Charm-o-Matic

Pleased to meet you.

My fascination with finding symbolic meaning in consumer culture began back in 1998 when I wrote three columns for Citysearch in San Francisco and Los Angeles: Brand Nation, Made by the Bay and Fetish Object of the Week.

I’m not drawn to the kind of superficial fixes that clutter our lives with meaningless “stuff” or to the glib obliviousness to the world’s suffering that gives happiness a bad name. I’m talking about the power of finding fresh joy in the intensely particular forms of modern life. Instead of glorifying the same old boring negativity, cynicism and fear, we choose to peer beyond into the beauty.

I created a Charm-o-Matic for myself when I realized that I was responsible for my own happiness. After I experienced a religious un-conversion in my 20s, I began putting all of the pieces back together to form a stronger whole – with an eye toward peace, beauty, kindness and innovation. I worked first as an English teacher and then as an editor and writer.

Now I’m putting the Charm-o-Matic where all self-respecting machines belong: online. The Charm-o-Matic generates techniques, tips and totems, all for your living pleasure. I love talking about these things, and I hope you’ll share what makes you happy too. I look forward to knowing you.

Oh, what waned something more like a resume? By all means, read on. And if you want to know more, feel free to get in touch and ask for my actual resume.

Oh, you didn’t really want anything like a resume? Maybe you’d be more interested in my Charmifesto, then. It’s  a little more interesting, anyway.

As far as professional summaries & whatnot (I hear people are really into that kind of thing), I’m an editor & manager with more than a decade of online experience. I even put together a few not-quite-sentences to elaborate: Experienced leader with a track record for helping team members succeed. Strategist who also thrives in the trenches. Creator and implementer of editorial voice, brand and style guidelines. Effective liaison between departments. Admired for knack for efficiency, clear communication, creative ideas and devotion to quality.

Director of Content, Emma: December 2009 – Present

Lead in-house content efforts for company’s community of customers, prospects & friends, including myemma.com.

Freelance writer & consultant: February 2008 – December 2009

Wrote slide shows and other articles for Glam.com; worked as copy editor for Demand Studios. Contributed writing, editing and brand consultation for development of new companies.

Director of Interactive Media & Managing Editor, ReZoom.com: October 2006 – February 2008

Worked with investor group to create lifestyles site for the over-40 demographic. Developed programming plan for original content focusing on music, travel, style and health. Oversaw day-to-day creative management of site. Wrote articles for travel, books and lifestyles sections. Developed plans for boomer social networking and blog network before company shut down.

Programming Director, AOL.com: January 2004 – September 2006

Developed editorial strategy to launch free, Web-based version of AOL.com during transition when company switched entire business strategy from paid membership mode. Worked with internal departments and Time Warner magazines to create content plan. After launch, moved to broader AOL network programming team and worked on various creative development projects and promotional campaigns on home page.

Senior Content Director, Citysearch: March 1998 – January 2004

Oversaw editorial department for national network of city guides. Through effective use of calendar and partnerships, increased our audience to 10 million monthly unique users. Wrote and implemented editorial guidelines. Worked closely with other teams to launch new features, such as Best of Citysearch. Wrote and edited reviews and features for travel, restaurants, shopping, spas, movies and arts. Began in San Francisco office as associate editor; moved to Los Angeles office.

English teacher, Various schools: August 1991 – January 1998

Taught literature, grammar, writing, communications, theater and mass media at middle schools, high schools and a community college in Kentucky, Tennessee, Minnesota and California.

As far as degrees, I’ve got a couple: MA in English and BS in English / secondary & middle school education.

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Design by Alex Pearson, Familytree Design + Illustration.