FAQ
- Q: Why should I choose you over the competition?
A: Simple: quality, ease of communication and integrity. You cannot find someone who cares more about the little things that are often overlooked which can become big problems in the future. I am a detail guy. I am very good at solving and preventing problems. In addition, I am an easy-going, easy-to-reach person. I'm not your typical developer. I studied communication in college, worked in broadcasting and have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Most importantly, I am honest even when it is not in my best interest. And I go the extra mile.
- Q: I see your hourly rate but do you offer flat-rate services as well?
A: Only in select situations. Flat rates can be toxic to the client-developer relationship unless carefully qualified. For instance, say I agree to complete a project for $600 but as we near the milepost for completion, there is nothing but work in sight. I have a choice. I can cut corners to maintain profitability and viability as a business — something many developers wouldn't consider a choice rather a given. Or I can approach the client and ask for more money. However, let's say the client has only budgeted that amount so no additional funds are available. This can create a contentious relationship where, at the least, I am eager to have the project off my desk (read: not wanting to give it 110%). Meanwhile, the client is frustrated because the agreement is about to be broken. And in almost every case, this was unforeseen and really no one's fault or a combination of client and developer shortcomings. You truly get what you pay for!!
- Q: If I request a certain platform, host, technology can you deliver?
A: In most cases, yes. If you are looking for a C++, a Visual Basic or a .NET programmer who knows Oracle inside and out, well, honestly, you probably stopped reading a long time ago! Aside from such fish-out-of-water scenarios, I can roll with whatever you suggest. Even if it's outside of my normal bag of tricks, I have been quite adept at learning and innovating in such situations. I can also suggest alternatives with which I am more familiar and compare/constrast features.
- Q: Why don't you write more custom applications?
A: The old axiom about not reinventing the wheel applies more than ever. With so much quality, open-source software that has been vetted by scores of talented developers worldwide, there is no reason to code from the ground up in most situations. At most I write custom applications that are very narrowly focused in purpose and limited in scope. I have a collection of resources that I find meet the vast majority of clients' needs. And I'm quite resourceful in finding a solution, whether it's mine, another's or a combination, to any problem that comes my way. And if I can't do the work, which is quite rare, I will tell you and, if possible, offer a referral.
- Q: How can I send you files?
A: I used to have a file uploader on this site that required a username/password but YouSendIt allows free uploads up to 100Mb (paid up to 2GB) using much more robust technology without the need to log in. It will email me a link from which I can download the file. Or, if you prefer, you can download and install (for Windows or Mac) Pando which will allow you to send 1GB files via email or IM without even needing to open a web browser.
