I was reading and involved in a topic discussion recently on whether or not it is unprofessional to call out a nonpaying client or to share information publicly with other people about someone who hasn’t paid or wasn’t on the up and up to work with. In fact it was pretty much said (in the discussion) that I did not make a good decision to share with readers and other board members about my dealings with K and the drama that ensued.
First of all, I didn’t create the blog as a way to start outing my clients. It was and still is a way for me to get things off my chest though I realize that every time I do, I am under the scrutiny of my readers, family and even friends. It might even prompt them to call me and see if I’m OK (though as of yet, no family has checked in on me based on what I say here). So I maintain that if people don’t like me sharing, go read something else. I’m not about to change because of others. It’s my blog and I will do what I want with it. Sometimes I admit to not knowing what I’m doing with it at all. (Thanks for your high level of patience!)
So if I can’t come here and say, “Hey look! I got screwed watch yourselves!” Where can I say it? Standing in the middle of my cow pasture screaming it won’t help anyone (and it just scares the cows). Find me a better option and I will think it over. What, exactly was it that I did that was a bad move? The person who pointed out my bad decision said, in effect, that I looked unprofessional by doing so. Really?
It makes me unprofessional to finally put a name to all the trouble and stress I was caused? Because I tried every other avenue I could think of, short of taking K to court (and yes I was advised by many people), I didn’t intend on public humiliation – anyone who was reading how she reacted (and still is), knows that she did that on her own.
One of my favorite bloggers, Kathy, is among those who doesn’t stand for nonpaying clients or clients that don’t hold up their end of the deal. She also educates writers as to what gigs might be more trouble than they are worth. Why should I be thought of as any different? Why should any writer or professional be thought of as making a bad, unprofessional choice when they chose to warn others about companies and clients who don’t follow through? Freelance Writers don’t necessarily have the same tools and options available to them. There is the Better Business Bureau but unless that client or company is listed with them you are left with no way to get the word out to other businesses and writers.
Are people who call the news channels to oust crappy companies acting poorly or making a bad choice? If they got screwed out of money is it the same situation? I watch those and say Thanks! That is someone I don’t want to waterproof my basement or remodel my house.
The only way I see it as being unprofessional is how you conduct yourself during and after the process. I know that snide comments (direct and indirect) are still made about me by her. I don’t have snide comments. Why would I? Do I have reason to? Does she?
Ousting her was my last resort and I did it only after it was made public knowledge by Writer’s Weekly Whispers and Warnings column. Deciding how I would handle it was a professional decision and I don’t think it was a bad one.
Instead I think the situation has helped me tremendously. I watch now for scams, I am more careful who I do business for and with. I also watch out for my fellow writers more closely as well. I’ve landed better writing gigs, both in terms of pay and the people I associate myself with. I know that I don’t want to work with writers who don’t put forth anything less than their best, be it copied work or otherwise, and the same goes for editors and clients. I want to work with people and surround myself with people who are good for me. It’s like eating junk food; Tastes good at the time but definitely not healthy for you.
Being a new writer doesn’t mean you have to lay down and take all the bad that’s thrown at you. You might do well and never have a bad dealing, but if you do have one… You don’t have to settle for less than what you deserve either.
Bravo!! Get it off your chance, warn other! i commend you for doing that! those people who complain will wish they had listened when they end up getting screwed by one of their clients!
I don’t think your reference to your former client was “outing” her at all. In fact, from what I remember she was sounding off mighty loudly and naming your name, all before you ever mentioned her by name. So if there was any outing of anyone, she did it to herself. I commend you for putting up with it in such a civil, professional way.
Thanks Lori and Jenny! The comments on the other end haven’t stopped. I still get word of things now and then.
Unbelieveable! That speaks volumes about the personality you were dealing with. Note the “were” part of that. Luckily, it’s over and you no longer need to let that person into your life.
Good Lord, if those people think you’re unprofessional for this one instance, what labels would they slap me with? You already realize the benefits that came out of the situation personally, but you probably also saved others some grief (not to mention you likely got them scrutinizing potential scams more). It’s the people who don’t stand up for their professional rights whose careers either stagnate or die. Those who are blasting you sound like they have too much time on their hands. Hmmm, wonder why that might be?