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		<title><![CDATA[ForumTotal.com - Freelancing Jobs, Tips & Client Management]]></title>
		<link>https://forumtotal.com/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ForumTotal.com - https://forumtotal.com]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:13:18 +0000</pubDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[What’s the best way to push back on perpetual license terms in a contract?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/what%E2%80%99s-the-best-way-to-push-back-on-perpetual-license-terms-in-a-contract</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:29:46 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=2449">Samuel_A</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/what%E2%80%99s-the-best-way-to-push-back-on-perpetual-license-terms-in-a-contract</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I just had a potential client ask me to sign a contract that includes a perpetual license for the work I do, but they’re only paying a one-time project fee. It feels like I’m giving up all future rights and control for a single payment, which doesn’t seem right for something like a branding package they might use forever. Has anyone else dealt with this and pushed back on the terms?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I just had a potential client ask me to sign a contract that includes a perpetual license for the work I do, but they’re only paying a one-time project fee. It feels like I’m giving up all future rights and control for a single payment, which doesn’t seem right for something like a branding package they might use forever. Has anyone else dealt with this and pushed back on the terms?]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[What should i include in a retainer agreement to cover monthly work?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-should-i-include-in-a-retainer-agreement-to-cover-monthly-work</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:57:14 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1167">DanielT</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-should-i-include-in-a-retainer-agreement-to-cover-monthly-work</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I’ve had a client ask me to switch from a fixed project fee to a retainer agreement, and I’m not sure how to structure it fairly. My main worry is figuring out what specific tasks and hours are included each month without ending up overworked for that flat rate.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I’ve had a client ask me to switch from a fixed project fee to a retainer agreement, and I’m not sure how to structure it fairly. My main worry is figuring out what specific tasks and hours are included each month without ending up overworked for that flat rate.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Should i sign a contract that claims ownership of my source code and designs?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-sign-a-contract-that-claims-ownership-of-my-source-code-and-designs</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:24:36 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=579">Jerry38</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-sign-a-contract-that-claims-ownership-of-my-source-code-and-designs</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I just had a client ask me to sign a contract with a clause that says they own all my working files, including source code and raw design assets, for a flat project fee. I’m used to handing over final deliverables, but this feels like they’re trying to buy my entire process and toolkit for future use. Has anyone else run into this kind of broad IP grab, and how did you handle the conversation about retaining ownership of your methods?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I just had a client ask me to sign a contract with a clause that says they own all my working files, including source code and raw design assets, for a flat project fee. I’m used to handing over final deliverables, but this feels like they’re trying to buy my entire process and toolkit for future use. Has anyone else run into this kind of broad IP grab, and how did you handle the conversation about retaining ownership of your methods?]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[What should i look for in a work-for-hire clause to protect my copyright?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-should-i-look-for-in-a-work-for-hire-clause-to-protect-my-copyright</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:51:15 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=2428">GaryM</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-should-i-look-for-in-a-work-for-hire-clause-to-protect-my-copyright</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I just had a potential client ask me to sign a contract that includes a clause about "work for hire." I’ve always owned the copyright to my design work, and this has me worried about losing that ownership completely. Has anyone navigated this before?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I just had a potential client ask me to sign a contract that includes a clause about "work for hire." I’ve always owned the copyright to my design work, and this has me worried about losing that ownership completely. Has anyone navigated this before?]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Should i renegotiate my contract when scope creeps beyond the fixed price?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-renegotiate-my-contract-when-scope-creeps-beyond-the-fixed-price</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:21:14 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=754">Eleanor.R</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-renegotiate-my-contract-when-scope-creeps-beyond-the-fixed-price</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I’ve been working with a client for almost a year, and the scope of the project has slowly crept far beyond our original agreement. I’m hesitant to bring up renegotiating the contract because they’re a great client otherwise, but I’m effectively doing a much larger job for the original fixed price.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I’ve been working with a client for almost a year, and the scope of the project has slowly crept far beyond our original agreement. I’m hesitant to bring up renegotiating the contract because they’re a great client otherwise, but I’m effectively doing a much larger job for the original fixed price.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[What should I do about starting work before a signed contract?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-should-i-do-about-starting-work-before-a-signed-contract</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:57:18 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1807">VioletYB</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-should-i-do-about-starting-work-before-a-signed-contract</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I’ve had a client ask me to start working before the contract is finalized, saying the paperwork is “just a formality.” They seem trustworthy, but I’m worried about scope creep or not getting paid for this initial work. Has anyone else faced this push to begin without that signed agreement in place?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I’ve had a client ask me to start working before the contract is finalized, saying the paperwork is “just a formality.” They seem trustworthy, but I’m worried about scope creep or not getting paid for this initial work. Has anyone else faced this push to begin without that signed agreement in place?]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[What are the red flags in a freelance contract with a perpetual license?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-are-the-red-flags-in-a-freelance-contract-with-a-perpetual-license</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 22:03:08 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1075">Alexander_P</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-are-the-red-flags-in-a-freelance-contract-with-a-perpetual-license</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I just had a potential client ask me to sign a contract that includes a perpetual license for the work, but they’re only paying the project fee once. This feels off, like they could reuse my designs for any future product line without ever paying me again. Has anyone else dealt with this kind of licensing clause in a freelance agreement?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I just had a potential client ask me to sign a contract that includes a perpetual license for the work, but they’re only paying the project fee once. This feels off, like they could reuse my designs for any future product line without ever paying me again. Has anyone else dealt with this kind of licensing clause in a freelance agreement?]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Why start work before a signed contract is risky?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/why-start-work-before-a-signed-contract-is-risky</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:32:59 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1256">Joshua12</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/why-start-work-before-a-signed-contract-is-risky</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I just had a potential client ask me to start work before the contract is finalized, saying their legal team is slow but they need to hit the ground running. They're promising to backdate the agreement, but I'm worried about scope creep and payment without that signed document in place. Has anyone else navigated this push to begin before the dotted line?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I just had a potential client ask me to start work before the contract is finalized, saying their legal team is slow but they need to hit the ground running. They're promising to backdate the agreement, but I'm worried about scope creep and payment without that signed document in place. Has anyone else navigated this push to begin before the dotted line?]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[What should I do about an upfront rights grab in a contract?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-should-i-do-about-an-upfront-rights-grab-in-a-contract</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:55:03 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1558">AbigailMT</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-should-i-do-about-an-upfront-rights-grab-in-a-contract</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I just had a potential client ask me to sign a contract with a clause that says they own all preliminary ideas and drafts, even if they don't hire me in the end. I’ve never seen such broad language about work-for-hire before a project even starts, and it’s making me hesitate to send back my counter. Has anyone else run into this kind of upfront rights grab during the negotiation phase?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I just had a potential client ask me to sign a contract with a clause that says they own all preliminary ideas and drafts, even if they don't hire me in the end. I’ve never seen such broad language about work-for-hire before a project even starts, and it’s making me hesitate to send back my counter. Has anyone else run into this kind of upfront rights grab during the negotiation phase?]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[What should I watch out for with perpetual licenses in a freelance contract?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-should-i-watch-out-for-with-perpetual-licenses-in-a-freelance-contract</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:02:54 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1620">Scott_M</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-should-i-watch-out-for-with-perpetual-licenses-in-a-freelance-contract</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I just had a potential client ask me to sign a contract that includes a perpetual license for the work, but they’re only paying the project fee once. This feels off, like they could reuse my designs for unlimited future products without any additional compensation to me. Has anyone else navigated this kind of licensing clause in a freelance agreement?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I just had a potential client ask me to sign a contract that includes a perpetual license for the work, but they’re only paying the project fee once. This feels off, like they could reuse my designs for unlimited future products without any additional compensation to me. Has anyone else navigated this kind of licensing clause in a freelance agreement?]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[How can i handle a client asking to start work before a signed contract?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/how-can-i-handle-a-client-asking-to-start-work-before-a-signed-contract</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:26:59 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=2039">Matthew_S</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/how-can-i-handle-a-client-asking-to-start-work-before-a-signed-contract</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I just had a potential client ask me to start working before the contract is finalized, saying the paperwork is "just a formality." I’m worried that agreeing to this could leave me unprotected if there’s a dispute over the scope or payment later. How do you all handle these requests to begin work without a signed agreement in place?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I just had a potential client ask me to start working before the contract is finalized, saying the paperwork is "just a formality." I’m worried that agreeing to this could leave me unprotected if there’s a dispute over the scope or payment later. How do you all handle these requests to begin work without a signed agreement in place?]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Should I sign a contract that gives clients ownership of unused sketches?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-sign-a-contract-that-gives-clients-ownership-of-unused-sketches</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:05:15 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1035">LaylaP</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-sign-a-contract-that-gives-clients-ownership-of-unused-sketches</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I just had a potential client ask me to sign a contract that includes a clause saying they own all the preliminary sketches and discarded concepts from our project. I’ve never seen this level of ownership over my unused work before, and I’m not sure if this is a standard thing I should just accept or a major red flag for my creative process.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I just had a potential client ask me to sign a contract that includes a clause saying they own all the preliminary sketches and discarded concepts from our project. I’ve never seen this level of ownership over my unused work before, and I’m not sure if this is a standard thing I should just accept or a major red flag for my creative process.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[How should i handle a contract with a perpetual license for client work?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/how-should-i-handle-a-contract-with-a-perpetual-license-for-client-work</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:37:29 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1080">Michael.J</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/how-should-i-handle-a-contract-with-a-perpetual-license-for-client-work</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I just had a client ask me to sign a contract that includes a perpetual license for the work I deliver. I’ve never agreed to that before, and I’m not sure if it’s a standard request or if I’m locking myself out of future revenue from that design.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I just had a client ask me to sign a contract that includes a perpetual license for the work I deliver. I’ve never agreed to that before, and I’m not sure if it’s a standard request or if I’m locking myself out of future revenue from that design.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[What should i do about a year-long non-compete in a client contract?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-should-i-do-about-a-year-long-non-compete-in-a-client-contract</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:10:24 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1374">Jonathan.T</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-should-i-do-about-a-year-long-non-compete-in-a-client-contract</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I just had a potential client ask me to sign a contract that includes a non-compete clause, saying I can't work with any other businesses in their industry for a full year after our project ends. I'm a solo web developer and that industry is a huge part of my client base, so agreeing feels like it could really box me in. Has anyone else navigated this, and how did you handle the negotiation?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I just had a potential client ask me to sign a contract that includes a non-compete clause, saying I can't work with any other businesses in their industry for a full year after our project ends. I'm a solo web developer and that industry is a huge part of my client base, so agreeing feels like it could really box me in. Has anyone else navigated this, and how did you handle the negotiation?]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Should I push back on a one-year non-compete in a client contract?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-push-back-on-a-one-year-non-compete-in-a-client-contract</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:41:24 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1461">OliverT</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-push-back-on-a-one-year-non-compete-in-a-client-contract</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I’ve just had a potential client ask me to sign a contract that includes a non-compete clause, saying I can’t work with any other businesses in their industry for a full year after our project ends. I’m a solo designer and that industry is a huge part of my income, so this feels really restrictive, but they’re a great client otherwise. Has anyone else been in this spot and decided whether to push back?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I’ve just had a potential client ask me to sign a contract that includes a non-compete clause, saying I can’t work with any other businesses in their industry for a full year after our project ends. I’m a solo designer and that industry is a huge part of my income, so this feels really restrictive, but they’re a great client otherwise. Has anyone else been in this spot and decided whether to push back?]]></content:encoded>
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