Comments on: Should You Accept An “Ugly Duckling” Project?

By: The Recycle Bin: Freelancing Links For Week of Feb. 23th | The Freelance Rant

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:39:31 +0000

[...] Folder: Ever had an “ugly duckling” project? You know, that one that never ends or the one you would rather gouge out your eyes than work on. Here is a good article on how to evaluate them and turn them down if not for [...]

By: Michael Mackus

Michael Mackus — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 02:02:55 +0000

I recently took on a PHP web-based RPG project and I am unsure if I made the right choice in taking on this project. For one – I AM a Web Programmer, not a Game Programmer. And mixing the two.. well I’m just not sure how that fits in as well ;). But I must say it is an interesting experience – different than most projects I have done. I do not have to handle any of the game formulas (damage, etc.) so that is a big plus, as I do not believe I would be able to do so.

One thing about this project, though, is that I find myself procrastinating more often then on others. This is very bad, and I need to stop! And it really does not help that the client is open in the deadline area hehe.

I am pretty sure this one is going to end nicely, I just need to get past the first stages of development on this RPG.

By: Middle Zone Musings » Warning Signs: the Ugly Duckling Project

Middle Zone Musings » Warning Signs: the Ugly Duckling Project — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:03:09 +0000

[...] If you’re new here, I just want to say how much I appreciate your dropping by! Oh, and you may want to subscribe to my feed. Thanks, and a tip o’ the hat to ya!Would you willingly take on a project that had all the signs of being a real pain in the tookus? That’s the question fellow Texan and business blogger Laura Spencer asked not long ago in her post, Should You Accept an “Ugly Duckling” Project? [...]

By: June’s Best: This Month in Web Design | Vandelay Website Design

June’s Best: This Month in Web Design | Vandelay Website Design — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:31:42 +0000

[...] Should You Accept an “Ugly Duckling” Project? from Freelance Folder. [...]

By: ruben

ruben — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 10:55:01 +0000

I have one ugly project and it is also my first one. The person for who I do this doesn’t have a marketing plan so I had to make one myself to set a clear goal for myself. He liked the report I sent him but when I want to change thinks or give advice he don’t take me 100% serious. Besides that he is paying way to late which frustrates me. And because some circumstances with him I had to stop working untill he is ready with what he is doing. So this is definitely a very ugly project.

But

This was my first “freelance” project and I have learned much, how I will handle with this the next time and this guy also recommended me by a client from him so I have also a second project waiting on me which I am grateful for. But still he did not pay me the most “recent” bill which is from at last 2 months ago and around 5 mails and a couple calls further. So I have to consider stopping with this, it may be better for me and for him because why hire somebody if you don’t let him do his job properly?

By: Trevor

Trevor — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 04:01:34 +0000

The one thing I’ve learned about ugly ducklings, is that it’s almost always in your best interest to let some other sucker deal with them.

There’s too many great clients and projects out there to even bother with the shitty ones. If you’re not finding the great clients and projects, then look harder, or try to figure out why you’re attracting the ugly ducklings to begin with.

By: Adam Donkusq

Adam Donkusq — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:34:01 +0000

I think all of us have taken on that Uglyduckling project at one time or another, and more than likely will do it again. But with each UD, hopefully you will learn a bit more, and hopefully come out on the other side for the better.

By: Dawud Miracle

Dawud Miracle — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:30:28 +0000

Over the years, when it’s come to such projects, I’ve usually decided with one or two criteria in mind. One, of course, is cost in time versus revenue project can generate.

But more often then not, I’ll based my decisions on relationship. If there’s a synergy with the person, I’ll often at least make a proposal on the project. I’ve found that if the relationship is good, then there’s a greater possibility that it can stem into other things.

Along those lines, often you can become a ’superstar’ in the eyes of your client if you help them solve something that’s be an albatross around their neck. And being a superstar can lead to quite a bit of word-of-mouth and referral marketing. Just a thought.

By: Laura Spencer

Laura Spencer — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:39:05 +0000

There’s a lot of varying opinions here – which is good.

I think that there’s a special talent that goes into determining which “ugly duckling” project is actually a diamond-in-the-rough and which is just plain ugly.

I certainly understand someone not wanting to take on a challenging project, but for those who are willing the rewards can be great.

By: Kari - The Caffeinated Blog

Kari - The Caffeinated Blog — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:24:35 +0000

Before I started reading this post, I thought it might make mention of those projects that look undesirable from the standpoint of being too small, or for a company/industry/website that looks “ugly” (or has an ugly reputation). Could this be another definition of “ugly” to which other freelancers can relate?

How about seemingly innocuous projects that start out well, then turn just plain “ugly”?