Sordid Out
I often find myself having too much faith that others will follow through. It is my experience that something in writing makes things more concrete-like… for both parties. It is often appreciated.
I often find myself having too much faith that others will follow through. It is my experience that something in writing makes things more concrete-like… for both parties. It is often appreciated.
The main advantage of “putting it in writing” is that you (both) get to clarify what you are agreeing to.
It’s tough being poor. You should have seen some of the places that I lived when I was in Salinas many years ago.
Once upon a time… I paid my rent to the landladies maintenance man… not knowing that he had a TERRIBLE memory.
The landlady tried to claim that I had not paid the rent, so I went to the maintenance guy – who did not remember it….
But, unlike me, he knew he had a lousy memory – so he had written it down in his notebook!
The landlady later got rid of him, in favor of one that she, um…, had a relationship with. (A match made in Heaven – she was the worst landlord that I ever had, and he was the worst maintenance guy…. He didn’t know that faucets need washers….)
The Auld Grump – my current landlord is a soulless corporation… the best landlord that I have ever had….
Yup. “It’s just business” can sound cold, especially when you’re working with friends. But it also means, “I’m going to treat you like the professional you are, as you will me.”
I’ve contracted a half-dozen web comics artists over the years, and have always provided a contract that we’ve negotiated before signing. I pay well and promptly, allow for Real Life interruptions – within reason – and never commit to something that I cannot hold up my end.
In my experience, written and signed contracts not only avoid misunderstandings, it preserves friendships, builds mutual respect, and keeps the working relationship on a professional – not amateur or “lark” – level.
Here endeth the lesson. Sorry, but I’m pretty adamant about this.
Contracts are like proper communication. It spells out stuff. I have a real problem with “assuming things”…. I give too much credit to things unsaid but believed to be understood… thus this comic. We all learn, but at our own pace… which sometimes isn’t quite timely.