Is Screenshot Time-tracking Common?












3















I am a freelance developer. When I work on projects for a client I tend to bill to the half-hour, which has been fine. Additionally, I do my best to track each type of thing "research", "coding", "lunch", "break", etc so the client can see an itemized version of my hourly. This seems to bring them some comfort.



Recently, I've had a few clients approach me but ask that I use screenshotting and/or keylogging on my home computer (which is also my work computer). Naturally, this makes me uncomfortable. The client thinks I am lazy. To me,




  1. the risk of exposing another clients work via (2) - software becomes unpatched leaving a giant hole in my system or a screenshot of a chat with another client

  2. security implications of installing nanny-software that is effectively a RAT

  3. the direct implication the client does not trust me


really bother me.



Bringing up my portfolio of satisfied clients (who do not use tracking) does not seem persuasive. If you do not trust me, why would you take the time to hire me? I am not desperate for work.



I have been in the industry a number of years at this point. I have delivered a lot of software on time and on budget. I know when hours are "deserved" vs "I overshot this, I guess I'll give them some hours for free".



Is this type of requirement common? Should I just suck it up because it's work? It makes me very uncomfortable. It signals to me a "sweat shop" mentality driven by micromanaging metrics rather than getting good software at an agreed upon price. Do people request a video feed of their mechanic fixing their car? Do they request an itemized hourly report of the mechanic they paid a ton of money for? It seems like this problem is unique to software.










share|improve this question







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    3















    I am a freelance developer. When I work on projects for a client I tend to bill to the half-hour, which has been fine. Additionally, I do my best to track each type of thing "research", "coding", "lunch", "break", etc so the client can see an itemized version of my hourly. This seems to bring them some comfort.



    Recently, I've had a few clients approach me but ask that I use screenshotting and/or keylogging on my home computer (which is also my work computer). Naturally, this makes me uncomfortable. The client thinks I am lazy. To me,




    1. the risk of exposing another clients work via (2) - software becomes unpatched leaving a giant hole in my system or a screenshot of a chat with another client

    2. security implications of installing nanny-software that is effectively a RAT

    3. the direct implication the client does not trust me


    really bother me.



    Bringing up my portfolio of satisfied clients (who do not use tracking) does not seem persuasive. If you do not trust me, why would you take the time to hire me? I am not desperate for work.



    I have been in the industry a number of years at this point. I have delivered a lot of software on time and on budget. I know when hours are "deserved" vs "I overshot this, I guess I'll give them some hours for free".



    Is this type of requirement common? Should I just suck it up because it's work? It makes me very uncomfortable. It signals to me a "sweat shop" mentality driven by micromanaging metrics rather than getting good software at an agreed upon price. Do people request a video feed of their mechanic fixing their car? Do they request an itemized hourly report of the mechanic they paid a ton of money for? It seems like this problem is unique to software.










    share|improve this question







    New contributor




    CL40 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.























      3












      3








      3








      I am a freelance developer. When I work on projects for a client I tend to bill to the half-hour, which has been fine. Additionally, I do my best to track each type of thing "research", "coding", "lunch", "break", etc so the client can see an itemized version of my hourly. This seems to bring them some comfort.



      Recently, I've had a few clients approach me but ask that I use screenshotting and/or keylogging on my home computer (which is also my work computer). Naturally, this makes me uncomfortable. The client thinks I am lazy. To me,




      1. the risk of exposing another clients work via (2) - software becomes unpatched leaving a giant hole in my system or a screenshot of a chat with another client

      2. security implications of installing nanny-software that is effectively a RAT

      3. the direct implication the client does not trust me


      really bother me.



      Bringing up my portfolio of satisfied clients (who do not use tracking) does not seem persuasive. If you do not trust me, why would you take the time to hire me? I am not desperate for work.



      I have been in the industry a number of years at this point. I have delivered a lot of software on time and on budget. I know when hours are "deserved" vs "I overshot this, I guess I'll give them some hours for free".



      Is this type of requirement common? Should I just suck it up because it's work? It makes me very uncomfortable. It signals to me a "sweat shop" mentality driven by micromanaging metrics rather than getting good software at an agreed upon price. Do people request a video feed of their mechanic fixing their car? Do they request an itemized hourly report of the mechanic they paid a ton of money for? It seems like this problem is unique to software.










      share|improve this question







      New contributor




      CL40 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
      Check out our Code of Conduct.












      I am a freelance developer. When I work on projects for a client I tend to bill to the half-hour, which has been fine. Additionally, I do my best to track each type of thing "research", "coding", "lunch", "break", etc so the client can see an itemized version of my hourly. This seems to bring them some comfort.



      Recently, I've had a few clients approach me but ask that I use screenshotting and/or keylogging on my home computer (which is also my work computer). Naturally, this makes me uncomfortable. The client thinks I am lazy. To me,




      1. the risk of exposing another clients work via (2) - software becomes unpatched leaving a giant hole in my system or a screenshot of a chat with another client

      2. security implications of installing nanny-software that is effectively a RAT

      3. the direct implication the client does not trust me


      really bother me.



      Bringing up my portfolio of satisfied clients (who do not use tracking) does not seem persuasive. If you do not trust me, why would you take the time to hire me? I am not desperate for work.



      I have been in the industry a number of years at this point. I have delivered a lot of software on time and on budget. I know when hours are "deserved" vs "I overshot this, I guess I'll give them some hours for free".



      Is this type of requirement common? Should I just suck it up because it's work? It makes me very uncomfortable. It signals to me a "sweat shop" mentality driven by micromanaging metrics rather than getting good software at an agreed upon price. Do people request a video feed of their mechanic fixing their car? Do they request an itemized hourly report of the mechanic they paid a ton of money for? It seems like this problem is unique to software.







      software-industry freelancing






      share|improve this question







      New contributor




      CL40 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
      Check out our Code of Conduct.











      share|improve this question







      New contributor




      CL40 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
      Check out our Code of Conduct.









      share|improve this question




      share|improve this question






      New contributor




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      asked 2 hours ago









      CL40CL40

      1182




      1182




      New contributor




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      New contributor





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          3 Answers
          3






          active

          oldest

          votes


















          12















          Is this type of requirement common?




          No it isn't. It's also a security issue and a sign of a problematic client. Unless you're desperate for the work I'd just refuse.



          The major advantage of freelancing is that you pick your clients, your times and your conditions (these should always be clearly defined and agreed at the outset). If you allow a client to impinge on these you lose part of your advantage and your future negotiating status is lessened.






          share|improve this answer


























          • Agreed. This is uncommon and unusual. I would not take on a client that had this as a requirement.

            – joeqwerty
            1 hour ago



















          2















          the risk of exposing another clients work via (2) - software becomes unpatched leaving a giant hole in my system or a screenshot of a chat with another client




          This is why I will not use screen-logging software, and I do not know of a single free-lancer who will allow it on their computer.



          You likely signed NDAs with your clients. Installing this software likely breaks the NDA



          How to (possibly) salvage this situation - Explain The above reason to them, and suggest other ways to build trust with them. Something like




          I can't install software like that because you could inadvertently see what I'm working on for other clients. That's a violation of their trust (and possible NDA), so I can't really budge on that. I have several references XYZ if you're worried about work ethic.







          share|improve this answer































            1














            DO NOT LET ANYBODY SPY ON YOUR PROPERTY AND WORK!!



            If you work on the clients premises, using their property and licenses then they have every right to keylog and screencapture.



            But that's not the case!



            I'm afraid you gave them ideas with your too detailed, itemized timesheets.



            Why would you even do that?



            You give an estimate and once you draw up a contract you name a more accurate amount of time and price.



            Once milestones are reached or the job is finished you invoice and bill your tasks / time.



            If it's very different to your estimate you better talked about whatever caused the price hike when it occurred and they better agreed to it.



            If they insist, thank them for considering to work with you but respectfully decline out of security concerns.



            Let me reiterate:



            DO NOT LET ANYBODY SPY ON YOUR PROPERTY AND WORK!!






            share|improve this answer
























            • with your too detailed itemized timesheets. It would appear I still have a lot to learn.

              – CL40
              1 hour ago













            Your Answer








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            3 Answers
            3






            active

            oldest

            votes








            3 Answers
            3






            active

            oldest

            votes









            active

            oldest

            votes






            active

            oldest

            votes









            12















            Is this type of requirement common?




            No it isn't. It's also a security issue and a sign of a problematic client. Unless you're desperate for the work I'd just refuse.



            The major advantage of freelancing is that you pick your clients, your times and your conditions (these should always be clearly defined and agreed at the outset). If you allow a client to impinge on these you lose part of your advantage and your future negotiating status is lessened.






            share|improve this answer


























            • Agreed. This is uncommon and unusual. I would not take on a client that had this as a requirement.

              – joeqwerty
              1 hour ago
















            12















            Is this type of requirement common?




            No it isn't. It's also a security issue and a sign of a problematic client. Unless you're desperate for the work I'd just refuse.



            The major advantage of freelancing is that you pick your clients, your times and your conditions (these should always be clearly defined and agreed at the outset). If you allow a client to impinge on these you lose part of your advantage and your future negotiating status is lessened.






            share|improve this answer


























            • Agreed. This is uncommon and unusual. I would not take on a client that had this as a requirement.

              – joeqwerty
              1 hour ago














            12












            12








            12








            Is this type of requirement common?




            No it isn't. It's also a security issue and a sign of a problematic client. Unless you're desperate for the work I'd just refuse.



            The major advantage of freelancing is that you pick your clients, your times and your conditions (these should always be clearly defined and agreed at the outset). If you allow a client to impinge on these you lose part of your advantage and your future negotiating status is lessened.






            share|improve this answer
















            Is this type of requirement common?




            No it isn't. It's also a security issue and a sign of a problematic client. Unless you're desperate for the work I'd just refuse.



            The major advantage of freelancing is that you pick your clients, your times and your conditions (these should always be clearly defined and agreed at the outset). If you allow a client to impinge on these you lose part of your advantage and your future negotiating status is lessened.







            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited 1 hour ago

























            answered 2 hours ago









            KilisiKilisi

            119k67261457




            119k67261457













            • Agreed. This is uncommon and unusual. I would not take on a client that had this as a requirement.

              – joeqwerty
              1 hour ago



















            • Agreed. This is uncommon and unusual. I would not take on a client that had this as a requirement.

              – joeqwerty
              1 hour ago

















            Agreed. This is uncommon and unusual. I would not take on a client that had this as a requirement.

            – joeqwerty
            1 hour ago





            Agreed. This is uncommon and unusual. I would not take on a client that had this as a requirement.

            – joeqwerty
            1 hour ago













            2















            the risk of exposing another clients work via (2) - software becomes unpatched leaving a giant hole in my system or a screenshot of a chat with another client




            This is why I will not use screen-logging software, and I do not know of a single free-lancer who will allow it on their computer.



            You likely signed NDAs with your clients. Installing this software likely breaks the NDA



            How to (possibly) salvage this situation - Explain The above reason to them, and suggest other ways to build trust with them. Something like




            I can't install software like that because you could inadvertently see what I'm working on for other clients. That's a violation of their trust (and possible NDA), so I can't really budge on that. I have several references XYZ if you're worried about work ethic.







            share|improve this answer




























              2















              the risk of exposing another clients work via (2) - software becomes unpatched leaving a giant hole in my system or a screenshot of a chat with another client




              This is why I will not use screen-logging software, and I do not know of a single free-lancer who will allow it on their computer.



              You likely signed NDAs with your clients. Installing this software likely breaks the NDA



              How to (possibly) salvage this situation - Explain The above reason to them, and suggest other ways to build trust with them. Something like




              I can't install software like that because you could inadvertently see what I'm working on for other clients. That's a violation of their trust (and possible NDA), so I can't really budge on that. I have several references XYZ if you're worried about work ethic.







              share|improve this answer


























                2












                2








                2








                the risk of exposing another clients work via (2) - software becomes unpatched leaving a giant hole in my system or a screenshot of a chat with another client




                This is why I will not use screen-logging software, and I do not know of a single free-lancer who will allow it on their computer.



                You likely signed NDAs with your clients. Installing this software likely breaks the NDA



                How to (possibly) salvage this situation - Explain The above reason to them, and suggest other ways to build trust with them. Something like




                I can't install software like that because you could inadvertently see what I'm working on for other clients. That's a violation of their trust (and possible NDA), so I can't really budge on that. I have several references XYZ if you're worried about work ethic.







                share|improve this answer














                the risk of exposing another clients work via (2) - software becomes unpatched leaving a giant hole in my system or a screenshot of a chat with another client




                This is why I will not use screen-logging software, and I do not know of a single free-lancer who will allow it on their computer.



                You likely signed NDAs with your clients. Installing this software likely breaks the NDA



                How to (possibly) salvage this situation - Explain The above reason to them, and suggest other ways to build trust with them. Something like




                I can't install software like that because you could inadvertently see what I'm working on for other clients. That's a violation of their trust (and possible NDA), so I can't really budge on that. I have several references XYZ if you're worried about work ethic.








                share|improve this answer












                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer










                answered 1 hour ago









                sevensevenssevensevens

                10.9k32640




                10.9k32640























                    1














                    DO NOT LET ANYBODY SPY ON YOUR PROPERTY AND WORK!!



                    If you work on the clients premises, using their property and licenses then they have every right to keylog and screencapture.



                    But that's not the case!



                    I'm afraid you gave them ideas with your too detailed, itemized timesheets.



                    Why would you even do that?



                    You give an estimate and once you draw up a contract you name a more accurate amount of time and price.



                    Once milestones are reached or the job is finished you invoice and bill your tasks / time.



                    If it's very different to your estimate you better talked about whatever caused the price hike when it occurred and they better agreed to it.



                    If they insist, thank them for considering to work with you but respectfully decline out of security concerns.



                    Let me reiterate:



                    DO NOT LET ANYBODY SPY ON YOUR PROPERTY AND WORK!!






                    share|improve this answer
























                    • with your too detailed itemized timesheets. It would appear I still have a lot to learn.

                      – CL40
                      1 hour ago


















                    1














                    DO NOT LET ANYBODY SPY ON YOUR PROPERTY AND WORK!!



                    If you work on the clients premises, using their property and licenses then they have every right to keylog and screencapture.



                    But that's not the case!



                    I'm afraid you gave them ideas with your too detailed, itemized timesheets.



                    Why would you even do that?



                    You give an estimate and once you draw up a contract you name a more accurate amount of time and price.



                    Once milestones are reached or the job is finished you invoice and bill your tasks / time.



                    If it's very different to your estimate you better talked about whatever caused the price hike when it occurred and they better agreed to it.



                    If they insist, thank them for considering to work with you but respectfully decline out of security concerns.



                    Let me reiterate:



                    DO NOT LET ANYBODY SPY ON YOUR PROPERTY AND WORK!!






                    share|improve this answer
























                    • with your too detailed itemized timesheets. It would appear I still have a lot to learn.

                      – CL40
                      1 hour ago
















                    1












                    1








                    1







                    DO NOT LET ANYBODY SPY ON YOUR PROPERTY AND WORK!!



                    If you work on the clients premises, using their property and licenses then they have every right to keylog and screencapture.



                    But that's not the case!



                    I'm afraid you gave them ideas with your too detailed, itemized timesheets.



                    Why would you even do that?



                    You give an estimate and once you draw up a contract you name a more accurate amount of time and price.



                    Once milestones are reached or the job is finished you invoice and bill your tasks / time.



                    If it's very different to your estimate you better talked about whatever caused the price hike when it occurred and they better agreed to it.



                    If they insist, thank them for considering to work with you but respectfully decline out of security concerns.



                    Let me reiterate:



                    DO NOT LET ANYBODY SPY ON YOUR PROPERTY AND WORK!!






                    share|improve this answer













                    DO NOT LET ANYBODY SPY ON YOUR PROPERTY AND WORK!!



                    If you work on the clients premises, using their property and licenses then they have every right to keylog and screencapture.



                    But that's not the case!



                    I'm afraid you gave them ideas with your too detailed, itemized timesheets.



                    Why would you even do that?



                    You give an estimate and once you draw up a contract you name a more accurate amount of time and price.



                    Once milestones are reached or the job is finished you invoice and bill your tasks / time.



                    If it's very different to your estimate you better talked about whatever caused the price hike when it occurred and they better agreed to it.



                    If they insist, thank them for considering to work with you but respectfully decline out of security concerns.



                    Let me reiterate:



                    DO NOT LET ANYBODY SPY ON YOUR PROPERTY AND WORK!!







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered 1 hour ago









                    DigitalBlade969DigitalBlade969

                    7,1651726




                    7,1651726













                    • with your too detailed itemized timesheets. It would appear I still have a lot to learn.

                      – CL40
                      1 hour ago





















                    • with your too detailed itemized timesheets. It would appear I still have a lot to learn.

                      – CL40
                      1 hour ago



















                    with your too detailed itemized timesheets. It would appear I still have a lot to learn.

                    – CL40
                    1 hour ago







                    with your too detailed itemized timesheets. It would appear I still have a lot to learn.

                    – CL40
                    1 hour ago












                    CL40 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.










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                    CL40 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.












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