BACKGROUND
Writer, editor, photographer, Web-content producer, specializing in photo gear and
techniques, technology, lifestyle, photography, and local reporting.
EXPERIENCE
2005-present: Writer, editor, photographer, and consultant (
Owner, A&J Media and John B Blackford Photography (2005-present)
Highlights Photography, articles, and product reviews for Consumer Reports, Digital Photo
Pro, View Camera, and Computer Shopper magazines;
Steve Koman Fine Art, Robert Rowen photography, and others. Consulting and workshops on
photography, Web design, and PhotoShop for Paul Anthony Woodworking, Marilyn Canning
photography, and Gallery 14. Technology buying guides for Future Network
Best Buy, and Consumer Reports. Photo exhibits at Gallery 14 (
Photo Exhibition (
1991-2005: Editorial content producer--
Director, Editorial Development,
Highlights Created magazines, buying guides, e-mail newsletters, and special projects for:
Fortune, Gateway Computer, Netgear, Toshiba, Bufflalo Technology, Velocity Micro, Compaq
Computers, and PC Connectiion; edited annual
Mission Produced custom content on technology topics; specialized in assembling teams of
designers, writers, editors, production, and printing experts to create content packages
tailored to the needs of each client—achieving excellence in print, with print/Web synergy.
Editor-in-Chief College Buying Guide, published annually by
Editor-in-Chief Fortune/
Editor-in-Chief Computer Shopper magazine (1994-2000)
Responsible for all editorial content, design, and budget. Average staff of 22 included editor,
design director, managing editor, copy chief, executive editor, technology editor, and Web
editor. Paid circulation 350,000-500,000. Readers actively buy and use technology products.
Met regularly with computer manufacturers and industry analysts; gave presentations at trade
shows and company events to explain technology trends and encourage good business
Practices in the PC industry.
Editor (1993-1994) Responsible for all content and design in ’94, reporting to Publisher;
responsible for day-to-day operations in ’93, reporting to Editor-in-Chief.
Executive Editor (1992) Responsible for Shopper’s Guides, Reviews, Tech Section, Smart
Shopper, Trends & Tech; oversaw testing; managed seven editors; reported to Editor-in-Chief.
Senior Technical Editor (1991) Responsible for Shopper’s Guides, Reviews, Tech Section.
Oversaw testing for all sections. Responsible for three editors; reported to Editor-in-Chief.
1990-1991: PC Sources magazine, Ziff-Davis (
Full-time consultant/editor Responsible for assigning and editing hardware buyer’s guide
each month. Developed testing methodology, including software to calculate and show results.
1986-1990: Personal Computing magazine, PCMI/VNU (
Executive Editor, Technology (1988-1990) Responsible for buyer's guides, reviews, and
technology coverage for 600,000-circulation monthly for business people and consumers
interested in computers. Managed staff of four; budgeted section. Wrote monthly column,
On Technology. (Magazine closed)
Managing Editor (1986-1988) Created new buyer's guide section, including all testing
methodology. Edited feature articles and wrote monthly technology column.
1984-1986: Gordon Publications (
Editor, Computer Dealer magazine (1984-1986) Responsible for editorial content and
daily operations of 50,000-circulation monthly for computer resellers, with a staff of four
editors and two designers.
Editor, Software Retailing magazine (1984) Responsible for editorial content of 25,000-
circulation monthly for software resellers, with a staff of two.
1982-1983: Arck Publications (
Editor, Small Business Computers magazine (1982-1983) Oversaw editorial content
and graphic design of a bi-monthly for computer users, with a staff of three.
1978-1982: Rodale Press (
Writer and Assistant Editor, book division. Wrote major portions of books on solar energy,
kitchen design, and remodeling; edited titles on knife-making, welding, and solar design.
1976-1978: Radiation Management Corp. (
Editor Founder/Editor of company newsletter, RMC Times. Edited environmental reports on
nuclear power plants. Rewrote speeches for
EDUCATION
B.A.,
Graduate courses in journalism,
Information Computer Systems,
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Writing and Photography for
studio. Exhibits at Gallery 14:What the River Saw (Feb. to March, 2006); Borrowed Light
(2005). Consult on media content, computer technology, product evaluation, digital workflow,
PhotoShop, and Web design.
