[michaelochurch]

You'd probably know more about that world. In your opinion, are these consultants more like corporate employees (in terms of demanding managerial investment in their careers, and slacking or leaving if they don't get it) or are they more like independent consultants (who'll do a nasty project if the hourly rate is high)?

[Schwolop]

I'm in that world right now. Most here are like corporate employees, with a few exceptions. In most cases people _will_ do a nasty project to help the company, because in the past the company has turned away the nasty projects even when they looked profitable, because they were more interested in slower growth of interesting work than quick money from boring work. When that boring work becomes necessary, people are prepared to do it on the assumption that there'll be interesting stuff around the corner. So, here at least, the trust flows both ways, and that's a great thing. (edit: since I'm replying to you Michael, it's probably worth stating that in your terminology I'm currently working in a "guild" environment, and that's rare enough that my experience is probably the exception not the norm.)