A messy business

Some jobs turn ugly.

In an ideal world, freelance writing is a straightforward process.

Something like this:

a) Client + defined requirements < writer's experience and abilities.
b) Client + writer's abilities + time = satisfied client + promptly paid writer (+ recommendations).

However, as every freelancer knows, a client's ideas about what they want can be informed, or constrained, by their own experience and expectations.

Sometimes, the best part about being in a creative industry is the creative part itself. You can change perceptions and preconceptions, introduce new concepts and everyone goes away enriched for the experience (not just financially for the writer).

That can happen, but other equations are possible:

a) Client + defined requirements < writer's experience and abilities.
c) (Client + writer's abilities + time) - payment = a 'crap meets fan' scenario.

Recently, like buses, two of the latter types have come along. In each case, prices were agreed at the outset and work commenced. Refinements of instructions followed and feedback was given as my work progressed. And then...nothing. Not a word, not a peep; not even the sound of a wallet closing.

So what's a writer to do? Well, this is your chance to have your say.

Others, so far, have suggested:

1. Name and shame the culprits.
2. Small claims court. No messing about. But also, as I understand it, not necessarily enforceable.
3. Contact the representative body that the business belongs to, or wants to belong to, and advise them that their member / would-be member is a shyster.
4. Write a stern blog.
5. Write to them advising that non-payment means you (i.e. I) retain the copyright on any work done, and unpaid use of that work constitutes theft.

Have you had an experience like this?

How did you respond?

What was the outcome?