Forum Moderators: phranque
I've done a work for a commercial site owner. The work was done from scratch accordingly to his demands and even more - a useful option was added. I've agreed to the fee sum proposed by this person, no objections from my side, despite the fact that a similar work costs more in the country where this person lives. He promised to pay me the next day after the work'd been completed. But since the day I've sended him the final files he began to ignore me. A few days later he began to use my work on his site without my special permission. And I have not received any cent for my work. When I've said to him he has stolen the work, he replied that it's me to blame because I did not send him an invoice. But he never mentioned this invoice before. Not a single word. And he did not complete the obligations even after he received the invoice. I guess this is the edge.
My financial situation is ugly these days. I live in a low living standards country. And I have not any possibilities to influence on this person. I am not able to make an appeal to a court. But I've spent some time and money on this, and I've got some moral damage, because the situation in my family do worsened due to this affair.
This person is a member of WebmasterWorld forum. What if I publish the name of this person, the URL of the site, and the complete correspondence with him on this issue here? What do other members think about this? May I insist on the moral damage compensation? Who in the earth can consider this as a mere black mail?
Damn that man. Why can't you set out a court case against it?
Name and shame may be the only way to make him learn.
The police should concentrate on other web theft other than mp3 theft.
Send another invoice.
Not paying before the bill arrives isn't uncommon nor is delay in payment (60 days?).
Above all try to remain polite (but forceful) or it will turn a bad situation into a worse one.
zoo
[edited by: zooloo at 6:02 pm (utc) on Mar. 18, 2005]
True
I judged from hearing but one side of the story.
And in the end, don't give up the work without a final payment. If they insist on the work, put the work in escrow and have them put the money in escrow.
S
The way I'd do after receiving files done : "OK, thanx. Now send me the invoice quickly, and I'll pay you at once. And - may I use the results of the work now, before money reach you?" But he began the politics of silence instead. This is the most curious.
Guys, the sum is not very big to think somebody would be greedy enough to do such things.
One of the most important lessons I've learned since going into business: "Unless they're family, get the money up front."
Doesn't matter if it's $50. If I don't have an existing working relationship with them, they're going to pay at least half down front.
I hope you at least learned from this. Maybe you could recover this money, but either way I would NOT take it personally. There are some really screwed up people out there unfortunately, who have no regard for the other human beings that are on their planet with them. :( Hopefully his punishment in another life will be far greater. :)
S
-- Zak
