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Title: Ethics, Agreements, Contracts....
Content: The trouble with Agreements and Contracts is that it attempts to state clearly, for however many parties are involved, responsibilities. This can protect all parties involved in business. Some however use it as a tool to trap innocent parties. This makes us wary when it comes to signing anything. Rightfully so and as an adult, you need to be aware and Read Everything you sign. If you read it completely and have questions you need to raise those questions Before signing contracts and agreements. Once you sign, you need to Honor it or work out a compromise with all involved, that is agreeable. On the other hand, what does the one who writes up the contract do when the signing party Does NOT follow through with the Contract or Agreement? Perhaps a court can decide what to do about it and the Cost starts to rise. If you are a large business you have funds to do this, in fact you probably have budgeted for it. Breaking of contracts are not New. What are the consequences... When it comes to Art I am experiencing first hand the Ethical and Unethical Responses in dealing with my Fellow Artists. As an Artist and an Art Promoter, even an Agent at times, it can get “Very Sticky.” Friendships are involved, you Run in the same circles, you Work in the same circles. As an Artist/Art Promoter/Representative I felt an Up Front Fee was Not necessary or needed but that a Commission for sold artwork was all I wanted. It feels good to help those around you. Many Promoters, Agents, Representatives are paid in advance for their services not being completely dependent on the Sales of ArtWork. Numerous Hours, Days and Weeks go into Promoting Events and Individual works. Not to mention the cost. I’ve been spending or investing money I have yet to receive but hope to, through my efforts and the talent of the Artists I deal with. Since giving my services freely and feeling like I’ve given an even amount of assistance to my fellow artists, I am now reviewing my services and deciding, in the New Year, that a minimal fee is needed. More hours spent than I initially expected to spend, as well as the cost in order to do the job it takes to properly promote our work has prompted this action. While I understand that there are those that just can’t spend the extra $20 a month for promoting their work for sales, I see them spending the money to enter 2 day shows and exhibits for that amount. Times are hard for everyone, and decisions need to be made as we all want to make money to support what we love. I shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting to be paid for my services but I kinda do. I don’t want Artists to feel bad that I am now asking to be paid for my services either. I will however point them in the right direction. I am happy to give free consultations to those I have built a relationship with. Unfortunately just recently I’ve found one artist that after getting my Full Promotional advantages for Free, she is turning down a sale that I was handling for her. This cost me a possible commission for work that has already been done on her behalf. What would make an Artist turn down a sale..... Perhaps she started getting direct calls from my Promotional Efforts. Press releases in the local papers, the 5 Online Art Sites I’ve promoted her on (WorldWide viewings of her work daily) and e-mail marketing easily over 400 or more prospective clients. “Unethical Lesson #......!!” Needless to say working with an UnEthical Artist is not new for me, nor will it be the last. I just have to say a Big Thanks, to those Artists with a Higher Standard of Ethics, Respectability and Friendship that makes my Efforts worth while. Mahalo, Claudette McDermott Artist / Art Promoter / Art Activist Published: 11/3/09
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