Because the artist kept in communication (even the OP's piecemeal evidence demonstrates this), I feel that the blame lay more on the OP who could have been more honest. This does not remove blame entirely from the artist of course, but the root of the problem is communication. Because the artist mentioned a full-refund 4 months in and the commissioner said to continue and gave no indication as to having a problem I don't feel that the artist is entirely unreasonable. While missing deadlines is unprofessional, there was certainly contact throughout the process, and the OP was aware of where progress stood. The artist is also relatively new and part-time--this is not to say all bad behavior is excusable but it's a lot more acceptable then say, from a full-time, professional maker. I also don't think a few extra months is unreasonable for a project of that scale--I personally think the artist bit off more than they could chew and didn't have the experience to know when to quit and refund.
Honestly, I'm bothered both by the hear-say in the OP's post and the fact that there is no evidence that they told PoprockGrey that they were unhappy at all until the demand of a refund. I also think that what the OP describes in how he kept in contact could easily be construed as stressful from the other side, especially in combination with the apparent harassment that was going on from third parties. If what the OP says about the 14 people is true I would like names/screen shots/etc
I do think if the OP had been up-front about his feelings then things may not have worked out poorly. It's a real shame that the OP felt the need to post here before working it out with artist. Since there's not a response after the last piece of evidence, it looks like the OP was unwilling to work with the artist.
I see nothing here that indicates that this is any more than a miscommunication. The slander (and yes, until proven otherwise, that's what the hear-say in the original post is) and also the misrepresentation is not ok. I'm hoping that this sentence from the original post:
"So she tells me that she’s only going to give me 30% back of what I paid once she sells the wings to someone else."
Is him misunderstanding what was said because I strongly feel that's a misrepresentation of what is posted in this screenshot http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k541/AvianMaverick/Screenshot2011-08-17at103718PM.png And yet seems to be the sentence many of the commenters here are caught up on when commenting to the artist.
I don't believe that 30% outright is unreasonable IF it is also sent with the materials that were bought for the commission, the WIP, etc. That also wasn't the only option offered, the others are all three fairly reasonable and options that have OFTEN been suggested on A_B before. Because the commissioner was the one to cancel AFTER having been offered a full refund before, I don't think they are entitled to 100% of the money back, I can't imagine putting hours of work into such an endeavor and getting nothing back.
no subject
Honestly, I'm bothered both by the hear-say in the OP's post and the fact that there is no evidence that they told PoprockGrey that they were unhappy at all until the demand of a refund. I also think that what the OP describes in how he kept in contact could easily be construed as stressful from the other side, especially in combination with the apparent harassment that was going on from third parties. If what the OP says about the 14 people is true I would like names/screen shots/etc
I do think if the OP had been up-front about his feelings then things may not have worked out poorly. It's a real shame that the OP felt the need to post here before working it out with artist. Since there's not a response after the last piece of evidence, it looks like the OP was unwilling to work with the artist.
I see nothing here that indicates that this is any more than a miscommunication. The slander (and yes, until proven otherwise, that's what the hear-say in the original post is) and also the misrepresentation is not ok. I'm hoping that this sentence from the original post:
"So she tells me that she’s only going to give me 30% back of what I paid once she sells the wings to someone else."
Is him misunderstanding what was said because I strongly feel that's a misrepresentation of what is posted in this screenshot
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k541/AvianMaverick/Screenshot2011-08-17at103718PM.png
And yet seems to be the sentence many of the commenters here are caught up on when commenting to the artist.
I don't believe that 30% outright is unreasonable IF it is also sent with the materials that were bought for the commission, the WIP, etc. That also wasn't the only option offered, the others are all three fairly reasonable and options that have OFTEN been suggested on A_B before. Because the commissioner was the one to cancel AFTER having been offered a full refund before, I don't think they are entitled to 100% of the money back, I can't imagine putting hours of work into such an endeavor and getting nothing back.
EDIT: to make it easier to read