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{{Short description|American software engineer}}
{{otherpersons|Dick Smith}}
{{other people|Dick Smith}}


[[File:Dick Smith at February 2020 collation of MilwApa.jpg|thumb|Dick Smith at February 2020 collation of MilwApa]]
'''Dick Smith''' (more formally, '''Richard H.E. Smith II''') is a [[Chicago, Illinois]]-based [[software engineer]], computer consultant<ref name="LinkedIn">[http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dick-smith/2/a40/469 Dick Smith LinkedIn Public Profile]</ref> and [[science fiction]] [[science fiction fanzine|fanzine]] publisher.

'''Richard H. E. Smith II''' is a [[Chicago, Illinois]]- and [[Milwaukee]], [[Wisconsin]]-based<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.meetup.com/Milwaukee-WordPress-MeetUp/members/39622522/ |title="new to Milwaukee" |access-date=2013-11-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203013824/http://www.meetup.com/Milwaukee-WordPress-MeetUp/members/39622522/ |archive-date=2013-12-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[software engineer]], computer consultant<ref name="LinkedIn">[http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dick-smith/2/a40/469 Dick Smith LinkedIn Public Profile]</ref> and a [[science fiction]] [[science fiction fanzine|fanzine]] publisher.


==Science fiction fandom==
==Science fiction fandom==


As a [[science fiction fandom|science fiction fan]], Smith, with his wife, [[Leah Zeldes Smith]], was 1993 winner of the [[Down Under Fan Fund]]<ref>[http://fanac.org/fan_funds/dufflist.html DUFF (Down Under Fan Fund) Winners]</ref> and delegate to Swancon 18, the [[Australian National Science Fiction Convention]] in [[Perth, Australia]],<ref>[http://www.natcon.org.au/2007/natconlist.htm Australian National Science Fiction Conventions list]</ref> as well as to fan centers throughout the country. He has been selected as fan guest of honor by numerous [[science fiction conventions]], including [[Windycon]] (1995),<ref>[http://www.isfic.org/conspast.asp The Windycon Big List: A Chronological History]</ref> [[ArmadilloCon]] (1995), First Contact (1998), [[ConQuesT]] (2000), Whatcon (1985) and Corflu (1991),<ref name="gallery">[http://www.scifiinc.net/scifiinc/gallery/bio/Smith,_Dick.htm Science Fiction Fan Gallery]</ref> and has been a toastmaster at such conventions as [[ConFusion (convention)|ConFusion]] and a frequent speaker and panelist on subjects related to fandom, fan publishing, science fiction and technology.
As a [[science fiction fandom|science fiction fan]], Smith, with his wife, [[Leah Zeldes Smith]], was 1993 winner of the [[Down Under Fan Fund]]<ref>[http://fanac.org/fan_funds/dufflist.html DUFF (Down Under Fan Fund) Winners]</ref> and delegate to Swancon 18, the [[Australian National Science Fiction Convention]] in [[Perth]], [[Western Australia]],<ref>[http://www.natcon.org.au/2007/natconlist.htm Australian National Science Fiction Conventions list] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001010811/http://www.natcon.org.au/2007/natconlist.htm |date=October 1, 2009 }}</ref> as well as to fan centers throughout the country. He has been selected as fan guest of honor by numerous [[science fiction conventions]], including [[Windycon]] (1995),<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.isfic.org/conspast.asp |title=The Windycon Big List: A Chronological History |access-date=2009-07-23 |archive-date=2009-08-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801122309/http://www.isfic.org/conspast.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[ArmadilloCon]] (1995), First Contact (1998), [[ConQuesT]] (2000), Whatcon (1985) and [[Corflu]] (1991),<ref name="gallery">[http://www.scifiinc.net/scifiinc/gallery/bio/Smith,_Dick.htm Science Fiction Fan Gallery]</ref> and has been a toastmaster at such conventions as [[ConFusion (convention)|ConFusion]]<ref>[http://archive.stilyagi.org/past_years.html ConFusion Names, Guests and Chairs Over the Years]</ref> and a frequent speaker and panelist on subjects related to fandom, fan publishing, science fiction and technology.


The Smiths' fanzine ''[[STET (fanzine)| STET]]'' was a three-time [[Hugo Award]] nominee.<ref>[http://www.locusmag.com/SFAwards/Db/HugoNomList.html The Locus Index to SF Awards: Hugo Nominees List]</ref> In the 1980s, Smith published the [[Hogu Award]]-winning title, ''Uncle Dick's Little Thing.''<ref name="gallery" /> He was extensively active in numerous [[amateur press association]]s during the 1970s and '80s, including the [[Fantasy Amateur Press Association]] and The Cult.<ref name="gallery" /> He was a recipient of the Peter J. Vorzimer Award.<ref name="gallery" />
The Smiths' fanzine ''[[STET (fanzine)|STET]]'' was a three-time [[Hugo Award]] nominee.<ref>[http://www.locusmag.com/SFAwards/Db/HugoNomList.html The Locus Index to SF Awards: Hugo Nominees List] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920202744/http://www.locusmag.com/SFAwards/Db/HugoNomList.html |date=September 20, 2011 }}</ref> In the 1980s, Smith published the [[Hogu Award]]-winning title, ''Uncle Dick's Little Thing.''<ref name="gallery" /><ref>[http://library.temple.edu/scrc/science-fiction-fanzine-4 Temple University Libraries Paskow Science Fiction Collection]</ref> He was extensively active in numerous [[amateur press association]]s during the 1970s and '80s, including the [[Fantasy Amateur Press Association]] and The Cult.;<ref name="gallery" /> he co-founded Windyapa.<ref name="Philcon" /> The Smiths are currently members of the Milwaukee-based [[MilwApa]]. Dick was a recipient of the Peter J. Vorzimer Award.<ref name="gallery" />


Smith and his wife organized ditto, a fanzine convention, in 1990 and 2001,<ref>[http://fancyclopedia.editme.com/DITTOCONVENTION Fancyclopedia: Ditto Convention]</ref> and have worked on many [[Worldcon]]s and other science fiction conventions.<ref name="gallery" /> He is a member of the [[Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society]]<ref>[http://www.lasfsinc.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=39&Itemid=128 LASFS Members List]</ref> and the [[Cincinnati Fantasy Group]].<ref>[http://www.cfg.org/meet_mem.htm#MEMB CFG Members List]</ref>
Smith and his wife organized ''ditto'', a fanzine convention, in 1990 and 2001,<ref>[http://fancyclopedia.org/ditto-a-series-of-conventions Fancyclopedia: Ditto Convention]</ref> and have worked on many [[Worldcon]]s and other science fiction conventions,<ref name="gallery" /><ref name="Philcon" /> including the 2014 [[NASFiC]]<ref>[http://detcon1.org/detcon1/contact-us/ Detcon1 Committee List]</ref> and the 2015 [[Sasquan]].<ref>[http://sasquan.org/committee-list/ Sasquan Committee List]</ref>


They were the U.S. agents who spearheaded bidding efforts for [[57th World Science Fiction Convention|Aussiecon Three]],<ref name="Philcon" /> and he was appointed Aussiecon's representative to the [[World Science Fiction Society]]'s Mark Protection Committee.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sflovers.org/users/sflovers/u1/web/Reference/fandom/WSFS/1998/app_a.html |title=The World Science Fiction Society Minutes of the Business Meeting at Bucconeer |access-date=2009-10-10 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070823131951/http://www.sflovers.org/users/sflovers/u1/web/Reference/fandom/WSFS/1998/app_a.html |archive-date=2007-08-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Smith is a member of the [[Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society]],<ref>[http://www.lasfsinc.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=39&Itemid=128 LASFS Members List]</ref> the [[Cincinnati Fantasy Group]]<ref>[http://www.cfg.org/meet_mem.htm#MEMB CFG Members List]</ref> and [[General Technics]].<ref name="LinkedIn" />
Smith is known within fandom for his interest in and collection of antique printing techniques and devices, such as [[hectograph]]s, [[letterpress]]es, [[spirit duplicator]]s, [[mimeograph]]s and obsolete computers.<ref>[http://pl524.pairlitesite.com/2001/bios.html Millennium Philcon Program Participant Biographies]</ref>


Smith is known within fandom for his interest in and collection of antique printing techniques and devices, such as [[hectograph]]s, [[letterpress]]es, [[spirit duplicator]]s, [[mimeograph]]s and obsolete computers.<ref name="Philcon">[http://pl524.pairlitesite.com/2001/bios.html Millennium Philcon Program Participant Biographies]</ref>
==Professional life==
Smith is founder and president of Dick Smith Software, a comprehensive computer consulting firm. Prior to that, he developed software for such companies as [[Northrop Grumman]], [[U.S. Robotics]] and [[3Com]].<ref name="LinkedIn" />


==Personal and professional life==
In his professional work, Smith contributes to science fiction, serving as a [[consultant]] to such authors as [[Frederik Pohl]]<ref>[http://www.thewaythefutureblogs.com/about/ Pohl, Frederik, The Way the Future Blogs]</ref> and [[Mike Resnick]].<ref>Resnick, Mike, "About Dick Smith and This Female Person He Lives With," 1990</ref> He is an expert on [[legacy systems]].
Smith is founder and president of Dick Smith Software, a comprehensive computer consulting and network engineering firm in the Chicago area.<ref name="web">[http://www.dicksmithsoftware.com Dick Smith Software website]</ref> Prior to that, he developed software for such companies as [[Northrop Grumman]], [[U.S. Robotics]] and [[3Com]].<ref name="LinkedIn" />


In his professional work, Smith contributes to science fiction, serving as a [[consultant]] to such authors as [[Frederik Pohl]]<ref>[http://www.thewaythefutureblogs.com/about/ Pohl, Frederik, The Way the Future Blogs]</ref> and [[Mike Resnick]].{{cn|date=February 2020}}
Smith was one of the inventors of a "Method and protocol for connecting data calls using R2 signaling" granted U.S. Patent 6,233,237 in 2001.<ref>[http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=6,233,237.PN.&OS=PN/6,233,237&RS=PN/6,233,237 United States Patent and Trademark Office]</ref> He contributed to the textbook ''LAN Times Guide to Telephony'' (Osborne/McGraw-Hill).<ref>[http://www.computeranddata.com/doc/books/SysAdmin/ascii/04.06/zinkann/zinkann.txt Zinkann, Elizabeth, "Books: A User's Report"]</ref>


Smith was one of the inventors of a "Method and protocol for connecting data calls using R2 signaling" granted U.S. Patent 6,233,237 in 2001.<ref>[http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=6,233,237.PN.&OS=PN/6,233,237&RS=PN/6,233,237 United States Patent and Trademark Office]</ref> He contributed to the textbook ''LAN Times Guide to Telephony'' (Osborne/McGraw-Hill).<ref>[http://www.computeranddata.com/doc/books/SysAdmin/ascii/04.06/zinkann/zinkann.txt Zinkann, Elizabeth, "Books: A User's Report"]{{Dead link|date=July 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
Smith is a [[geocaching|geocacher]] and a director of the Geocachers of Northeastern Illinois.


==Early life==
===Personal life===
Smith was born in [[West Bend, Wisconsin]], the eldest son of Richard H.E. Smith and Marilyn R.J. Smith, and graduated from the [[University of Wisconsin]].<ref name="LinkedIn" />
Smith was born in [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin|Milwaukee]] and reared in [[West Bend, Wisconsin]], the eldest of the three sons of Richard H. E. Smith and Marilyn R. J. Smith.<ref>[http://www.gmtoday.com/obits/ozwash/obits/2012/March/01/06.htm Richard Smith Obituary]</ref><ref>[http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=23188&start=60&sid=35c60a5ae0a8c0662d5eb5bc4d3dc434&sp=407609 West Bend Daily News, March 1, 2012]</ref> He graduated from the [[University of Wisconsin]].<ref name="LinkedIn" />

He has been married to Leah Zeldes Smith since 1985; an incident at their wedding inspired [[Michael Resnick|Mike Resnick]]'s novel ''[[The Dark Lady (novel)|The Dark Lady]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://novelspot.net/node/1669 |title=Resnick, Mike: Where do you get your Crazy Novel Ideas? |access-date=2010-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100823194813/http://novelspot.net/node/1669 |archive-date=2010-08-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Smith, Richard H. E., II}}
[[Category:American computer programmers]]
[[Category:American computer programmers]]
[[Category:People from Chicago, Illinois]]
[[Category:Engineers from Chicago]]
[[Category:People from Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from Milwaukee]]
[[Category:Science fiction fans]]
[[Category:People from West Bend, Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Software engineers]]
[[Category:American software engineers]]
[[Category:University of Wisconsin&ndash;Madison alumni]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]

Latest revision as of 00:16, 8 October 2023

Dick Smith at February 2020 collation of MilwApa

Richard H. E. Smith II is a Chicago, Illinois- and Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based[1] software engineer, computer consultant[2] and a science fiction fanzine publisher.

Science fiction fandom

[edit]

As a science fiction fan, Smith, with his wife, Leah Zeldes Smith, was 1993 winner of the Down Under Fan Fund[3] and delegate to Swancon 18, the Australian National Science Fiction Convention in Perth, Western Australia,[4] as well as to fan centers throughout the country. He has been selected as fan guest of honor by numerous science fiction conventions, including Windycon (1995),[5] ArmadilloCon (1995), First Contact (1998), ConQuesT (2000), Whatcon (1985) and Corflu (1991),[6] and has been a toastmaster at such conventions as ConFusion[7] and a frequent speaker and panelist on subjects related to fandom, fan publishing, science fiction and technology.

The Smiths' fanzine STET was a three-time Hugo Award nominee.[8] In the 1980s, Smith published the Hogu Award-winning title, Uncle Dick's Little Thing.[6][9] He was extensively active in numerous amateur press associations during the 1970s and '80s, including the Fantasy Amateur Press Association and The Cult.;[6] he co-founded Windyapa.[10] The Smiths are currently members of the Milwaukee-based MilwApa. Dick was a recipient of the Peter J. Vorzimer Award.[6]

Smith and his wife organized ditto, a fanzine convention, in 1990 and 2001,[11] and have worked on many Worldcons and other science fiction conventions,[6][10] including the 2014 NASFiC[12] and the 2015 Sasquan.[13]

They were the U.S. agents who spearheaded bidding efforts for Aussiecon Three,[10] and he was appointed Aussiecon's representative to the World Science Fiction Society's Mark Protection Committee.[14] Smith is a member of the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society,[15] the Cincinnati Fantasy Group[16] and General Technics.[2]

Smith is known within fandom for his interest in and collection of antique printing techniques and devices, such as hectographs, letterpresses, spirit duplicators, mimeographs and obsolete computers.[10]

Personal and professional life

[edit]

Smith is founder and president of Dick Smith Software, a comprehensive computer consulting and network engineering firm in the Chicago area.[17] Prior to that, he developed software for such companies as Northrop Grumman, U.S. Robotics and 3Com.[2]

In his professional work, Smith contributes to science fiction, serving as a consultant to such authors as Frederik Pohl[18] and Mike Resnick.[citation needed]

Smith was one of the inventors of a "Method and protocol for connecting data calls using R2 signaling" granted U.S. Patent 6,233,237 in 2001.[19] He contributed to the textbook LAN Times Guide to Telephony (Osborne/McGraw-Hill).[20]

Personal life

[edit]

Smith was born in Milwaukee and reared in West Bend, Wisconsin, the eldest of the three sons of Richard H. E. Smith and Marilyn R. J. Smith.[21][22] He graduated from the University of Wisconsin.[2]

He has been married to Leah Zeldes Smith since 1985; an incident at their wedding inspired Mike Resnick's novel The Dark Lady.[23]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ ""new to Milwaukee"". Archived from the original on 2013-12-03. Retrieved 2013-11-25.
  2. ^ a b c d Dick Smith LinkedIn Public Profile
  3. ^ DUFF (Down Under Fan Fund) Winners
  4. ^ Australian National Science Fiction Conventions list Archived October 1, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ "The Windycon Big List: A Chronological History". Archived from the original on 2009-08-01. Retrieved 2009-07-23.
  6. ^ ConFusion Names, Guests and Chairs Over the Years
  7. ^ The Locus Index to SF Awards: Hugo Nominees List Archived September 20, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  8. ^ Temple University Libraries Paskow Science Fiction Collection
  9. ^ a b c d Millennium Philcon Program Participant Biographies
  10. ^ Fancyclopedia: Ditto Convention
  11. ^ Detcon1 Committee List
  12. ^ Sasquan Committee List
  13. ^ "The World Science Fiction Society Minutes of the Business Meeting at Bucconeer". Archived from the original on 2007-08-23. Retrieved 2009-10-10.
  14. ^ LASFS Members List
  15. ^ CFG Members List
  16. ^ Dick Smith Software website
  17. ^ Pohl, Frederik, The Way the Future Blogs
  18. ^ United States Patent and Trademark Office
  19. ^ Zinkann, Elizabeth, "Books: A User's Report"[permanent dead link]
  20. ^ Richard Smith Obituary
  21. ^ West Bend Daily News, March 1, 2012
  22. ^ "Resnick, Mike: Where do you get your Crazy Novel Ideas?". Archived from the original on 2010-08-23. Retrieved 2010-03-16.