We set out to create a better way to read on-line; our goal was to make something different, engaging, intelligent and digital. The concept was born, as many good ideas are, on a crumpled cocktail napkin, and we’ve been working to build it ever since. Our intent: build an experience that is simultaneously a book group, a computer, and a book.
We believe firmly that people want to read, annotate and discuss, right there, immersed in the text. That’s the best time to talk about a book. We also respect the solitary side to reading: people should have the chance to tune out the community. We wanted it to be attractive, too; to be an experience. It was designed for the laptops, tablets and phones people carry to their coffee shops, and meant for the network, not the desktop. Finally, it had to be something we’d want to use.
Founder, President Travis Alber has fourteen years of on-line experience and a penchant for big ideas. She's worked in web design, advertising, online training and education and has a Masters Degree in Interactive Multimedia. Her project roles run the gamut, from interactive designer and information architect to project manager and creative director. Her client history includes: Cisco, Sprint, Playstation, Wells Fargo, Macys, Midway Games and Dodge. In addition, Travis had won a number of awards for her interactive art, and has been recognized by Drunken Boat, The Flash Forward Film Festival, and the Electronic Literature Organization. Her work as a digital artist focuses on experimental narrative forms, photography, time, and the search for a sense of place. Travis is a Book Glutton co-founder; her most important role has been as Chief Creative Officer, creating the look and feel for the web site and the Reader, and managing marketing and communications.
Founder, CTO Aaron Miller is a writer and web developer with more than fourteen years experience online, and that’s not even counting his 1986 BBS endeavors. His first love has always been writing, but the designer and typographer in him have always led him toward the more technical aspects of screen presentation. Professionally he’s worked on both the creative and technical sides of projects—working at times as a writer and designer and at others a developer in San Francisco and LA. His clients include Wells Fargo, Organic, and Driving Media. In addition, Aaron has a Master's Degree in Interactive Multimedia and an MFA in Creative Writing from UC Irvine. Aaron’s a Book Glutton co-founder; his most important role has been as CTO, managing the architecture and development of the entire project.
Corporate and Business Development Brandon is a technology business development professional. He has worked with a number of technology companies (Intertainer, LivePerson, SunTechnics/Conergy, Crackle/Sony, Bebo/AOL, etc.) and has built partnerships with companies such as Microsoft, Google, Intel, Sony, Comcast, US Bank, Adobe, CBS, MTV and ESPN. Prior to his career in technology, he worked in capital markets - Merrill Lynch Investment Banking and Platinum Venture Partners. Although he has two business degrees (Illinois & Columbia), he loves the liberal arts, actively reading and writing on the intersection of philosophy/psychology, technology & political economy.
We believe firmly that people want to read, annotate and discuss, right there, immersed in the text. That’s the best time to talk about a book. We also respect the solitary side to reading: people should have the chance to tune out the community. We wanted it to be attractive, too; to be an experience. It was designed for the laptops, tablets and phones people carry to their coffee shops, and meant for the network, not the desktop. Finally, it had to be something we’d want to use.
TRAVIS ALBER
travis(at)bookgluttonFounder, President Travis Alber has fourteen years of on-line experience and a penchant for big ideas. She's worked in web design, advertising, online training and education and has a Masters Degree in Interactive Multimedia. Her project roles run the gamut, from interactive designer and information architect to project manager and creative director. Her client history includes: Cisco, Sprint, Playstation, Wells Fargo, Macys, Midway Games and Dodge. In addition, Travis had won a number of awards for her interactive art, and has been recognized by Drunken Boat, The Flash Forward Film Festival, and the Electronic Literature Organization. Her work as a digital artist focuses on experimental narrative forms, photography, time, and the search for a sense of place. Travis is a Book Glutton co-founder; her most important role has been as Chief Creative Officer, creating the look and feel for the web site and the Reader, and managing marketing and communications.
AARON MILLER
aaron(at)bookgluttonFounder, CTO Aaron Miller is a writer and web developer with more than fourteen years experience online, and that’s not even counting his 1986 BBS endeavors. His first love has always been writing, but the designer and typographer in him have always led him toward the more technical aspects of screen presentation. Professionally he’s worked on both the creative and technical sides of projects—working at times as a writer and designer and at others a developer in San Francisco and LA. His clients include Wells Fargo, Organic, and Driving Media. In addition, Aaron has a Master's Degree in Interactive Multimedia and an MFA in Creative Writing from UC Irvine. Aaron’s a Book Glutton co-founder; his most important role has been as CTO, managing the architecture and development of the entire project.
BRANDON PEELE
brandon(at)bookgluttonCorporate and Business Development Brandon is a technology business development professional. He has worked with a number of technology companies (Intertainer, LivePerson, SunTechnics/Conergy, Crackle/Sony, Bebo/AOL, etc.) and has built partnerships with companies such as Microsoft, Google, Intel, Sony, Comcast, US Bank, Adobe, CBS, MTV and ESPN. Prior to his career in technology, he worked in capital markets - Merrill Lynch Investment Banking and Platinum Venture Partners. Although he has two business degrees (Illinois & Columbia), he loves the liberal arts, actively reading and writing on the intersection of philosophy/psychology, technology & political economy.
Advisory Board
FRED STEFANY
Fred Stefany is the former President of Time Warner Cable for Southern
California. He brings over 20 years of management expertise from
companies such as Disney, Comcast, Time Warner, McKinsey and several
smaller companies backed by Sequoia Captial, Hummer Winblad and
Redpoint Ventures. He holds an MSM from the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology - Sloan School of Management.
JOE ALBER
Dr. Alber is the Dean of the Wehle School of Business at Canisius
College. He is the former President of the Rotary Club of Buffalo and
the former Dean of the Drake University College of Business and Public
Administration. He holds an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and
a PhD from Penn State University.
KIRK BIGLIONE
Kirk is a seasoned digital media professional specializing in web
publishing systems, SEO strategies, and user experience. As principal
of Oxford Media Works Kirk consults with clients on a range of issues
related to web publishing and new media strategies. Kirk also
contributes regular commentary on new media to Medialoper.com where he
has written extensively about digital media technology and the
consumer experience.
KASSIA KROZSER
Kassia Krozser is the founder and primary voice for Booksquare.com, a
website focused on dissecting the publishing industry with love and
skepticism, and recently entered the mad world of publishing as part
of Quartet Press, a digital publisher. She is also a founding partner
at Medialoper.com — same love and skepticism applied to all
entertainment media. Her work on both sites frequently focuses on how
new technology impacts traditional media.
