Has Anyone Done This?
 

In regards to these projects I am working on, and some others on tap...

fucking-around-and-business-discussion/875259-whos-doing-tubeish-paysite-cms.html
fucking-around-and-business-discussion/883477-chat-script-webcam-voice.html
fucking-around-and-business-discussion/883034-looking-4-strategic-partnership.html

I was thinking of doing one of two things.

1. I fly in a coder for a week (or whatever) to crash at my house, and then they can work on these bigger projects so I know we are on the same page, and can modify what I need without the e-mail confusion. We would get things done much faster, and have a complete 'vision' of the end result. Making it a much easier collaboration.

2. I fly to them at the beginning, for a day/meeting, map out everything on white board, and make sure we have a complete understanding. Then do the same as modifications need to be done.

Has anyone went to these lengths before to speed up the process, and eliminate confusion on new projects?

Some of these are more legacy types of applications, long term builds, then some simple script. Especially when I get into my streaming radio, and some other things needed. Especially with hardware.

:helpme

i have offered condos on the beach, hookers for breakfast lunch and dinner, you name it

it wont work,

or hasn't yet

Dayum foo. Now THOSE are some fucking offers!!

That's pretty much how most offline businesses work. When the company I used to work for opened a nightclub in Memphis, Tn., we had to fly all types of people in to work with certain aspects of the club. For example, we had a system called Scannabar to control our liquor inventory. In addition to the purchase price we flew in 2 of the reps to train management and employees how to run the system, and then again after the club opened for a refresher and for questions and custom upgrades. If you can afford it I would definitely say it is the way to go...

Yeah, that is what I am thinking. I mean, $300 plane ticket (or whatever) saves me MONTHS of grief, misunderstanding, frustration and aggravation. I am sure with a coder's undivided attention they can bang out what I need in a week or two.

Plus we get the 'vision' right coming out of the gate. Saving more annoyance and aggravation. Especially since some of these are long term, bigger dollar projects that need many pieces, and will require a coder to (hopefully) stay involved.

When I was asking around what is going to be needed for some of my music stuff, we get into some special software, and server requirements, and so on. I am not a tech. Nor do I need to be a tech to sell.

I am the creative juice.

Just going to fill in my 2 cents here, before flying out somewhere and meeting up with someone - I would write up a complete project spec to the best of your ability.

It will help you see your vision better and allow the coder some time to prepare. You can even quantify various coders against each other by asking them to evaluate your spec and propose their solutions/algorithms or even uncover problems with your design.

You may be able to get away with brain storming together but I think the better approach is to invest some hard work up front before getting a third party involved. In my experience the meetings tend to go well - but the end result does not deliver. What really surprises people is that everyone says: 'Yes, it'll take 1 - 3 weeks' and before you know it its month 4 and you're still not done.

Without a well thought out and written plan I don't think getting in face time will make a difference. Your mileage will vary.

Well put.
:thumbsup

The biggest disconnect for me comes between concept, and conception. Almost like I need a project manager who knows code, design, etc. so that they can take my not techie, improper use of geek terms, and put them into a version techies understand.

I explain to any coder, or designer, I am not a techie like them. So do not expect me to use the 'lingo' right. Some are very good. They can piece together from their many clients, and have excellent communication skills.

The vast majority are ego maniacs, who are anal retentive's about using the right slang, and will go into a whole dissertation on why a code should be done one way, or another, and why (fill in the blank)'s code is shit, blah blah blah.

All of which means little to somone who has no idea what they are talking about.

Need more BV answers..

Fartfly.

:)

video conferencing, my man, video conferencing.

Seriously, you could hook up a webcam and do it in real-time instead of via e-mail, and not have to explain the 'guy on the couch' to anyone you bring home.
"oh, don't mind him, he just codes for me..."
I've tried lines like that when I was in school, it makes for awkwardness

Good thinking! :thumbsup

Anyway barefoot, good luck with your projects!

Thanks BRO
:thumbsup

that has to be a lot of confusion to wade through and defeat to go those lengths :2 cents:

I second this. You could have all of the meetings in the world and the team can nod their heads and all may seem well. Get on a video conference when they're out of the meeting room and things will likely be a bit different.

It really does boil down to the team "getting" your vision. Otherwise you are in for months of explanation and testing bad code. Not fun.

Good luck - whichever route you go!

That's two votes on the video.
:thumbsup

You've got the right idea with #1, but IMHO, you make the coder fly him or herself out to you, then reimburse them for the ticket once they finish the work.

At any rate, Good luck, and a good day to you, Sir!

Sounds like you need to hire local staff amigo ! Expensive, but worth more in long term.
And keep your codings within your own business. With your ambition you need it that way.

What you might want to do is find a starving coder that is going to University and hire him.

I'll do it, but only if you're the guy in your profile page.

Good luck getting someone to fly out and code for you. You are probably better off looking for a local kid to help you and put him on salary.

Thanks for all the good input fellas. A lot of good feedback to get me thinking.