A couple of years ago I was approached online about writing advertorial copy for a client half-way around the world. My gut told me not to take the job because getting paid might be a problem if things didn't work out (this was before I'd set up a PayPal account) but I took the job anyway and lived to regret it.
The client asked me to submit a copy platform before I wrote the entire article. I did so, received minimal feedback and moved on to the copy deck. After submitting that document, which followed the platform, the client told me he wasn't satisfied and wanted a rewrite. When I asked for specifics, all I got were vague comments like "it's not really there" and "can you have another go at it." Still not clear on a new direction, we spent nearly two hours chatting via Skype and I came to the conclusion I wouldn't get anywhere. He was certain what I'd written was wrong but couldn't articulate why.
One thing I love most about the web is discovering people with challenges similar to yours.
This blog post over at copyblogger.com is a perfect example. It offers practical tips on how to deal with clients who demand time-consuming rewrites -- and even what to do if you can't seem to please them.
I've intuitively used many of these techniques in the past but it was still gratifying to get confirmation. Stupidly, in my situation a few years ago, I concluded I'd never be able to pursue someone on the other side of the planet and didn't even send out a bill.
Who says you don't live and learn?
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