thread: 2012-03-04 : Anonymous Followup
On 2012-03-05, Ben Lehman wrote:
So, to recap the basics:
1) If you are a new writer, don't think a contract will protect you. Get at least some payment in advance of turning in your work.
2) Not honoring your contracts (or soliciting work while refusing to provide a contract) is wrong. In the circumstances that you can't honor a contract, don't give someone the runaround, instead be upfront about your limitations and renegotiate.
3) If you're the sort of person who boycotts products on moral grounds, maybe take this into account when you purchase? Suggested procedure: Don't rely on internet mumble-mumble about "that's a good company." Open the book, find the name of a writer/illustrator you don't recognize, contact them, and ask them if they've been paid for their work.
4) A lot of people seem to think being ripped off makes you a professional. It doesn't. It makes you a mark.
