Frequently Asked Questions

I frequently get asked very similar questions on topics ranging from my services to code work to resources. This is an attempt to consolidate those questions and to answer the more frequent ones before you ask them. If you don’t see your answer here, feel free to contact me.

How much do you charge?

How much do you have?. Seriously though, it completely depends on the scope of your project.

As I state on my Web Development Questionnaire, “Answer with your head, not your wallet. The ultimate goal here is to produce a successful website. Know your financial limits, but don’t assume answering ‘yes’ to every question is going to skyrocket your cost.”

Each project is unique, and there are many different factors that go into determining the overall price. That said, I have handled projects within budget ranges of $1500(USD) to $45,000(USD).

Regardless of the size of your project or its budget, if you’re looking for design, development, or consulting, we should talk.

Who are your clients?

The majority of my clients are small to medium‐sized businesses who are relatively new to the online market and even moreso, new to the very idea of conducting business online. You can view some of them in the portfolio section of this site.

Are you available for consulting / design / writing / babysitting?

I’m always interested in hearing about new projects! I concentrate on my clients’ projects until they are complete, and tend to take on no more than a few projects at any one time. That said, if you have a project you’d like to get started on, feel free to send me an email so we can talk!

How quickly can you complete my project?

That is based entirely on the following: the scope of your project, any other third‐parties involved, you, and my availablility. Should your project’s timeline conflict with any current projects of mine, out of respect to my clients and to you, I will be the first to tell you of that conflict prior to beginning any work.

Do you travel?

That depends on the size of the project. While most projects can be handled remotely, some (in the past) have required in‐house training and hands‐on collaboration.

My availablity to travel is dependent largely on my current project list and any prior commitments. The necessity for travel can be discussed during the development process.

What’s the development process?

Not to give a vague answer, but that does depend on your specific project. Most projects required a certain amount of customized process in order to accomodate for specific needs.

However, the general process‐flow of a project can be outlined as follows:

1. Initial Contact

   Typically I respond to all communication requests (depending on the subject) within twenty‐four (24) hours. If you happen to email me on the weekend (Saturday–Sunday), you can expect a response by Monday.

2. Discovery

   This is the period of time where I learn about your product/service and determine the goal(s) of your project.

3. Proposal

   Based on discovery, I generate a proposal outling my role in your project and the estimated cost of that role. Based upon mutual agreement, a contract is signed, and we move to the Design Stage.

4. Design Stage

   Based upon what I’ve discovered in the previous steps, and your project needs, an initial concept plan is created. If your project is a website, a series of mockups is created for review. If the project is non design‐related, i.e., a consulting project, I will deliver a package of specific deliverables based on your requirements.

5. Feedback

   Period of round‐table discussions where we fine‐tune the specifics of our project. During this stage the details are "hammered out" and refined.

6. Implementation

   Upon compeletion of the Feedback Stage we’ll go ahead and implement the project. If it’s a website‐based project, this can include coding of the XHTML and CSS templates, scripting, initialization of the marketing plan, etc. Non‐site projects can include final drafts of created content, operational audit results, training, etc.

7. Follow‐up

   You didn’t think it ended there, did you? Upon completion of all projects I always do a follow‐up to see if there is anything else you need, offer additional services, gauge our sucess rate, etc.

Can I use your design for my own project?

The short answer? No, sorry. While I whole‐heartedly support open‐source code, GPL, and CC, and other open‐licensing initiatives, I either retain full copyright for the work I complete for my clients or transfer full copyright to them.

That said, I do support the open exchange of ideas and knowledge, so any source code/script, or document listed in the Resource Section of this site retains conditional copyright and may be re‐used (per the terms of the copyright license stated). When in doubt, just ask!

The complete answer can be found in the Copyright Notice.

Can you promote my […]

That depends. If I come across a product, service, or piece of work (art, script, photo, graphic, etc.) that I think is really beneficial or inspiring, I’ll usually write about it or at the very least, provide a link to it.