Freelancing on Rails

I've decided to podcast my thoughts on the issues facing freelance software developers, in particular those of us using Ruby on Rails. Initially, this is just me presenting my ideas, but even if you're an experienced freelancer too, you might find a few tips in here that you hadn't thought of. However, I really would like to broaden this to include your feedback, and advice.

Please send all comments, questions, and feedback to: podcast@craigambrose.com

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Contracts and Agreements

( 7 May 2007)
In this episode we look at agreements that you make with clients, both formal ones, such as contracts you sign when a project is agreed upon, and the smaller agreements that you make each time you talk to a client.

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podcast@craigambrose.com


Quoting a Project (part 2)

(15 Mar 2007)
We continue our series on quoting for a project with a look at estimating development work.

Links Mentioned in this Episode

Extreme Programming Explained
By Kent Beck

Freelancers on Rails
(Google Group)
http://groups.google.com/group/freelancers-on-rails

Feedback

podcast@craigambrose.com

Quoting a Project (part 1)

( 8 Feb 2007)
In this episode we start going through the process of finding and signing a client. This is part one of a series of episodes on this topic.

Links Mentioned in this Episode

37signals Gig Board
http://gigs.37signals.com/

Geoffrey Grosenbach's Project Leads
http://nubyonrails.com/articles/2006/03/17/ruby-on-rails-jobs

Freelancers on Rails
(Google Group)
http://groups.google.com/group/freelancers-on-rails

Your Local Developer Community

(17 Jan 2007)
In this episode we take a look at the importance of local networking in the real world. What can you do to ensure that you're up to date with the rails scene in your home town, and how can stay motivated to learn from people around you.

Links Mentioned in this Episode

Creating Passionate Users (on teaching as marketting):
http://headrush.typepad.com/creating_passionate_users/2005/09/you_can_outspen.html

Slimtimer
http://www.slimtimer.com/

On ruby brigades
http://www.oreillynet.com/ruby/blog/2006/02/the_power_of_ruby_brigades.html

Feedback

podcast@craigambrose.com

Working From Home

(12 Dec 2006)
Episode 2, now with a ten minute format.

We discuss working from home, including creating a productive work area,  good practices to create disciplined approach to work, and communication with clients.

Links Mentioned in this Episode

Ruby on Rails Podcast
podcast.rubyonrails.org

Edge Case
theedgecase.com

Getting Real
gettingreal.37signals.com

Getting Started

(26 Nov 2006)
This is the first episode of this ongoing series for freelance computer programmers.

We cover the reasons why you might want to consider leaving the security of your comfortable job for the big scary world of freelance work, and also the first things that you'll be interested in doing to help you get started.

Links Mentioned in this Podcast

Craig Ambrose's website:
http://www.craigambrose.com

A short flash video on freelancing:
http://ganas.com/mydeclarationofindependence/
(found via Steve Hayes' blog)

Creating Passionate Users:
http://headrush.typepad.com/

Feedback

podcast@craigambrose.com