posted May 29, 2002 03:44 PM         

Tom,
I don't know how to put this eloquently, I don't even feel the desire to try and rationalize anymore.
I will just give it to you guys in Black and White. About 3 months ago Phil came to me with this burning desire to get a CD done, we turned it around in two days. Of course, I made the mistake of assuming FAIR payment would not be a problem, of course I got the eventual run-around from phil on how he just wanted a few simple graphics. Reality check, a few simple graphics would still cost $300 from ANY designer. I went above and beyond that because I wanted you guys to have a good piece.
Why is it that 3 months from that day I still have not been paid in full?? We all have personal expenses, I need no explanation to how hard times are for you guys right now. I too, am living paycheck to paycheck, I expect our BUSINESS venture to be handled as just that.... BUSINESS. I have excuded more than enough patience with you guys, the topper is the request for these psd files. Hey, phil is a wiz-bang designer, he can do it himself.... free of charge! I did tell him I had them, of course, his gluttoness self-absorbed reply was "can you send them to me?" , how 'bout this response, show some initiative, get up and come and get 'em, and supply the disk! Except, these "psd" files were not part of what you guys are STILL paying for, and they are not available for him to BASTERDIZE at his own free will.
Would you allow your clients to pay you in this manner, than sit back and continue to be patient when they demand even more service?? Think about that one... think about it long and hard. There are no explanations for this, no justifying is allowed. I want no reaction about why this situation occured and how or why it got to this point. I am beyond listening to any of that. I do TRUST that you will square up your debt with me, the amount of money is heavily out-weighed by the principle of all this. I will also have to decline any and all future design work for you guys. Perhaps when you go out and "shop-around" you will realize the deal you just tarnished.
Sorry to hear that your web-page still isn't done, but... than again, it truly isn't the responsible of me.
Maybe when you sit back, put yourself in my shoes.... you'll realize that I have done ALOT of FREE work for you guys, dread asking to be paid, cause this is the end result. Look at your logo, web-page, posters, baloons, signs, flash elements, christmas cards, letterheads, mousepads.... etc. Now think about how much you paid for them. My ******* ass hurts from the tag-team you guys have put on me when it comes to this **** ! I won't allow moments like this to come between our friendship, that's why I simply won't do it anymore, I have some good people I can refer you to.... just be prepared to have sticker-shock. Reality is vastly different than what you've been used to.
Joe

>> tom was always the one who said he hated the fact that people take advantage of him for his money. Just thought it was funny he was doing it to me.
This is the manner of the other letter that was part of my I've lost my mojo topic.

Some helpful insight would as always be appreciated and useful

posted May 30, 2002 06:14 PM         

As for your letter, in my humble opinion, we catch more flies with sugar than vinegar It's apparent you needed to *vent* and that is an excellent thing to do in writing - but in my case, I will go back and edit and re-edit until it sounds like a letter that I wouldn't be offended by if I were at the recieving end That said, in an instance like yours, I think we still need to remain *firm*

posted May 30, 2002 06:54 PM         

I used to be more like you and my career taught me to always approach the written word in a professional manner. I still had instances where I would blurt things out verbally. In addition to Caileah's excellent suggestions , I would recommend not responding to something that "gets your dander up" until you feel calm and balanced. Meditation is helping me (could have used that a decade ago!). Also, age has definitely taught me that a kinder, gentler approach wins the day. I try to see myself from the other person's perspective and that gives me some insight as to why they may be (in my view) behaving badly. Then, I have a better idea of how to respond in order to kindly but firmly push the right buttons. Lastly, I've found it takes more energy to respond in a harsh fashion than a thoughtful one.

Good luck!