This new manual provides reference information about the C/C++ language and runtime libraries used with the Palm OS 6 Compiler Tools.
Sony PlayStation – Redwood City, CA - 9/03 to 1/04 Contract Sr. Technical Writer
o Reviewed, revised, and reorganized the technical notes content on the PS2 Technical Reference CD and DevNet developer support web site.
o Documented new technical documentation standards for future products. Created Microsoft Word templates that adhere to the new standards.
TiVo, Inc. – Alviso, CA - 1/03 to 6/03 Contract Sr. Technical Writer
Jyounetsu Viewer’s Guide (170 pp.)
Takara User’s Guide (190 pp.)
o TiVo Digital Video Recorders have revolutionized the way people watch TV: pause and rewind live TV; digitally "tape" your favorite programs to the internal hard drive.
o Documented two DVR/DVD consumer products, redesigning current documentation so that it can be leveraged for future products.
o Attended weekly planning and business meetings.
o Tested product and software, and provided useful feedback to the engineering and QA teams.
o Reviewed external departmental documentation and UI specs, and provided useful feedback to the Marketing and UI teams.
PDI/Dreamworks – Redwood City, CA - 8/02 to 1/03 Contract Sr. Technical Writer
PeRCS Guide for Users and Administrators (77 pp.)
PeRCS API Reference Guide (65 pp.)
Script Language Encyclopedia (1800 pp.)
o PeRCS is the Production Engineering Revision Control System (similar to CVS) that tracks assets through the production pipeline of making a feature animation film.
o Used IRIX 6.5 on an SGI platform to run FrameMaker and UNIX on a Linux box to run the internal, proprietary job-environment tools.
o Updated the PeRCS Guide by totally reworking the guide, adding usage descriptions, new command documentation, and real-life examples.
o Documented the PeRCS Perl modules and methods in the PeRCS API Reference Guide.
o Documented three PeRCS-related course outlines for internal training classes taught in Glendale and Palo Alto.
o Updated the Script Language Encyclopedia by totally editing the guide, adding new descriptions and examples.
Televoke – San Francisco, CA - 8/01 to 11/01 Contract Lead Writer
Developing a Documentation Strategy (7 pp.)
Televoke Internal Documentation Plan (13 pp.)
Core Functionality of the Televoke Service Platform (50 pp.)
o Documented the core functionality of the Televoke system. Televoke, an Application Service Provider, provides an automated web and telephony service platform that enables individuals and enterprises to track and control valuable assets (currently limited to vehicles). Described what already exists, in a high-level manner, so that as new versions of the Televoke system are developed, they would know what they started with. Also documented the differences among the InterTrak, Omega, Satronics, and SecuraTrak systems.
o Worked with marketing, engineering, and QA to identify the target customers and their needs (from a documentation perspective); determined what books and online text files are in the documentation set and the content of each; and determined writing and editing resources, milestone deliverables, and production time and costs.
o Ensured that all facets of the Televoke system are high quality by editing the content on the web, testing the product and system, and reviewing specifications and templates.
o Obtained information from engineers necessary to the product documentation, attended weekly engineering meetings, and provided feedback to the engineering and QA teams.
o Recruited, interviewed, and trained permanent writer.
Sun Microsystems – Mountain View, CA - 6/01 to 7/01 Contract Editor
Qube 3 Software Architecture Developer’s Guide (282 pp.)
o Read, edited, and updated the Qube 3 Software Architecture Developer’s Guide for short-term rush contract.
o Completed all production work, including but not limited to generating book files, distilling PDF files, and implementing extensive changes involving the FrameMaker templates.
In Focus Photography – Delhi, CA - 1/99 to 12/02 Sole Proprietor
o Started and managed sole proprietorship. Responsible for all bookkeeping and tax issues. Generated reports detailing in-flows and out-flows of business capital.
o Marketed and managed business using marketing tools such as promotional mailers, trifold brochures, and direct solicitation.
o Managed and databased over 2000 images using Cradoc Photo Management System.
o Scanned 200+ images using Nikon Super Coolscan 2000 and fixed color issues using Photoshop.
o Developed and designed web site (www.denisestone.com) using Adobe GoLive.
o Marketed and sold photographic cards in local retail stores.
o Published photograph in VIA magazine (July/August 2000 issue).
o Web site profiled in Shutterbug magazine (April 2001 issue).
Adobe Systems – San Jose, CA - 5/98 to 3/00 Lead Technical Writer
Adobe Acrobat Software Development Kit documentation (4700 pp.)
o Wrote, edited, and updated the suite of Acrobat SDK documentation (30 documents). Of the 30 documents, 16 were owned by me. Completed all production work, including but not limited to generating book files, distilling PDF files, and hand testing cross-document and URL links in PDF files.
o Wrote, edited, and updated the Acrobat Core API Reference (methods, callbacks, and objects), which consisted of standard C header files. Responsible for 2839 pages.
o As lead writer, provided direction, assignments, peer review, and feedback to other members of the Acrobat team. Initiated Legal review of the SDK documentation, interviewed candidates, and demoed Acrobat SDK documentation. Looked for ways where the Acrobat SDK team could produce a better (and smaller) product for our third-party developers.
o Developed project management skills and contributed to the overall leadership of the SDK by managing the list of documents that needed to be updated (who was assigned to do what and when it needed to be completed) and posting documentation to the web. Kept the team focused on the details of producing the SDK, including "what are we doing for the samples", "what does the packaging look like", "are we being reviewed by Legal", and "how are we doing the installers."
o Ensured that all facets of the Acrobat SDK are high quality by rewriting the content on the web, testing Acrobat installers, reviewing Collateral’s copy of the Acrobat packaging, and reviewing Acrobat SDK Training course materials.
o Received recognition as MVP (Most Valuable Player) for Developer Technologies.
Oracle - Redwood Shores, CA - 8/97 to 5/98 Senior Technical Writer
Oracle Video Server Developer’s Guide (650 pp.)
o Documented the Oracle Video Server API (modules, interfaces, and methods), which consisted of IDL-defined object interfaces and standard C header files. Oracle Video Server (OVS) is a server-side product that allows system developers to store and manipulate encoded video data, then stream it to applications running on set-top boxes, personal computers, network computers, and other types of devices. OVS can stream video over many types of standard broadband and narrowband networks. This guide provides information for developers to create customized OVS client applications not supported by the Oracle Video Client.
o Worked directly with C and IDL source files, engineers, and testers to obtain information necessary to the product documentation.
o Tested sample applications and product, and provided useful feedback to the engineering and QA teams.
o Produced and tested online documentation (PDF and HTML formats).
o Documented release notes and bug lists.
Apple - Cupertino, CA - 8/94 to 5/97 Technical Writer
OpenDoc Class Reference for the Mac OS (1000 pp.)
o Used OOD/OOP development tools to document OpenDoc classes and methods. OpenDoc is a set of CORBA-compliant shared libraries used to build editors and viewers for cross-platform compound documents and other component software. It is based on a set of object-oriented (System Object Model) classes that bring applications and documents to the Mac OS, Windows, OS/2, and UNIX platforms.
o Produced online documentation consisting of hyper-text based links for the Mac OS, which was widely distributed in CD format and on the web.
o Obtained information from engineers necessary to the product documentation, attended weekly engineering meetings, and provided useful feedback to the engineering team.
o Contributed to the production and testing of the OpenDoc Developer’s Kit CD.
o Trained two writers.
OpenDoc Development Framework Class Reference (3900 pp.)
o Read C++ source files and used OOD/OOP development tools to document complex,
object-oriented, modular, cross-platform framework of C++ classes used to develop OpenDoc parts (ODF). ODF enables developers to start working with OpenDoc quickly and to program with C++ instead of SOM.
o Produced online documentation consisting of hyper-text based links for the Mac OS, which was widely distributed in CD format and on the web.
Symantec - Cupertino, CA - 2/93 to 8/94 Technical Writer
Bedrock Foundation Classes Reference Manual (1000 pp.)
Bedrock Resource Compiler Guide (130 pp.)
o Used OOD/OOP development tools to document complex, object-oriented, cross-platform application framework (Bedrock). Bedrock enables developers to build applications that target both the Mac OS and Windows platforms in a single development effort.
o Produced documentation on a subset of Bedrock components in the Foundation and OS layers.
o Produced Bedrock resource compiler (BedRC) documentation. BedRC is a resource compiler that replaces Apple Rez and Microsoft RC.
o Contributed to the production and testing of the Bedrock BFC Beta 1 CD and the Bedrock Developer’s Architecture Kit CD.
ACT! for HP Palmtops User’s Guide Addendum (32 pp.)
ACT! for Windows User’s Guide and Reference (500 pp.)
ACT! for Macintosh User’s Guide and Reference (500 pp.)
o Produced various documentation for ACT!. ACT! is a top-rated, best-selling contact management software application for individuals and work groups.
Time Line for Windows User’s Guide and Reference (750 pp.)
o Contributed to the writing, production, and testing of documentation for Time Line. Time Line is a powerful, flexible project management software application for individuals and work groups, based on an SQL (Structured Query Language) database.
IBM - Santa Teresa , San Jose, CA - 7/89 to 2/93 Associate Information Developer
IBM SAA AD/Cycle CODE Debug Tool Reference (200 pp.)
IBM SAA AD/Cycle CODE Debug Tool Supplement for COBOL/400 (120 pp.)
o Played a significant role in the product design of IBM SAA AD/Cycle CoOperative Development Environment (CODE). CODE is an edit, compile, and debug facility for third-generation programming language application development and maintenance within the AD/Cycle framework.
o Produced various documentation for CODE, including design specification as a member of the development-writer team.
o Produced online documentation consisting of hyper-text based help panels for IBM PS/2 workstations, displaying text and graphic images, with links throughout.
o Designed and created related documents, such as quality assurance and information plans, as well as marketing tools for CODE.
o Used tag-based and WYSIWYG editors to create and edit documentation on the IBM PS/2, under OS/2, both stand-alone and as a 3270 terminal to IBM 360/370 mainframes.
o Received two IBM Recognition Awards for excellence in writing and overall product contribution.
o Supervised and trained two junior writers.
|
