Collective Detective

TaxiCafe™ Media

In 1998, I decided I wanted to learn how to make web applications. Armed with nothing but a copy of a bad WYSIWYG editor and a dial-up Internet connection, I went to work. I opened up shop as TaxiCafe Media and into the freelance development business I went, learning a bunch of languages, hand-coding, web standards, and building sites large and small.

CollectiveDetective.org

In 2001, I became involved in communities solving transmedia mysteries (scavenger hunts, online puzzles, immersive entertainment, viral advertainment). Today it's a common component of viral marketing, back then: not so much. So I put on my start-up hat and built CollectiveDetective.org, the origin of the current company name. There was a need to provide players with better tools and communication resources and companies with better consulting on how to design and execute these campaigns. We built the first and largest (for its time) community for this demographic.

The site didn't last, but it was a good experience in connecting people from different background in fun and challenging ways -- interactive social media. I continued to consult, working on word of mouth, viral communications, and blogging campaigns, applying the lessons of CD.org to a new format.

Around 2005 (I think), I started doodling notes for a new idea. First it was occasionally, then in 2007 more frequently, then in 2008 part-time. The idea became Collective Detective's latest project.

Collectivus

Collectivus is a social location application. I'm currently wearing many hats as: Creator, Co-Designer, Product Manager, and Co-Developer. We have a limited prototype available now and our small team is busy working on a larger Beta, scheduled for fall.

MapQuest

Software Developer for Hire

I landed at MapQuest over 6 years ago as a hired gun, originally brought in to work on some client-side code for some Platform projects. I then moved to overseeing the client-side code for MapQuest.com. I trained a team on XHTML, JavaScript, and CSS development and rewrote most of the front-end, working with the User Experience team to modernize the look and features of the site.

While doing that, I began sending a number of suggestions for products and features, as well as advocating for better relationships with and programs for the developer community. Management then put me to work on those very things.

Product Manager and Evangelist

In my newly-created role, I split my time mostly on three major areas: Community Engagement and Outreach, Product Development and Management, and working with our Platform Sales and Business Development teams, helping build relationships and communicate product features to stakeholders at the appropriate detail levels.

Product Evangelism

• Relationship building with developers, tech influencers, and start-ups. Community management and social media strategies
• Product marketing management
• Collaborate with Marketing on trade show presence and positioning, promotional activities
• Media engagement; speaking at conferences and technology meetings
• Company liaison with many internal (AOL) and external technology groups and partners

Product Management

• MapQuest Developer Network and MapQuest Developer Blog
• Social Location (Geo-Social) products and strategy
• Third-party application integrations
• Automotive and In-Car application products and strategy
• Previously:
  • Co-created and developed Hyper-Local content strategy, products and features
  • Personalization, User Corrections and User-Generated Content (UGC) strategies
  • Initial MapQuest Route Planner product roadmap and features