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Subject:Re: time to write question From:Linda Sherman <linsherm -at- GTE -dot- NET> Date:Sun, 28 Feb 1999 14:52:12 -0500
Sharon Burton-Hardin wrote:
[see original post]
I'm having trouble believing this client is doing anything other than
trying to weasel out of paying for part of the work. Only a complete
idiot would expect you to produce a perfect draft the first time without
his making any edits, and software developers are not complete idiots. I
gotta believe he's yanking your chain.
When you're consulting, it's important to understand that many
businessmen see getting as much as they can for the lowest possible
price as "just part of doing business". They're not interested in what's
fair, right, or just. These types respond best to direct confrontation,
i.e., "Pay the bill or else." Many even *enjoy* these petty little
battles. This may be what you have here.
Don't be afraid to get tough and to stand your ground. You have nothing
to lose and everything to gain--by insisting on getting paid, you not
only improve your chances of getting the money, but you may well gain
the client's respect and more long-term work (with fewer payment
hassles).
Lin
--
Linda K. Sherman <linsherm -at- gte -dot- net>
Computer programming, technical writing, web development
phone: 1-727-842-6756 fax: 1-727-842-6853
