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This time the (ex-)customer really gets on my nerves and does not give up to post nonsense in our forums under new names and mail me personally that he will tell the world how bad we are and that we owe him money (which we do not, as I mailed him in detailed excel sheets).
What really triggers me is that he is insulting me personally in emails and does not stop in doing so - even on bouncing mails he starts mailing from other accounts.
Any lawyers recommended or shall I just sit it out and raise my ignorance level?
Have a good end of the Year,
P!
But, if you want to do something, consider that while you've addressed the facts him, you haven't handled the emotional issues.
He's angry. He's not being rational. Don't try to be rational with an irrational person.
Email him and set up a time to talk on the phone. ("A new year is coming and I think we both want to start it fresh...") Then call him and let him rant at you. (Use the mute button on your end, but throw in a "uh huh" every now and then.) Here's the trick--do NOT explain yourself. Just ask him what the issues are. Ask him "if there is anything else" when he gets finished. Get it ALL out. Then, when he is finished, tell him you're sorry he's so upset and thank him for explaining how he feels.
If he asks what you are going to do, say that you are going to think about what you have learned listening to him but that you disagree with much of what he has said and it does not agree with the facts as you know them, but that you didn't call to talk, but to listen. Thank him again for his time and for sharing his view, and wish him a happy new year.
You would have to pay a lawyer several hundred dollars to write a letter and it would likely make things no better and perhaps worse. You are not going to get him to see things your way--and, who cares, anyway? Just let him have a say.
Then, move on, knowing you have gone the extra mile (as we are asked to do).
It sounds, however, that you may have come close to doing all of this already. Again, you can't handle irrational people with rational discussion, so don't try.
have a good start folks!
P!
You cannot control his behaviour, so do not let him control yours.
Never get into a discussion; he may (very likely) take that as confirmation of his complaint - and your lack of action.
Never involve lawyers, unless you are prepared to pay large sums of money indefinitely.
Do keep records of every contact, and of the original work and billing. If it does get to the point where it looks like stalking, you will need that evidence. But keep the grievance separate from that - stalking is stalking, and needs special treatment; if it gets to that, don't let the original issue appear to 'justify' the stalking. It never, ever does (even if he was right!).
If it is a larger amount, you can always get a template cease and desist order from the internet for slander. Given that he is posting insults, it can qualify as slander or something of the sort.
If you think he might sue, get a lawyer now, before doing anything... it could save you on the long run.
