• Sat in East London in brilliant sunshine, wishing I was running as it is Marathon day. But got other business to do at the Olympic Test #

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I am looking to replace my existing car. I have narrowed it down to a Ford.

So off I go on Saturday to engage with the local Ford dealers. During my travels I visit a leading Ford dealer in Edinburgh, they show me the car, it looks like it will do the job.

So now off to do the deal. We discuss the list price, but for me the key is how much will I have to pay. The essential element being the value they attribute to my existing chariot.

This is when the rub comes, they want me to place an order for a vehicle, however as Ford do not carry as much stock nowadays it will be a factory order. They then explain that they will not value my vehicle until I pick up the vehicle I am ordering. Hence I have no idea what I will be paying until the vehicle arrives.

The conversation ends! I have now ordered a vehicle from one of their competitors!

Whilst retelling this story to a chap today, he tell me of his experience.
He walks into an Audi dealer, he sees the car on the showroom floor that he falls in love with. It has a price tag, he is happy to pay it. He tells the salesman that he has the money, can he take it home.

The salesman informs him that a condition of his contract with Audi is that he must carry all popular models in stock, hence he cannot sell it.
The conversation ends and this chaps buys a Range Rover.

These two sales alone amount to £60,000 of lost sales to two companies in a sector that has really struggled in the recession. Are your salesman this good!

• Saved 30% on a holiday by paying 3 children as adults! #

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• #BA bought duty free madrid confiscated Heathrow by security. Apparently cannot take on connection #BA won't check it in Won't fly #BA again #
• #BA bought items again at Heathrow, see if they get confiscated again! Still appalled with #BA service! #
• @TaniaMPaterson it is not clear that you cannot buy duty free liquids at the airport. Why do they sell wines, perfumes if they can't fly #

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• #BA bought duty free madrid confiscated Heathrow by security. Apparently cannot take on connection #BA won't check it in Won't fly #BA again #
• #BA bought items again at Heathrow, see if they get confiscated again! Still appalled with #BA service! #
• @TaniaMPaterson it is not clear that you cannot buy duty free liquids at the airport. Why do they sell wines, perfumes if they can't fly #

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• Watch out for directory listing confirmation in mail. Asks you to confirm details are right. Small print – pay for one copy at 1000Euro #

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• Fingerprint-checking phone patent http://t.co/G9fwgk5y #

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• Fingerprint-checking phone patent http://t.co/G9fwgk5y #

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• Has anyone come across Movex ERP? #
• Has anyone got recent experience of Actinic? #
• @patchworksally Sorry to hear that. My client has gone with Actinic for the wrong reasons. Designer never worked with it before – total mess #
• @richmbrady Both. Client has gone with Actinic because a staff member had a friend – you know the story! It is a mess and need to unravel. #
• @sevendotzero recommendations / pros and cons vs say Magento and similar products #

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We have just completed a concept / software requirements specification for a client. The design automates a process that currently is extremely laborious.

All over the specification I have put confidentiality notices. I have now passed the final version of the specification to my client for feedback and approval.

After a couple of days I follow up and my client is not sure why I have put confidentiality statements on the document, after all we both know what is in it.

He then mentions that he is thinking of running the specification past a few friends in the industry to get their view.

This is exactly the problem I foresaw. If the process is implemented, then in some aspects it will be obvious what we are doing, however it will not be clear how we have done it.

The specification gives a clear description of every nuance.

Additionally any software developer who was asked to quote for the work will know the the full detail.
Finally whoever eventually develops the solution would potentially be able to sell it to the highest bidder!

So think about who you tell and under what conditions and be happy that you trust their integrity. There is no surefire solution, but if you are thinking about it at least you are part way there!

And don’t forget an IP assignment!