Damn, Julie, you're a good writer!

Everybody else: a bit touchy, aren't we?

In reference to the time it takes to do a job and how that relates to repeat jobs: I do not believe that the first client to have something programmed will every pay what it took to program it. And if the SAME system is done again, the charge to that client will be higher than what it took to do it the second time by basically copying. This is correct. Maybe if the programmer does ten identical systems, those later systems, with lower cost for only some parts, but prices as high as the first one, will end up paying the programmer. As Alan implies, though, probably not.

That said, it's truly sad how seldom it is that different systems resemble one another. The client also needs to be educated to the fact that EVERY system is unique. We've tried a few times to develop today's cookie-cutter system and the client never goes for it.

It's always something.