We've talked about this before. I've had potential clients walk away and then come back later asking to work with me, after all.

I have a feeling this guy will find too many writers will object, and he'll be back, too.

Maybe I'm wrong. Still, at least this way I have no regrets.

Jenn, I had it on my site at one point, but I just give it out to new clients when I feel it's going to help.

"I really do appreciate your efforts to make this agreement more compatible with an independent contractor/company relationship, and you’ve made great strides.

However, I’m still uncomfortable with the remaining provisions—the audit, zero tolerance, and DNC/Can-SPAM provisions. My primary objection is that the IRS uses the “control” test to determine whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor. The more control the company exerts over a worker, the more likely that person is to be considered an employee. I’m actually surprised the legal team thinks these provisions are wise to include in an agreement with independent contractors.

Anyway, I didn’t want to be too stubborn or unreasonable, so I ran this by a personal friend who’s been a successful writer for about 15 years. I also posted a request for input on a freelance writer’s blog I read each day. We’ve developed a nice, small community of people who write for a living (not as a hobby) and who share ideas/advice on the business of writing. Anyway, to a person, they all said those provisions would also be unacceptable to them.

If you think it would make a difference, I’m happy to send you a contract from another client or two (with their info redacted) that’s better suited to an independent contractor/company situation for your legal team to use as a baseline. Just let me know."

He said thanks and did ask for agreements, and I sent him two.

At least we've been professional.

Their legal team, which I'm not thinking much of at the moment, ought to take notice of that.

They need to be sent a clear message — they're trying to control way too much.