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Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about
our services. If you don't find the answers you need here, please send us email
or call us at 336-725-4549. Our Research
Services page includes information on our interview and agreement
process.
Q. Why should I hire someone to do research when I can
search the Internet myself?
A. Because by using my services you'll get better and
more comprehensive information faster and at a lower cost than you
would by attempting to locate the information yourself.
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Finding background information on a topic is more
complex and time consuming than imagined
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Searching the Internet
to find exactly the information needed and evaluating the credibility of
the information found on a particular web site is time consuming.
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You will spend more time doing the research when you can
be writing.
Q. Can't I get my local librarian to do my
research for free?
A. Yes, if it's a straight-forward question. Librarians do
not have the staff or time to perform the in-depth research needed. At
best they can point you in the right direction on the Internet or
assist in finding the basic information of a subject to get you
started.
Q. I am not an author. Do you only
work with fiction/non-fiction/magazine authors?
A. I will work with anyone who needs
information retrieval services. I specialize in research for authors but
will talk with anyone who needs assistance with projects and can benefit
from our knowledge and resources.
Q. How long will it take to complete
my research project?
A. That depends on the nature and scope of the project,
my current workload, whether or not you make any changes during the project,
and other factors. If your project is time-critical, tell us during the
initial interview. I can normally accommodate reasonable deadlines. If it
happens that you have a short deadline and I have a heavy current workload,
I may be able to accommodate you, although rush charges may apply. Note
that I never arbitrarily delay delivery of the results to you. For example,
if you have a short project and I happen to have some free time, you may
get the results the same day, but I won't charge a rush premium simply
because we happen to have delivered the results quickly.
Q. How much will it cost?
A. Once again, that depends on many factors, including the
nature and scope of the project, the depth and comprehensiveness of the
results you want, the cost of any on-line databases and other resources I
may use to locate information for you, and so on. During the initial
interview, I can discuss what information you need and how much you are
willing to pay for it. I can generally give you a pretty good idea of the
likely costs involved before beginning the project. If for some reason I find after starting the project that it is likely to have a final cost much
higher than estimated, we will contact you and discuss how best to proceed.
Ultimately, you decide how much you are willing to spend.
Many clients specify a do-not-exceed cost.
Q. Can you describe a typical
research and the results you provide?
A. Sure, although there is obviously a great deal of variation
between projects. Here's what a typical (although wholly imaginary) project
request might look like:
"I am working on a novel set in late 19th-Century
London, in which a major character is a photographer and a collector of
photographs. Several plot elements will require that I understand the
history and basic technical issues pertaining to early photographic processes
and methods. At a cost not to exceed
$1,000, please produce a report that includes books, web pages, and articles
about the history of photography during this time period".
A sample report
is available for viewing. Books listed as no longer in print we would try track down a copy and provide
it to the client or check to see if it is available at their local public
library if the client wished us to do so.
Q. What if I have just "one quick
question"?
A. That depends on what you mean by "quick".
Call us at 336-748-9867 with your question. If I can answer it without
doing any actual research, I will do so without charge as a service to clients
and potential clients. For questions that require two hours' work or less I charge a flat rate.
Q. I'm concerned about confidentiality. Will you sign a
non-disclosure agreement?
A. No. The nature of my work makes it
impractical for us to sign such agreements, both because they might restrict
my ability to do work for other clients and because such agreements must be
evaluated individually by my attorney, which is expensive and
time-consuming. As a matter of policy, I do not disclose to any third party
any information you provide to me, except as may be necessary to complete your
research project, unless I am forced to do so by court order. If you have specific concerns about confidentiality
for some or all aspects of your project, please tell me about them during
the initial interview so that I can avoid unintentionally compromising
confidentiality (for example, by subcontracting work to another researcher
that you would prefer I do in-house).
I support the code of ethics
established by Association of
Independent Information Professionals of which we are a member.
Q. What happens if I'm not satisfied
with what you send me?
A. I have never had an unhappy client, and
I will do everything I can to make sure I never have one. If a problem does arise,
I ask that you
tell me as soon
as possible so that I can correct the problem. If you are
still dissatisfied, I will refund any payment you have made to me and waive
the remaining balance. I've been asked if people don't take advantage of
this policy. The answer is no, both because most people are honest, and
because competent researchers are hard to find.
Updated: Friday, 04 May 2001
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