Writing

This page shows work where I have been involved with Writing:

Researcher and writer for Asus Business Hub (From December 2015 to June 2018):
 
Asus Business Hub
Asus Business Hub is designed to inform and inspire business decision makers, showing innovative ways that technology products could positively impact their businesses.



Working for That Media Thing, I wrote articles for Asus Business Hub. This included stories on innovative displays, VR, haptics, computing solutions and networking ideas.

Tags:  Asus Business Hub  Advertorials  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Websites  Displays  Cloud computing  Video  Innovation  





Contributor for Intel's Amazing Stories (April 2018):
 
Intel's Amazing Stories
Intel’s Amazing Stories allows you to see how Intel technology contributes to helping real situations in the real-world.



Working for That Media Thing, I researched and wrote content including videos and written content about big data, the internet of things and cloud computing for Intel's Amazing Stories.

Tags:  Intel's Amazing Stories  Advertorials  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Websites  Big Data  Autonomous Vehicles  Video  





I wrote and edited blogs for Iridium Insights (from November 2016 to August 2017):
 
Iridium Insights
Iridium Insights provides data analytics and insights solutions to the consumer goods industry and its suppliers, working with major global brands.


I edited content and advised on editorial strategy for the data analytics company Iridium Insights.

Tags:  Iridium Insights  Advertorials  Big Data  Writing  B2B  Websites  Project management  Case studies  





Writer and editor for TechScheme (From August 2015 to November 2016):
 
TechScheme
TechScheme lets you get the latest tech through your employer via salary sacrifice.


I wrote and edited blog posts for the ComputingScheme and PhoneScheme websites, which allow users to save money on computing devices such as laptops, tablets and phones via National Insurance savings.

Tags:  TechScheme  Advertorials  Technology  Editing  Consumer  Websites  Writing  Phones  Shopping  iPad  Project management  





Showcasing the innovative work of tech incubator Rocketmakers (May 2015):
 
Rocketmakers Projects
Video and written client profiles




I wrote and edited case studies/company profiles of various clients of Rocketmakers (an incubator for tech and new media companies in the South West) to showcase the company's innovative work. I also scripted and directed video profiles for each case study.


Tags:  Rocketmakers  Case studies  Technology  Editing  B2B  Websites  Business  Video  Writing  SMEs  Startups  





Science Uncovered (Issue 09 - August 2014) feature:
 
5 alternative ways to power our gadgets
The batteries that power our technology today are often made from metals and other substances that are bad for the environment. But greener alternatives are on their way...



Tags:  Science Uncovered  Features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Innovation  Science  





Feature for the Connected Digital Economy Catapult website (July 2014) on how to get your digital project noticed - a guide for startups and SMEs:
 
How to get the right people interested in your digital creation
So you have a great idea for a digital project, but how do you go about making sure your creation is noticed and talked about by the right people?



Written for the Connected Digital Economy Catapult - A national centre to rapidly advance the UK's best digital ideas' - made into an interactive PDF.


Tags:  Connected Digital Economy Catapult  Features  Social networking  Writing  B2B  Websites  Startups  SMEs  Innovation  Apps  





Content editor and copywriter for Nationwide building society (March 2014):
 
Nationwide
The world's largest building society.



I worked as part of a transition team working on the redesign of the Nationwide website using Sitecore and Sharepoint CMSes. As part of this I helped to rewrite and edit the guides section (http://www.nationwide.co.uk/guides).


Tags:  Nationwide  Editing  Consumer  Websites  Banking  Writing  Finance  Business  





Helped develop, write the questions for and edit an iPad quiz game designed to use the Gabble image database. (October 2013):
 
Pikipik
Find the link, guess the word and beat the competition in this addictive words and pictures game.



Gabble is striving to build a universal visual language to power next generation 'text-to-image' apps. Pikipik, released in October 2013, was our first picture/meaning game. I helped develop and test the app and write and edit the questions for the game.


Tags:  Gabble  Quiz  Apps  Project management  Consumer  App development  Children  Entertainment  Writing  Startups  





MacFormat bookazine 'Learning with your iPad' (October 2013) feature:
 
Learning with your iPad
Unlock the educational potential of your iPad with our guide to where to find study materials online via apps and websites specifically designed to get the best out of the interactive capabilities the iPad offers.


This feature included an iTunes U walkthrough, as well as alternative iPad apps such as Khan Academy, Udemy and Skillshare to provide everything you need to further your education on your iPad.

Tags:  MacFormat  Features  Education  Writing  Consumer  Bookazines  Apps  iPad  





Creator and editor of Comedy-Songs.com (from September 2011 to October 2013):
 
Comedy-songs.com
The place for funny songs and funny musicians.


I designed, created, edited and wrote for www.comedy-songs.com.


Tags:  Comedy-Songs.com  Comedy  Editing  Consumer  Websites  Music  Project management  Writing  





Pre-school educational app review for iPad magazine Tap! (Issue 29 - April 2013) written with the help of my 5 and 2 year olds:
 
Identikat
Create your own cats out of fabrics and buttons with this visually pleasing and fun to play app for children.


Tags:  iPad magazine Tap!  Reviews  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  iPhone  Apps  Apple  





Samsung advertorial feature for TechRadar, T3 and Gizmodo (March 2013):
 
10 best apps to make the most of spring
Whether you are looking to explore the great outdoors, get fit, or tidy up your home and garden, the GALAXY Note II is all you need.



Tags:  TechRadar  T3  Gizmodo  Advertorials  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Websites  Apps  Phones  





Samsung advertorial feature for T3, TechRadar and Gizmodo (March 2013):
 
Social networking made simple
The GALAXY Note II makes social networking by phone a pleasing experience. The combination of the precision of the S Pen and the expansive screen make something which can too often be fiddly and irritating on other phones an easy and pleasurable task.



Tags:  T3  TechRadar  Gizmodo  Advertorials  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Websites  Apps  Android  Social networking  





Official Windows magazine (Issue 6 - March 2013) feature:
 
Essential kit for students
Whether it's GCSEs, night courses, a degree, or a PhD, get to the top of the class with our guide to the best education technology.




Tags:  Official Windows magazine  Features  Microsoft  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Education  Student  Windows  Technology  





App review for iPad magazine Tap! (Issue 28 - March 2013):
 
Discworld: The Ankh-Morpork Map
The first ever official Discworld iPad app lets you traverse the streets of Ankh Morpork, learn about the buildings and landmarks and even take a walking tour.


Tags:  iPad magazine Tap!  Reviews  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Apps  Apple  iPad  iPhone  





Samsung advertorial feature for Gizmodo, T3 and TechRadar (February 2013):
 
Creating a movie masterpiece on your Note II
As phone cameras have improved, more and more people are using their camera phones to not only film their lives, but to then edit this footage, add special effects and soundtracks and even enter the results in international film competitions.



Tags:  Gizmodo  T3  TechRadar  Advertorials  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Websites  Phones  Android  Apps  Film  





Samsung advertorial feature for TechRadar, T3 and Gizmodo (February 2013):
 
Writing and promoting your novel on the Note II
With the popularity of literature festivals on the rise, we show you how to buy, read, write, plan and publish books on your Samsung GALAXY Note II.



Tags:  TechRadar  T3  Gizmodo  Advertorials  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Websites  Android  Apps  Phones  





Official Windows 8 magazine Official Windows magazine (Issue 5 - February 2013) feature on the best Windows 8 gaming kit:
 
The perfect kit for online gaming
Here's everything you need to get the best out of Windows 8 gaming across all your devices.




Tags:  Official Windows magazine  Features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Gaming  Windows  Microsoft  





Pre-school educational app review for iPad magazine Tap! (Issue 26 - February 2013) written with the help of my 5 and 2 year olds:
 
The Little Market - Fruits, vegetables, meat and fish
Designed to introduce your child to food recognition and basic shop mathematics, The Little Market is an educational app that lets you re-enact going to a busy marketplace.


Tags:  iPad magazine Tap!  Reviews  Apps  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  iPad  iPhone  Technology  Education  Children  





Samsung advertorial feature for T3, Gizmodo and TechRadar (January 2013):
 
Upgrading Android on your GALAXY Note II
Upgrading your GALAXY Note II is very easy, and well worth doing to ensure that you are taking advantage off all the latest updates and features for the Android operating system your phone uses.


Tags:  T3  Gizmodo  TechRadar  Advertorials  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Websites  Android  Phones  





Samsung advertorial feature for Gizmodo, T3 and TechRadar (January 2013):
 
Shop in comfort from your bed with the Note II
As the processing power of smartphones and the quality of shopping apps has increased, the dream of doing your weekly shop from the comfort of your own bed has become a reality.



Tags:  Gizmodo  T3  TechRadar  Advertorials  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Websites  Android  Apps  Shopping  Google  





Samsung advertorial feature for TechRadar, T3 and Gizmodo (January 2013):
 
Getting more from Google Play
Google Play is your one-stop-shop for all your Android entertainment on the Samsung GALAXY Note II. It includes over 700,000 apps, along with millions of songs, books and movies.



Tags:  TechRadar  T3  Gizmodo  Advertorials  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Websites  Android  Apps  Google  Phones  





Pre-school educational app review for iPad magazine Tap! (Issue 27 - December 2012) written with the help of my 5 and 2 year olds:
 
Leo's Pad Appisode 1 and 2
Give your toddler a helping hand with their word formation and vocalisation with this animated interactive A-Z of phonemes.


Tags:  iPad magazine Tap!  Reviews  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Apps  Apple  Education  iPad  iPhone  Children  





Samsung advertorial feature for T3, TechRadar and Gizmodo (December 2012):
 
Top GALAXY Note II apps to nab the best sales bargains
Whether you're on the go, snuggled up in bed with a Christmas hangover or simply relaxing in a coffee shop, bargain hunting has never been so hassle-free or so much fun.



Tags:  T3  TechRadar  Gizmodo  Advertorials  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Websites  Android  Apps  Shopping  Phones  





Official Windows magazine (Issue 80 - December 2012) tutorial:
 
Find your dream career using LinkedIn
Our 10-step guide on how to fill in your profile, make connections, get endorsements and recommendations to help you locate your ideal job.



Tags:  Official Windows magazine  Tutorials  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Social networking  Microsoft  Windows  LinkedIn  





Official Windows magazine (Issue 4 - December 2012) feature:
 
Find the best bargains online
Can Windows 8 save you money on your shopping? We put the bargain hunting skills of our editorial team to the test.



Tags:  Official Windows magazine  Features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Shopping  Apps  Windows  Microsoft  





Pre-school educational app review for iPad magazine Tap! (Issue 23 - November 2012) written with the help of my 4 and 2 year olds:
 
Pajanimals: Light In The Sky
Jim Henson's Company's creation the Pajanimals bounce onto your iPad/iPhone screen for an interactive musical tale about getting over your fear of the dark.



Tags:  iPad magazine Tap!  Reviews  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Apps  Apple  iPad  iPhone  Education  





Pre-school educational app review for iPad magazine Tap! (Issue 22 - November 2012) written with the help of my 4 and 2 year olds:
 
The Monsters family
Why not stop monsters haunting your kids' dreams and get them teaching them essential word, shape and colour recognition skills instead



Tags:  iPad magazine Tap!  Reviews  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Apps  Apple  iPad  iPhone  Education  Children  Gaming  





Pre-school app review for iPad magazine Tap! (Issue 22 - November 2012) written with the help of my 4 and 2 year olds:
 
Fairy Magic
An augmented reality app that not only asks 'Have you got fairies at the bottom of your garden?', but can show you them as well.



Tags:  iPad magazine Tap!  Reviews  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Apps  Apple  Gaming  iPad  iPhone  Children  





Pre-school educational app review for iPad magazine Tap! (Issue 21 - August 2012) written with the help of my 4 and 2 year olds:
 
Little Digits
A deceptively simple app that really does help pre-schoolers learn to count, add and subtract using their fingers.


Tags:  iPad magazine Tap!  Reviews  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Apps  Apple  Education  iPad  iPhone  Children  





Pre-school educational app review for iPad magazine Tap! (Issue 20 - August 2012) written with the help of my 4 and 2 year olds:
 
Collins Big Cat Playing Story Creator
An interactive storybook app from a popular author that also lets you create your own story using characters and objects from the book.



Tags:  iPad magazine Tap!  Reviews  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Apps  Apple  Education  iPad  iPhone  Children  





Book app review for iPad magazine Tap! (Issue 20 - July 2012) written with the help of my 4 and 2 year olds:
 
Wind in the Willows
Introduce your children to Kenneth Graham's The Wind in the Willows with this slightly abridged version animated with interactive illustrations.



Tags:  iPad magazine Tap!  Reviews  Apps  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Apple  Literature  iPad  iPhone  Technology  Children  





Pre-school educational app review for iPad magazine Tap! (Issue 20 - July 2012) written with the help of my 4 and 2 year olds:
 
Keys Kids Play HD
A versatile music app that lets your child 'play' various instruments by themselves or with friends.



Tags:  iPad magazine Tap!  Reviews  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Apps  Apple  Children  Education  iPad  iPhone  Gaming  





PC Plus (Issue 323 - July 2012) news feature on cloud computing:
 
Storm gathers over dirty cloud
Cloud computing's green credentials are being challenged by Greenpeace, Jamie Middleton investigates data centres' dirty secrets.


Tags:  PC Plus  News features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Cloud computing  Apple  Microsoft  Amazon  Energy  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 323 - July 2012) feature on security theatre:
 
The great security illusion
Security theatre is a frightening business that's costing us our personal freedoms. Jamie Middleton investigates..





This was also converted into online form for TechRadar.com.


Tags:  PC Plus  Features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  





Pre-school educational app review for iPad magazine Tap! (Issue 19 - June 2012) written with the help of my 4 and 2 year olds:
 
The Man Who Stared At The Sky
A fun storybook based on a classic fable with interactive objects, scenery and simple games throughout.



Tags:  iPad magazine Tap!  Reviews  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Apps  Apple  Children  Education  iPad  iPhone  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 319 - March 2012) feature on supercomputing:
 
The new tech arms race
Jamie Middleton looks at the world's most powerful computers and the consequences of falling behind in global supercomputing.





This was also converted into online form for TechRadar.com.


Tags:  PC Plus  Features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Supercomputing  Science  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 319 - March 2012) news feature on 3D printing and copyright:
 
3D printing - a pirate's dream?
With The Pirate Bay sharing 3D designs, Jamie Middleton asks if copyright law needs an update.


Tags:  PC Plus  News features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  3D  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 317 - January 2012) feature on cloud computing:
 
Get the best of the cloud
Which company has the online services and content which are right for you? Jamie Middleton explains...






This was also converted into online form for TechRadar.com.


Tags:  PC Plus  Features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Cloud computing  Microsoft  Apple  Amazon  Google  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 316 - December 2011) feature:
 
Redefining the web
Jamie Middleton shares the websites you should already be using to make your life easier and more entertaining




This was also converted into online form for TechRadar.com.


Tags:  PC Plus  Features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  





PC Plus (Issue 314 - November 2011) tutorial:
 
Boost rural broadband speeds
Jamie Middleton shows you how to get super-fast broadband without the support of big ISPs.




This was also converted into online form for TechRadar.com.


Tags:  PC Plus  Tutorials  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Broadband  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 314 - November 2011) feature on home cinema:
 
Inside tomorrow's home cinema
Can traditional cinemas hope to compete in an age when audiences can access media any time, anywhere? Jamie Middleton investigates.





This was also converted into online form for TechRadar.com.


Tags:  PC Plus  Features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Film  Television  Video  3D  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 315 - November 2011):
 
Is Android Google's Achilles' heel?
With patent wars, poor tablet sales and customer confusion, is Android doomed and could it take Google with it? Jamie Middleton investigates...






This was also converted into online form for TechRadar.com.


Tags:  PC Plus  Features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Android  Google  Phones  





PC Plus (Issue 313 - October 2011) news feature:
 
Attacked by our own sun
Jamie Middleton explains how increased solar activity could jeopardise modern technology.


Tags:  PC Plus  News features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Space  Energy  Science  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 312 - September 2011) feature on algorithmic trading:
 
Virtual money crash!
How computers killed money







This was also converted into online form for TechRadar.com.


Tags:  PC Plus  Features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Finance  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 310 - July 2011) feature on 3D:
 
Why 3D is important


This was also converted into online form for TechRadar.com.


Tags:  PC Plus  Features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Television  Film  3D  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 309 - July 2011) tutorial about broadband contracts:
 
Are you being ripped off?
Fire your ISP: Jamie Middleton explains how to end a contract with a firm that's not delivering on its promises.





This was also converted into online form for TechRadar.com.


Tags:  PC Plus  Features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Broadband  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 308 - June 2011) news feature:
 
Natural disasters spark web innovation
How social media and web 3.0 are helping people get back on their feet


Tags:  PC Plus  News features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Social networking  Twitter  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 307 - May 2011) news feature on super computer Watson:
 
The thinking computer arrives
What does the digital brain mean for the PC's future?


Tags:  PC Plus  News features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Supercomputing  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 306 - April 2011) news feature on crowd-sourced research:
 
Eterna turns gamers into real-life scientists


Tags:  PC Plus  News features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Gaming  Science  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 306 - April 2011) feature on successful app creators:
 
Be the next app millionaire
Bedroom coding is back. Jamie Middleton talks to the so-called 'app millionaires' and discovers if, how and why they became rich.




This was also converted into online form for Techradar.com.


Tags:  PC Plus  Features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Apps  Apple  Android  Startups  Gaming  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 305 - March 2011) news feature on Facebook:
 
Inside Facebook's expansion
We asks what's next for the social networking site that already attracts more visitors than Google.


Tags:  PC Plus  News features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Social networking  Facebook  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 305 - March 2011) news feature on Twitter endorsements:
 
Clampdown on celebrity Twitter endorsements
Promotions passed off as personal tweets are 'deceptive under fair trading laws'


Tags:  PC Plus  News features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Social networking  Twitter  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 303 - January 2011) news feature on web TV:
 
Who will control internet television?
Who are the front-runners in the battle to bring internet TV to the world, and what will they have for us to watch?





This was also converted into online form for TechRadar.com.


Tags:  PC Plus  Features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Television  





PC Plus (Issue 302 - December 2010) news feature:
 
ISPs say two-tier internet 'normal practice'
Two UK ISPs say the end of net neutrality would be an economic benefit.


Tags:  PC Plus  News features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 301 - December 2010) news feature on the instant internet:
 
The instant web is here
You may see it as a revolution or a distraction, but is instant search the future of the internet?


Tags:  PC Plus  News features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Search  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 301 - December 2010) feature on alternative search engines to Google:
 
Game over Google
Forget Google - Jamie Middleton shows you the contenders that offer new and interesting ways to find what you want online.




This was also converted into online form for Techradar.com.


Tags:  PC Plus  Features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Google  Search  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 300 - November 2010) news feature about Google:
 
Can you trust Google?
Why the internet search giant might start doing evil to survive.


Tags:  PC Plus  News features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Google  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 300 - November 2010) news feature about Microsoft:
 
Sharp shooting Microsoft
Windows maker wows snappers with stabilisation system.


Tags:  PC Plus  News features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Microsoft  Photography  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 300 - November 2010) feature on chiptune music:
 
Noise generators
Discover the world of chiptune artists - the people whose passion for videogames and retro consoles has led them into musical careers.




Tags:  PC Plus  Features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Music  





PC Plus magazine (Issue 299 - October 2010) feature about the Vintage Computer Fair 2010:
 
Yesterday's world
We catch up with the special few dedicated to preserving classic machines for future generations at the Vintage Computer Fair.



This was also converted into online form for Techradar.com.


Tags:  PC Plus  Features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  





Short story for Big Finish Doctor Who Short trips (October 2010):
 
Dr Who - Short Trips Volume 3
Peri's life is in danger when she and the Doctor land on a planet populated with mysterious holograms...


Co-written with my good friends Michael Deacon and Chris Wraight, we entered a Doctor Who short story into a Big Finish writing competition and won! It was read by Colin Baker and released on CD. Available to buy here!

Tags:  Doctor Who Short trips  Fiction writing  Science fiction  Writing  Consumer  Books/Audiobooks  





PC Plus (Issue 298 - September 2010) news feature on Project Canvas:
 
A set-top box too far
Project Canvas must dazzle, or upgrade-weary punters won't dig deep again.


Tags:  PC Plus  News features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Television  





PC Plus (Issue 298 - September 2010):
 
A world without Microsoft
Microsoft is the company most techies love to hate, but what would happen if it suddenly disappeared overnight? Jamie Middleton investigates...




This was also converted into online form for Techradar.com.


Tags:  PC Plus  Features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Microsoft  





PC Plus (Issue 297 - August 2010) feature:
 
Funny business
How up-and-coming comedians are using the internet to make a name for themselves.



This was also converted into online form for Techradar.com.


Tags:  PC Plus  Features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Comedy  





PC Plus (Issue 297 - August 2010) news feature on online privacy:
 
Is there such a thing as online privacy?
Why society needs to catch up with what the internet can reveal.


Tags:  PC Plus  News features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Privacy  Social networking  





PC Plus (Issue 296 - July 2010) news feature:
 
No broadband? Start your own ISP
As BT takes its time rolling out high-speed internet access to rural areas, some communities are taking things into their own hands - and putting the infrastructure in place themselves...


Tags:  PC Plus  News features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Broadband  





PC Plus (Issue 295 - June 2010) news feature on the election:
 
Who will win your vote in the General Election?
We investigate the key tech policies of the Big Three parties.


Tags:  PC Plus  News features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Politics  





PC Plus (Issue 294 - May 2010) news feature about Apple suing HTC:
 
HTC iPhone-alike draws Apple's ire
Courtroom battles rather than innovation could be what shapes the smartphone revolution.


Tags:  PC Plus  News features  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Apple  Phones  





PC Plus (Issue 292 - March 2010) tutorial about Dropbox:
 
Get the most out of Dropbox
Collaborate on projects, synchronise programs and more, all with one handy application



This was also converted into online form for Techradar.com.


Tags:  PC Plus  Tutorials  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Cloud computing  





Contributor to Quarto Publishing's 1001 before you die books (July 2009):
 
1001 beers to try before you die
This bewitching, thirst-inducing, gorgeously illustrated book is a guide to the best beers in the world with a succinct history of the breweries, tasting notes, temperature recommendations, and what food to serve them with, together with entertaining anecdotes about the breweries.


I wrote entries about Guinness, Butcombe Gold, Wells Bombardier, Hopback Summer Lightning, Palm Speciale, Tsiang Tao, Tomislav Pivo, Karlovacka, Wells Banana Bread Beer, Deuchars IPA, Fraoch among others. Hic!

Tags:  1001 before you die books  Food and drink  Writing  Consumer  Books/Audiobooks  





PC Plus (Issue 283 - July 2009) review:
 
Freecom ToughDrive 250GB portable drive review
It's a hard-knock life for ruggedised hardware


This was also converted into online form for TechRadar.com.


Tags:  PC Plus  Reviews  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  





Contributor to Quarto Publishing's 1001 before you die books (January 2009):
 
1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up
1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up is the perfect introduction to the very best books of childhood: those books that have a special place in the heart of every reader


I wrote entries about Chocky By John Wyndham and Johnny and the Bomb by Terry Pratchett.

Tags:  1001 before you die books  Literature  Writing  Consumer  Books/Audiobooks  Children  





PC Plus (Issue 274 - November 2008) review:
 
Taxcalc 2008 Personal 6 review
Tax returns are changing, but can they really be made simpler using accounting software?


Tags:  PC Plus  Reviews  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Finance  





Operations editor for PC Plus (from October 2007 to September 2008):
 
PC Plus
PC Plus is written for and by people passionate about the very latest computing technology.



I was responsible for organising the workflow, and subbing and proofing the pages, for a monthly newsstand IT magazine. I also wrote and compiled the readers' letters section. I also trained two production assistants.

Tags:  PC Plus  Technology  Editing  Consumer  Magazines  Project management  Writing  





PC Plus (Issue 268 - May 2008) review:
 
Sage Instant Accounts 14 review
Can accounting software offer anything new to those who already own it?


Tags:  PC Plus  Reviews  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Finance  





Contributor to Quarto Publishing's 1001 before you die books (January 2008):
 
1001 inventions that changed the world
1001 Inventions That Changed The World aims to give you a wide and varied offering of scientific and technological breakthroughs that have shaped and aided human development throughout history.


Tags:  1001 before you die books  Technology  Writing  Consumer  Books/Audiobooks  Science  





Contributor to Quarto Publishing's 501 Great... books (January 2008):
 
501 Great Writers
A comprehensive guide to the giants of literature


I wrote about Herman Hesse, Dylan Thomas, Moliere, Thomas Mann, Tolstoy, Edward Albee, Jack London, Jules Verne and Muriel Spark among others.

Tags:  501 Great... books  Literature  Writing  Consumer  Books/Audiobooks  





Contributor to Quarto Publishing's 501 Great... books (December 2007):
 
501 Great Artists
A comprehensive guide to the giants of the art world.


I wrote about Guillaume Bijl, Pepon Osorio, Pietro Lorenzetti and Rufino Tamayo.

Tags:  501 Great... books  Art  Writing  Consumer  Books/Audiobooks  





Editor and co-producer of Jiggy.co.uk (from September 1999 to September 2007):
 
Jiggy.co.uk
Jiggy is written by students all over the UK. The best articles are used for the magazine, which is e-mailed to Jiggy members every month


Producer and editor of the first free national email magazine written for students by students.

Example text:

Feature written for student website www.jiggy.co.uk (1999):

Fatboy Slim on Brighton Beach


'I've created a monster' said Fatboy Slim after the second Brighton Big Beach Boutique. If he'd said it to me I'd have told him it was a very well-behaved monster, despite the reports currently hitting the media.

Picture the scene: a beautiful day on the beach, the sun beaming down on thousands of friendly chatting dancing party-goers, all there to see one of the most famous DJs in the land. What's more, this DJ has organised and paid for the festival in his home town out of the goodness of his own heart (and maybe for a few extra record sales, or is that too cynical?). The only downside is that instead of the expected 60,000 people turning up, a quarter of a million people did instead.

So why did 250,000 people turn up, you may ask? Fatboy Slim, with the approval of Brighton and Hove Council, invited everyone in Britain via a national advertising campaign provided by E4. So in actual fact only 0.4% of the people he invited turned up. His estimate was even more modest - what a guy.

Despite the poor turnout, it was a little crowded but - as long as you didn't want to go to the toilet or extend your hands out horizontally - it was an awe-inspiring sight. The vastness of the crowd and the buzz of anticipation had to be seen to be believed. And when the music started I have never seen so many people dancing (or bouncing on the spot, with their hands in the air).

Of course, there are always a few people who aren't so much bad apples as have just had too much bad apple juice. I, for example, was foolish enough to tell one person to stop pushing past me. This was apparently a call to war as his very angry friend suddenly rushed at me with violent intent. He tried to grab me and hit me at the same time, so I cleverly outwitted him by moving backwards. This meant the punch he delivered didn't hurt in the slightest. As I straightened up from my usual slouched position I was grabbed by two very large chaps who held me back and told me to calm down. All I'd done was give my would-be-attacker a hurt look. By the time I explained this to these actually rather mellow guys, my adversary had disappeared and I was left surrounded by a very sympathetic crowd. So sympathetic in fact that I may stage being hit in the next festival I'm in.

We witnessed other bits of violence as well - outside one bar, the third biggest bloke in the world seemed desperate to start a fight with the second biggest bloke in the world. Fortunately THE biggest bloke in the world stepped in and stopped it. And that's what made me feel good about the festival - for every troublemaker there were 100 people going out of their way to stop them making trouble. And, as I'm used to London people who can walk past a mugging victim if they're late for work, that's very rare for me.

So buoyed by my experiences of people caring for their fellow man, and the numerous alcoholic beverages I'd consumed, my friends and I boogied away until the plug was pulled. Once it was over, we headed for the stairs. We weren't going to, but when the 250,000 people behind us decided they were, we didn't have much choice. The crush was intense, let's not pretend otherwise - but I've been in much worse situations in indoor pop concerts. I remember watching REM and standing on other peoples knees in an effort to stay upright as the crowd swayed to and fro. So we stumbled off the beach, a mass of humanity united in the need to leave the crowds behind and escape the very boring man on the stage reading out safety instructions.

I had little experience of the 'insanity' reported in the sensationalist press which has probably severely dented the festival's future. For an event of its unexpected size the figures mentioned for injuries were beaten on percentages by a drunken barbeque held at my house. The girl who fell over the side of the promenade didn't do that until three hours after the concert had finished. I'm not sure Fatboy Slim can be held responsible for that one. And the other casualties seem mostly to have been caused by drunk people jumping off or climbing up and falling off the pier or promenade. To stop that happening you'd need one police officer per drunk to go: 'Do you really think hanging off that parapet is a good idea?'

This was an exceptional concert - and not one that should damage the future of other outdoor festivals. With a little more preparation, a realistic outlook and some sensible plans any town could hold a festival twice the size. And when they do I'll be first in line.

Tags:  Jiggy.co.uk  Student  Editing  Consumer  Websites  Project management  Writing  





Contributor to Quarto Publishing's 1001 before you die books (March 2007):
 
1001 buildings to see before you die
1001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die is a visual testament to the beauty, grace, and fortitude of the world's greatest architectural achievements.


I wrote entries on Sydney Opera House, Silodam, Salisbury Cathedral, The Royal Pavilion, Cardiff millenium Stadium, Seattle Central Library, Reichstag, La Sagadra Familia, The Royal Crescent, Pisa Baptistry, Tokyo International Forum and Masia Fraxia among others.

Tags:  1001 before you die books  Architecture  Writing  Consumer  Books/Audiobooks  





Contributor to Quarto Publishing's 1001 before you die books (August 2006):
 
1001 paintings to see before you die
From ancient Egyptian wallpaintings to contemporary Western canvases, this book is truly comprehensive in scope and beautiful to leaf through.


I wrote about The Blacker Gachet I by Mark Alexander, The Suez Canal by Albert Rieger, Untitled (Emergency Room) by Fiona Rae, King Gustav I Vasa of Sweden Addressing Men from Dalarna in Mora by Johan Gustaf Sandberg, View of the 'Grossglockner' mountain by Marcus Pernhart and Road to Zenica by Peter Howson.

Tags:  1001 before you die books  Art  Writing  Consumer  Books/Audiobooks  Lifestyle  





Writer and editor for Cadburys site 247-grapevine.co.uk for Naked cities (June 2003 to May 2005):
 
247-grapevine.co.uk



Editor and writer for the Cadbury's owned website 247-grapevine.co.uk. This included writing club and pub guides for eight major UK cities, local facts, city histories and also updating offers and competitions on a weekly basis using a bespoke content-management system.

Tags:  Naked cities  City guides  Nightlife  Writing  Consumer  Websites  Travel  Editing  Project management  Programmes/brochures  Food and drink  Entertainment  History  





An 80-page guide book to Birmingham given away with the Observer newspaper and which appeared on the Naked cities website (June 2003 to May 2005):
 
Naked Cities - Birmingham Guide
Welcome to Birmingham. Now before we start, try to erase all preconceived ideas you may have of Britain's second city. Think Birmingham, think M6 traffic jams, spaghetti junction, Jasper Carrot, balti curries, Ozzy and a whole populous blighted with one of the daftest accents this side of Suffolk. Well, that may be true for the majority of the country but we Brummies know that there's far more than meets the eye to this great city of ours. Visit Birmingham and prepare to be surprised!



Tags:  Naked cities  City guides  Travel  Editing  Consumer  Books/Audiobooks  Writing  Project management  Entertainment  Nightlife  Food and drink  History  Websites  





An 80-page guide book to Brighton given away with the Observer newspaper and which appeared on the Naked cities website (June 2003 to May 2005):
 
Naked Cities - Brighton Guide
Brighton is an experience not to be missed, so let Naked make sure that you make the most of Britain's favourite city.



I co-wrote and edited a city guide to Brighton including sections on eating out (restaurant reviews), nightlife (bar and club reviews), accommodation (hotel, and B&B reviews), travel information, city history, quotes from famous local residents and interesting facts.

Example text:

I include the piece I did on Brighton's history below:

Brighton's known history starts with the recent discovery of a Neolithic encampment dated at about 2700BC. However, the lazy buggers didn't write anything down so little is known about it.

The area was mentioned much, much later in the Domesday Book in 1085AD as Bristmestune. It was described as a small fishing village owned by a guy called Ralph and valued at 12 pounds. The villagers paid 4,000 herrings a year in rent - which goes to prove that even back then taxes stank.

Later recordings tell of a settlement called Brighthelmstone which was plagued by French invasions due to its nice open beaches. In 1514 the little fishing town was burnt down by and this led the English, commanded by the appropriately named Sir John Wallopp, to sail to Normandy and burn down 21 of their villages - a bit excessive, but then they did start it.

While the English-French wars continued, a fort was built to dissuade further attacks and by 1635 the area still known as The Lanes was becoming established. Under run with tunnels and steeped in legends of foul deed, this is where King Charles II fled through on his way to France after his defeat by Oliver Cromwell in 1651. This is where the Escape Club got its name and why there is an annual Royal Escape yacht race.

As time went on, the fisherman of the area were finding it harder to make a living from the sea due to fierce competition from foreign boats (forget fishing quotas, back then they sank each others ships to get the catch of the day). Then, in 1703, a number of massive storms swept houses and cliffs into the sea. People were leaving the area in droves and the fishing village was almost abandoned.

But the seawater that had almost pounded Brighton out of existence was also what saved it. It was given a reputation as a restorative cure after a Dr Richard Russell advocated its health-giving properties in 1749. People started visiting the area to breathe the air from the sea, bathe in it (in special bathing boxes to hide them from prying eyes), even drink it, and they then told their friends how much better they were feeling. This just goes to show what any faith healer will tell you - people can be cured by anything if they believe in it.

The influx of visitors led Brighton to become an area dedicated to pleasure, with one in every three houses offering rented accommodation (and back then, as now, pleasure meant not only seaside frolics but food, beer and sex). More and more of Brighton was given over to the pursuit of happiness and people arrived in their thousands to promenade their riches and fashion (the early Tara Palmer Tomkinsonites and their parasitic ilk infested the Old Steine area).

Soon royalty was getting involved. Prince George IV bought a residence in 1780 and over the next few decades commissioned The Royal Pavillion with its Indian domes and minarets and its Chinese-style interior. Soon architects were transforming Brighton by building terraces, squares and gardens, not to mention the piers and promenades.

The Prince Regent also could be said to be responsible for Brighton's reputation for a place to go for a dirty weekend, due to his relationship (and secret marriage) to the already twice-married Mrs Fitzherbert. In fact, his building projects and leisure pursuits almost bankrupted him - but he didn't care, he was a real royal wild child and used the liberal town of Brighton to escape from his more boring duties and go bull-baiting instead (now that's what I call real royal scandal).

Of course, in the poorer areas there was poverty and disease too, and more drunks than in the George Best fan club, but it was still quite a forward looking place. In the 1880s the Volks electric railway was built along the beach. The train was connected to the track by stilts 24 feet high so 150 people at a time could ride over the waves with the rails under the sea - it became known locally as the 'Daddy Long legs'. It was the brainchild of the famous inventor Magnus Volks - he also introduced the telephone to Brighton, designed an electric street-fire alarm and was one of the first people to light his house using electricity.

In the 20th Century, Brighton managed to almost totally escape attack during World War I and injured Indian soldiers from the Western Front (no, not the pub) were housed in the Royal Pavilion, perhaps because it would remind them of home. Once the war ended, gang warfare, crime and poverty also made a home for itself in Brighton throughout the 20s and 30s (as depicted in Graham Greene's novel, Brighton Rock).

World War II saw bits of decking taken out of the piers to prevent the Germans from using them to land on the English coast and this caused an end to the popularity of the West Pier (now sadly a burnt-out shell, but still apparently set for renovation).

Tourism slowly increased and in 1973 three and a half million people visited the Palace Pier alone. A couple of Carry On films in the 1970s kept the naughtiness boiling over nicely, whereas the 1979 film Quadrophenia depicted the gang warfare in Brighton in a similar state.

Brighton, along with Hove, was given city status by the Queen in 2000, and with its liberal attitude and numerous places given over to the pursuit of pleasure, it remains a great place to party. With a range of famous locals from Steve Coogan to Norman Cook and with eight million visitors a year, it's likely Brighton is going to remain a place to be seen for the foreseeable future. Right lesson over, where's the nearest bar?

Tags:  Naked cities  City guides  Travel  Editing  Consumer  Books/Audiobooks  Nightlife  Writing  Project management  Food and drink  History  Websites  





I co-wrote and edited an 80-page guide book to Liverpool which was given away with the Observer newspaper and which appeared on the Naked cities website (June 2003 to May 2005):
 
Naked Cities - Liverpool Guide
Welcome to Liverpool, synonymous with The Beatles, football, scallies in shellsuits, ferries and the wit and wisdom of the locals. Oh, and it's also the European City of Culture 2008. Whatever preconceived ideas you may have of this great city there's no doubting that there's a buzz running around the place and there's rarely been a more exciting time to be living and working in Liverpool than right now...



The guide book included sections on eating out (restaurant reviews), nightlife (bar and club reviews), accommodation (hotel, and B&B reviews), travel information, city history, quotes from famous local residents and interesting local facts.

Tags:  Naked cities  City guides  Travel  Editing  Consumer  Books/Audiobooks  Reviews  Writing  Project management  Entertainment  Food and drink  Nightlife  History  Lifestyle  Music  Websites  





An 80-page guide book to Bath given away with the Observer newspaper and which appeared on the Naked cities website (Issue June 2003 - May 2005):
 
Naked Cities - Bath Guide



Tags:  Naked cities  City guides  Travel  Editing  Consumer  Books/Audiobooks  Websites  Nightlife  Entertainment  Writing  Project management  Food and drink  History  





Freelance production editor and writer for Government business-advice website Business Link (from August 2004 to December 2004):
 
Business link
Practical advice for business


Tags:  Business Link  Business  Editing  B2B  Websites  Startups  Finance  Writing  





Co-wrote and edited the Move festival 2004 programme (July 2004) for the retro festival held at Old Trafford Cricket Ground:
 
Move Festival programme 2004
Welcome to the Move Festival and welcome to Manchester. Move is in its third year now and we have played host to some of the biggest acts in the world of music from the past 30 years, establishing Move as one of the essential festivals of the summer.





I interviewed Alison Goldfrapp from Goldfrapp, Kelly Jones, the lead singer of the Stereophonics, JJ Burnell from The Stranglers, Howie Payne of The Stands, Martin Trimble, lead singer of the 22-20s, Preston from The Ordinary Boys as well as writing articles on The Cure, Jimmy Cliff, New York Dolls, Beta Band and Longview.

Tags:  Move festival 2004  Interviews  Music  Editing  Consumer  Programmes/brochures  Nightlife  Writing  Entertainment  





Bad poetry. A poem shamelessly stolen from me by my good friend Tamla Walker and used in the Itchy Guides Bath city guide 2003 (August 2003):
 
Hot Chocolate

Frothy,
Not coffee,
And you can sing,
You sexy thing.

Tags:  Itchy Guides  Poetry  Food and drink  Writing  Consumer  Books/Audiobooks  Comedy  





Contributor to the Waitrose Wine guide for Just Customer Communication (July 2003):
 
Waitrose Wine guide 2003


Tags:  Waitrose Wine guide  Advertorials  Food and drink  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  





Freelance DVD review writing for online music retailer Pricestorm for publishing agency Think Lateral (from June 2003 to July 2003):
 
Pricestorm
Storming offers on all our top titles


Tags:  Pricestorm  Advertorials  Film  Writing  Consumer  Programmes/brochures  Television  Entertainment  Reviews  





Cardiff City Editor for the Wcities website (February 2000 to December 2000):
 
Wcities


I performed various roles for this city guide website, including writer, photographer, sub-editor and editor. In my capacity as editor I ensured the content was accurate, up to date, lively and informative. The Wcities business reviews (e.g. pubs, clubs and restaurants) helped power Yahoo's entertainment section.

Tags:  Wcities  City guides  Travel  Writing  Consumer  Websites  Editing  Project management  Nightlife  Entertainment  





Cardiff correspondent for student website BigBlueSpot.com where I was responsible for writing 'The student guide to Cardiff' (from May 2000 to June 2000):
 
BigBlueSpot.com
Bigbluespot.com is an online magazine for students written by students. We've got all the essential information you need to survive, as well as bundles of competitions, jokes, reviews and lots more entertaining stuff.


Tags:  BigBlueSpot.com  City guides  Entertainment  Writing  Consumer  Websites  Student  Nightlife  Travel  





Writer and occasional film listings editor for Buzz - a Cardiff-based entertainment listings magazine (From August 1999 March 2000):
 
Buzz
South Wales' Entertainment guide


I contributed CD, book and film reviews, andinterviewed visiting celebrities e.g. Ian Mcshane. I also edited the film listings pages.

Tags:  Buzz  Reviews  Entertainment  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Interviews  Nightlife  Video  Film  Literature  Editing  





Bad poetry. I won five pounds for this when it was used in the humorous verse section of famous vanity publisher Poetry Now magazine (March 1999):
 
On The Buses

When I get on a bus
as a precautionary measure,
I like to talk about my meringue collection to elderly ladies
And demonstrate origami to uninterested poodles.
I tend to groan loudly
about the chocolate weasels
which infest my brain.
Then quietly talk to people about
the time the FBI
interviewed my big toe
-you know- after Kennedy was shot.
This then ensures
that during my journey
I don't get the nutter sitting next to me.

Tags:  Poetry Now  Poetry  Travel  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  





Weekly video reviewer for the Big Issue Cymru magazine (from February 1998 to October 1998):
 
Big Issue Cymru





Example text:

Air Force One (Buena Vista Home Entertainment) (15) ****
Her Majesty Mrs Brown (Buena Vista Home Entertainment) (PG) ****
American Buffalo (Film Four Distributors) (15) ****

This week we have so many would-be block-busters that Bob Holness would probably be interested.

First up there is Air Force One. Harrison Ford plays President Marshall loved by all good decent Americans. Unfortunately evil nasty communists don't love him and hijack his plane. The terrorists are led by Gary Oldman who overacts for Mother Russia. A very good action film, there are superb aeroplane sequences, real tension, and because it's American, occasional glitches of sickly patriotism. But then Harrison Ford is so believable in his good president role that God help Bill Clinton should Harrison ever decide to dabble in politics.

From American democracy to the English Monarchy now in Her Majesty Mrs Brown. This film has so many different charms it could open its own gift shop and like a successful Fly-fisher it's all down to skilful casting. Judi Dench plays a grieving Queen Victoria like she's been crying for the past three months in preparation for the role and if anyone can think of a better person for the job of playing an irreverent headstrong Scottish man than Billy Connolly I personally take my sporran off to them. History has never been so much fun.

Out to buy on video, from the writer of the Untouchables, is American Buffalo. Dustin Hoffman and Dennis Franz star in this adaptation of the American play about two small time hustlers planning to steal someone's coin collection. The dialogue is so well written and the main characters react to each other so believably it's like they've known each other for decades. If you want to see the rotten side of American realistically portrayed get this film.

Tags:  Big Issue Cymru  Reviews  Film  Writing  Consumer  Magazines  Video  Entertainment  
































































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