Clients Waiting Till After Work Is Done To Voice Spec - GoFuckYourself.com

Fletch XXX · 08-23-2004, 09:56 AM

Look, if you people need something done a certain way, I REALLY SUGGEST you tell the designers or person executing the order BEFORE they finish work.

I cant believe people wait until the entire work is done to ask for something thatbasically insists upon the entire work order being redone.

this is fucking amazing.

imagine building a house for someone then them telling you they anted a 2 story and not just 1 level.

fucking day is starting off great.

eroswebmaster · 08-23-2004, 09:59 AM

Been there, done that as well.

Fletch XXX · 08-23-2004, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by eroswebmaster
Been there, done that as well.

what did you do in this situation if you dont mind.

my schedule is too fucking packed to redo work.

i swear i am on my way out of the design business.

this shit is just too much time consuming, much more rewarding things to be done.

eroswebmaster · 08-23-2004, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Fletch XXX
what did you do in this situation if you dont mind.

my schedule is too fucking packed to redo work.

i swear i am on my way out of the design business.

this shit is just too much time consuming, much more rewarding things to be done.

Honestly, it has happened a few times and I have caught myself typing something ready to tear someone's head off only to stop myself and just tell them it will get done.

This is one of the reasons I had my ordering script developed on my site. This has helped keep confusion down to a min...it asks just about any and every question regarding specs that I can imagine...then it leaves me to be able to be creative but still within their guidelines.

It also keeps people off of ICQ and emailing me 2, 3 even 4 times for one order..that was an issue before as well. I'd get 3 or 4 emails for one order and after trying to compile and comprehend what they wanted out of those different emails some minor detail would get lost in the shuffle..so now I try to stick to my ordering script and out of the one time I didn't use it recently...mistakes happened so I learned my lesson AGAIN. LOL

Fletch XXX · 08-23-2004, 10:18 AM

yeah this is not the first time this happened.

i just emailed that i will redo them.

i was biting my teeth too ;) but i am a nice guy in emails no matter what.

anyway, the reason this pisses me off is because i asked for all this info and shit before these people left for vacation. In fact, they had to get someone else to email me about the order while they were away.

I did the work, they return and the order isnt right.

no, I asked for the proper info before you left but was not supplied it.

if people would give me what i asked for the first time this wouldnt be happenein,g that is why i get aggrivated because i look out for this crap and it STILL HAPPENS.

anyway,... moving on. had to rant.

xxxdesign-net · 08-23-2004, 10:20 AM

ah.. the joy of webdesign.. thats a reason why I left that ages ago...

btw.. can I give a shutout to Darren from Men's niche.. the rudest motherfucker I ever worked with.. I mean.. when the guy tells you whats need to be done along with threats.. it doesnt start off well...

Bitting your lips is a skill needed in webdesign...

I had some GREAT clients though

Fletch XXX · 08-23-2004, 10:21 AM

ive done work for Darren hehehe he was a charachter thats for sure.

hehehe

eroswebmaster · 08-23-2004, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Fletch XXX
yeah this is not the first time this happened.

i just emailed that i will redo them.

i was biting my teeth too ;) but i am a nice guy in emails no matter what.

anyway, the reason this pisses me off is because i asked for all this info and shit before these people left for vacation. In fact, they had to get someone else to email me about the order while they were away.

I did the work, they return and the order isnt right.

no, I asked for the proper info before you left but was not supplied it.

if people would give me what i asked for the first time this wouldnt be happenein,g that is why i get aggrivated because i look out for this crap and it STILL HAPPENS.

anyway,... moving on. had to rant.

There is only one client I have that I don't require them to enter their information into the script..this is my top client and he has been very loyal to me and I pretty much know exactly what he needs..however I have to put my foot down for others especially with new orders or orders that are often different it only makes all parties that much happier when it gets done on time and correct.

Fletch XXX · 08-23-2004, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by eroswebmaster
There is only one client I have that I don't require them to enter their information into the script..this is my top client and he has been very loyal to me and I pretty much know exactly what he needs..however I have to put my foot down for others especially with new orders or orders that are often different it only makes all parties that much happier when it gets done on time and correct.

eros if and when i stop taking NEW CLIENTS i assure you my problems will be gone.

this is a first time order for one of those who have never gotten design work done by someone .

i should have said i was too busy to take it like i normally do

i have regulars who send me money weeks before they even get the project together and there is no worries, but its always these small new orders that cause the headaches, you know that.

eroswebmaster · 08-23-2004, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Fletch XXX

i should have said i was too busy to take it like i normally do

I find when I say yes to things I know I shouldn't have I end up losing money on the deal...sure I get paid but the time and headaches that usually occur just are not worth it.

Fletch XXX · 08-23-2004, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by eroswebmaster
I find when I say yes to things I know I shouldn't have I end up losing money on the deal...sure I get paid but the time and headaches that usually occur just are not worth it.

yes my time is worth more than i am getting on this one.

i asked for certain things that were not provided now the work will need to be redone.

never fails. always listen to the gut. always.

fusionx · 08-23-2004, 10:47 AM

I always lay out scope up front. Document it, and base your cost on that scope.

Then, when a client requests a change, or anything that's not scoped, it's easy to point to your scope document and say "sure - we can do that. It'll take 3 days to implement, and will cost you $xxx.00 - wanna do it?"

Plus, having a change order makes it easy to know what was changed or added a year from now when they want upgrades, etc..

RedShoe · 08-23-2004, 10:55 AM

My ABSLOULTE FAVORITE is when I hear, "Do it however you want, I like your style" So I do it in MY style, and they say, "Hhmmm... Naw... I don't want it like that"

smack · 08-23-2004, 10:57 AM

used to have that shit happen all the time to me.

last guy that did it had me literally finish a layout, then would scrap it because "he changed his mind", 3 times. finally i flipped out on him and deleted all of his shit, told him to fuck off, and only do contract work for friends now.

DTK · 08-23-2004, 10:58 AM

Happens all the time in the software business...frustrating as hell

eroswebmaster · 08-23-2004, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RedShoe
My ABSLOULTE FAVORITE is when I hear, "Do it however you want, I like your style" So I do it in MY style, and they say, "Hhmmm... Naw... I don't want it like that"

Yep the ol' "Just work your magic" order.

spentrent · 08-23-2004, 11:02 AM

Same thing goes for developers/programmers.

But it's not something to complain about, at least as a developer. Most clients have a rough idea of what they want, but they always think it's trivial to update the spec in the middle of the project. And ya know, it is trivial, and YOUR job as the developer is to make crystal clear exactly what you're gonna do and how much it's gonna cost.

As the previous poster said, always itemize your time and your projects. That makes it easy to make a time/money estimate for additional work.

The worst thing a programmer can do is to start coding before a set of requirements and a specification have been laid out.

Note to anyone looking for coding projects: DO NOT trust someone who starts working on something before they've been able to describe exactly what you want and what they're going to do. These are the folks that make us look bad -- they seem to miss deadlines and allow projects to drag on and on.

The problem has more to do with communication than skill as a developer. I'd wager that clear and open communication accounts for at least 90% of a freelance developer's value to you, not his ability to write a little php script that updates a table in a database.

cherrylula · 08-23-2004, 11:04 AM

I think people often confuse "designers" with "consultants."

Especially when they are not sure what they want, and think you know what is best for them.

detoxed · 08-23-2004, 11:04 AM

Just reply back with the price of the changes, and provide them with the email or ICQ logs where they never said that they wanted what they want now.

pornstar2pac · 08-23-2004, 11:06 AM

I fucking hate that. spit in their food fletch

demented · 08-23-2004, 11:08 AM

Clients can be a big fucking headache sometimes. The most annoying thing is when they keep emailing, or icqing asking "hey is my site ready?" or my favorate "can I see what you done so far?" over and over and over. Even before the timeframe that I gave them. Don't they know that when their site(s) is/are ready, they will be notified asap?

eroswebmaster · 08-23-2004, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by demented
Clients can be a big fucking headache sometimes. The most annoying thing is when they keep emailing, or icqing asking "hey is my site ready?" or my favorate "can I see what you done so far?" over and over and over. Even before the timeframe that I gave them. Don't they know that when their site(s) is/are ready, they will be notified asap?

Yep most assume they are the only one in cue...they also like to complain when you overbook..what they don't realize is that this can be a feast or famine biz and one day you're sitting on your ass and the next you're booked until Christ returns.

08-23-2004, 09:56 AM	#1
Fletch XXX GFY HALL OF FAME DAMMIT!!! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: that 504 Posts: 60,840	Clients Waiting Till After Work Is Done To Voice Spec Look, if you people need something done a certain way, I REALLY SUGGEST you tell the designers or person executing the order BEFORE they finish work. I cant believe people wait until the entire work is done to ask for something thatbasically insists upon the entire work order being redone. this is fucking amazing. imagine building a house for someone then them telling you they anted a 2 story and not just 1 level. fucking day is starting off great. __________________ Want an Android App for your tube, membership, or free site? Need banners or promo material? Hit us up (ICQ Fletch: 148841377) or email me fletchxxx at gmail.com - recent work - About me

08-23-2004, 09:59 AM	#2
eroswebmaster March 1st, 2003 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Seat 4 @ Venetian Poker Room Posts: 20,295	Been there, done that as well. __________________ For rent - ICQ 127-027-910 Click here for more details

08-23-2004, 10:18 AM	#5
Fletch XXX GFY HALL OF FAME DAMMIT!!! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: that 504 Posts: 60,840	yeah this is not the first time this happened. i just emailed that i will redo them. i was biting my teeth too ;) but i am a nice guy in emails no matter what. anyway, the reason this pisses me off is because i asked for all this info and shit before these people left for vacation. In fact, they had to get someone else to email me about the order while they were away. I did the work, they return and the order isnt right. no, I asked for the proper info before you left but was not supplied it. if people would give me what i asked for the first time this wouldnt be happenein,g that is why i get aggrivated because i look out for this crap and it STILL HAPPENS. anyway,... moving on. had to rant. __________________ Want an Android App for your tube, membership, or free site? Need banners or promo material? Hit us up (ICQ Fletch: 148841377) or email me fletchxxx at gmail.com - recent work - About me

08-23-2004, 10:20 AM	#6
xxxdesign-net My hips don't lie Industry Role: Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 10,129	ah.. the joy of webdesign.. thats a reason why I left that ages ago... btw.. can I give a shutout to Darren from Men's niche.. the rudest motherfucker I ever worked with.. I mean.. when the guy tells you whats need to be done along with threats.. it doesnt start off well... Bitting your lips is a skill needed in webdesign... I had some GREAT clients though Last edited by xxxdesign-net; 08-23-2004 at 10:22 AM..

08-23-2004, 10:21 AM	#7
Fletch XXX GFY HALL OF FAME DAMMIT!!! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: that 504 Posts: 60,840	ive done work for Darren hehehe he was a charachter thats for sure. hehehe __________________ Want an Android App for your tube, membership, or free site? Need banners or promo material? Hit us up (ICQ Fletch: 148841377) or email me fletchxxx at gmail.com - recent work - About me

08-23-2004, 10:47 AM	#12
fusionx Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Olongapo City, Philippines Posts: 4,618	I always lay out scope up front. Document it, and base your cost on that scope. Then, when a client requests a change, or anything that's not scoped, it's easy to point to your scope document and say "sure - we can do that. It'll take 3 days to implement, and will cost you $xxx.00 - wanna do it?" Plus, having a change order makes it easy to know what was changed or added a year from now when they want upgrades, etc..

08-23-2004, 10:55 AM	#13
RedShoe 赤い靴 call me 202-456-1111 Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: The Valley Posts: 14,831	My ABSLOULTE FAVORITE is when I hear, "Do it however you want, I like your style" So I do it in MY style, and they say, "Hhmmm... Naw... I don't want it like that" __________________ SPECIALTY COSTUMES • PROPS • FX Superheroes • Monsters • Robots PM for details For any manufacturing needs. Adult or otherwise. aka BonsHigh on Insta Bonsai weed plants

08-23-2004, 10:57 AM	#14
smack Push Porn Like Weight. Industry Role: Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Inside .NET Posts: 10,652	used to have that shit happen all the time to me. last guy that did it had me literally finish a layout, then would scrap it because "he changed his mind", 3 times. finally i flipped out on him and deleted all of his shit, told him to fuck off, and only do contract work for friends now. __________________ Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war.

08-23-2004, 10:58 AM	#15
DTK Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The 510 Posts: 4,545	Happens all the time in the software business...frustrating as hell __________________ Arguing whether the Democratic or Republican party is better is like debating which steaming pile of shit is slightly less stinky.

08-23-2004, 11:02 AM	#17
spentrent Confirmed User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: LA Posts: 876	Same thing goes for developers/programmers. But it's not something to complain about, at least as a developer. Most clients have a rough idea of what they want, but they always think it's trivial to update the spec in the middle of the project. And ya know, it is trivial, and YOUR job as the developer is to make crystal clear exactly what you're gonna do and how much it's gonna cost. As the previous poster said, always itemize your time and your projects. That makes it easy to make a time/money estimate for additional work. The worst thing a programmer can do is to start coding before a set of requirements and a specification have been laid out. Note to anyone looking for coding projects: DO NOT trust someone who starts working on something before they've been able to describe exactly what you want and what they're going to do. These are the folks that make us look bad -- they seem to miss deadlines and allow projects to drag on and on. The problem has more to do with communication than skill as a developer. I'd wager that clear and open communication accounts for at least 90% of a freelance developer's value to you, not his ability to write a little php script that updates a table in a database.

08-23-2004, 11:04 AM	#18
cherrylula lol Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 15,969	I think people often confuse "designers" with "consultants." Especially when they are not sure what they want, and think you know what is best for them.

08-23-2004, 11:04 AM	#19
detoxed vip member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 17,798	Just reply back with the price of the changes, and provide them with the email or ICQ logs where they never said that they wanted what they want now.

08-23-2004, 11:06 AM	#20
pornstar2pac Omaha Hi/Lo Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 17,380	I fucking hate that. spit in their food fletch __________________ Trump haters gonna hate. that's all they can do

08-23-2004, 11:08 AM	#21
demented Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cincinnati Ohio Posts: 2,388	Clients can be a big fucking headache sometimes. The most annoying thing is when they keep emailing, or icqing asking "hey is my site ready?" or my favorate "can I see what you done so far?" over and over and over. Even before the timeframe that I gave them. Don't they know that when their site(s) is/are ready, they will be notified asap?