Hook, Line and Thinker

Issue 20

Hiring a Web Developer... in 1393

I recently came across an interesting book with some timeless advice for people who need to hire subcontractors (including website developers!).

Surprisingly, the book was written in 1393 (that's not a typo). It's a modern translation of a manuscript written as advice for a very young bride (15) about household help, but it still holds up today. Here is some of the advice, verbatim:

". . . Always bargain with them before they start the work, so there won't be any argument afterward. What usually happens, though, is that they don't want to bargain but are ready to forge ahead with the job without coming to an agreement. They say so sweetly: "Sir, it is nothing, it is not necessary; you will pay me well, and I will be satisfied with whatever you decide." When the job is done they will say: "Sir, there was more work than I thought. There was this and that to do, and a lot of running around." And they will not agree to the payment and will shout ugly and mean words. Therefore do not put them to work, or let anyone else put them to work, without bargaining first. . . It is better to dicker with them evenly and plainly beforehand to avoid any dispute.

". . . Have inquiries made about how those you want to employ conduct and have conducted themselves toward others. Also, have nothing to do with people who talk back or are arrogant, haughty, mocking or insolent -- no matter what benefit or advantage you see in them or how good a bargain they would make with you. Send them away from you and your work graciously and calmly. For if they begin you will not escape without slander or strife. Because of this, have . . . helpers who are peaceful and good natured, and pay them more.

". . . and do the accounts and pay often, without allowing long credit to build up either by tally or on paper. Although tally or account books are better than always relying on memory, for the creditors always imagine more and the debtors less, and from this are born disputes, grudges and foul reproaches. Have your good creditors paid willingly and often what they are owed, and be kind to them so they don't change toward you, for it is not always possible to get truly peaceable people again.

". . . Be aware of those . . . who are out of work, there are many who come forward, present themselves, and urgently seek [employment]. Don't take any of these without first knowing where they lived before [and] about their character -- how long they were there, what work they did and know how to do. . . through their past work you will find out what confidence or trust you may have in their future work."

Pretty timely, for 600 year old advice, eh? In case you're interested, the book is: "A Medieval Home Companion: Housekeeping in the Fourteenth Century." Translated and edited by Tania Bayard. It's a charming book written with a lot of affection and a fascinating glimpse into daily life in another era.

U.S. Library of Congress ISSN: 1530-311X.