Comments on:

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 20:48:00 +0000

elljay, that’s a fantastic idea! I’m going to remember that should this ever arise again. Thank you!

By: OldSageHand

OldSageHand — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 18:12:00 +0000

Actually had that happen, once. At the next meeting, I handed them a form with a request they put the name of the "final say" person at the top and then sign their names at the bottom. That person would be responsible for all work given to me and any problems would have to be resolved by them.

In addition,I would be paid for the completed project and one light editing, only (typos, missed punctuation, etc.). Anything else, was full pay, again, for the project.

If they had a problem making a "final say" choice, that was their problem not mine, but I refused to serve 2, 3, or, 4, masters!

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 16:20:00 +0000

Oh ladies, if it were that easy! The warring factions are in separate cities hundreds of miles apart. In this case, I’m letting THEM deal with it. I will not get in the middle of personal squabbles. The one did bring up his grave concerns regarding the content. He coupled it with his complaints that were thinly veiled digs at his counterpart, but I ignored that part. My job is ONLY content, not babysitting!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 16:16:00 +0000

Well, as a freelance professional you actually ARE a counselor, in many ways! I've had this situation happen before and, as Devon said, the first step should be to gather everyone in the same room.

People need to be held accountable for their communication, and often the infighting and conflicts will lessen if they have to do it in front of a third party (as opposed to using the third party as a medium).

I like the idea of aggrevation fees, too!

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 14:57:00 +0000

I'm not as kind or diplomatic as you are.

When I've been in that situation, I've pulled the warring parties in the room, told them bluntly that their personal conflicts are NOT my problem, I'm not a referee, and they are to get on the SAME page BEFORE contacting me, and that I'm adding aggrevation pay into the billing. Every time I get conflicting information, I charge an extra $100.

You'd be surprised how quickly they fall into step, especially when they have to justify their budget to highers up.