I really like how he put, at the bottom:<p>> This minimalist site was bought, written, and launched in under an hour!<p>That simple sentence accomplishes so much.<p>1. It acknowledges the basic look of the site and that he is totally aware of this. i.e. If he does work for you it will not automatically just look like this basic site. Of course! (But good to clarify)<p>2. Despite being super-basic, it's still a legitimate design choice ("minimalist") and he is also aware of this. i.e. He understands style, at the very least to the extent of a popular archetype.<p>3. He bought the site, wrote it, and launched it. i.e. Although he is offering PSD to HTML, he may well be able to help and advise on other aspects of getting a website online so potentially could be the only guy you need to use.<p>4. It all took less than an hour. i.e. Everything involved in setting up that site would have been within his $65/hour, so it gives something to work from in estimating how much hiring him [for a more complicated job] might be.<p>I don't think I'm reading too much into it, that one sentence seems deliberately written to imply all those things. Which, means:<p>5. He can write skilfully. i.e. Communication with this guy will be pretty clear.
As someone who has been in such a relationship before while on a very tight budget, I have respect for this guy. It is really hard to put up a post asking for business like this, too, I imagine.<p>To the OP: Good luck to you. I hope you not only find business and get your ticket but also do a great job for those who hire you. I sincerely wish you happiness and success in your relationship and your work.
Hey! I live in Nashville and there's plenty of work out here. With a week or two you could probably find a gig here and turn it into a business trip. Boom 30% discount come tax time!<p>Hell - while you're in Chattanooga stop in at <a href="http://colab.co/" rel="nofollow">http://colab.co/</a>. Their office is close to downtown. Find a project based out of Chattanooga and see if they'll pay for you to fly out every couple months!
Definitely an effective way to get your name out there.<p>I'm curious how the "you pick the rate" method is working out for you? The calendar on your site [1] still shows early December - does that mean you're no longer accepting clients this way?<p>I'd also love to know more about "Free Dev Time" (5 hrs/night). That seems like an interesting way to explore some new projects and technology without the hassle of estimates and contracts. And because you want to convert these people into paying clients, you've got some motivation to actually finish the projects you start for them, as opposed to personal projects that seem to fall by the wayside (for me, at least).<p>Great work, I'm inspired! And good luck with that plane flight. Looks like you'll have plenty of new work opportunities.<p>[1] <a href="http://rcodeteam.com/availability/" rel="nofollow">http://rcodeteam.com/availability/</a>
Awesome example of the power of personalizing a request. Funny enough, it has the same story arc (reunite with your sweetie!) as the Hipmunk explainer story video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6teBPUgz4Y8" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6teBPUgz4Y8</a>
I'd be interested to hear what kind of success he has with this approach. Some would see it for what it appears to be. I assume many more would consider it unprofessional at best and begging at worst. I tried a similar approach a while back (pitching services while highlighting a personal financial need) and received overwhelmingly negative responses - around 15:1 negative to positive. Sadly, most people just don't care what you need and seem to be offended if you tell them.
So sweet, best of luck.<p>I have been in just the same condition, but my ticket was just a little more expensive, and I just didn't have any time...<p>I would hire you if only I needed something...