Name: Chris Klemmer, 58
Title: The Graphic Word
Location: San Jose, California
Years as an Independent Contractor: 20

1. What kind of independent contractor/freelancer are you?
I started out writing hard-copy computer hardware and software manuals and am now using my writing skills and computer experience to develop and fix Web sites.

2. What (or who) pushed you to go solo?
Ah, I remember it well. I was working as a captive technical writer for a company called ITEL and was quite content. When ITEL decided to get out of the mainframe-computer leasing business, it began laying off employees. I could see my number coming up very soon, so I went back to the recruiter who had found my current job for me. He tried to find me a permanent job, but instead he gave me the lead on a contract position. I quickly formed my own company and went to work. I liked consulting so much, that five years later, I joined with my current business partner and together we established The Graphic Word.

3. At what point did you realize that you could actually make a living on your own?
From the beginning I have been able to make a living as a contractor.

4. What's the biggest mistake you've made to date?
The mistake I made often in the beginning -- and it still sometimes catches me unawares -- is not reading between the lines as to what the job really is. For example, is there really a service or a product to produce or is the client just fishing for free information?

5. Tell us about your most memorable contract.
Most of my contracts have been interesting, but one recent job comes to mind as being particularly fun because of the product and the people working on the product. The company is Connectix. I was documenting software to create and send greeting cards and photo albums online. To test the product, I used the beta version and sent cards and photos to my Internet family. It certainly was a hit with my online recipients.

6. What has working solo meant to you personally?
Working solo has not really changed my life because I have worked solo longer than I have as a captive employee. So I would have to say that this is my way of working.