I think you make a good point. Even when I do legal research (which is paid for by the hour), I tell the prospective client (an attorney or paralegal), "I charge x dollars an hour." I have a written contract that we both sign. And yes, I do side work for a firm or two. At the end of the year, each firm will give me a 1099 so I can file my taxes in a proper manner. But I always tell them what I charge. If they want to hire me, fine. If not, that's okay, too, but I will not let others dictate my rates.
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