Legacy projects
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So, years ago, I wrote a video jukebox program. It was my first big project where I was in charge of it all. I think it turned out well. They are using a PC with custom input devices through the parallel port. Turns out the new PCs don't have a parallel port and when they buy a card, it doesn't work. So, I was just playing some guitar for a few minutes, when the guy shows up at my house with a PC and input device, hoping I can resolve it for them. I also did some work earlier in the year for them ( I did some for free and quoted on the rest of what they wanted, and they never got me to do the paid work ). I don't mind helping them, and I am not worried about making money from them ( I'd rather have less work ), but this is just the project that keeps rearing it's head. Does anyone else have a project like that ?
Christian Graus No longer a Microsoft MVP, but still happy to answer your questions.
That's precisely the reason I stopped doing contract work 15 years ago, and believe it or not, I actually had to change my phone number so the idiots would stop trying to contact me.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 -
I guess you're right. And I've told him, I'll take a quick look and that's about it. I just hate to leave them stranded.
Christian Graus No longer a Microsoft MVP, but still happy to answer your questions.
I had a customer like that. He kept bugging me for things, but was really bad about paying me (owed thousands for months.) The next time he called, I told him what my "new" rates were and that I'd be happy to help him. He never called me back. :)
Paul
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Thing is, I don't need the money as much as I need the time. So, I am helping them to be helpful, if you know what I mean, but I don't really want the work. I am also holding off letting them know how my rate has changed since I did this job :-)
Christian Graus No longer a Microsoft MVP, but still happy to answer your questions.
If you really want to get rid of them, charge them your going rate (or possibly more), and have a minimum number of hours per support request. Also offer them the services of a more junior dev who would be happy for the extra work. I'm sure you know someone that would fit into this category.
----- In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king.
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he was a really on to it engineer in his day, but the sun had set on his day he was out of touch and didnt understand that the new software modems that where being produced just didnt have the protocol.
Josh Gray wrote:
on their natural enthusiasm to over engineer
isnt that the case for any engineer? i still want to use the flash new toys when ever i can. although my laziness takes over alot of the time and i just do what i has done before.
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*grin* well, it worked out well, at the time, but they have had changing requirements, and issues related to changes in hardware. If they were using the same boxes they started with, it would all be working just fine.
Christian Graus No longer a Microsoft MVP, but still happy to answer your questions.
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I guess you're right. And I've told him, I'll take a quick look and that's about it. I just hate to leave them stranded.
Christian Graus No longer a Microsoft MVP, but still happy to answer your questions.
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So, years ago, I wrote a video jukebox program. It was my first big project where I was in charge of it all. I think it turned out well. They are using a PC with custom input devices through the parallel port. Turns out the new PCs don't have a parallel port and when they buy a card, it doesn't work. So, I was just playing some guitar for a few minutes, when the guy shows up at my house with a PC and input device, hoping I can resolve it for them. I also did some work earlier in the year for them ( I did some for free and quoted on the rest of what they wanted, and they never got me to do the paid work ). I don't mind helping them, and I am not worried about making money from them ( I'd rather have less work ), but this is just the project that keeps rearing it's head. Does anyone else have a project like that ?
Christian Graus No longer a Microsoft MVP, but still happy to answer your questions.
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So, years ago, I wrote a video jukebox program. It was my first big project where I was in charge of it all. I think it turned out well. They are using a PC with custom input devices through the parallel port. Turns out the new PCs don't have a parallel port and when they buy a card, it doesn't work. So, I was just playing some guitar for a few minutes, when the guy shows up at my house with a PC and input device, hoping I can resolve it for them. I also did some work earlier in the year for them ( I did some for free and quoted on the rest of what they wanted, and they never got me to do the paid work ). I don't mind helping them, and I am not worried about making money from them ( I'd rather have less work ), but this is just the project that keeps rearing it's head. Does anyone else have a project like that ?
Christian Graus No longer a Microsoft MVP, but still happy to answer your questions.
Christian Graus wrote:
Turns out the new PCs don't have a parallel port and when they buy a card, it doesn't work.
I find this part very strange. Are you sure they are competent to install a card? Do they have the right drivers for their OS? I would pursue getting the software to work as-is before I even thought about changing the code. In this case, your software obviously works, and has for years -- it's their new computers (and their Parallel cards) that seem to be causing the problem.
