Andy Rutledge has a great article on estimating hours for projects.

This has always been a sticky spot, since I think we all want to have the most optimistic view possible of the projects we work on, our abilities, and our clients; however, having accurate estimates of of the time that we will spend on our projects is crucial to being competitive, or even competent.

My personal favorite part of the article is the footnotes to the discussion of Client B.

If the client cannot describe their brand: Consider not taking this project

If the client doesn’t understand the needs of their clients: Strongly consider not taking this project

If the client is abusive: Do not take the project

Would that it were always that simple…