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Ask HN: Would my signing-a-contract checklist be better as a FAQ?
A couple of months ago I put together a short e-book, Signing a Business Contract? A Quick Checklist [1] for Greater Peace of Mind. [2] The current version could be thought of as an MVP.
I have in mind producing a series of similar books, using materials I've written over the years and/or taught to my 3L contract-drafting classes.
QUESTION 1: Would the existing book be more likely to appeal to business people (including startup founders) if it were structured as a FAQ document, instead of as a checklist?
QUESTION 2: What other practical law-related subjects would such readers like to see covered in similar e-books?
Thanks in advance.
[1] The checklist itself is at http://www.ontechnologylaw.com/the-checklist-from-my-e-book-before-you-sign-a-business-contract/ - yes, I know, I'm giving away the core content of the book ....
[2] The book ($12.99 at this writing; pricing suggestions are welcome) is available from e-junkie.com via http://www.ontechnologylaw.com/before-you-sign-a-business-contract-a-five-point-final-checklist-for-business-managers-and-executives/ - eventually I'll work on a proper landing page instead of just a blog posting.
- michael_dorfman 15y agoOdd. I read the checklist, and it's not at all what I would have expected (or recommended), which is: 1) Have your lawyer read the contract, carefully 2) Listen to what he says I don't know about you, but I sure as hell want to do more than spot-check for "contract provisions that could cause real problems for your business."
- dctoedt 15y agoThanks for the feedback, michael_dorfman. From my narrow professional viewpoint, it'd be lovely if no one ever signed a contract without consulting an experienced lawyer who had expertise in the specific field :-) The reality is otherwise (and that's not necessarily a bad thing). I wrote the book in part because many, many people sign contracts: - without consulting a lawyer at all (not every contract needs legal review); and/or - in consultation with a lawyer who doesn't have quite the level of experience and tacit knowledge that might be desired. The book isn't intended as a substitute for a detailed legal review. It's more akin to a checklist that reminds a doctor to do the obvious, basic stuff like washing your hands before examining a patient.