Freelance Forums

I have to say that mine is the telephone. I like being able to hear a living person when I'm getting ready to start a project. I always make it a point to have a least one phone call with a client before starting a project for the first time. I've found this to be a very good way to figure out what the client is like and also check to make sure the client totally understands what and where the project is going.

Johnny

I prefer e-mails, as they let me keep the record of the conversation.
Of course, there are sometimes IM or VOIP (Skype!) sessions when a quick brainstorming is needed

I have to agree, emails are a great way to keep record of everything. After I get off the phone I try to send the client the notes I've taking during the call.

Johnny

I usually use msn/email for general work but if the work is from a freelance website such as rentacoder.com, I'll try to keep the contact within the website message system for security/logging purposes.

RAC's system of recorded conversations is a great feature - this way both parties are safe.
This (along with their mandatory escrow) results in much better success ratio than on free-for-all sites.

email is the best as it makes written records as well