Andrew Roach
Certified Computer User
Read Impractical Computing Vol. 1 (PDF), originally published May 2021.
About Me
I'm a writer, an award winning filmmaker (yes, the award was for lowest bitrate. Yes, I've won it multiple times) a systems administrator, and developer. I make computers do things. I make things that seem impossible, possible. I've worked as a freelancer, I've consulted with small businesses, and I've managed teams of dozens to maintain infrastructure serving tens of millions for companies valued at tens of billions.
Mostly, though, I make silly little things. I'm available for consultations, project design, and other computery work. My rates are on a sliding scale: open source projects and hobby sites at one end ($25/hour), Tech Industry work at the other ($125/hour+).
Hire me today, to make your computer do what you want.
Work
Here are some of my recent projects:
New Ellijay Television
New Ellijay Television is an independent streaming platform and roku app for North Georgia. We have a 24 hour live broadcast, and a dedicated roku app.
Analog Revolution
Analog Revolution is a record store, record label, and music magazine. I launched this project more than a decade ago, and it's still going strong.
Cassettes For Me
Cassettes for Me is a cassette of the month subscription club from Analog Revolution.
Reviving the Portapak
As discussed in my book Community Media: A Handbook for Revolutions in DIY TV the Sony Portapak changed the world. The camera half of the Portapak combo can be found in working order, so I set out to build a modern portable video recorder. The above video demonstrates a prototype. More details can be found in the first issue of my magazine Impractical Computing (PDF).
Community Media
I wrote a book about the history and practice of DIY TV, in conversation with the book Guerrilla Television by Michael Shamberg. The book is available CC-BY-SA. In support of the book, I run a peertube powered streaming service for independent video creators.
Other Stuff!
This list is not comprehensive. Over the years, I've done lots of other things! I write for podcasts like Expedition Sasquatch, and Jupiter's Ghost, and Kenkeyuu Sentai Podcast Rangers. I designed and manufactured speakers (which should hit the market again sometime this year). I design and manufacture art toys. I do archival and preservation work for movies and TV. I run an internet radio station. I roast coffee. I manage the Ellijay Makerspace, where we do screenprinting, laser cutting, pottery, art, and small batch manufacturing.
After all that, what I really want to do is help you make your weird thing come to life. So tell me about your weird thing!
Contact Me
I can be reached by Email: me at andrewroach.net
I can be reached on the fediverse @ajroach42@retro.social
If you're interested in hiring me, either of the above methods will work.
Thanks!