One should have a strong bias against signing an NDA, or indeed anything at all, as a condition of hearing about a possible gig. Most clients, especially indivi

One should have a strong bias against signing an NDA, or indeed anything at all, as a condition of hearing about a possible gig. Most clients, especially individual clients, should be able to describe what they need in a non-confidential way prior to agreeing on terms. Once you know what's expected, and what's in it for you, then it is normal to sign a work-for-hire agreement that contains NDA terms. If you're a free software person, you might find that objectionable as well but that's more of a personal ethical choice, and if you've made that choice you would likely not be entertaining this current gig in the first place.