Re: FN-FORUM: FN Project

date posted 1st July 2003 17:15

> For the first time in ages I received a reply to an application for a FN
> project. It made no reference to my very specific comments on the project,
> which got me thinking, then reading it made me even more suspicious. The
> writer complains about Indian Freelancers, but it reads as though it was
> writen by one...
> Does anyone else think they are looking for free design ideas, which will be
> developed offshore?

This is one of the oldest professions - industrial espionage. Could just as
easily be round the corner as on another continent. Used to happen to us
when I was in computer sales - and before that in the paint industry.
Competition trying to psych out our pricing policy or figure out how we'd
quote on such and such size job. They are probably lurking on this list,
picked up on concerns about offshore competition and are playing it back to
you. And reading this (hi guys).

I responded to a couple of Mac related posts from an email address that had
no web site. Certainly had no reply - - another Mac consultant 'kiosking'
the market?

As suggested by Carla, mail them back and psych out their legitimacy but
bear in mind there are such things as accommodation addresses. I could have
a nice sounding address on Regent St London W1 for a very modest fee.

As I think I've said before, little if any of my business comes in off the
internet. Vast majority is referral or me walking in a door and leaving a
small handout. To take my business, they've got to physically walk in the
client's door. That's a bit difficult if you're offshore.

Some Wired magazine guru-type once wrote 'On the internet, geography is
irrelevant'. The answer is to make it (geography) relevant again. That BNI
thing sounds like a half decent idea.

Just my 2 cents ...

Dave E



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