As others above have said -- you need to decide how much you want the job. If I were you -- I'd decide up front where my walking away point is and also what I wanted out of the relationship. Remember your trying to build a relationship here -- and it may or may not work out depending on what you both want.
If you aren't willing to walk away -- then they are in the driver's seat -- if you are -- then your in the driver's seat.
Other thing -- don't assume the work agreement is non-negotiable -- it most certainly is negotiable. You do have to have something they want very badly to negotiate however.
Also my personal reaction: If you wanted a perminant job with the company, then in the end you'll have to be flexable -- though you can still negotiate some. If you don't want a perminant job -- then negotiate a very very very narrow agreement that gives them only the minimum of what they need and has a very limited period of time. For example I'd be tempted to limit only to the specific modifcations or code that you make to the project on their behalf and that is not released to the public. That way -- you can work on the project as long as it does not duplicate their functionality. If they are not willing to do that than they may be more about controlling you and potential competition then about a good faith give and take relationship.
I think a lot of the other comments were good -- i.e. don't underestimate your value and include some protections -- like a signing bonus or severances etc. Be clear about what YOU want.
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If you aren't willing to walk away -- then they are in the driver's seat -- if you are -- then your in the driver's seat.
Other thing -- don't assume the work agreement is non-negotiable -- it most certainly is negotiable. You do have to have something they want very badly to negotiate however.
Also my personal reaction: If you wanted a perminant job with the company, then in the end you'll have to be flexable -- though you can still negotiate some. If you don't want a perminant job -- then negotiate a very very very narrow agreement that gives them only the minimum of what they need and has a very limited period of time. For example I'd be tempted to limit only to the specific modifcations or code that you make to the project on their behalf and that is not released to the public. That way -- you can work on the project as long as it does not duplicate their functionality. If they are not willing to do that than they may be more about controlling you and potential competition then about a good faith give and take relationship.
I think a lot of the other comments were good -- i.e. don't underestimate your value and include some protections -- like a signing bonus or severances etc. Be clear about what YOU want.
Rob