1994-1996
- Motivation Media Inc.
(now part of Carabiner Group Inc.)
|
1994-1996
(now part of Carabiner Group Inc.)
|
Multimedia Systems Specialist: Motivation Media Inc. 1994-1996, Glenview, IL
In the beginning:
I freelanced for MM for several years in their graphics department creating and doing on-site execution of presentation graphics on DOS based machines. After one summer where I was essentially running the department (there were no employees in graphics that summer), I was offered a full time position. Considering my extensive technical background and my interest in new technology I was given the title of Multimedia Systems Specialist.
Graphics:
I started in the graphics department creating presentation graphics and helping keep the systems up and running as we migrated from DOS to Windows and from RIO to PowerPoint. Along the way I set up a networked render farm for the 3D animation program that we were using (Topaz).
Programming:
As MM moved into doing more new media, they brought in a trainer to teach 3 of us Macromedia Director 4. So I started programming in Macromedia Director for mailers and CD-ROM programs. I worked on several projects ranging from a simple .exe file on a floppy disk to a CD-ROM based program with full install routine for both Mac and PC. Actually there was no install for the Mac, just the Mac binary, but on the PC side it included testing for Quicktime, sound, and 16 or 32 bit operating system and then installing Quicktime if the user selected it, then installing the correct binary based on the operating system and peripherals.
Computer Based Training (CBT):
Meanwhile I was the point person for PC troubleshooting and the one who had to assess delivery platforms for CBT proposals. I was given this responsibility based on MM's experience with me, as a freelancer keeping DOS boxes running during on-site execution of meetings and my work on their support line for the first CBT they did (ever had to guide a senior sales associate, via speaker phone, from fdisk through installing CD-ROM drivers to get a system up and running?).
Another role I played in the first CBT was in testing. Since I understood what the Toolbook programmers were doing, they even had me working with the code making simple changes. The programmers like me to do testing because I understood what was going on and could give exact instructions on how to reproduce an error and what that error was i.e. printer resets at odd times.
On the second CBT project, this time in IconAuthor, my job was simple: prepare the storyboards and supervise a freelance graphics operator getting the graphics and screen grabs into place in files the programmers could then add interactivity to.
All I had to do for the storyboards was, in one week, take the script out of Access and put the pertinent parts into a 30 cell table (along with file names, and other information and instructions) in a Word 4.0 document with copies of the graphics on the facing page. It took 7 three-inch binders to hold the 1000 page storyboards. And I only had to update the binders and programmer copies twice a week.
In my spare time I taught the graphics operator how to take the graphics and client supplied screen grabs and combine them in an IconAuthor file that the programmers could then program. This meant I was right in the middle between the designers creating the interface graphics, the client supplying the screen grabs, the graphics operator doing initial screen assembly, and the programmers putting it all together. Needless to say they got me to do testing as well since I was probably the only single person who knew how everything was supposed to work.
Sales support:
I also participated in preparing bids, sales calls and technical consultation for clients. I helped prepare bids by researching equipment costs based on my evaluations of delivery system requirements, helped in sales calls by either setting up the systems to demonstrate programs MM had produced or by setting up the systems and demonstrating the programs. And I was always available to speak with clients regarding any PC related technical issues that might pop up.
| Home |