>>>Could you get me info on the magazine? A URL would be good, if they have one.
>>
>>Contract Professional has a site at http://www.cpuniverse.com.
>>
>>>I could use someone to do some help authoring, but if my boss won't spring for a help authoring software, I doubt he'd pay someone to do it. But I'd better not get started on that rant... :)
>>
>>I'm really glad I got into it. I think most help systems are crap, and now I get a chance to put my money where my mouth is. :)
>
>I checked out the site. Lots of good information there. They have a lot of job postings for VFP, too.
>
>Our help system is non-existant. I'm willing to do it, but not with Word and a help compiler. I want a real tool. My boss can't justify $500 to write a help sytem for a program that sells for $30k+. The logic is that we have no sales so we have no money, but how do you get sales when the product is crap?
>
>Ok, rant mode off again... :)
>
>-Michelle

Hi Michelle,

This is one of the things that might trip you up if you go independent. You have something that needs to be done but you don't like the tools and they won't buy the tools. You can do one of three things:

1. Say I'm not going to do it. A viable answer in a very few number of cases but one which should be used sparingly.

2. Use the tools you've got and get the experience. We've all done it and it makes for a good story at conventions.

3. Buy the tool you want. Look at it as an investment in your future. If you can take that $500 and spread it over a couple of clients, not too bad.

In your situation I'd recommend option 2. You have no real way to recoup the cost and you don't want to get in the habit of subsidizing your independent business with your spouse's income because it just becomes a crutch. You may also need your business if he's out of a job.

Good luck!!