Terms of Service
Effective date: September 1, 2026
These terms cover consulting services provided by r.blackman ("we," "us," or "r.blackman"). Using this site or booking a consultation means you agree to them. Specific engagements may also be covered by a separate written agreement, which takes precedence over these terms where the two conflict.
Free consultation
The initial 20-minute consultation is free and carries no obligation to continue. Its purpose is to determine whether a paid engagement makes sense, and no advice given during it should be treated as a finished deliverable.
Engagement and billing
Paid work is billed hourly, typically in the $150–$250/hr range depending on the discipline, or as a fixed-fee scope for larger projects when agreed in advance. Work is billed in blocks of hours agreed before that block begins. There is no minimum engagement term or retainer requirement; a client may choose not to continue after any completed block. Unless a different schedule is agreed in writing, invoices are due within 14 days of receipt.
Intellectual property
Work product created specifically for a client as part of a paid engagement transfers to that client upon full payment for the corresponding invoice. Pre-existing tools, methods, templates, and general know-how used to deliver the work remain our property and may be reused in other engagements.
Confidentiality
Information a client shares in the course of an engagement is treated as confidential and is not disclosed to third parties or used outside that engagement. A mutual non-disclosure agreement, or a client's own standard agreement, is available on request before an engagement begins.
No guaranteed outcome
Advice, analysis, and work product are provided in good faith based on the information available at the time. AI consulting recommendations, including cost, performance, and compliance guidance, do not guarantee a specific business result, and final implementation decisions and their consequences remain the client's responsibility.
Independent contractors
r.blackman provides services as an independent contractor engagement, not as an employee, agent, or partner of any client. Nothing in these terms creates a joint venture or partnership between the parties.
Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, total liability arising from an engagement is limited to the fees paid for that engagement, and r.blackman is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from its use.
Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of the United States, without regard to conflict of law principles, unless a specific engagement agreement states otherwise.
Changes to these terms
These terms may be updated from time to time. Material changes will update the effective date above; terms for an already-signed engagement agreement are governed by that agreement.
Contact
Questions about these terms can be sent through thecontact form.
These terms are written in good faith for a small AI consulting practice. They aren't a substitute for legal advice, and larger engagements are typically also covered by a signed, engagement-specific agreement reviewed by both parties.