VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[scooter2]

It has finally happened. After more than 20 years in the v-o biz, I have been burned by a client. He just won't pay! And so I offer to all of you this warning. [client name removed by Admin] To paraphrase a grand quote. Let the seller beware. It burns me to be burned.

[schaer]

Maybe this board should have a place where these people can be listed? So we can check a new client against that list.



Bernard

[Frank F]

Just a thought Scooter2, have you the paperwork to support your claims?



IF so, go legal. Take him/her to small claims court, get a judgement if you can, and execute the judgement if necessary. It's a hassle, but when necessary just the small claims Order To Show Cause is enough to get some clients to pay up - quickly.



Frank F

[billelder]

Welcome to the club. Sorry the dues are so high.

[scooter]

I think it would be a fine idea to list dead beats or slow pays..



As for this instance..we're not talking a lot of money..and small claims court is out of the question as this was an out of state deal. So I hope that identifying the guy will get to him.



I will continue to trust the great majority of my clients. I mean...one time out of how many?

[Deirdre]

I hate it when people renege on their obligations.



If there are more, I will make a Stiffly Stifferson forum.

I will consult an attorney first, though. I don't want any of us getting in hot water for naming a client.
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[mcm]

Thank-you Deirdre, that's an excellent idea. Naming clients publicly scares me, even if it's to protect the rest of us from being burned, which I appreciate also.

[Deirdre]

I'm working on the legal angle. In conference with a lawyer via IM right this very minute.
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[Deirdre]

OK Gang, here's the dope--



I won't keep a list online because I could be sued. Period. They could be criminals 8 ways from Sunday and know they stiffed someone, but if I post their names in a hall of shame, they can sue me.



Hell's bells-- they could sue me now simply because anyone can sue anyone else for any reason under the sun. So I'm going to edit out the name of the bad guy in Scott's post above.



My lawyer pal asked this:

[audio'connell]

Does your newspaper /TV news have a consumer affairs reporter?



Do you have any paper work or e-mails that leave a trail of your/clients responsibility?



Are you free and clear of any wrong doing in this matter?



If there are yeses to all three, write up your bullet points, practice them a bit, go over them witha lawyer (avoid slander etc.) then dial. State your case. Yours/ours is a kinda of sexy business that could make for great video or a picture in the pape.



Worst they can do is say no and we get that kind of rejection all the time. Sometimes an inquirying call from a reporter gets your bills paid rather fast.
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- Peter
audioconnell Voice Over Talent
Your friendly, neighborhood voice over talent

[scooter2]

DB,



I can see your point as far as worrying over a stiffer bulletin board.



But in my case..you do me wrong by editing out the name of my no pay guy. If there were any liability it would be on me..certainly not on the bb.





There is no libel or slander in a truth and I am prepared...nay..I would love to see Mr. Adams come after me.



The good Lord knows I have gone after him.

[Frank F]

... I still would suggest the "small claims court". Even though the culprit is out of your state/area, if you have no culpibility, have good paperwork to back your claim, and are willing to follow through with your actions - you may have a slam dunk case. If the "client" is not in your area/state you would notify them by mail of a hearing on such and such a date. If they do not show - you get a judgement and prepare to execute that judgement. If by chance the client shows, have your paperwork and your proof of claim available and present that to the Judge. It is more likely they will not show or will offer you a settlement prior to the court date - but, you never know.



At the very least, spend a few dollars with an attorney and write a demand for payment letter, if the culprit is a busines entity - report it to the credit agencies - but DO something.



DB, good decision! Although, even I (heaven forbid :wink: ) have had my fair share of "deadbeats" and wanted some kind of forum to air my grievances - this forum is not the place.



Although Scooter2 has accepted responsability for his actions - there are other issues which would leave DB and this forum culpable.



Be careful what you say and where you say it. Something like "be careful what you wish for.



Unfortunately, I know enough of the law to be dangerous. Again, DB a wise decision.



FrankF

[Deirdre]

Thanks for all the input and ideas, y'all.



Scott-- I am culpable for everything that happens on this board because I am Administrator/Moderator.



Anyone is entitled to an opinion. This is OK.

"Blaine Stiffly of Stiff Productions in Holland Tunnel, Wisconsin is a jerk. He didn't pay me for my last job."



This is not OK.

"Don't ever take any work from Blaine Stiffly. He's a deadbeat."



Dig? It's a fine line between libel/defamation and one's right to be pissed off in writing.



I may be able to rectify all of this by setting up a Rants and Raves forum with some strict guidelines on free expression.

/irony
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[Joe Whistler]

If it weren't for lawyers...we'd be living in a free land.

[Mike Cain]

I went to collection agency and was able to collect. The fees sometimes are high but its worth your time to search for the best fee. Also sometimes it is all that is needed for a client to pay when they are told a collection agency is involved.

mike Cain