Safeguarding against Dot Com Bubble.

Recently I have been asked to undertake some work for someone on a freelance basis. On inspecting the brief, it struck me that perhaps there was a lot of work represented for a company that did not yet exist. The company was to be founded on the web site and stock tracking software we were to build. Without going into the details, it seemed that the business model was just not going to work. So I said so, to the chagrin of those present who'd be happy to take the opportunity to make some money.

It is the web industry's responsibility to not just do what people ask. I believe that if you suspect a client is setting themselves for a fall, you should advise them so, even if it means losing an opportunity to make good money. It is a false economic opportunity as the more clients that are burnt by dot com failures, the less people will trust the industry's potential for investment. This ultimately leads to fewer jobs for the professionals working in the industry. Greed now equals recession later. You only need to look toward the 1980s to see this lesson in a slightly different form.

So, now I'm out of pocket because they're looking for someone else who'll just do the damn job and not be difficult and ask too many questions. Nice guys do seem to finish last. I hope for the client's sake it's a success. I fear it won't be.