style: Resume
css: Resume.css
### Profile
Dynamic writer, podcaster, and software developer with over 25 years of experience in writing, documenting, and marketing software. For the past 20 years, I've passionately advocated for developer tools, and effectively served as a Developer Advocate at Oracle for the last four years. My diverse programming skills include HTML/CSS, JavaScript (vanilla, jQuery, Angular, React, Vue), C/C++, Ruby, Objective-C, Swift, Python, and more.
I graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2000, earning a BA in Interactive Multimedia (Web Design). My career spans roles from Art Director and firm founder to Senior Front-End Developer at Aol Tech, and transitioning to Developer Relations at Oracle, where I focused on enhancing developer engagement and technical writing.
I am the creator of multiple celebrated apps, including [nvALT](https://brettterpstra.com/projects/nvalt), [Marked 2](https://marked2app.com), and [Bunch](https://bunchapp.co).
### Experience
Oracle
: _Principal Technical Writer • May 2021 -- January 2022_
_Principal Software Developer • January 2022 -- April 2025_
- Developed a GitHub to Oracle Content Management (OCM) pipeline using Jekyll, enhancing the Markdown editing process and creating an efficient workflow for writers.
- Managed the [Oracle DevRel GitHub](https://github.com/oracle-devrel) organization, overseeing repository creation, maintenance of over 200 repositories, and automation pipelines.
- Led a team of technical writers, producing over 100 technical documents within a year for developer.oracle.com and blogs.oracle.com.
- Produced screencasts and demo videos for Oracle's AI Hub, generating developer interest and engagement.
Independent
: _January 2014 -- May 2021_
- Developed commercial Mac applications, including [Marked 2](https://marked2app.com) and the upcoming [nvUltra](https://nvultra.com).
- Consulted in web development and productivity, and contributed to several online platforms, including [MacStories](https://www.macstories.net/) and [Lifehacker](https://lifehacker.com/).
- Expanded the audience of [BrettTerpstra.com](https://brettterpstra.com) where I host my own writing and multitude of projects.
Aol Tech
: _Contract developer • July 2009 -- March 2011_.
_Senior Front End Developer • March 2011 -- January 2014_
- Led the front-end development for high-traffic blogs, such as Engadget and TUAW, managing a team to successfully execute major projects.
- Led the relaunch of Engadget in 2014.
- Implemented JavaScript, HTML, and CSS technologies, and enhanced the core Blogsmith platform through PHP extensions.
Agilebits
: _Chief Media Producer • October 2010 -- February 2011_
- Managed web properties and PR, while developing in both PHP and Ruby on Rails.
The Unofficial Apple Weblog
: _Author/Blogger • 2007 -- 2011_
- Wrote as a staff blogger.
- Developed the Blogsmith Blogging Bundle for TextMate and contributed significant content, leading to my role in Aol Tech.
Circle Six Design
: _Owner • January 2006 -- February 2009_
- Managed client projects in web design, development, and audio/video production.
Knitcraft/St. Croix
: _Art Director/Web Developer • July 2001 -- December 2005_
- Directed e-commerce initiatives and branding efforts for a chain of boutique shops.
Other
: As a member of the Mac "power user" community, I've spoken at [ALTConf](http://altconf.com/), [Macworld](https://www.macworld.com/article/224350/remembering-macworld-expo.html), and [Macstock](https://macstockconferenceandexpo.com/), organized meet-ups at [WWDC](https://developer.apple.com/wwdc/), and have published two titles on iBooks.
### Education
Minneapolis College of Art And Design, Minneapolis, MN
: BA Interactive Multimedia, 2000
### Skills
Summary
: I have a wide range of skills in coding/writing.
- HTML, CSS, and responsive web design
- JavaScript, React, jQuery with some experience with other frameworks (Angular, Vue)
- PHP, Ruby, and Python scripting
- Expert on Mac and Unix platforms with command line proficiency
- Objective-C, Swift, and Mac development
- Excellent prose and technical writing skills
- A decade of developer advocacy
- 15 years of customer support experience
- Leadership/team management
- Git/GitHub proficiency
- Expert on Markdown
Programming
: I have a core set of languages in which I consider myself highly proficient (Ruby, Objective-C), and myriad languages I'm comfortable working in and always learning more about (e.g. Python, Swift). I'm capable of picking up new languages quickly as needs arise.
Writing
: I have strong English language skills, spoken and written, bridging both grammar and style. My writing is both technical and approachable in nature, and I've been credited by many new programmers with having provided them an accessible entry point to a concept. I internalize any style guide I'm given and can easily write for the target publication.
: Over the years I've developed help documents for projects like Marked 2 ([documentation](https://marked2app.com/help/)), Bunch ([documentation](https://bunchapp.co/docs/)), and all of my [various projects](https://brettterpstra.com/projects/), ranging from detailed README files to full websites. I've also developed documentation for other applications, including [Fantastical by Flexibits](https://flexibits.com/fantastical/help).
: I've contributed to several major publications, including [O'Reilly's Mac Hacks](https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/mac-hacks/9781449343453/), and co-authored the interactive books [60 Mac Tips Volumes 1 and 2](http://60tips.com/) for Apple's iBookstore and Vimeo release.
: I blog regularly and have developed an audience (50k+/week) with whom I enjoy interacting. I've also published work on The Unofficial Apple Weblog, Macworld (print and web), MacStories, and LifeHacker, as well as the Terminus project for Warp.
Developer Advocacy
: In addition to four years of work with Oracle's Developer Relations team, I've been communicating with developers for 20 years. I understand the needs and desires of developers, and can tailor content to meet them where they are, at any level of experience.
: I've advocated for Oracle's AI technologies, developing content and campaigns, along with handling all support for my own developer tools.
Leadership & Collaboration
: I work well with others, and naturally take a leadership role. In times when that leadership role has led to a management position, I've done an excellent job of hearing the needs of my reports, guiding them in their projects, and acting as a conduit between upper management and my team to accomplish large goals on time. I have experience with Agile workflows.
: I communicate well, whether in email, one-on-one, or in meeting settings. I accept criticism, understand goals, and convey my feelings and opinions easily.
: I will say what's on my mind, but am careful not to hurt others, and am very aware of differing needs within a team. I have often been told after meetings, "Thank you for saying that, I didn't have the nerve." I wear this as a badge of honor. -->
Creative Problem Solving:
: I have strong analytical skills with a knack for tackling complex challenges and coding automation tools.
Git/GitHub
: In addition to managing the entire Oracle DevRel GitHub organization, I use Git for version control on all of my personal projects, and GitHub hosting for [all of my open source work](https://github.com/ttscoff) (and some private repositories). I'm well-versed in command-line Git, apps like Tower and GitKraken, and have experience using GitHub Pull Requests, Issues, and Discussions. I also have experience developing GitHub Actions as pipelines for CI/CD and automation.
Markdown
: I'm extremely proficient in Markdown, and wrote the Markdown style guide for Oracle DevRel. I can tell you every difference between MultiMarkdown, Discount, Maruku, Kramdown, PHP Markdown Extra, GitHub Flavored Markdown, and any other flavor of Markdown. I know how to write Markdown that will translate across platforms and processors, and how to leverage the specific strengths of any Markdown processor.
### Activities
Coding
: I spend my free time coding automation and productivity [apps and scripts](https://brettterpstra.com/projects). In addition to my Mac apps, I've authored and supported myriad open source, including [Doing](https://github.com/ttscoff/doing) (command line project/time tracking), [mdless](https://github.com/ttscoff/mdless) (a command line Markdown pager), the [MarkdownEditing](https://github.com/ttscoff/MarkdownEditing) package for Sublime Text, and [NA](https://github.com/ttscoff/na_gem) (command line interaction with TaskPaper files).
: In the process of documenting my projects, I've built helpful tools like [NiftyMenu](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMRke8K6VOU) and a Keyboard Maestro macro for [cross-linking Markdown documents](https://brettterpstra.com/2021/09/01/keyboard-maestro-markdown-linking/).
: I love problem solving, and find complex regular expressions a relaxing endeavor.
Music
: I enjoy blending music and technology, and do a lot of home recording. My punk rock tour days are behind me (videos available upon request), but I continue to enjoy the process of composing and the technical details of production.
### References
Professional and personal references are available and will be furnished upon request.
### Elsewhere
| ---: | :--- |
| **GitHub** | [github.com/ttscoff](https://github.com/ttscoff) |
| **Mastodon** | [hachyderm.io/ttscoff](https://hachyderm.io/@ttscoff/) |
| **Blog** | [brettterpstra.com](https://brettterpstra.com) |
| **Contact** | [brettterpstra.com/contact](https://brettterpstra.com/contact/) |