User:WakeUpBoo

Hello,

I'm WakeUpBoo and this is my page, there are many others like it but this one is mine.

About Me
I've been a regular user of Wikipedia since it's early years, but except for a bit of tinkering I never thought of becoming a "proper" editor - until now.

Chances are I'll still be a tinkerer but hopefully an engaged one.

I have worked in broadcast radio as a producer and presenter. I was a partner in a recording studio (That was a money pit I can tell you) where I developed skills in recording and music production. Later I switched to live events, initially as a sound engineer, then in the following 25+ years, theatrical lighting, cinema presentation, multimedia production, sound design and stage management for live music and theatre. I would hesitate to claim expert status, but hope I have something to offer.

Interests
Aside from my areas of work, I am interested in politics (I've no party or activist affiliations), Psychology, film, comedy, cooking and gardening...

and the etymology of common phrases, sayings and idioms.

Approach
When it comes to editing, I am drawn to accuracy and clarity.

Don't worry I'm not some mad pedant, it's a starting point for thought.

from George Orwell - Politics and the English Language.

"Modern English, especially written English, is full of bad habits which spread by imitation and which can be avoided if one is willing to take the necessary trouble.

If one gets rid of these habits one can think more clearly..."

(i) Never use a metaphor, simile or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.

(ii) Never use a long word where a short one will do.

(iii) If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.

(iv) Never use the passive where you can use the active.

(v) Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.

(vi) Break any of these rules sooner than say anything barbarous.