Since my last post decided to hang out with Jimmy Hoffa I’ll rephrase what I said.  If this one swims with the fishes I know there’s a conspiracy!

Has anyone else noticed that a lot of web designers lack communication skills these days?  I just had one agree to design a site and then disappear off the face of the earth (probably hanging out with Mr. Hoffa and my previous post).  I sent many emails but was ignored each time.  Has anyone else had similar experiences?  I guess that I should have gone through the pMachine Pro Network but everyone I contacted were booked for months.  All I’m asking for is a little common courtesy.  If you are too busy to work on my project, tell me.  If you run into problems, tell me…I’ll work with you.  Any similar experiences?

Nope. I do all my own work.
And I don’t take other people’s project’s unless I know I’ll be able to do it.
I must be polite :D It’s too bad you had such a bad time.

I’ve seen it happen before in webdev and I understand your frustration, but it seems your questions are more philosophical than anything.  Who knows what actually was the designer’s reasons for standing you up.  Maybe their flaky or maybe you rubbed them the wrong way, I have no idea.

Since you’re asking, I’d suggest chalking it up and moving forward.  Personally, I try to get upset about things I can control.  It appears these incidents are out of your control.  I understand the bad taste you must have, but I’d plea with you not to paint all web designers with the same brush.

As far as my own bad experiences in this industry… I have too many to count.  From nine million dollar start-ups ending with the CEO in jail to working for ad agencies to trying to manage freelancers, I’ve experienced a lot of bad.  To the contrary, I’ve worked with some really amazing people and cashed in on some profitable projects.  Now, as a designer, I find myself moving away from contractual work and toward my own start-up (Using EE, of course).  My reasons are many, but the main reason is contractual work is very intense and every dollar is earned… nothing passive about it.

I know several designers in my area.  Depending on your project being viable on the allotted budget, I’d be more than happy hooking you up with them.  Private message me if you are interested. 

Good Luck!

sts

Ever call a support line and the tech has no clue what he/she is talking about?

Ever call a plumber and the dude never shows up?

Ever call local business and get the “I will give you a call back” and never hear from them again?

Ever deal with someone in a government position whom could care less how you feel and you are going to be cool with that because there is nothing you can do about it?

I would say yes on all counts for myself.  Are web developers any different than anyone else?  You need to take the time to do the research and get referrals otherwise you never know what you are dealing with.