Based on the rest of this thread it looks like you're main objection is the wording I used (proposal versus some sort of preliminary design). So it boils down t

Based on the rest of this thread it looks like you're main objection is the wording I used (proposal versus some sort of preliminary design). So it boils down to marketing essentially. I'm just one person and I'm fairly busy so I can't afford to spend the time screwing around with potential customers who are looking for free spec work. There's actually a significant number of people who heard about this web 2.0 social startup awesomeness and want to spec out their amazing idea with no intention of ever paying me. It usually goes something like; "I think it'll cost around $xxxxx but I can't guarantee that until I've spent a good amount of time breaking it down into it's features with you to reduce risk for both of us and make sure you're getting something you really want." It's at this point that I require an investment from them. It might not be a huge investment but it's generally a combination of compensation and their time (answering questions etc.). I guess I just see most projects as more of a partnership to build something great. They bring the domain knowledge and I bring the programming / architecture know how. I won't partner with anyone who hasn't also committed their money, time, and resources. It sets a bad precedent to the relationship and they'll never value my work. Everyone does things differently though, and I appreciate you're feedback. I don't think we're so far apart based on you're other comments. I stick by my recommendation, but feel free to reject it ;)