Looking for quote for a few programming things...

Hi,

I’m a freelance front-end designer who has had some experience working with MODx.  I’ve used it on the last 6 or 7 sites that I have built.  Mostly, I’m a design, mark-up & CSS guy... I know just enough PHP to get into trouble

I’m in the process of quoting on a project that combines design, information architecture, and converting an existing site to run on MODx.  The project has some programming challenges that are beyond my programming abilities.  I’d like to put this out there and see if anyone in the MODx community would be interested.

Here’s the initial comp for the site: http://comps.hiredgunscreative.com/wire-frame.png

I’m comfortable installing MODx and configuring it for all but the following features:

a) search function: would search the local site; no external search

b) client log-in: would allow clients access to restricted areas of the site.  I’m currently waiting for more information from the client about what would be in this restricted portion of the site.

c) contextual sub-nav menu in side bar: Located near the top of the sidebar, this would list links to the sub-pages of each main page in the basic <ul><li><a>link</a></li></ul> format.  It would update automatically when sub-pages were added or deleted.

d) request for White Paper form: this is a simple contact form that automatically sends a text email (not HTML) with some content & a link where the user can download a PDF.  The client will want the ability to be able to edit the content in this email.

...

In accordance with the Posting Guidelines sticky on this forum, here are some additional details:

1. Anticipated Start Time:
- Unfortunately, I don’t know yet.  Once I get a quote from for these programming tasks, I’ll be submitting a full quote to the client.  If the quote gets approved, I’ll add it to my current production schedule and pass this timeline info on to the programmer.  I’m anticipating that

2. Anticipated Job Duration:
- not sure... that’s why I’m asking for a quote.  In terms of the overall project, I’m hoping to have it completed within two weeks from the start date.

3. Budget Constraints:
- I’ll be offering $30/hour (Canadian) for these programming tasks.   I’m looking for an accurate quote.  If you provide me with a quote of (for example) 10 hours and the work actually takes you 12 hours, I will only be paying for the 10 hours that were quoted.  Obviously, this wouldn’t apply to any un-forseen problems or "scope-creep."  If the client requests additional features that require additional programming, I would get you to provide a new quote for those additional features.

4. Payment Terms:
- I will pay you 50% of the quoted work up front and the balance once the project is completed to my satisfaction.  I will pay you via Online Banking transfer (if you happen to be in Canada) or by PayPal.  I am also open to other payment methods.

5. Scope of Work: see above.

6. IP Ownership Constraints: none.  You would be free to re-use any IP that you contributed to this project or donate it back to the MODx community.

...

A little more about who I’m looking for...

I’m looking for someone who has done all of these things before and can show me functional examples of all of them on live sites.  I’m looking for someone who can quote accurately and deliver the work on time. And I’m looking for someone with good communication skills.

I will require you to sign a contract with:
- a description of the work you’ll be doing
- your quote for how many hours you anticipate it will take
- the anticipate completion date for the work
- a promise that you won’t approach the client on your own offering your services (cutting me out of the deal)

I dislike asking for the contract, but I’ve been burned in the past and I’m not eager to repeat the experience.

Additionally, this is my first time posting a job in the MODx forum.  Please let me know if I’ve committed a faux-pas or broken a taboo here.

If you have any questions about any of the above, please let me know by posting in this thread or by email: leif.miltenberger@gmail.com

Cheers,

- Leif.

Your requirements do not seem to be asking for more than using existing contributions.

a) search function: would search the local site; no external search

This should be doable with AjaxSearch, unless I am missing something here.

b) client log-in: would allow clients access to restricted areas of the site. I’m currently waiting for more information from the client about what would be in this restricted portion of the site.

Using the WebLogin snippet, possibly with Membercheck, but more likely with using Webusers, Document Groups, and Web Permissions under the "Security" tab.

c) contextual sub-nav menu in side bar: Located near the top of the sidebar, this would list links to the sub-pages of each main page in the basic <ul><li><a>link</a></li></ul> format. It would update automatically when sub-pages were added or deleted.

Organizing your documents in an effective way inside the document tree will go a long way here. Then just set the startID to [!UltimateParent!] in your Wayfinder call, and add in some @INHERIT love.

d) request for White Paper form: this is a simple contact form that automatically sends a text email (not HTML) with some content & a link where the user can download a PDF. The client will want the ability to be able to edit the content in this email.

Check out eForm.

I see that you have set up 6 to 7 sites with MODx, so I imagine you have some familiarity with these snippets. Even if you don’t, you would be surprised at how responsive and willing to help this community will be if you run into a roadblock. Plus, your MODx skills will be that much better after battling through it. In all honesty though, I see this as pretty straightforward, unless I am over simplifying things.

Hi Jesse,

Thanks for responding to my post.

My experience with setting up MODx so far has been very basic. I haven’t really stretched out into the snippets yet.

I didn’t realize that the things I’m asking for could be completed using existing contributions, although that makes sense... I would imagine that they’re fairly common things.

And I totally hear you about the support of the MODx community - they’ve been very good to me with the questions that I’ve posted before.

In this case, I simply don’t have the time to learn how to properly set up these snippets. I’m juggling a few different freelance projects right now and I’d prefer to just sub-contract someone to get them set up and functioning with as little hassle as possible.

Also, it’s been brought to my attention that the rate I’m offering is a little low. I’m willing to go up to $40/hour (still in Canadian... although our dollar is just about on par with the American dollar right now).