[MattPalmer1086]

We both agree that negotiating well is a good idea for everyone, whether employee or consultant.

I'm merely saying that negotiating based on a value that doesn't apply to your market will probably not be an effective strategy.

Take all the risk you want, just don't take them based on evidence that doesn't apply to you.

[motohagiography]

that's the crux of the disagreement, convincing people they can't get consulting jobs and are therefore not comparable. it's a gambit that maybe filters for agreeableness at best.

If this were a negotiation between us, and even though I've got other sources of data for framing the discussion, trying to disqualify a comparison with just persistence is a sign of poor faith. I would have walked (and have walked in similar situations) a few comments back. Your BATNA would have been to get the next more agreeable person, my BATNA is based on being able to afford principle, and this market would have settled on someone who delivers value at a level more appropriate to your needs.

[MattPalmer1086]

I have no desire to convince people they can't get consulting jobs. Why would you think that?

I'm only saying that people should negotiate based on data that actually applies to what they're after.

But I'm repeating myself, and I don't understand where you are coming from.