Comments on: Advice for a Fellow Freelancer

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:50:07 +0000

Thanks, everyone, for taking the time to ponder my problem. I'll report back!

Connie.

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:09:18 +0000

That would be "basically" with a y. Fast fingers. 🙂

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:08:35 +0000

Thanks, Eileen and Devon. As you point out, Devon, it's why I have contracts voiding any relationship that suddenly includes third parties. Nothing kills a project faster than a client placing trust in a non-professional. I'll never understand it - they pay writers to write, then let their non-writing friends, relatives, acquaintances, colleagues, busboys, valets give them writing advice and basicall rip apart tons of hard work and collaboration.

Eileen, I think your advice is spot on. Since this is a friend of Connie's, it's a good idea to take it to her directly and express concerns about the quality. And I'd add listen to the client's response. It could be that the client is happy with the new direction. If that's the case, Connie can then give her regrets and wish her client well working with the consultant.

If you keep it about the quality of the product and NOT about the people or personalities involved, you're showing your client real concern for his or her end product. It's NOT personal - it can't be. This is business and should be treated as such.

By: Devon ellington

Devon ellington — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:18:37 +0000

I totally agree with Eileen, especially as she has phrased it much more diplomatically than I would.

It also points out to the importance of the clause you put in your contracts, Lori, about no third party interference.

I would do as Eileen suggested, and tell the client you consider this meeting your resignation.

The work's out there, even in this economy. Continuing to work for this client on something that is below your own standards only pulls you down. It hurts your overall portfolio and the ability to get the quality of work you deserve.

Give the client one chance to see the light; then dump the client.

The ultimate phrase was "soul-destroying." No job is worth that, not even if it pays a ton of money. We freelance so we feed our souls, not destroy them.

By: Eileen

Eileen — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:15:41 +0000

I would lay the first, excellent issue in front of the client, alongside a newer, crummier issue. Then I would ask her to give her immediate input as to which was the more readable version. What she, personally, is drawn to, not what some "expert" says.

Then tell her that you are not the right person to produce the newer version; you feel that it does not meet your standards for quality, and you cannot in good conscience take her money for an inferior, unreadable product. Tell her you treasure her as a friend, and you really can't have something on your conscience if your friendship is to continue. You can give her your highest quality work, or none at all, but either way, you want to continue having her as a friend.

Sheesh. I sound like Ann Landers.