Clients, you gotta love'em!
Mintsauce (1004 pencils) | Tue, 2010-08-17 16:39A client sends me a document they wrote which I diligently copy and paste into a layout. This is their reply.
"For any materials for printing must proof-read prior to sending to us for approval. We do not have the time to spell-check and proof read."
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The Construct Agency
Building Creative Brands for People
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Sweet. Charge them by the hour a fee 5x your usual rate for the privilege, and then be very diligent about your proofreading.
Write a wise saying and your name will live forever – Anonymous.
http://theghostwriterinthemachine.blogspot.com
suggest a copy editor to them.
sorry, i don't do copy editing. well, i could, but i don't want to. if i had to, i'd follow anonymous' model and charge rates for it that they just wouldn't want to pay.
a new client tried to pull a dick-hole move like that on me last month.
i told them that as a freelancer i enjoyed the ability to turn down projects if i thought the client was going to prove unpleasant. and that they should consider finding someone else do their work.
i got an apology about an hour later.
I'm considering all of the above. I have a meeting with them on Friday. Looking forward to reporting back.
The Construct Agency
Building Creative Brands for People
Well you simply can't accept that provision unless they agree that all mistakes are their responsibility. My biggest client doesn't like to proof, so every month he was pointing out these misspelled words (etc...) and saying "you missed that" and I'd always say "You did too - you need to proof better". After about 4 years of that, he finally got the picture. He still doesn't proof, but now he doesn't bring up the mistakes anymore either. Hey - when all is said and done - it's THEIR job. Do THEY want mistakes? If not - then THEY should proof it. That's why the rule is the way it is - the client signs off on a final proof.
I produce hard proofs, with a big sticker on it saying "I have checked this proof thoroughly for errors and mistakes, including spelling, grammar, telephone numbers, pagination, placement, and accuracy. I accept that this document is 100% correct and ready for print, and also that no mistakes can be rectified after print has commenced.
Signed _________________ Date___________________"
Make it red, and HUGE.
It's the only way to really make clients proof a job.
living on dreams and custard creams.