----- Original Message -----
From: "Judith C. Kallos" <hwg-lgmgr(at)theistudio.com>
To: <hwg-business(at)mail.hwg.org>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2002 5:46 PM
Subject: Re: Question about a client


> If the site is live in any way - pull it until compensation is received.

Major red caution flag: do NOT NOT NOT pull a live site for any reason
before consulting with your attorney if you do not have a contract outlining
that you will do so.  In some states it is more difficult to 'repossess'
intellectual property than to repossess a lawn mower.  Unless and until a
judgement is received, to remove disputed material from a live web site can
be actionable on the part of the DEVELOPER.

There is most certainly a way and means to remove disputed work product,
usually following all of Judith's communication-and-followup methods and
sometimes ending with a trip to small (or not-so-small) claims court to get
a gavel down on removal of the uncompensated work.

I hate the 'consult an attorney' quips as much as anyone, but after my first
(last, and only) non paying client, I took that advice before taking action
and I'm glad I did.  And just having a successful history with a client is
not protection on continued billing.  If it's not in writing it's open for
disagreement.  Even the most cooperative, steady client can suddenly turn
into Mr. Hyde for no understandable reason.

KRansdell

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