Freelance Heroes

As a newbie who has just finished reading all 26 pages, I agree. There's enough topics just in this one thread to be the basis of an entire message board.

I produce xenForo message boards as a hobby and would be willing to discuss with anyone(s) interested in starting one. The problem is that I don't think any of this awesome content could be moved to a new board. If this were a xenForo forum, it would have the ability to easy do that within the forum itself.

Big thanks to all participants as this has been very informative to someone looking to learn about this business.

Hey all,

If this type of intro/self-spam thing isn't allowed, my apologies.

I wanted to introduce myself as a 51-year old career graphic/web designer with about 15 years of teaching at the college level in the mix. With my time in the classroom ending, I'm looking to find a way to merge my passion for design and teaching which leads me here.

I've been freelancing for about 23 years. I started out in traditional print design which eventually led to web design. In the mix is some illustration and message board development. I started teaching design on the side at a local college which evolved to becoming the department chair (which meant curriculum/course development) for eight years. 

I'm very attracted to eLearning Development/Instructional Design though know nothing of Articulate or any of the other software programs involved. I plan on developing a short course, learning the software, and seeing if this might be a good fit for me.

This thread has been awesome. I've been creeping on many of your sites today.

I wanted to make my services available to anyone who might need print/web/illustration services. Some of my work is at my website you can see from my profile. Also, I'm thinking about how a message board might be incorporated into eLearning. I see the potential of in-depth Q&A, discussion, etc. being something which would take training even more in-depth. Maybe that already exists at some level but am happy to discuss that with anyone interested.

I look forward to getting to know everyone.

Hey Jeff...

I am sure that if Articulate were looking at re-vamping the forum that all/some of these features would be being looked at

We'll get there.....

Bruce

They did create the E-learning Heroes forum in the first place Bruce so something must be working.

Nicholas

Hi, all: Looking for advice from those of you who have exit clauses in your contracts--you know, for those situations in which the project goes suddenly "pear-shaped," in the words of Bruce Graham.

Two questions, if you don't mind:

1. What does your exit clause say? (you know, the general gist) Do you state possible reasons for cancelling the contract?

2. When have you had to use it?

Thanks so much. --Daniel

Hey, Daniel -

I have a couple of things in my agreements related to this. (Of course, I'm not claiming to be an attorney or giving legal advice, just sharing what I do!)  One is a "Term of Agreement" clause - basically saying "this agreement and its terms are effective from this date to that date."  Once we get to "that date," we no longer have a contract.  This is(more applicable to ongoing, hourly work than a fixed fee project.

Perhaps most specific to your question, I also have a "Termination" clause that says either party can terminate the agreement if the other party isn't meeting its obligations, and we can mutually agree to terminate the contract at any time.  The mutual agreement part kind of leaves it open to just say to the client "I don't think this is working out well for either of us, can we agree to go our separate ways?"  Although of course they may say no.

Hopefully you're just asking out of idle curiosity, and not because you've got a pear-shaped project on your hands...

Hi, fellow freelancers -

I just came across this and thought it was a worthwhile read - it's not anything startlingly new, but good reminders for those who are seasoned and a great starting point for those who are new to (or thinking about becoming) self-employed. It's specifically about web design, but the concepts definitely apply to us!

http://freelanceswitch.com/freelance-web-development/website-project-earnings/

Wonderful link Sheila. Thanks for sharing.

Dipti

Hello!  I hope this is an appropriate section to post this information, if it is not, please re-direct me.  Our company is working on a Storyline course and our freelance developer has decided to move to a different project.  So we are without an experienced developer.  We are located in Columbus, OH.  If anyone knows of a developer who just happens to be between projects, please pass my contact information along.  

Thanks for your help.  

Hi All!

I'm looking for a Freelance Storyline Designer/Programmer tobuild a pilot e-learning course.

Estimatedat 20 hours for the pilot; more courses in 2014.

Thecourse is targeted at youth age 16-22 and aims to show them how to buy a car.The course will offer simulations, polls, activities, and quizzes, plus linking toarticles, resources, videos, and a test.

Lookingfor an imaginative individual able to engage young adults.

Please let me know if you're interested. I'd love to see some of your projects.

CUNA is a not-for-profit trade association for credit unions in the U.S.

Good luck with your search Joanne, you're definitely in the right place.

Apropos of absolutely nothing...

When you meet a prospective client, and you are in a competitive situation, do not be scared to ask them "Are you able to tell me who I am up against?"

I have asked this twice in 2 days now, and on both occasions they have offered enough information that has allowed me to put in a mildly disruptive sell, and (hopefully - by the signs...), win both pieces.

The worst that can happen is they say "No".

Well done, Bytor.

If you break your contract (Statement of Work) down into distinct sections (e.g., analysis, development, revisions, etc.), it makes it easier for you to get out of a contract if things start to go South. And man, do they go South quickly when they go.

Hi, everyone: Saw this call for a Storyline Freelancer on Product thread and though I'd post here in case you didn't see it. Hope things are well.

Thanks Daniel for directing me to this part of the site.

I'm looking for a UK based freelance content developer who's good with Articulate Storyline. If you are interested please send me links to some examples of your work, plus information on your rates and availability.

Kind regards

Heather

Heather - I have PM'd you.

Hi, everyone: As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I am recapping the major discussions that have happened on this thread. The first article in the four-article series is now on the Articulate Word of Mouth blog, and has to do with preparing to launch your freelancing career. Thanks to everyone who has participated in these discussions over the last year and a half. Hope you enjoy. --Daniel 

Thanks Daniel,

I read through your first article.

It was enjoyable to read and I'm looking forward to the next three.

You have some great experience to share with the community.

Nicholas

I appreciate the compliment, Nicholas, but I was "standing on the shoulder of giants" for this series. --Daniel

Hi Daniel,

Great distillation there, and looking forward to the rest!

Best resource for ID freelancers I have come across - ever. Well done for starting it and keeping it going.

Bruce

PS -I tried to post on the blog reply and got the attached....weirdest message I have ever seen!

"Varnish cache server"???

Better get out the Polyurethane....

Oh that is an odd error: I'll try to see if I can replicate and send your error message over to the Articulate folks. Thanks for letting me know. --Daniel