What Being Ripped Off Taught Me
6 hours ago
- #client-exploitation
- #freelance-lessons
- #augmented-reality
- Author joined an AR bus tour project in Beijing in Spring 2024 after a referral, despite initial red flags about the team's secrecy on their approach.
- Found the project in disarray: no version control, naive AR implementation with technical oversights like unaddressed lens distortion and flipped gyroscopes, and poor hardware setup in dusty, hot conditions.
- Attempted to provide solutions like measuring lens intrinsics, implementing color science, and introducing version control, but was often overridden to focus on flashy, ineffective features for client reviews.
- Worked extensively under harsh conditions with personal equipment, suffered physically, and missed family time, all while being underpaid and ultimately not receiving the owed $35k despite legal efforts.
- Key learnings included that some clients may be beyond help, contracts can be unenforceable, and it's crucial to trust one's instincts to avoid similar pitfalls in the future.