John Locke

John is the principal consultant of Freelock, LLC. In addition to being a proficient web developer, he is an experienced technical writer, network administrator, and all around problem solver. He has worked with computers since 1984, and currently advises small businesses on open source software.

His hobbies include racing Thistles on Lake Washington, hiking & backpacking with his wife, playing soccer, and coding software.

More About Me

I am a freelance writer, web application programmer, consultant, and photographer based in Seattle. My specialties include business applications, software documentation, end-user documentation, system analysis consulting, outdoor sports, and travel.

I am a fast learner, detail-oriented without losing sight of the larger picture, and able to grasp difficult technical concepts. I welcome new challenges. For a detailed resume, please contact me.

Technical Experience

This page describes more of my non-technical pursuits. But first, check out this award I got from the STC!

Publications

My outdoor and travel stories have been published in Alaska, Alaska Airlines, Transitions Abroad, Pacific Fishing, and Paddler magazines.

Photography

My photographs have appeared in several magazines, and one of my pictures is featured in the lobby of the flagship REI store in downtown Seattle.

Other

Between college and getting back to my true career of writing and problem solving, I did a wide variety of jobs. I've counted salmon in remote Alaskan rivers. I've dissected pollack stomachs in Prince William Sound. All this for the State of Alaska Department of Fish & Game. I worked at Recreational Equipment, Inc (REI) for six years, selling skis, bicycles, and camping gear in the Anchorage and Seattle stores.

Other jobs I've held: waiting tables; servicing minibars in a luxury hotel in Queenstown, New Zealand; giving tours and driving a tour bus; delivering brochures; counting bowhead whales on the Arctic Ocean; DJ-ing at a local radio station; substituting as a teacher and aide and running a copy center at an elementary school; teaching cross-country skiing to children and the mentally disabled.

My hobbies include traveling, sailing, and skiing. I recently returned from a bicycle trip around China.

I've spent 20 years in Alaska, and much of my material comes from my experiences there. I plan many more trips there, as well. For more non-software related stories, check out my personal site.