[consulting] Non-Disclosure Concerns?

[Dave Hall]

Hi Sam,

insert IANAL, OMGWTFBBQ and all the TLAs you can think of here

On 22/07/11 23:49, Sam Cohen wrote:
> Was wondering about how you call feel about potential clients who ask 
> you to sign non-disclosure agreements before discussing their project. 

Years ago I used to sign NDAs and far worse up front for projects.  
These days I adopt a you show me yours before I show you mine approach.  
I am happy to discuss NDAs, IP, rates and everything else at the same 
time.  Without seen a spec or existing code I can't quote.

At the same time if MegaCorp International Inc contacted me and asked me 
to sign an NDA before discussing a new project, I would consider it.  If 
some random guy was offering me equity in his new venture and he wanted 
to tell me all about it, but I had to sign an NDA first, I'd be unlikely 
to consider replying to his email.

It is a similar story when it comes to IP.  If MCII wanted to own the 
code, but give me a license to use what I produced as I saw fit with an 
explicit approval to release it as open source I would consider it.  If 
someone wanted to own everything including my first born, then I'd walk.

My advice would be to develop some baseline requirements for working 
with clients.  Then work out how far you are willing to move and under 
what circumstances.

As one of my friends says - everyone has their price, and some people 
give discounts.  I'm done giving discounts :)

Cheers

Dave