Welcome to Codosaur.us, home of Codosaurus, LLC! You've probably got a lot of questions, so let's dive right in. Here are the most common FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Mainly I do custom software development, and occasionally some training. I'll also help out fellow geeks as a subcontractor, programming pair, etc. If there's anything else likely you want, just ask me.
Mainly web applications, especially the back end, but I can do other things too. I've done lots of other server and command-line apps, some front-end web work, a bit of desktop GUI work, and have started dabbling in mobile.
Companies of any size, mainly ones that either use software in the delivery of their products or services, or provide software development services themselves (use me as a subcontractor). You can find some examples, and further explanation, on the clients page.
I was trying to avoid making the non-geeks' eyes glaze over, but if you really want the mind-numbing details, see the Technologies page.
Mostly Ruby, Rails, and software development techniques like TDD (Test Driven Development), BDD (Behavior Driven Development), pair programming, and Agile principles. I've also trained people on information security principles (such as CISSP prep classes), assorted specific products, public speaking, and many other things. If needed, I'll teach pretty much anything. If it's a subject I don't already know, but I'm interested in it, I'll learn it.
Yes; I am current available for about 40 hours per week. I can do that all for one client, or break it up among multiple part-time clients.
Mainly, Ruby on Rails contracts I can do from home. However, I'll also consider other technologies, temporary employment, a reasonable commute (Northern Virginia, within about fifteen miles from Fairfax City), or even a short gig (up to about a month) away from home on per-diem. I am not open to longer contracts on the road, "permanent" employment, or relocation.
My rate depends on many factors. My standard rate, for pure-remote work for a direct client, is $120/hour. Things that can raise it include commuting, people or technologies that seem like they will be a pain to work with, short projects, and other such pain-points. Things that can lower it include staffing agencies (to let them make a profit), W2 status (lower taxes), chances to learn something new, worthy causes, and other pleasant factors. On top of all that, there's usually some wiggle room.
I'm also willing to work for a daily or weekly rate. I'll even work on a fixed-price project basis, if the work is very well understood, but it generally means a much higher estimated net rate, and far less flexibility for both of us.
Not purely for equity. If that's what you want, go convince a venture capitalist, not me, that you'll be the next Facetergram, and they'll give you enough money to pay me what I'm worth. But, if I believe in your idea and your ability to bring it to fruition, I'll meet you in the middle, and take half the pay in money and half in shares.
- Don't bother contacting me about Verisign (unless you're with Celerity or the work doesn't start until March 2015), Gannett, Bloomberg, Comcast, or OnLife Health. It's not necessarily anything against them, but there are contractual obligations, prior submissions, etc.
- To see what sort of terms I prefer to work on, see my Contract Terms page.
- If you want the gory details of languages, frameworks, systems, etc., see the Technologies page.
Of course, you probably have a lot more questions! Just ask!