Professional Webmaster Business Issues Forum

you could link to the two companies directly though

were those companies happy? do they have any other work?

>> just fishing for the cheapest php freelancer ?

usually

>> sign of unprofessional behavior?

I don't know the medium that well but it seems this is normal

>> people care more about the design and images than function and security.

absolutely, an important lesson learned

>> I've found the contact details

As far as all this part goes I might consider it more like harassment. Even though your intentions are genuine they are born of frustration

am looking for a partner ...

Perhaps visit some discussion boards to find talented designers in the same situation as you.

Perhaps then work out an arrangement to work together on six simple projects.

First thing you both should do is your own web sites, so that the non-profits or small businesses you will contact will be able to see that your sites are good. I suggest small businesses and charities because they may be cash short. Alternatively, you could approach a larger company without a web site that would be fine with a simple brochure site and offer to do theirs for "whatever you think it is worth at the end".

Perhaps then you each approach three local (to your own cities) charities or non-profit organizations, or even small businesses with poor web sites and offer to do theirs for free to build up your portfolios and get your names known in your respective local towns. Perhaps you could do the charitable ones inexchange for a tax deductible charitable donation form.

Make the deal with them that they will honestly answer a survey afterwards and give you permission to use those answers in your marketing materials. These will go on your own web site as testimonials if they are positive.

Of course, word the questions so they are likely to lead to honest but positive results. If they do not, then you know what you have to do to improve in your services.

The charities and non-profits, especially if they are small, may be more likely to have busybodies or blabbermouths involved who will disclose to others that you did their work for free. Business owners would be less likely to do so because it reflects poorly on them if they rely on freely provided services. Also, the business people may be more likely to be in social circles to refer you to other business owners who could pay for your work (rather than other non-profit circles who may not be able to pay for your work). Maybe even build in something interactive and fun that would be of interest to their customers rather than simply a brochure site. That may cause the other businesses to call you. Particularly if your arrangement includes that they show your logo and link to your site at the bottom of each page.

With this approach, you would have eaten and paid the rent during the time it takes these six projects to be completed.