| I am the older gentleman referred to on the previous page. My name really is Robin Will. My education is in psychology, journalism, and the liberal arts. I create publications. I mention my age because (1) I can't deny it, and (2) I consider it an asset in the work I do. I have been helping people get their ideas on paper, in the fields of public information, general feature-writing, marketing, history, and software documentation, off and on for about 30 years. I have had a lot of practice, suffered a lot of jargon, and weathered many fads.
So far I haven't seen anything that's likely to replace intelligent writing and thoughtful design in the communication process.
I am looking for clients who need help with their publications and/or their Internet presence, preferably over the long term.
At the moment, this is a spare-time business for me. There isn't much pressure. I will accept clients if it seems likely we'll be good for each other, and I expect to give away a certain amount of information to people who are brand-new to the Internet. I start charging for work after we have agreed on what needs to be done, so it doesn't cost you anything to call and chat.
If I can't help you, I can refer you to one of my friends. Among us, we have the talent and resources to get you on the Internet, even if your material is obnoxious or X-rated. Call 503-285-3437 or write to me and we'll talk about it. I'm including a résumé which you may review on-screen or download.
MR. ROBIN P. WILL
Phone or fax (503)285-3437
robin@robinwill.com
Read it here or DOWNLOAD a pdf file.
A writer/editor with commercial publishing background and thirty years' experience with end-user issues in computer software.
1996-present Editor and Webmaster, Old Aurora Colony
In this volunteer position I get to research my own roots while producing a newsletter and other print material, and maintaining a website for the Aurora Colony Historical Society, Aurora, Oregon.
1989-present Trader Publishing Company, various positions
Oregon Auto Trader publishes about 25,000 digital photo ads per week in thirteen magazines and uploads them to a national website, in addition to producing 300-350 pages of display advertising. I started as a Macintosh production artist, but increasingly I work in the background to ensure the flow and quality of digital production. Trader's point-of-sale system is Unix-based; the photo database is an NT system administered by our regional offices in Los Angeles; and display advertising and final assembly of the books is done on Macintoshes. I deal with design and technical problems; resolve compatibility issues with customers' files; create imposition specs; serve as liason with our pressroom; chair the in-house Quality Action Team; provide inter-departmental training and troubleshooting, and supply management information internally and to our home office in Norfolk, VA. In a day's work I am likely to use Quark XPress, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe PageMaker, FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Excel, plus the bastard applications Trader has created for internal use.
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Photojournalism, Public Relations Writing, Software User Manuals, 1979-1989
For a number of years I earned part or all of my living as a freelance writer, demonstrating a knack for presenting specialized information with a general audience in mind. My background as a printer allowed me to participate in budget, design, and purchasing decisions when clients were creating new publications.
Most of the photo-journalism work was for Ruralite Magazine, the public-relations voice for Bonneville Power Administration's Rural Electric Cooperatives. The largest software documentation project was for Timberline Software's first release of microcomputer-based accounting software, 1981-84.
Managing Editor, 1978-81, Beautiful America Publishing Company, Beaverton, Oregon
Beautiful America produced coffeetable books of scenic color photography. I wrote texts, hired and supervised freelance writers, assisted in procuring photography, handled most of the liason and scheduling with color labs and pressrooms, and created an in-house typesetting department.
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Supervisor, Swing Shift Photocomposition, 1973-78, Times Litho, Forest Grove, Oregon
In the '70s, Times Litho produced three weekly newspapers and about 50 monthly publications for local business and professional organizations. I managed second-shift typesetting, pasteup and darkroom operations. This was like an apprenticeship to 50 of the city's prominent editors and public relations chiefs, observing work in process and tracking it through the pressroom and bindery.
Publications
Beautiful Portland, Beautiful America Publishing Company, Beaverton, OR, 1979. ISBN 0-915796-96-0.
Beautiful Minnesota, ISBN 0-915796-61-9.
Beautiful Texas, ISBN 0-915796-75-9.
Beautiful Manhattan, ISBN 0-89802-096-4.
Beautiful Yosemite National Park, ISBN 0-89802-069-7.
Beautiful Ohio, ISBN 0-915796-77-5.
Stuff that Doesn't Fit
In addition to the above, I have paid experience as a youth minister, a drug crisis counselor, a group-home foster parent, a farm caretaker, a bus driver, a bartender, and a country/bluegrass musician.
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