tangor - 6:43 am on Feb 12, 2009 (gmt 0)

No letter! They don't have to reply. DELIVER IT IN PERSON! Can't ignore you. This way you get an answer and EVERYBODY KNOWS THE LANDSCAPE HAS CHANGED.

Do wish you luck in this. I've been there, done that, too many times. However, time IS MONEY and I'm looking at how much time I reasonably have left to keep making it.

Factor your time for a flat contract, with a clause allowing for rate increases over time. Or give them a guaranteed for 12 months HOURLY rate for specific work (database, design, etc) if you don't want to do the whole enchilada. There should be a common ground upon which you both can agree.

Just avoid becoming a milk of magnesia gulping contractor!