It’s quite an old discussion but I’m also looking for such a script for the very same reason, regardless of the moral considerations.

Thought, I’d add one item berfore the other actions : the first step should be to delete Text Variables (and replace them with text).

Otherwise, the Text Variables based on a text or paragraph style will be broken.

Probably better to explain this at the outset so your client knows where you stand.

So using an “exclusive” font is in no means a guarantee, especially as most people don’t look at fonts the way we do (“Oh the shape of that A is just awesome, and look how nicely spaced everything is!” vs. “Yep, that’ll do.”)

One reason I can think of for doing this, besides supplying the job back to the client, is sometimes I receive files for a redesign job or a start-over. And more often than not, the people who’ve originated the job don’t have the first clue about how to create the job properly in InDesign… So it’s nice for me to be able to strip-out any bad habits they may have applied to any text and objects etc and be safe in the knowledge that I’m working on a clean-build.

To use an analogy, it’s like if you were building a house, you’d ideally start on fresh ground so that you can ensure your foundations are exactly as you need them, then build-up from there – knowing that any poor workmanship has been removed!!!

That’s my thoughts anyway!

Pete

Perhaps one reason for using fonts from exclusive (read expensive) foundries in your designs is to encourage clients to stick with you, rather than having to pay extra for another designer to purchase the fonts.

We once leased software for the deployment of our website through a small company. It was a huge amount of work setting everything up and before I agreed to the terms my first question was “What if you go out of business?’ They actually had a clause in the contract that said if the company folded the software would be given to the clients so they could continue to operate their websites. If I recall it was some sort of Escrow arrangement.

I think that David gives the best advice in saying spell this all out up front. Many clients may not have a clue how the process works and what is SOP. A good business person will make things clear up front. Many people may assume the files come with the job just as they assume when you buy a car it comes with the tires. Make it clear, up front, and don’t hide it.

In you case I would make sure up front that the contract clearly states the deliverable for the design is the design (probably delivered as a low res PDF) and not an InDesign template file, and that the client is well aware of this. These are actually two different functions as the design file is probably not a full template with organized styles and master pages ready for production and takes additional time to set up. This way if they do just want the templates then you can charge them for your time and knowledge in creating those.

Also I would not give a cut rate or free on the design, a well thought out design takes a lot of time to do right, and so does creating a production template. If you were to do this then make sure that the contract states a minimum number of layouts (so that you can make up for your lost wages) that they have to have you create, explaining to them that you have bills to pay and cannot give away your work for free.

After approved layout-design and first published magazine made by me, same customer starts to ask original indd-files from me. That is the point where I usually understand that I have lost the game. The big questions is, do I want to make a job little bit easier for the next guy. This whole situation is probably not his/her fault anyway…. I didn´t send original files.

I didnt see any reasonable way to get those promised jobs to me. I took it as a price for learning something. After those cases I have not made any cheap designs.