Who is wiseGEEK?

Who is behind wiseGEEK? It's one of the most common questions we receive. We are a team of writers and editors dedicated to providing clear and concise answers to common questions. Currently, there are over 50 active contributors; you can read some of their profiles below.

As you can see, our contributors are qualified, but occasionally an error sneaks into one of our articles. That is where our wiseGEEK readers come in. In the "wiseGEEK features" menu available on every article page, there is an option to "comment on this article." Every comment is researched and implemented where appropriate. Our qualified writers along with the army of readers ensures that our information is as accurate as possible.

If you have any questions or comments, please be sure to contact us.

Denis started wiseGEEK in 2003 in an attempt to answer real questions.

In the early days, Denis was the sole writer/researcher/editor and started the site with articles such as: What is Sputnik? and What is Steel Rule Die Cutting? Since then, the site has blossomed to include articles in virtually every conceiveable category. These days Denis manages the feature enhancements and growth of wiseGEEK. "10,000 answers... here we come!"

Denis graduated with a philosophy degree from UC Berkeley and has been closely involved with the internet since 1995. In his spare time, Denis enjoys hiking, foreign travel, classical piano, fine woodworking, philosophy, and elegant design.

Lindsay began working for wiseGEEK nearly two years ago when she wrote a single article about Jean Piaget. She was working as a teacher at the time, so she didn’t return until summer, when she began working as an editor. Since then, Lindsay has temporarily left the classroom to become wiseGEEK’s Content Manager. This time her responsibilities include creating new article topics, finding valuable links to outside resources, and checking up on our neighbors to make sure they stay honest.

When she's away from her computer, Lindsay spends her time reading, watching Lost and Project Runway, learning to play poker, and spending time with her friends and family.

"Being an elementary school teacher, I’m a huge believer in learning something new every day. Of course, since I’ve been full-time at wiseGEEK, it’s been more like learning a hundred new things every day. I love it!"

Johnny is the guru behind the scenes at wiseGEEK. Like most of the wiseGEEK team, Johnny works with language; but unlike our writers and editors, Johnny's languages are PHP and SQL. He ensures that the website remains accessible and the pages load fast.

Johnny has a Master's Degree in computer science; in addition to applying his skill to wiseGEEK development, he also teaches programming classes at a technical school.

"Programming for wiseGEEK is a challenge, but refraining from getting distracted (and educated) by the content on the site, is even harder."

When Johnny is away from his computer, he likes playing the guitar; when he's even farther away, he enjoys hiking.

Catherine has been involved with wiseGEEK since the beginning of 2006. Currently, she mainly manages our writers and editors and corresponds with visitors about their comments and questions.

What she loves most about wiseGEEK is learning more details about the things you kinda know about, and learning about things you never knew existed! Some articles she particularly enjoyed include What is a Trekkie?   What is the Most Humane Way to Euthanize a Fish?   What Countries Have the Highest Population?   What is a Wormhole?   What is Hyperbole?

She comes to wiseGEEK with a degree in political science from the University of California, Berkeley and in the midst of getting her law degree. While her time is mostly filled with either working for wiseGEEK or studying law, she can also be found trying to squeeze in trips whenever she can, usually to Europe, where most of her extended family lives, or somewhere remote and beachy to get away from it all!

Bronwyn began working for wiseGEEK as an editor, and though she continues to write and edit, she also puts her natural curiosity to work by thinking of new article topics. Bronwyn loves questions nearly as much as she loves answers!

Bronwyn has a degree in Psychology from UC Davis, and a teaching credential from CSU Sacramento. She is an elementary school teacher, bibliophile, artist, and avid knitter. There are few things she loves more than her dog, Solomon, her leopard gecko, Tiger, and good chocolate.

In addition to writing the questions and editing the answers, Bronwyn has also written a few for wiseGEEK, including What is a Leopard Gecko?, What is an Owl Pellet?, and Can I Really Make Yarn Out of my Dog's Fur?

Niki focuses on editing articles for wiseGEEK, but has also written several articles including: What are Nose Rings? and What are the Different Types of Exercise Equipment?

She graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Linguistics and Anthropology, and plans to pursue higher education in linguistics after taking a year off.

Outside of school and work, Niki is an avid reader and enjoys travel, dancing, and playing the Sims. She loves the flexibility of working for wiseGEEK, her friendly colleagues, and learning new things every day from the articles she edits.

Olivia is a part time editor and writer for wiseGEEK. A native Southern Californian, she now lives in Overland Park, KS, with her husband and two young children. Olivia graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a B.A. in English Literature and a minor in Political Science. Her interests include women's issues, parenting, health and home topics.

"wiseGEEK gives me the opportunity to learn something new and interesting every day, while honing my skills as a writer and editor."

Some of Olivia's contributions to wiseGEEK: What is the Gray Market?   What is the Glass Ceiling?  Who is Chihuly?  What Should I Consider when Choosing a Preschool for my Toddler?   What is Co-Sleeping?

Michael has been a contributing writer to wiseGEEK since 2004. Armed only with a penchant for arcane knowledge and a reliable dial-up connection, he continues to point out the advantages of glass shelving or the sad fate of Fizzies. Other topics Michael has covered: What is Phatic Communication?   What Does Deus Ex Machina Mean?   What is a Bootlegger's Turn? and the exceedingly popular Why Should I Study Latin?

Originally from the Kent State University area of northeastern Ohio, Michael now lives in the Deep South with his wife Amy, also a professional writer. When not tracking down the safest ways to remove ear wax, he enjoys singing karaoke, acting, and watching movies. Throughout his adult life, Michael has been a deli cook, published poet, disk jockey, voice-over artist and English tutor. He can also be found every Sunday morning playing the organ for a rural Methodist church.

Michael likes the opportunity to grow as a writer that wiseGEEK provides. He hopes readers will spend a little time rummaging through the website and perhaps learn a little something about alligator meat or nose hair trimmers. That way he can sleep better at night, knowing his life's work was not in vain.

For more information, you can visit Michael's homepage.

Mary Elizabeth is an author, composer, and licensed teacher, and also freelances for wiseGEEK. She has published four books in the area of language and literature with Barron's Educational Series, Inc. and six literature study guides with Garlic Press. She has also written teacher and student material for a number of major textbook publishers' secondary literature programs, as well as created content for several music education products offered by Sibelius Software, Ltd. Her music compositions have been performed in Vermont, New York, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Utah.

Mary Elizabeth has a B.A. from the University of Chicago writing program, and an M. Ed. in reading from the University of Vermont. She has three children and she lives in Vermont.

Having conducted extensive Internet research on a wide variety of topics over a number of years, Mary Elizabeth has been disenchanted by the amount of misinformation available. She appreciates the chance to set the record straight through wiseGEEK, for which she has written a wide variety of articles, ranging from light-hearted language lessons (What is a Tongue Twister? What is a Limerick? What is Pig Latin?) to arts and crafts (What is Origami Paper?) to food (What is Garlic?) to music (What is a Hi Hat?).

John is a part-time writer for wiseGEEK. In addition to contributing to the site, he has received his B.A. in Communications and has been employed in various capacities on movie sets and at television stations. His interests include music, film, gadgets, and food.

When not working, he is typically reading or record shopping. He enjoys writing for wiseGEEK because it allows him to learn about topics he would otherwise never study, and hopes that a particular writing professor who frequently accused him of "pontificating" is pleased by his short, concise articles.

As a child, Katharine always knew she wanted to be a writer when she grew up. Discouraged by well-intentioned adults who tried to make her see "reality," she lost her way for a while. Her dream was finally realized after she earned her B.A. in English and got a job as a technical writer, which she left a year later to pursue a career as a freelancer. Katharine considers wiseGEEK to be one of the more interesting and varied freelance writing jobs she has had.

Some of Katharine's favorite contributions to wiseGEEK include: What are Hard Plastic Dolls?, What is a Butterfly Valve?   Who Was Erik Erikson?  What is a Life Annuity?   and What is Opec?

For more information on Katharine, please visit www.katharineswan.com

Nicole is a freelance writer for wiseGEEK. She lives on the East Coast with her four children, has a never-ending thirst for knowledge and enjoys researching even the most obscure topics. Her main interests are homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. Besides writing, Nicole has a profound love for playing with her children, reading, camping, and relaxing on the beach.

Nicole likes to focus on articles from the Health and Wellness Category: What is Lupus?   What is an Insanity Defense?   What is Exposure Therapy?   What is Adenoma?   What can I do about Clogged Arteries?

Donna is a freelance writer based in Syracuse, New York. She specializes in writing informational web content, and in addition to writing for wiseGEEK, she also writes for various print publications, including the Syracuse Post-Standard and Empire Monthly magazine. Donna has authored three books about her favorite topic, American Idol, and is currently writing articles about the show.

Some of Donna's favorite contributions to wiseGEEK include: What is a Grant Proposal?   What is Payroll Service?   What Should I Consider when Renting a Car?

Diana is a part-time writer for wiseGEEK. She also writes for print magazines and newspapers, is an artist, published author, online instructor, consultant, publisher, ESL teacher, and animal activist with a Degree in Nutritional Sciences. No, really.

When she's not writing, Diana spends time picking up stray animals, reading obscure little books in foreign languages, and planning crazy stunts like parachuting and hiking in Ojmjakon (you have to look it up to understand).

For more information on Diana, please visit www.dianabocco.net

Paulla has been a part time writer for wiseGEEK since April of 2005. Her background includes a B.A. in English Literature from George Mason University, more than 15 years of freelance writing, and the full time job of homeschooling her three children, the oldest of whom just graduated from high school this spring. Originally from the western United States, Paulla and her husband are raising their family in a small town in Maine. They love to read, watch movies, attend sporting events, and listen to music of any kind.

Currently, Paulla is the editor of a website about her home state and she continues to homeschool her two middle-school aged daughters. In addition to teaching and learning with her children, she loves hiking and spending time outdoors.

Paulla enjoys the flexibility and consistency of wiseGEEK and its staff, as well as the ability to continuously learn.

"wiseGEEK has been the most satisfying company to work for in all my experience of freelance writing. The topics are clear and straight forward, and I always learn something new."

Some of Paulla's articles include: What is SAT Prep?   How can I Find a Good Mentor?   What is a Freelance Writer?   What is Palliative Care?   What is Astigmatism?

Jeff is a freelance writer in Berkeley, CA, who finds wiseGEEK a perfect opportunity to put all his esoteric knowledge to good use. He graduated from Creighton University with a BA in English/Creative Writing and a minor in Biology.

Jeff is a part-time wiseGEEK contributor, part-time short story writer, and part-time novelist. With a knack for multi-tasking and a love of the Bay Area, he manages to find time to rollerblade, rock climb, hike, and in true geek fashion, play a variety of computer, role playing, and board games.

He loves all his wiseGEEK articles equally, but some of his favorites include: What is a Dividend?   What is Agoraphobia?   What is a Ticket Broker? What is Marzipan?   What are the Most Popular Internet Games?   What Should I Consider when Buying Inline Skates?

Wanda's path to becoming a writer for wiseGEEK was a circuitous one. After a couple of attempts at other professions, such as teaching, real estate, and social services, she finally decided that she was going to stick with what she liked best - writing. She had already attained a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Goddard College, as well as published some of her work internationally, so it seemed like the logical next step. Although she is unable to write as much she likes, wiseGEEK still remains one of her pet freelance projects.

This self-proclaimed nomad enjoys traveling to exotic places, scuba diving, and curling up with a good book. While she calls both Manila (Philippines) and New York "home." most of her possessions are currently in a condo in Las Vegas.

Aniza hails from the beautiful, tropical country of Malaysia. Upon graduating with an Honors Degree in Business (Marketing), she began her marketing career with a traffic signaling company before moving on to a prominent but controversial multinational corporation. Her professional writing career commenced when she accepted a position in corporate communications for an international accounting association. A year later, she married and moved to the paradise island of Tahiti, officially launching her freelance writing career. Currently, she writes biographies, business newsletters and direct mail campaigns.

As a writer for wiseGEEK, she says with enthusiasm, "I love to research and write about new subjects everyday, which is why wiseGEEK is just perfect for me. It gives me the opportunity to learn a host of new things from the comfort of my home, while also getting paid to do so!" While Aniza revels in writing about anything and everything, her all-time favorite topics on wiseGEEK are about health and people: How can I Prepare to Study Abroad?   What is Talipes?   What are Treatments for Lymphadema?   What is Hypercholesterolemia?   Who is Crispus Attucks?

In her free time, she curls up on the couch with a good crime thriller or a biography of a famous person. Her passion for creative writing (fiction and non-fiction stories) kicks into high gear over a cup of steaming coffee on her terrace before a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. Inspired by foreign culture on an exotic island, Aniza hopes to write a book (or several) one day.

Cathy is a freelance writer for wiseGEEK from the East Tennessee area. Her articles focus primarily on food, health, crafts and career topics. "I enjoy writing for wiseGEEK because of the research that goes into the articles and the infinite variety of subject matter."

Her wiseGEEK articles include: What is an Adoption Support Group?   What is Raynaud's Phenomenon?   What is an English Bulldog?   What is a Therapy Lamp?

Sally is a part time writer for wiseGEEK. Originally from Los Angeles, CA, she now lives in San Diego, where she is studying film and creative writing at the University of California, San Diego. In addition to writing for wiseGEEK, Sally works as a graphic designer for a local community newspaper.

When she's not writing, designing, or making movies, Sally enjoys drawing, reading, and going to film festivals.

Sally's contributions to wiseGEEK include: What are Anti-Depressants?   What is Munchausen Syndrome?   What are Different Types of Personality Disorders?

Sarah is a writer for wiseGEEK and lives in Arkansas. "I love to write for wiseGEEK because it allows me to share information about crafts, food, and other fun topics." An avid crafter, Sarah also loves to cook vegetarian food, read and write book reviews.

Jessica is a graduate of the State University of New York at New Paltz with a B.A. in Philosophy and a minor in Psychology. She has been writing part time for wiseGeek since March of 2006. She also volunteers at Bellaonline as the breastfeeding editor where she advocates for the importance of breastfeeding and offers support to breastfeeding moms.

Jessica lives in upstate New York with her husband and two young children. Her interests include a passion for animals, the environment and philosophical thought.

"As a lover of wisdom, wiseGEEK gives me the opportunity to further educate myself while at the same time sharing that knowledge with others!"

Jessica's favorite articles include: What are Invasive Species?   What are Carpenter Bees?   What is Epistemology?   Do Rats Make Good Pets?   What are Pit Bulls?   Who was Socrates?

Brendan wrote his first article for wiseGEEK in April of 2005, and has since written hundreds of articles on a wide range of topics he cares about. The opportunity to learn about new and interesting things every day, and to be able to share them with others, makes the work incredibly rewarding. His education is in Linguistics and Cultural Anthropology, and in addition to wiseGEEK writing he writes poetry, novel-length fiction, and short fiction extensively. His second digital life is as a web-designer.

Outside of the virtual realm he can be found traveling the globe, hiking in the forests of the Mendocino Coast, dancing late into the night, teaching fencing, or enjoying a good meal and a fine glass of wine with friends and loved ones.

"wiseGEEK is a wonderful online resource and community -- a marriage of concise technical information and easy-to-understand language. It is an honor to be a part of such a project"

Brendan tends to focus on topics related to technology, linguistics and beverages: What is AJAX?   What is a Pronoun?   What is a Verb?   What is Arabic?   What is Champagne?

Tricia has been part of the wiseGEEK team since 2006, and in that time she’s contributed more than 2,500 articles to the site. As a graduate in literature from Sonoma State University, her passion in life is reading, reading, and then more reading, and she is extraordinarily grumpy when she runs out of books. Writing, as the natural extension of reading, has served Tricia well as a wiseGEEK contributor. She’s been able to explore more of her interests, researching topics including medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia remains fascinated by the connectivity between different areas of thought and knowledge, and hopes her work helps to create bridges of understanding between reader, writer and topic. Tricia lives in Northern California with her beloved husband of over 15 years and her two sons, and is continuing work on her first novel. Some of her articles include: What is Fundamentalism?, Who are Beren and Luthien?, and Why is a Rabbit’s Foot Considered Lucky?

"wiseGEEK gives me an opportunity to view the world from so many different perspectives and explore such diverse avenues of thought. I love finding the answers to our readers' questions and find it wonderful to have a job that allows me to constantly learn new things!"

Sheri began writing for wiseGEEK in April, 2006. Her first article was What is Deep Drawing?. When she joined wiseGEEK, Sheri was working full time as a copywriter in a marketing agency. She has a degree in English and communications, plus a minor in marketing. Sheri writes for wiseGEEK regularly and also freelances from her home office where she writes a variety of creative and corporate copy for clients in the United States and Canada.

Sheri lives in Vancouver BC Canada in a small, but elegant apartment. She loves her Tabby-Siamese cat, Audrey, reality TV, reading and walking around her neighborhood. She is grateful to be able to be a regular contributor to wiseGEEK and loves reflecting on, analyzing and synthesizing information to create relevant, informative articles. Three of her favorites are: What are Some Alternatives to Coffee Tables?, What is a Radio Show?, and What is Tupelo Honey?

Jennifer is a freelance writer from southwest Ohio, who abandoned her boring, but once advised "more marketable," educational background in business to become a writer almost ten years ago. In addition to writing part-time for wiseGEEK, she also writes for print publications and works part-time as a copywriter for an internet marketing firm.

When she's not writing, Jennifer is volunteering at her children's schools. In her non-existent spare time between work and raising two boys, she enjoys reading historical fiction, learning new board and card games, and playing the piano when no one can hear. Married to her first love, she is a self-proclaimed coffee addict and might consider leaving her husband for a Folgers majority stockholder.

"Writing for wiseGEEK is like having a new job every day. I love having the opportunity to work at a job that mirrors a philosophy I hold so dear and preach regularly to my kids — the only dumb question is the one that's never asked. I get to answer questions I might never have thought to ask like What are Chukkas? or How Can I Eliminate Fleas From My Home?"

"It's great to be able to call what I do work."

S.E. began writing for wiseGEEK in 2006, when she was captivated by questions like In Law, What is Balancing the Equities? and What Does Cruelty Free Mean? She loves writing for wiseGEEK because it offers an opportunity to learn something new and fascinating every day, and to share this knowledge with others.

S.E. has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College, and when she's not writing for wiseGEEK, she enjoys reading, adventuring in the great outdoors, and cooking, especially with and for friends. Some of her favorite articles include: How Do I Bathe a Cat? What is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? Can You Really Mail Order Live Poultry? and How Can I Bake an Excellent Cherry Pie?

For more information, you can visit her website.