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by gk1 3931 days ago
That's a strange way to look at it.

It shows gratitude, explains the decision in a straightforward manner, provides helpful referrals, and keeps the bridge intact.

Do you have another option?

2 comments

gk1, that's more or less what I was shooting for when I wrote and refined it. I'm glad you see it that way! At the same time, I wonder if nxb has tuned in to some tone-deafness that I can't see in the text.

That said, this template has worked like gangbusters. People have even gone away and come back later, having cleaned up their act, and ended up working with me.

A moody client could see it as insulting to their plans or project.
You're right, a moody client could. That said, I don't live my life or run my business walking on eggshells, concerned with what the moody might do or say or think. I don't recommend anyone else do so, either.

When I craft interactions, I do so using a "reasonable client" standard, not a "moody client" standard. I can bear no responsibility for whatever negative interpretation a moody client may choose to assign to my words.

My responsibility as a professional is to communicate in a clean, honest, and not-tone-deaf manner. Now, if I fail on any of those three points, that's on me, for certain. And when I deliver a piece of communication that comes up "green lights" on those three points, it's on the recipient if they have a negative emotional reaction.

Someone pasting that template to a client is doing the opposite of "honest" communication :)
I disagree. For whatever reason - the tech, the client, etc - the project is a bad fit. The e-mail says so as politely as possible, and moves on.

Looks like you & me are from different planets perspective-wise, my friend. :)