Freelance BBS: Clients - Has anyone finished a gig on time?

Has anyone out ther ever had a gig that started and ended anywhere close to the schedule that was layed out at the start?

I'm noticing that it's rare in the .com world for anyone to do a realistic spec on a project, and I feel sorry for clients who end up being their own worst enemy when it comes time to try to launch.

-Peter

I think #1 reason why projects don't get finished on time is creeping client requirements. I once worked on a project for a large financial institution that started as "a simple 4-page site" and ended as a complex tool with separate user and administrative interfaces, search CGI's, product update pages, and so on.

I agree that the client has a lot to do with it. Most of my challenges with clients have been getting the information from them that I need to create the website. Since I can't write the copy for the company, I need something that they want on there. I have spent as long as a year waiting for info. I must say that this is changing as having a website is becoming a greater priority for even small companies

--TEW

Actually - I have - most of my gigs (about all of them) - so far only 1 out of 10 years not done on time...

But I think this is bec. I was in Business Admin for 13 years and I never walk away from my boss's desk until I have every question I might have - answered. And if a question comes up - or anything I might not be clear on 100% - I ask.

I never let them being flustered bother me, because I am just doing my job to the best of my ability.

Plus - being an artist - I have a good eye and most of the time - hit the mark the first time out - but this has to do with my questions.

I try to get a 'feeling' for the client - what type they are - if they are colorful, quiet, outgoing, etc... It really does help me in my work.

My one late - was a Flash piece - they kept adding - they wanted the deer having water dribbling from its mouth, reflection in the water, as realistic as possible - but initially they wanted it to be small byte size wise...

All I can say is - overshoot the date you 'feel' it will be ready - include time for mishaps, redo's and emergencies (family)... This is one thing I do...

So when I get done ahead of my date - I come out looking good :)

I know its hard - I ensure I get plenty of rest so little tiny oppps dont' show up.. this helps me alot and I get someone I trust to eyeball it - for glitches or errors.

Good Luck!
Sincerely,
Deb.. :)

i've always finished my projects, no matter what, on time... I've actually had to step in for my friend who runs a big web business because he couldn't finish it in time, i had 2hrs to completely redo about 8 pages, change images, and fix a huge database!

The client was rather pleased, 50 bux for savin' his ass... worth it?