Hat tip to asst. org. Becky Davis, who was the inspiration for this month's topic.

Anyone have any "entertaining" client stories they'd like to share before the meetup?

If you are void of "client from hell" stories, check out http://clientsfromhell.net/

All my clients are perfect :-). Truly, I'd like to think I can spot a poor "match" for my skills and it's often a potential client who does not have any interest in branding, marketing or thought for user experience. The "just get something up there" approach is not going to work for me.

I think it's only through experience that we gain experience. Example: I never had a reason to scrutinize a husband/wife partnership until I had two go south. Certain patterns are repeatable, ergo patterns.

Wow! 40 attendees and on Valentine's Day. Either there's a lot of lonely souls or we got permission from our better halves. See you on Feb 14th!

I have to miss this one :-( I wish you guys could Podcast this meeting-- WHAT A GREAT TOPIC! It is Valentines Day after all, and my hubby is having a tough time at work these days :-(

Gina, sorry you won't be joining us. A podcast ... hmm...

Hey folks, I've started a discussion thread in the discussion forum, where we can share some of our client stories. Please share yours, as well as provide lessons learned. Thanks!

I think I'm going to have to miss this one too =( Major project at work. Been staying late almost every day for the past week . . .

Sorry to hear Samantha. Look forward to seeing you soon.

Here's an interesting infographic that helps with our discussion this evening: http://www.topwebdesignschools.org/design-clients/

Same idea, this is my favorite: http://theoatmeal.com/comics/design_hell

Unfortunately, the audio recording failed (leave it at that). So as I have time, I'll attempt to create what I can in notes to share.

I'll PDF my iffy notes and email them to you. Will take a few, just discovered that the ADF on our multifunction is apparently dead which I hadn't realized before.

5 pages of notes I'd be ashamed of if I was in a meeting or class are uploaded to the files for the group.

Sorry I couldn't make it last night but my husband surprised me with a "Valentine's Day" dinner so I couldn't pass that up! Sounds like the meeting was very good. Hopefully I will see everyone next month!

Great meeting, got lots of good ideas on how to improve. found on twitter this a.m. re: scope creep: Besides a contract, four other ways to kill scope creep are to say: - Glad to help, here's a new estimate. - I can't make that deadline. - I can, but... - No.

freelanceswitch.com/clients/4-ways-to-kill-scope-creep/

I put my notes in the Files section too. Pretty much the same as Alan's notes. Jan, I've heard "scope creep" called "feature creep", which I like because it sounds almost Svengoolien.

Don't forget to share your valuable client stories in the discussion forum...

Just discovered a great article (and resource) on explaining progressive enhancement (or why rounded corners don't display in IE6) to clients - http://boagworld.com/design/where-are-my-rounded-corners/

I had a great time meeting and talking with everyone last night! To continue our discussion on Tools of the Trade, I've started a thread here: http://www.meetup.com/chicago-web-pros/messages/boards/th...