I just found out that Omar Rizvi, VP Finance & Operations of Mindblossom finally contacted the Photographer yesterday by phone. Unfortunately it was not to finally pay her invoice but instead to threaten a lawsuit over this weblog. In fact, he also offerred to pay her a small sum not for the work but instead only to take down this weblog.
#1 The photographer didn’t put up this weblog — I DID!
#2 Everything posted in this weblog is true and based on email communication and documents between the parties.
#3 This purpose of this weblog is to bring attention to problems like this so that other may hopefully avoid such an awful experience. (btw: if anyone else is having any similar problems, I’d be more than happy to help out where I can).
I find it very amusing that after months of un-returned emails, phone calls and voice messages, Omar Rizvi finally decides to call for the first time. I consider Mindblossom’s approach to this problem extremely disturbing and ignorant, especially for a supposed “world leading” Interactive Agency. Obviously someone doesn’t understand how the Internet works and how the Internet Community operates.
In a mere three days this site has helped to inform over 4,000 people to the problem of companies stiffing freelancers. Over a dozen other weblogs have picked up this story and it has definitely created a snowballing effect. The discussion that have emerged from this example has yielded great advice for young artists, freelancers or anyone embarking on contract work. I have no doubt it will help others avoid problems like this.
This situation also sheds light on the another side of things. What can or should a company/person do if negative information is being posted about them online? That’s a tough question. Of course it depends on the circumstances and whether the information posted is true or false. This is a topic for another post and I’ll just leave the thought with you for now.
These days many of us find ourselves self-employed, freelancing or contracting our work. As obvious as they may be, here are some points to remember when venturing out there in a world full of wolves.
#1 Always Google search the company/person and the word ’sucks’ before you decide take on a job.
#2 Keep ALL email communication and get everything in writing. When you make any verbal agreements be sure confirm those facts in a summary email.
#3 Always sign a contract regardless of who you are working with — big, small, and even family & friends. Even a simple term sheet will help you if a problem arises.
#4 The Internet Community is always here to help so, use the tools of communication to get your story heard.
Unfortunately in this case even this advice would not have helped. Sometimes problems like this are simply unavoidable and are sadly part of the way some people choose to do business.
Don’t get me wrong, I personally believe that most people are good hearted and honest but it only takes one episode like this to taint our perception. If it ever happens to you please don’t let it change you.
I’ll be sure keep you updated on any new developments.
Play safe!!
Tags: Aegis media, Au-Yeung, bad debt, canada, collection, doesn't pay freelancers, internet marketing, Isobar, lawsuit, legal action, mindblossom, mindblossom.com, Omar Rizvi, photography, rizvi, Teotico, Virgin, Virgin Mobile, virgin mobile canada
