Michael Martinez has achieved recognition in several fields as an expert and thought-leader on multiple levels. As a computer programmer Michael contributed valuable research and technical tips to online resources, magazines, and programming manuals. As a Tolkien scholar and researcher Michael has helped fans of Middle-earth explore Tolkien's imagination through new perspectives. And as a professional search engine optimizer Michael has helped pioneer some of the basic online marketing techniques that are now widely practiced on the Internet.
Computer Programmer - Michael Martinez began working with computers in a summer jobs program in 1975. He eventually enrolled in a technical school, earned a diploma in Data Processing Technology, and later earned two degrees in Data Processing and Computer Science from what is now Kennesaw State University. In the mid-1990s Michael worked for BASIS International, Ltd., a leading provider of the Business Basic programming language. As a BASIS employee Michael assisted thousands of programmers through technical papers, articles, and online customer service initiatives. Michael's projects included helping revise and improve programming tools, documetation, and developing CHUI-to-GUI methdologies for BASIS customers. Michael also presented at two of BASIS' developers' conferences before leaving the company.
J.R.R. Tolkien and Middle-earth - Michael Martinez has published three books and more than 200 essays on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Recognized as a leading voice on the world of Middle-earth, Michael has consulted with merchandising and scholarly interests alike on Middle-earth and Tolkien's minutiae. Many Tolkien fan fiction authors now cite Michael's essays as sources of information for their interpretations of Middle-earth. He has appeared on television and radio; numerous newspapers and magazines around the world have quoted or interviewed Michael for articles about J.R.R. Tolkien and Tolkien fandom, including Wired, TV Guide, Jewsweek, and others.
Science Fiction Fandom - Michael has appeared at numerous science fiction conventions as well as assisting in the management and programming for conventions. He launched the popular Hercules/Xena and Tolkien/Middle-earth fan programming tracks for Dragon*Con in Atlanta. As an online fan Michael launched the highly successful Xenite.Org Network, which includes directories, fan communities, essays, and fan fiction.
Search Engine Optimization - Michael Martinez entered the world of search engine marketing in 1998 by joining one of the early online communities. Michael's research helped launch several SEO methodologies and tools that were widely used for several years. Michael has served as a moderator for the Search Engine Forums and Spider-food Forums. He has written for several SEO blogs, including SEOmoz, SEO Theory, and Best SEO Blog. Michael is currently employed as the Director of Search Strategies by Visible Technologies, Inc. in Bellevue, WA.
