Re: RE : Serving a warning---

[SQITAOS(at)aol.com]

As big as this industry is, it is actually quite intimate.  If a freelancer or an organization is doing wrong by the good people of the community, I believe their reputation will shortly precede them.  If in fact, a person or group is out to do malicious harm to an individual or an organization, then I believe at that point it would be wise to let others know, either through a list such as this, word of mouth or direct email.

 

A couple of quick tips about protected one's self as a freelancer:

 

1:  Incorporate yourself.  Not only will it protect you for insurance purposes, but in the eyes of the law you are an entity with rights and not an unprotected individual.

 

2.  Lawyer up.  Yeah, I know.  They're like termites, most of them.  But if you establish a relationship with a law firm that understands your industry and can be contracted for an "as per incident" basis, you'll find what a quick letter can achieve with little headache.

 

3.  Make your invoices clear.  Be good about invoicing, using a program such as Quicken or QuickBooks.  Categorically identify the work that was done, the project, the producer, the date and the hours.  Make it clear what you are charging for, whether it is by hour or day rate.  Note on your invoice to be paid "Net 30", that is the standard.  Email the invoice as well as send a hard copy, and keep a hard copy for your own records.

 

And lastly,

 

4.  Know someone named Gianni.  Nothing says "You owe me money" like a set of broken knee caps.

 

Regards,

 

Sean E. Stall

President / DS Artist

ironik design and post, inc.