[Asterisk-biz] A question about ethics, I suppose

[Stephen Misel]

Technically, it would be libel/slander if your statements were untrue.

Given the number of people with a consulting background on these  
lists, it might be a good idea to at least post a warning.

-Steve


On May 22, 2005, at 8:39 AM, Alan Smith wrote:

> Hello,
>
> I'm wondering if some people on the list can give their opinion on a
> business-related matter I'm facing.
>
> We were previously approached by someone wanting to help us fix up
> their Asterisk installation. Subsequently, we did a couple more jobs
> for them, all the while somewhat undercharging them for the work --
> often times throwing in an hour or so worth of time free on top of
> what was agreed. The client would also call me once in a while, and I
> accommodated by answering their mostly technical and Asterisk-related
> questions, sometimes calling them back on my personal cell phone. I
> suppose I subscribe to the "above and beyond the call of duty" line of
> thinking..
>
> However, on the last occasion, the job required a couple of additional
> hours above what I had quoted the client for. While performing the
> work, I informed the client of this matter, and he was agreeable when
> I said I would have to charge him extra. I thought this was
> reasonable, and explained to him about the "freebies" I had given
> prior, and that in the long run things evened out.
>
> It has been about two months since I sent that invoice. I have a
> feeling this client may end up not paying me at all. But what bothers
> me is the same client is currently posting on the Asterisk Users list
> asking for consultants to work on another job.
>
> So the question is this: would it be ethical to reply to the client's
> posting, and use this public forum to warn others of the risk of doing
> business with the client? Would it be construed as slander? I'm just
> concerned that he might rip other people off, and would just like to
> warn others.
>
> Thanks for taking some time to read my email.
>
> A. Smith
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