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Clients From Hell 2: A collection of anonymously-contributed client horror stories from designers
A cult phenomenon among those who work in graphic, print and web design, Clients From Hell brings readers to tears with unbelievable and always hilarious anecdotes from those on the frontlines of the freelancing industry.
Featuring new material and an unmasked editor, Clients From Hell 2 combines the collective wisdom and woe of thousands of creative professionals and distils the entire experience into one eloquent e-book. The second addition to the Clients From Hell series taps freelance veterans for even more material. Interviews, resources, and particularly poignant tales of client insanity are all included alongside the fan-favourite anecdotes of freelancing dysfunction.
For the first time, Clients From Hell takes a step back from finger-pointing and clever name-calling to inform the audience of how to make it as a creative professional. Step one: buy this book. Step two: take heed of these cautionary tales. Step three: we haven't thought of a step three yet. We'll worry about that when revisions come around.
Anyone who has ever worked with clients may find these tales frighteningly familiar. New freelancers may think twice about their chosen profession - or at least find relief in the fact that they're not alone in absurd client interactions.
And the rest of you? You can just laugh and enjoy your day job.
Featuring new material and an unmasked editor, Clients From Hell 2 combines the collective wisdom and woe of thousands of creative professionals and distils the entire experience into one eloquent e-book. The second addition to the Clients From Hell series taps freelance veterans for even more material. Interviews, resources, and particularly poignant tales of client insanity are all included alongside the fan-favourite anecdotes of freelancing dysfunction.
For the first time, Clients From Hell takes a step back from finger-pointing and clever name-calling to inform the audience of how to make it as a creative professional. Step one: buy this book. Step two: take heed of these cautionary tales. Step three: we haven't thought of a step three yet. We'll worry about that when revisions come around.
Anyone who has ever worked with clients may find these tales frighteningly familiar. New freelancers may think twice about their chosen profession - or at least find relief in the fact that they're not alone in absurd client interactions.
And the rest of you? You can just laugh and enjoy your day job.
- GenresHumorNonfictionEbooks
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
8 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 26, 2016
This collection of stories from the Clients From Hell website is pretty much what I expected.
On the one hand, it's a collection of anecdotes related to the horrors of freelance design. Some are longer than others. Some are as short as a single sentence. And the editor, Bryce Bladon, has done his best to inject some wonderfully snarky comments throughout. Taken in small chunks, it's a fun read -- just like the website. But reading too many in one sitting becomes repetitive.
On the other hand, many of the stories boil down to 1) irrational clients, 2) technologically incompetent clients, or 3) poor communication between clients and freelancers. While the first two are usually amusing, the third type drove me crazy because I could see fault on behalf of the freelancer as well. If a client doesn't understand how to find email on her computer, for example, one doesn't start asking whether her router is working. The stories that don't fall into one of these types are the real gems, though. It's amazing how many people seem to be living under a delusion that they are professional when they clearly are not.
The book also includes essays aimed at new (or relatively new) freelancers. In fact, the last 10% or so of the book is a freelance guide for 2013. As I am neither a designer nor a freelancer, these essays did not appeal to me and felt like filler.
Disclaimer: This e-book was a free download I received in exchange for signing up for the Clients From Hell newsletter.
On the one hand, it's a collection of anecdotes related to the horrors of freelance design. Some are longer than others. Some are as short as a single sentence. And the editor, Bryce Bladon, has done his best to inject some wonderfully snarky comments throughout. Taken in small chunks, it's a fun read -- just like the website. But reading too many in one sitting becomes repetitive.
On the other hand, many of the stories boil down to 1) irrational clients, 2) technologically incompetent clients, or 3) poor communication between clients and freelancers. While the first two are usually amusing, the third type drove me crazy because I could see fault on behalf of the freelancer as well. If a client doesn't understand how to find email on her computer, for example, one doesn't start asking whether her router is working. The stories that don't fall into one of these types are the real gems, though. It's amazing how many people seem to be living under a delusion that they are professional when they clearly are not.
The book also includes essays aimed at new (or relatively new) freelancers. In fact, the last 10% or so of the book is a freelance guide for 2013. As I am neither a designer nor a freelancer, these essays did not appeal to me and felt like filler.
Disclaimer: This e-book was a free download I received in exchange for signing up for the Clients From Hell newsletter.
April 30, 2015
This would make an awesome coffee table book, but alas, only the eBook is available. :(
Fantastic range of anecdotes that will resonate with photographers, designers and IT professionals. I'm neither a photographer or designer but work enough with customers and computers to find this hilariously funny and all too familiar.
I skipped through the freelancing guidance sections because they didn't apply to me. I just want the funny stuff!
Luckily there are plenty funny bits in the book to not get too frustrated by.
Fantastic range of anecdotes that will resonate with photographers, designers and IT professionals. I'm neither a photographer or designer but work enough with customers and computers to find this hilariously funny and all too familiar.
I skipped through the freelancing guidance sections because they didn't apply to me. I just want the funny stuff!
Luckily there are plenty funny bits in the book to not get too frustrated by.
March 12, 2015
Very funny, but not a ton of content...
I mean, a lot of the content is commentary and advice on freelancing principles etc, so if you're not a freelancer, or if you're an experienced one, those parts of the book (and the last part which is roughly 1/8th of the book) are just there to skip.
The rest of the content is very nice and funny, and the editor has taken the time to weed out stories that are a bit more controversial (on the blog there are quite a few stories where the client is clearly in the right).
I enjoyed it, but it was rather short.
I mean, a lot of the content is commentary and advice on freelancing principles etc, so if you're not a freelancer, or if you're an experienced one, those parts of the book (and the last part which is roughly 1/8th of the book) are just there to skip.
The rest of the content is very nice and funny, and the editor has taken the time to weed out stories that are a bit more controversial (on the blog there are quite a few stories where the client is clearly in the right).
I enjoyed it, but it was rather short.
February 17, 2014
Extremely funny (and depressing). Something that every freelancer should read, whatever their field is. This would be very beneficial to people employing freelancers as well, just to realize what kind of requests one can get on a regular basis.
Jokes asides, there are a few good tips to start a freelancing career.
Jokes asides, there are a few good tips to start a freelancing career.
July 9, 2015
Plot: B
Writing: D
Vocabulary: C
Level: Easy
Rating: PG
Worldview: Freelancers need to be prepared to present themselves as professionals, provide excellent work, protect themselves with contracts, use good tools, and be able to laugh at the clients from hell.
Writing: D
Vocabulary: C
Level: Easy
Rating: PG
Worldview: Freelancers need to be prepared to present themselves as professionals, provide excellent work, protect themselves with contracts, use good tools, and be able to laugh at the clients from hell.
December 17, 2013
As a designer this was LOL funny. As a new freelancer it had some great tips.
December 21, 2013
Hilarious stories about horrible and stupid clients . very laugh out loud.
January 16, 2014
Perfect for reading in the waiting room - short, funny and very enjoyable stories.
January 27, 2014
I read this little gem in 15-minute chunks over a week or so. Lots of laughs, some stories that hit a little too close to home, and some good business advice, all rolled into one.
July 27, 2014
5/5 because it is funny as hell
1/5 because it reminded me too much about my real customers.
1/5 because it reminded me too much about my real customers.
February 22, 2015
I barely looked at the advice section. The rest of the book was funny and the editor's notes were great
August 18, 2015
Really funny, and often didactic. Freelancer or not, if you're into marketing, design or work at an agency, this is a must read.
January 3, 2014
Delightfully hilarious. Must-read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews