Beware: GHDA

[zen-migawa.livejournal.com]

Well... I hate to do this, but it now all comes down to this.

This is the artist in question. Well, before he decided to abandon art and dive strictly into composing rave music. In my case, he's guilty of holding onto $40 worth of commission money, AND the sketchbook I loaned him to do it in - a transaction that took place at the Anthrocon 2007 artist alley, that has yet to be concluded.

http://www.furaffinity.net/user/ghda

A link to a complete PM log is attached to this entry at the bottom for evidence.

It was simple enough. I commissioned him at AC'07 around early Sunday, and said I would come around to pick it up before the alley closed. Unfortunately, I somehow was too caught up in finding people that, by the time I reached GHDA's table spot, he had disappeared with my sketchbook. After the con, I contacted him via FA PM, and he said he had it and would send it over to me. Pretty simple, right? (See Exhibit A.)

Fast foward to the closing months up to Anthrocon 2008. I noted him earlier in February, but I got no response. (Exhibit B.) No biggie. With Anthrocon coming up, I figured he'd be there and I could bug him about it. So, come June, I poke him again about the sketchbook. He responds by saying he won't be showing up at AC... and the sketchbook?

"as soon as i stop wanting to kill myself i'll mail it out pronto <3"
(Exhibit C.)

At this point, I really began to lose patience with him, as I'm always the one contacting him and reminding him he owns a piece of my property, and he still has a service to do from one year ago. At this point, I issue a warning to him that I'm taking the sketchbook issue seriously, now, and say that at this point, I only want the bloody sketchbook back, commission-less if need be. It's August; I give him two months to do so before I take a bit of action against him. He responds with guilt, how he owes others commissions from then, too, and yet more assurance that he'll send me the sketchbook within the time I asked him to. At this point, I really, REALLY do not think highly of his word. (Exhibit D.)

Come September, one month before the deadline, and still no word from him. So I poke him again, clearly fed up with the wait. And this time, he snaps at me, saying "responsibility" isn't an issue, and I'll have my sketchbook by the deadline I asked. (Exhibit E.)

Deadline date. I PM him, saying I received no indication that my sketchbook has been returned. (Exhibit F.) He says he's having trouble sending it back, because he left his entire commission load at a friend's house, potentially damaged due to the nature of the living conditions there. Even if I threaten him by making this exchange public, and pleading with him to just get it over with, he doesn't care anymore, but still says he'll get my book back... again.

And up until now, I still don't have my sketchbook back, or any manner of compensation. And I get the feeling I'll never see it again, unless I physically raid his entire address book with a fire axe.

The PM log, in plain TXT format. You can read the logs that coincide with my sad little sob story here, separated by Exhibit.
http://www.thesilverpandapub.com/Temp/logtext.txt

Since apparently three other people are still waiting on their commission status with this guy, I think I'm justified in advising caution when he's offering any sort of service-for-pay, online or in person. GHDA's been incredibly irresponsible with the handling of others' property, and is passing it off on either his current life situation, his naivete, or something else.

Comments

[circlemeats.livejournal.com]

I don't know how people can just do that. Knowing that someone gave me money to see a piece of artwork from me, is just like such a high form of flattery. To take money and run like that is so low. God... ergghh x_X I'm sorry.

[rexxwolfe.livejournal.com]

I try to buy art from people who received good reviews and places like this help steer me clear of bad experiences. Soon i may start posting my own warnings here about bad dealers.

[kappyjeanne.livejournal.com]

Man this entire situation sucks but I really hope that sketchbook wasn't filled.
What a loss :(

[rileycostello.livejournal.com]

this is yet another situation confirming the reason why I don't bother commissioning people to put stuff in sketchbooks.

I have had so many friends of mine lose sketchbooks that had a lot of money invested into the art contained within either by an irresponsible artist, or poor shipping. :(

Bummer, I hope he gets you your book back. ;____;

[strredwolf.livejournal.com]

prismo has a great idea in which you don't give your entire sketchbook out. Instead, you give them sheets of sketchpaper and a plastic cover. You have them sketch on that, and you combine them in a binder.

Easy stuff.

[lastres0rt.livejournal.com]

So the "Sketchbook" consists of a 3-ring binder full of put-together sketches and held together with page protectors?

Not the worst idea, though I can see where it loses some charm compared to the size / elegance of sketchbooks. The things one does for security, I suppose.

[badkittyamy.livejournal.com]

well there are some binders that have that kind of faux sketchbook look. I know I would never let anyone take a sketchbook out of my sight unless i trusted them implicitly.

[co-nutcase.livejournal.com]

what I have done is I have bought a nice profolio to put sketchs and other pictures I commission, into. it keeps them safe and all the person has to handle is the picture it's self...I don't think I could ever give my sketch book out.

[thisbloodybone.livejournal.com]

Wow. I guess all I can say is I'm sorry. Sorry you had to put up with all of this. I really hope you get your sketchbook back, but to be crass, I kinda doubt it. Am I the only one who really thinks a lot of what this guy said is EXTREMELY condescending? I also like how he's so eager to point out his flaws, then just shrugs and is like 'oh well'. He never seems to go into great detail about why he can't mail out the sketchbook outside of the one instance of it being at a friend's house, and even then, why couldn't he get it from said friend's house unless it's just that much of a hellhole that it's lost for all eternity. Even then, all of this shows great immaturity on the commissioners part and... well, frankly, it's disgusting. It's really disheartening to see someone just be so nonchalant about not finishing a commission. I also hate the 'I'm a terrible person' bit; like admitting that is going to change the situation any.

I'm really sorry you had to put up with all of this, dude. I hope things work out for you in the end. And thanks from warning away from this guy.

[co-nutcase.livejournal.com]

Sadly, there are alot of people out there like that. They just don't seem to care. I'm ever so sorry this happened to you, but now you know not to do it right? I know that doesn't sound nice, but yea.

Still bext of luck getting it back

[stormslegacy.livejournal.com]

I had someone recently entrust me with a sketchbook (not even a commission, just a "can you draw something for me please?") and I felt like I was guarding that thing with my life! The idea of losing it terrified me! I can't imagine being so nonchalant about it, especially knowing that the pictures were PAID for!

[deraldargon.livejournal.com]

Oh, I never abandoned art.

You hit it pretty spot on with your thesis, however.

[be-prepared.livejournal.com]

Nice.

[namitheuntamed.livejournal.com]

This is the kind of person that simply shouldn't take commissions. Blatant guilt-tripping and leaving his sketchbook at a friend’s house in an area where it can get damaged...not only is he irresponsible, but whiny about it too.

Next time somebody says they're gonna kill themselves, don't show even a shred of sympathy. In fact, give them a tip on how to best kill themselves. I find that if you teach people like this that suicide threats aren't going to give them the attention or pity they desire, they'll stop trying to use them.

Of course, I only recommend doing this if the person is obviously BSing you (as in this case) Probably not the best idea if they're actually planning to kill themselves, but if they were, I doubt they'd randomly mention it to an almost complete stranger unless they wanted attention.

DON'T COMMISSION THIS FURSUIT MAKER!

[yenristar.livejournal.com]

The website is: http://www.fenrirproductions.com/

I had commissioned this person to make me a head and feetpaws for my fursona and i payed them near 500 US dollars!

I was supposed to get the feet by august when i had payed half of the amount quoted to me, and never got it.
i was told by her that she was having some troubles ordering her fur and that she should be getting it withing the next 4 days, then 2 months latter nothing! i messaged her again asking for an explanation after paying her all of what i needed and waiting 2 months after she said she would have the fur (keep in mind this is also 2 months after i was supposed to have had my feet AND head) and she tells me she is working on it as fast as she can and i should have it by the LATEST December 26th! now it is the end of January havent had a message from her since october! i message her again and she doesnt reply back! she has ignored my emails, ignored my request for a refund on paypal and i STILL havent gotten ANYTHING! i was scammed by this person and i am posting this here to warn you! T^T i lost out on 2 cons to wear the costume i wanted to wear because of this problem and 500 dollars, and now i have no other fursuiter i can turn to that dont cost and arm and a leg to commission...

DONT COMMISSION THIS PERSON!