jerchapman.com / python-assessment

The Python Assessment

(No, not that Python.)

This isn't a bit. Well, it's a bit. But it's also just how I work.

I don't give bad advice to make people feel better. I've lost contracts for it.
I enforce passwords people hate. I point out problems nobody asked me to look for.
I tell you when you don't need something.

The three options below exist because honesty has a spectrum.
Pick yours.

"Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a website architecture."

Choose your fate, brave knight.

Honesty is optional. The price isn't.

The Real One

The Python Assessment

"None shall pass. Also, your SSL expired."

An unfiltered critique of your website. Not "here are some areas for improvement" — an actual assessment of what's wrong, why it's wrong, and what it's costing you.

  • Your website — every layer
  • Your privacy policy (you probably have none)
  • Your cookie consent (it's probably not blocking anything)
  • Your passwords and security practices
  • Your documentation — I will find the paragraph that still says "Company Name Here"
  • Whatever else you have the courage to show me

I have seen privacy policies still in Times New Roman. I have seen cookie banners that set 47 trackers before the user can decline. I will tell you what every developer you've hired was too polite to say.

from $597 Could be more — depends on what we find. If your last developer left a mess, you'll find out why this costs what it costs. Enquire about the Assessment →

"This is an ex-website." — What I may conclude. This is not therapy. Your website's feelings will be hurt. Comes with complimentary existential crisis about your brand.

The Gentle One

The Diplomatic Assessment

"I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition. Neither did your site's security."

The same honest findings. Delivered in the manner of a doctor with bad news — carefully, respectfully, with appropriate pauses for you to process.

  • Everything in the Python Assessment
  • Written with compassion and context
  • No unnecessary dramatics
  • Framed around solutions, not just problems
  • Suitable for sharing with a board or a founder who built the site themselves

For people who want the truth, but need it in a form that won't cause a scene at the next board meeting. The findings are identical. The delivery is considerably gentler.

from $697 Same scope as the Python Assessment. Kinder words cost a little more — tact takes time, and the report needs to survive a board meeting. Enquire about the Diplomatic Version →

Nobody expects the Diplomatic Assessment. But here it is.

The Comfortable Lie

The Glow-Up

"Your website is not dead. It is resting."

For a premium fee, I will tell you your website is absolutely wonderful. Stunning, really. A masterpiece of modern web design. Your competitors must be devastated.

I will say this with complete conviction and provide a written certificate.

  • One (1) glowing written assessment
  • Extensive use of words like "visionary," "seamless," and "on-brand"
  • No mention of the 47 plugin conflicts, the 2009-era jQuery, or the missing SSL
  • Official certificate, suitable for framing
  • Signed by the Ministry of Silly Websites
  • My personal assurance that everything is fine
$997 Fixed price. Lies don't scale with complexity. The Knights Who Say Ni have been consulted. Enquire about the Glow-Up →

Results are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to actual website quality is coincidental. Jer accepts no responsibility for the warm feelings this document may cause. "African or European hosting?" — This question will not be answered. If you actually want to know what's wrong, see The Python Assessment above.

Most developers run a cheese shop.

Beautiful website. Confident pitch. Completely out of cheese.

"Can you handle my server?" I'm afraid we're fresh out.
"Do you know anything about email deliverability?" Not as such, no.
"Can you set up WireGuard?" Funny you should ask...
"What about database optimisation?" We've, uh, just been clearing that out actually.
"3DS payment gateway integration?" No.
"PCI compliance assessment?" I think the van's just left.
"Can you set up a VPN-gated intranet?" It's on order.
"Crypto payment gateway with direct wallet checking?" Ah. No.
"Can you handle my server, my security, my email, my DNS, my database, and actually reply when something breaks?" Yes. We have cheese.

I am not running a cheese shop.

Watch the sketch — it’s about your last developer.

Security is more important
than slight annoyance.

I enforce good passwords that people hate. I point out things nobody asked me to look for. I tell you when you don't need something you're about to spend money on. I have lost contracts for being too honest.

That's why The Glow-Up exists. For everyone else: the truth is right there at the top of the page.

"We apologise for the fault in the assessments. Those responsible have been sacked."

Man: (Knock)
Mr. Vibrating: Come in.
Man: Ah, Is this the right room for an argument?
Mr. Vibrating: I told you once.
Man: No you haven't.
Mr. Vibrating: Yes I have.
Man: When?
Mr. Vibrating: Just now.
Man: No you didn't.
Mr. Vibrating: Yes I did.
Man: You didn't
Mr. Vibrating: I did!
Man: You didn't!
Mr. Vibrating: I'm telling you I did!
Man: You did not!!
Mr. Vibrating: Oh, I'm sorry, just one moment. Is this a five minute argument or the full half hour?

Which one are you booking?

Tell me your URL and which assessment you want. I'll take a quick look, give you an honest scope and price, and we go from there. If you're not sure which one fits, say so — I'll tell you.