Development and Support
work on software, websites, and more
As my technology background demonstrates, I am fascinated by computer hardware and software. Though I am focused on creative writing and academic pursuits at present, I continue to dedicate a few hours each week to keeping up on technology issues.
Software Development Projects
Most of my programming is now for personal projects. Currently, I am refining a database to track my writing projects and another database application for bird watching.
I do consider database design and coding a form of programming. The old dBase IV and FoxPro platforms were high-level languages. My favorite database system was SuperBase, which has faded into computer history with most other PC database systems.
When I have more free time, I would like to convert the databases to applications coded in Apple’s Objective-C with XML or SQLite tables.
I still experiment with a variety of compiled languages and “scripting” languages. I wish Apple would embrace alternatives to Objective-C, but doubt that will happen. Sadly, when Apple moved to OS X it abandoned its Object Pascal and C++ heritage.
Web Content Projects
Most Web complex projects require JavaScript and PHP coding, in addition to basic HTML and CSS skills. Modifying Drupal, WordPress, or Mediawiki installations can be delicate work, but most websites need some customization to standout among other sites.
Student Projects
- FutureBASIC / FBtoC — An effort to convert all FutureBASIC documentation to a wikibook. This project is meant to promote software development within educational settings.
- Professional and Technical Writing — An online textbook written by and for students in business and technical writing courses.
- podTheatre / Audio Drama — A pbWiki site on using podcasting and audio drama in classrooms. The resulting productions are similar to classic radio shows.
- Avoiding Digital Dangers — A pbWiki dedicated to “safe computing” habits in educational settings, especially within high schools.
- AutismWiki — A wiki linked to The Autistic Place, the AutismWiki was a community project focused on students with autism. Both projects were terminated in late 2010.
Personal Web Projects
- Tameri Guide for Writers — I know this project will never be done, but it is probably the most interesting and challenging. My goal, starting in 1997, was to convert any class I taught on writing to Web content.
- The Existential Primer — The project that started it all. In an age of Wikipedia, blogs, and other forms of community editing, I still retain editorial control of The Existential Primer. It is important to me that the site be easy to read and appreciate, while being as accurate as any text on philosophy can be.