I can look at it, Susan. I can have it back to you by Saturday.

Yeah, the fixed rate thing can screw you over, too, if the project does end up taking significantly longer than you (and your client) agreed to.

I just have no experience to base a time estimate on, sadly. Eh. It'll be fine -- what my friend is charging is still several times what I make in my office job per hour.

I hate fixed-price contracts for exactly the reason Liese gives. It means that the client can waste your time for free. When it's on the clock, at least you get paid for taking commas out and then replacing them.

I wouldn't go near a fixed price contract without a billable change control mechanism in place.

Insent, erika and Ginger.

Anyone else wanna play?

Susan, I can do it, if you give me till Saturday.

Insent, AmyLiz, and thanks!

Just got home from playgroup and got it, Susan.

Got it, too. Have not started to read yet.

Fire

The white smoke ran like water into the nooks and crannies of irregular pile, briefly obscuring the hundred shades of brown. Poked with a stick, the pile would flare up briefly into orange flame and then subside into sparks and smoke. We jumped on sparks that escaped. The smell, acrid and yet welcoming, recalled dense black nights with bright stars, the crisp cold of not-quite-winter, and the swish swish of rakes, soft on the grass but loudly metallic on the concrete. We jumped into the piles, laughing, then were scolded into pushing them back into shape.

I miss burning leaves