Comments on: Setting Work Boundaries

By: Jenn Mattern

Jenn Mattern — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:13:26 +0000

I give them mine up front, but that's because I make them pay before I start.

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:58:25 +0000

I had one guy, Jenn, who wanted them before we'd started. It seemed more than odd for him to ask for that as I'm introducing myself. And the work? Never came.

Cathy, I won't do unpaid tests, either. I'm thinking I'm at a level in my career where a test isn't going to prove any more than my published clips would.

Wendy, I've had a client who expected me to be available 7 am to 9 pm via IM for any questions. No, how about you organize your work schedule so that you know exactly when you'll need to call me? I don't do IM and I sure as hell don't wait around all day for a maybe. I'm not paid to.

Hugh, I've wailed a virtual shoe at you.... ;)

By: Jenn Mattern

Jenn Mattern — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:09:58 +0000

I don't mind the bank account numbers. I've given them out a few times over the year, but that's because they're necessary for wire transfers. And for some larger projects with overseas clients, that's the preferable way to get paid (still faster than a check being mailed, but actually lower fees than Paypal in those rare cases).

By: hugh.c.mcbride

hugh.c.mcbride — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:26:50 +0000

When I finally get around to writing my best-selling autobiography, I'm *definitely* going to include a chapter entitled "Working for Peanuts & Working for Nuts."

As an emerging start-up autobiographer, I can't pay you up-front for the suggestion, Lori -- but I'm sure the exposure will do wonders for you, & perhaps we can work out something on the royalty side? ;-)

Seriously, I don't have much to offer that hasn't already been written here (quelle surprise, non?), but wanted to thank you & your commenters for another fantastic post. I never fail to be educated & inspired by the words & thoughts that I find here.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:01:47 +0000

My boundaries...hmmm...

1. Not writing for something I don't believe in - you know there are some products/services that are just not your cup of tea. I'm not talking illegal. They just aren't something you subscribe to.

2. Being tested for the project-I can give you a million samples (okay-slight exaggeration) so don't ask me to write up something on spec to determine if I get a gig. I did have one that boiled it down to two and asked for articles, but we were paid for our efforts.

3. Someone who doesn't respect my time - they miss scheduled calls, they need everything today and they want your opinion but balk when you say what your fee is for consulting on it. Unfortunately, you find this out too often after they are a client.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:45:36 +0000

A Wee Bairn, were ya? LOL! I liked that. I like pretty much everything you already have listed. Those who don't click, would be my favorite, since I see that more often then anything else. Sometimes, you can't put your finger on it, but those red flags are waving a mile a minute.

The only thing I can think of, at the moment, to add to the list are the ones that feel their Website or Business is THE BOMB. And you should be kissing their feet and thanking them profusely for the honor of writing for them with your meager skills.

Don't forget to answer their emails within mere seconds and not wait until you actually have time. Everyone else should be put on hold until they have their email responded to. How dare you think otherwise. *snort*

I realize that it's kind of mean of me to say that, but it tends to get on my nerves.

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:42:16 +0000

Amen to that.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:25:27 +0000

I don't work for clients whose business is in the business of hurting people. I don't care what the money is — if it is antiethical to my values, I refuse.