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Subject:RE: Contractors: Would you do this? From:Dave Neufeld <Dave_Neufeld -at- spectrumsignal -dot- com> To:TECHWR-L <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Fri, 19 Nov 1999 15:32:44 -0800
Andrew Plato wrote:
> I would not do the methodology for free. I would charge them for it.
> Ideally,
> you should write up a simple estimate that says you will do this
> methodology
> and the help for a certain price. Otherwise, you are working for free.
>
I agree if the client's motive is to steal your "methodology" for
their use. But is this their motive?
If it is just to see what your approach would be (or if you are good
enough to have one) then I think it may deserve a BRIEF dissertation. They
may be checking you out to ensure that you'd have a rough plan so you can
hit the ground running in roughly a straight line, and not in circles asking
everyone what it is exactly that you are to do for them. They may also want
to compare your approach with other candidates.
A 7 page description seems excessive. A page or less is what they
may want. Write it in a way so you can use on other clients. If they want
more, then they may be nuts.
Hey, I know! Submit a bogus application as well, and use one of
Andrew Plato's cutesy methodologies he posted over the last few months.
<silly grin> It'll involve Bean with Bacon soup and petting a cat, but
promises not to dole toxic waste to children unless the money's real good.
<evil grin>
When you--or your bogus applicant--land the contract, you can then
use a grand method of writing up the contract and doing estimates that
Andrew Plato developed. It's one of the most comprehensive and effective
methodologies I've ever laid eyes upon. The front cover has an inspiring
picture of a fistful of money. Everyone should use it religiously <ironic
grin> I've got a copy from a recent STC conference where I caught his show.
I don't know if I can send it to you. (Andrew?) But you could ask Andrew for
it.
Well that's that for a Friday afternoon. Gotta go; I was told that
they're serving free beer and munchies in the cafeteria...
David Neufeld
=======================================================================
Technical Publications
Spectrum Signal Processing, Inc.
dave_neufeld -at- spectrumsignal -dot- com
http:\\www.spectrumsignal.com
"no matter where you go..... there you are." -- Buckaroo Banzai
