The Importance of Discretion
Elber (who happens to be a freelance photographer) narrates the story of a jilted web designer. Apparently, Adam Derbyshire:
…was asked by Michele Humphries, a member of the Ockbrook Big Band, to secure and host the domain name ockbrookbigband.com and to build and maintain two websites for her within that domain. One for the Ockbrook Big Band and one for the Michele Humphries Big Band.
I was not paid for any work nor for the domain name.
And since Adam is maintaining the domain, he effectively controls it. That’s why he’s been receiving emails sent to the domain, making him privy to the band’s internal squabbles. And what does he do? Seeking a little revenge, he posts the messages online. To be fair, he only airs the dirty laundry of his client, Michele Humphries, showing how she was manipulating her bandmates to get her enemy forced out.
One thing that surprises me though is how quickly (or perhaps easily) Adam resorted to drastic measures. It’s only March, and this all started last January. Two months is hardly enough to escalate the situation. Yes, his client should have honored her commitment to pay for Adam’s services, and I don’t know what exactly went on between him and Michele, but the web designer has crossed the point of no return.
If Adam’s pet project gains the popularity he desires, his reputation may suffer. Many of the clients I’ve worked with have many secrets to keep, if only to keep the competition in the dark. Would they be willing to hire someone who publicizes everything at the first sign of disagreement? I think not. Even if Mr. Derbyshire is a talented contract worker (and I can see from the simple yet effective look of the hostaged website that he knows his design fundamentals), some people wouldn’t be willing to take the risk.
At the very least, Adam should’ve simply told others about the suspect reliability of his client, providing details relevant only to the project concerned. No matter how much he was wronged. Because by making everything personal on a public stage, he shows a lack of discretion. Which unfortunately may limit his appeal with potential clients―even if they have nothing to hide.
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POSTED IN: Ramblings of a Freelancer
11 opinions for The Importance of Discretion
Elber
Mar 20, 2007 at 6:50 pm
I agree. He has tarnished the reputations of everyboy involved in this mess - including his. I didn’t want to focus on that though.
I thought what he did was so vindictive, not to mention a bit stupid, that it became funny. I’m sure it’s not something I would do.
broc
Mar 20, 2007 at 10:13 pm
i can see why this may be a problem for him in the future but i must say i respect his decision and think that this is quite hilarious
Rico
Mar 20, 2007 at 11:50 pm
Elber and broc: Even if I disagree with what he did, the emails he posted do make great reading!
Adam Derbyshire
Mar 21, 2007 at 5:34 am
I’m glad you all found it so entertaining.
I had hoped that it would raise a smile in the design community and it seems like it has.
For the record, the site has been up for around a week now and I still haven’t been paid.
I’m going to start blogging at the site soon, updating it with all the emails I’ve had, both support and complaints, so everyone can watch the saga unfold.
All they have to do to get me to take it down is pay me what I am owed.
In some respects I’ve given up any thought of getting my money. If, as I suspect, I never get my money, I would like the site to remain in place as a reminder to all clients (not just my clients, clients of any designer) of just what can happen when lies get told.
Since the emails I have posted prove that my client has lied to other people as well I thought it would be an effective of way of getting some sort of justice.
I would love it if the site got dugg. It’s currently at 6 diggs. The more publicity the better!
Rico
Mar 21, 2007 at 11:39 pm
I wonder what went on between you and and your client. Because for you to take such drastic (yet entertaining) action, you must’ve been left with a really sour taste in your mouth.
But I’m not really sure if this the best way to go about getting your payment. It’s good that you’re resigned to the fact you won’t get paid, since there’s no chance that your client will pony up because of what you did.
I do understand what you’re goal is: telling the world how “wonderful” your client was. But I think this could’ve been done without posting their private emails.
As a freelancer, I still hope that clients check out your site, so that they know what can happen if they don’t hold up their end of the deal. :)
Good luck Adam!
Christophe
Apr 4, 2007 at 4:55 am
As a member of the local music scene in Nottingham (but not a member of OBB) I was very disappointed to read your site. As a contract worker myself (that is what musicians are after all) I truly understand the frustration of not being paid, or not being paid enough for the work that I have put in.
However, it is beyond belief that someone would be as unprofessional as attempt a character assassination of a client in public, this would be tantamount to professional suicide in the music business.
Sadly, big groups of musicians tend to run things by committees, with all the intrigues and misunderstandings that go along with it. The emails you posted are disappointing but very familiar to most musicians who play in such groups. They have nothing to do with what, on the face of it, seems like a misunderstanding in the band and between the band and yourself.
I don’t play with OBB but I play with OBB players and most of the local music scene is interconnected in this way. Mr Derbyshire may feel better after venting his spleen, but his name will quickly become mud amongst quite a few organisations that could have been potential clients. I would advise anyone else not to follow his example.
Rico
Apr 5, 2007 at 8:03 am
That’s the issue I have with Adam’s actions. At the very least, he could’ve avoided airing the band’s dirty laundry. Just publicly criticizing the band (or its representative) without giving specifics would’ve been as effective.
Aside from his name becoming mud, I also fear that he could be legally liable for privacy violations, or something in that vein.
Thanks for sharing Christophe (Christopher?).
Contract Worker - Never Ever Bite the Hand That Feeds You
Apr 15, 2007 at 7:42 am
[…] gave you a chance to make money and become more known, so give them a chance to fix things. Going public immediately is hasty at best, ungrateful at worst. It should be the last resort, and involve only matters that […]
legaleagle
May 19, 2007 at 8:53 am
I have been digging around on this curious incident. Apparently Michele was never a client. She is simply the victim of a vicious attack by a demented guy called Ashley Morgan (aka Adam Derbyshire) who was dumped by the band in question because of his vicious disliking of their singer. Grounds for defamation of character must be being considered !
Rico
May 21, 2007 at 6:38 am
Do you have any proof of this? If what you say is true, then Adam did something totally wrong.
Adam Derbyshire
Jun 1, 2007 at 2:06 am
legalealge - I can only assume that the reason you choose not to post your own website or email address is that you know you are making this rubbish up.
I have offered many times to meet with the band face to face to sort this matter out. Michele Humphries is still denying that she even employed me, no doubt to try and hang on to her work with the band.
If, like you insinuate, I am someone else in disguise then I would not have offered to meet with the band face to face would I?
No. Its clear to me that you, legaleagle, are Michele Humphries, desperately trying to spin this already sad story into the realms of fantasy to save your ample hide.
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