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ete the work, which I multiply by an hourly rate to come up with a price for the project.Deliverables<ul><li>The deliverable for training is a class.</li><li>The deliverable for any other project is a report.</li></ul>Project Billing2nd Sight Lab always bills for a project the same way to keep it simple. We require 50% upfront and 50% on the delivery of a report or class. With training, we need to request the upfront payment at least 2–4 weeks prior to the class to cover the cost of work performed before scheduled class dates. The minimum project fee is $8,000 at this time but is often$ 15,000 and up. Private 40-hour classes with labs start at $25,000 for 10 students.Why No Hourly RatesWe do not use an hourly-rate billing model and here’s why. First of all, if you don’t know how many hours you’re going to spend you could end up paying a lawyer$ 1000 to negotiate a contract and the project lasts two hours. You lost money. Secondly, I used to bill hourly through my software company. Tracking and billing time on invoices created a lot of overhead. I’d rather spend that time helping clients. Finally, it takes time to chase down payments. I had a client who consistently argued with me about every. single. bill. I finally just told her to scratch off what she had a problem with on each bill and just pay the rest. She would mark off something like $300 on a$ 15,000 invoice. It was very stressful and time-consuming. It’s not worth the hassle.About Cash FlowIn addition to the problems I already mentioned with hourly rates, there is too much lag when trying to maintain consistent cash flow. One customer pays in advance. Another pays with a term of 60 days. Now you have a window with no cash flow. Gaps in cash flow impact small business owners more than large companies. Last year I took time off to get my house in Seattle ready to sell. The drop in income over that time period caused by my time off and the contractor’s failure to complete work on time affected my ability to get a loan for my new home. I ended up finding a way to pay cash, but it was not ideal. Even though with the sale of my home in Seattle, I had a higher income than ever in my life, banks will only look at business cash flow with their rigid underwriting formulas. All they see is a gap with no income. There’s your mini business lesson on cash flow for the day. It’s one of the number one reasons startups go out of business.Focused DeliverablesAnother reason I focus on fixed-rate projects is that I don’t want to waste customers’ time. I did one hourly rate project, and I would spend hours on-site working for someone revising spreadsheets. I don’t think that was a good use of my time. It also tied me up for a long time doing busy work instead of actively solving security problems. That was an interesting project, and I was grateful to participate, but in the end, I felt like I could deliver what I gave to that client in six weeks instead of three months. I like to work on focused deliverables and get them done as quickly as possible. I’m not one for milking clocks.A company, not an employeeWhen you hire me, you hire my company, not me personally. If you’re working on an hourly rate, you’re basically a short-term employee paid an hourly rate. 2nd Sight Lab offers a product — our classes. We also offer analysis services that include a deliverable — a report. Those products are delivered using the processes, tools, and documentation we have developed.Why I don’t want to be an employeeOne of the reasons I choose not to be an employee of a large company is that it comes with too many restrictions and roadblocks to delivering effective security assistance. I was not allowed to say certain things for political reasons or simply ignored. I couldn’t fix things I wanted to fix. When 2nd Sight Lab assists a company, we provide the analysis and deliver a report or training. When the company receives the deliverable, it is up to them to fix the issues. If they don’t, I won’t be caught up as an employee of the company involved in the next big breach over something out of my control to fix. By coming in as an external advisor we can speak truth to power for employees who hire us to improve security. I often work with CISOs prior to pentests and security assessments to deliver the desired message in our report and provide the data to back it up.Who does the work?I’ve never wanted a large company. I had five employees in my previous company, Radical Software, and that was OK. I managed a team of 30 as director of SAAS engineering for a company. I don’t want to do that again. I spent a lot of time dealing with “people issues” (not to mention politics) instead of getting a project delivered. At this moment, I’m doing the majority of the work. Someone I used to work with helped me create some class labs for the first class I delivered when I was in a time crunch. In the past, I hired interns to help with basic penetration testing, class material review, editing, and accounting.Who are the interns and assistants?In the past, the people helping me most of the time were my nieces and nephews, but they went off to college to be teachers and doctors and got too busy for me. Cybersecurity was not their passion. Now I’m looking into working with local colleges. I reached out to <a href="https://www.savannahstate.edu/">Savannah State University</a> last year to hire an intern. I never heard back from the department where I sent the job description. I may pursue that again later through some different schools. Other than that, I’ve only received help from people I know personally. If a client doesn’t want anyone else to do the work or see their report, we can work that out.Security for Interns and EmployeesI am working with a human resources company that performs background and reference checks. When I have someone work on a penetration test for 2nd Sight Lab, they get a separate cloud account and must follow our security sta

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ndards and instructions. After they finish, we terminate their access to any customer information on that project. Currently, I’m only using interns who are friends or friends’ kids. They are helping me test new cybersecurity training, proofreading documents, and will review books. Employees receive access through our cloud accounts, and that is one of the reasons we can only do projects from the cloud. It limits the exposure of customer data to other systems and networks.Ownership2nd Sight Lab owns all training materials we produce or use for client training. We often will revise or rearrange our training material for a client to focus on their specific needs. That material contractually remains the property of 2nd Sight Lab and according to our agreement should remain confidential. In addition, any tools, processes, or materials we use on penetration tests or assessments remain the property of 2nd Sight Lab. However, our clients own the report we deliver. We are obligated to keep reports and any client information confidential unless explicitly allowed in our contract. For example, a customer requesting a product assessment of the efficacy of their product may want 2nd Sight Lab to publish our findings, if we find that it solves a particular problem very well.How to contact me about a cybersecurity project — LinkedInAt this time, the best way to reach me for a project is through LinkedIn. I’ve explained this before but using <a href="https://linkedin.com/in/teriradichel">LinkedIn</a> I can see some information about the person with whom I am doing business. I had some very sketchy people contact me while running my past company, <a href="http://radicalsoftware.com/">Radical Software, Inc.</a> I always wondered if they were legitimate or they were having me perform work for a nefarious organization. That is one of the ways I attempt to verify clients, other than those I meet in person or who are referred by someone else. Unfortunately, I cannot provide training to organizations in certain countries at this time.Starting a cybersecurity projectOnce you contact me on LinkedIn, I’ll send you information to set up a call to discuss your project. I only do phone calls, not Zoom or video calls, until after I have a signed contract. Even then, I require a week’s advance notice for video calls as my network is not set up to handled those at this time. After I understand a bit about the scope, you’ll receive a proposal and a contract for review. We may work to revise it to meet your specific needs. We’ll define a schedule and deliverables and payment terms in the contract. If I need to explain how to get set up for a penetration test or class those instructions come after receipt of the upfront payment.Completing a cybersecurity projectPrior to signing a contract we’ll discuss arrangements for communication over the course of the project. Often that will be via email for an on-going penetration test. For a security assessment, I will typically include phone interviews to ask questions up front and further discuss findings after reviewing the assessed environment, but this can vary as needed based on customer needs. Once we’ve completed our work, you’ll receive a report. I try to wait a few days before sending the final invoice to make sure the customer received and could open the report.Additional support after report deliveryOnce a class is complete 2nd Sight Lab doesn’t generally provide any additional assistance, though in some cases we had a lab fail and provided a working version after class to the client. I have taken many cybersecurity classes in my time and never had another company do that for me. I usually don’t charge extra for a few questions after the report gets delivered. However, extensive questions or support would require an additional fee. Often, customers will ask us to verify their fixes for findings after completion of a penetration test report. We include that on our penetration report contracts at an hourly rate and can cap the time we spend reviewing the findings as needed.If you are thinking of hiring a company to perform a cybersecurity assessment, penetration test, research project, or due diligence related to a cybersecurity investment hopefully this information helps you understand how <a href="https://2ndsightlab.com/">2nd Sight Lab</a> operates. You can reach out to me on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/teriradichel">LinkedIn</a> if you have any additional questions about assessments, penetration test, or training.Follow for updates.Teri Radichel | © <a href="https://2ndsightlab.com/?source=post_page---------------------------">2nd Sight Lab</a> 2022<div id="8b5f"><pre>About Teri Radichel:

⭐️ Author: Cybersecurity Books
⭐️ Presentations: Presentations by Teri Radichel
⭐️ Recognition: SANS Award, AWS Security Hero, IANS Faculty
⭐️ Certifications: SANS ~ GSE 240
⭐️ Education: BA Business, Master of Software Engineering, Master of Infosec
⭐️ Company: Penetration Tests, Assessments, Phone Consulting ~ 2nd Sight Lab</pre></div><div id="caae"><pre><span class="hljs-section">Need Help With Cybersecurity, Cloud, or Application Security?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span>
🔒 Request a penetration test or security assessment
🔒 Schedule a consulting call
🔒 Cybersecurity Speaker for Presentation</pre></div><div id="5a42"><pre>Follow <span class="hljs-keyword">for</span> more stories like <span class="hljs-keyword">this</span>:

❤️ Sign Up my Medium Email List ❤️ Twitter: @teriradichel ❤️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teriradichel ❤️ Mastodon: @teriradichel@infosec.exchange ❤️ Facebook: 2nd Sight Lab ❤️ YouTube: @2ndsightlab</pre></div><figure id="faf5"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/0*H9Ew1KCl-29nZiPR.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></article></body>

Book Reviews | Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen

The 200 Years Old Phenomenon That Still Delights Readers

Pride and Prejudice is proof that books can stand the test of time.

Published over two hundred years ago, Pride and Prejudice is a romantic story that remains a current sensation, captivating modern readers.

The tale of Elizabeth Bennet has been adapted into over seventeen movies, not counting sequels. It has also been made into tv shows, YouTube web series, and an uncountable number of books, from adaptations, retellings, and unofficial sequels. There's even one with zombies in it!

Even if you have never read Pride and Prejudice, you have likely met its characters or general plotline in some way or another.

A Bit of History

Pride and Prejudice deserves to have its History told. P&P, as it was lovingly called by Austen herself in some of her personal letters, was her second book. The first manuscript was written in 1795/96, and was called "First Impressions". Her first story, Sense and Sensibility, was written around the same time too.

Jane Austen's first attempts to publish the book were unsuccessful, though. And unfortunately, nothing remains of the original manuscript.

Austen made several revisions to the story between 1811/12. It's believed that both her first two books were epistolary novels (based on letters between characters) in their original versions, as the final manuscripts still contain many letters. We'll never know for sure, unfortunately.

The book was finally published in 1813 as Pride and Prejudice. It's assumed that the name was changed to avoid confusion, since other works with the same title were published between writing and publishing the book. But this is, again, something that we don't know for sure.

Pride and Prejudice was sold in three separate hardcover volumes. The first edition sold out, and a second was published within ten months of the first.

Jane Austen didn't make much from the book sales (and she might even have regretted selling the publishing rights for P&P for only £110), but it was a success for T. Egerton, who printed and published the story. He made more than £450 from the book sales (without having to pay royalties to Austen).

The book was published anonymously, just like her first. But although Sense and Sensibility was signed as "A Lady", Pride and Prejudice (and all her following books) was published under "the Author of Sense and Sensibility" — Austen began to be seen as an author in her own right and create a following.

This isn't Jane Austen, but it could've been. Image generated using Starryai.

Unfortunately, we don't know much about Jane Austen. She was very successful during her lifetime, but she never gave interviews, and as far as we know, she didn't keep diaries. So all we have left are less than two hundred letters written to family and friends.

Pride and Prejudice is her most successful book. It has sold over 20 million copies worldwide (double all her other books together) and has never been out of print! As a result, the novel's first line is one of the most famous of all English literature.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”

The Story

Pride and Prejudice follows Elizabeth Bennet's life and love story. Her sisters, especially the eldest one, Jane, are also a big part of the novel.

It all begins when a very eligible bachelor moves into a house close to where the Bennets live. Mrs Bennet gets very excited about possibly marrying one of her five daughters.

There might not exist a person on this planet who knows nothing about this story. But indulge me, and let me pretend there's a point in not giving away any spoilers. Mrs Bennet is, after all, very keen on marrying any (and all) of her daughters. And that's where the story begins.

Elizabeth Bennet as imagined by AI. Image created by Starryai.

If you're unfamiliar with Regency Era England, you should get acquainted with some of the peculiarities of the times to experience the novel fully. For example, there were countless rules of social manners and etiquette, and to appreciate Austen's social commentary, you need to have some understanding of them. But don't worry. This article will tell you all you need to know:

Pride and Prejudice: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Reading the Book

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is one of the most successful romantic novels. And here are 10 things to help you…

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Don't worry if learning a bit of History seems like the most boring thing you can think of. Sure, you might not be able to grasp and fully appreciate Austen's witty criticisms, but you'll be able to enjoy the love story anyway.

Pride and Prejudice heavily criticises the manners of its time and society's expectations. Jane Austen wrote in very accessible language for the time, but that didn't hinder her ironic exposure of high society's follies.

Modern readers may find the language stuffy, but it’s relatively easy to read even after so many years. However, it may take the reader a couple of chapters to get used to it. I particularly like how she makes everything a little bit over the top. If you think every character in the book is too much, that's because they are.

Austen's characters are very vivid and intriguing. And she fully immerses them in a plotline that keeps the reader interested, but clueless about what will come. The book doesn't disappoint — even those who have already experienced the story through one of its many adaptations are bound to enjoy it. P&P keeps you turning the pages and looking for more.

The main couple — who I dare not name in case you have lived under a rock. But if you're in any way familiar with the story, you know who they are! Image generated by Starryai.

I have read this work a few times now. The first time, I was just a teenager. Every new read brought new perspectives, and I still love it.

The love story is very nice to follow, especially because of all its twists and turns. As a mature reader, though, I appreciate the parody aspect much more. I love to read between the lines and try and imagine how Austen felt about the things she was writing about. I also like to guess how much of the story is autobiographical.

Get your copy (affiliate links)

Amazon US | Amazon UK.

While researching for the article I linked above, I came across a discussion in a forum about Jane Austen's characters and who they choose to marry. Contrary to the customs of the time, her characters don't marry only for status or convenience, they all search for love.

However, not one of her characters marries someone outside the high society. There is no true love between the rich and the poor.

It makes me wonder if she couldn't write that because it would be too outrageous and impossible to publish. Or was that too much for Austen to contemplate? We'll never know for sure.

Austen was ahead of her time and not keen on following conventions. But she was still part of the gentry herself. That's an important fact to keep in mind.

The happy couple again, walking in the beautiful countryside. Image generated by Dream.

One of this story's most refreshing aspects is that it doesn't rely on a love triangle to make it work. It doesn't even rely on love at first sight. Elizabeth Bennet is one of those women that think much of herself, she's smart and cheerful.

“No one can be really esteemed accomplished who does not greatly surpass what is usually met with. A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and, besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word will be but half deserved.”

This is what one of the book's main characters has to say about women. He mentions he only knows about six accomplished women. For him, an accomplished woman has to have all the qualities listed above, and he still adds a few more. Elizabeth does not take it lightly and has a witty reply:

“I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any.”

I love this exchange. It shows how Lizzy isn’t keen on accepting what others have to say, not even quietly listening without adding her opinion.

She’s outspoken and defiant. And she's not perfect. This is the ideal combo for a strong female character. She gets things wrong, but she has no fear of asserting herself. It is delightful to follow her story. And I must admit, I also really enjoy seeing her having to admit her faults.

Elizabeth Bennet going for a walk. Image created by Dream.

I do feel slightly bad about how some characters are described. Almost as empty-heads that have nothing to offer to the world. For these characters, it's crucial to remember that they are a caricature of their time, and not exact representations of a person. Sometimes, it can feel like Austen went too far.

Pride and Prejudice is in the public domain. That means you can find several different editions by several different publishing houses. You're free to use the characters and the story. You can even write your own adaptation if you wish to.

Make sure to find an edition that isn't full of problems, so you can properly enjoy the story. And get reading. It'll cost you nothing (or very little), and it'll be a delightful experience.

I'm sure you'll fall in love with the story of Lizzy Bennet like so many others before you. Jane Austen is a must-read author. Pride and Prejudice is a timeless story, an excellent place to get acquainted with one of the most famous authors of English literature.

Pride and Prejudice's heroine — Elizabeth Bennet. This story is a must-read for readers of all ages. Image generated by Dream.

Check out all previously published book reviews here:

📚 Worth Reading: Book Reviews & Other Literary Articles 📖

Honest reviews and articles related to the literary world. ✨ Reviews ✨ Lists ✨ Reading Habits ✨ Things You Should Know…

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