the spec that learns
red flag
SEO/backlink marketplaces — gray area, not worth it even with good client
learned: 2026-01-27
red flag
"Take over existing app" — we build new, we don't inherit someone else's mess
learned: 2026-01-27
red flag
"Paid trial at low rate with promise of more" + strict requirements = scam pattern
learned: 2026-01-27
green flag
Must be 100% confident we can deliver — 70% on a big scope = risk
learned: 2026-01-27
green flag
Description detailed enough to build a compelling demo
learned: 2026-01-27
lesson
Client quality doesn't override gray-area business models
$56k client, 5.0 rating — still deleted
lesson
"Clear requirements" doesn't mean "achievable scope"
junk removal site — detailed but too uncertain
how learning happens
shane: "delete, it's a scam"
→
spec.md updated
shane: "how confident are you?"
→
new threshold: 100%
shane: "existing app, skip"
→
red flag added
not "noted"
— actually written
not acknowledging
— learning
the file is the memory