claus - 7:48 am on Apr 5, 2005 (gmt 0)

>> Oh, P.S.--pursuant to our contract, they HAVE to hire me as webmaster once the site is done.

Rubycat, this is important. It changes the whole issue somewhat. Given the above (you did not state this before) - it is only natural that they would want to test you and your patience somewhat.

Please note the wording - it is only natural - this does not mean that what they have (not) done is right or that you should not seek to remedy the situation. It also holds the answer to that quote you mentioned.

There are two phases here:

1) First, you are the Web Developer, and
2) Then, you become the Web Master

Now, until the web site is built there is no web master. Only a web developer. That is because the web site is under development. In this phase you develop the site, and the client deliver the content.

In the next phase -- once you become the web master -- you will gladly take care of the content, because at that stage you are hired by the client to do so. That is the next phase though, not this one.

It is very important that you make it absolutely clear to the client that these two phases are separate, and that the second cannot exist until the first is completed.

I have a feeling that the guy that don't work well with you might just think that you are already in phase two, in which his claims would be somewhat justified. This is a misunderstanding that is easy to clear up - it does not even have to be bad will.