The Blanking Game

I don't use this blog to rant...err too much. Mostly to discuss ways to treat your fans well, to be kind, to rewind...no...never mind.

But lately I've a huge pet peeve.

BLANKING

Look, I know how busy everyone is. I do. But if I can write a book a month, produce a movie, promote my work, create covers, write blurbs, keep up with fan emails, eat, cook, clean, function as a human being, then what excuse do people have to BLANK anyone?

Why not say, "Well, I would love to do that project for you, but I'm really busy right now, so no thanks."
Instead, individuals who agree to do projects, with payment, say, "Yes! I'd love to!" and then vanish.

I do realize things get hectic and you can be delayed. No biggie. Just email and say, "Hey- got busy! Am delayed!"

In this age of instant messages, and emails, where you don't even have to pick up a phone, (God forbid someone calls someone else to exchange info) you can take two seconds and write, "I'm here! I am still interested but give me a week."

When someone who is hired to work for another individual, accepts the project and them simply vanishes, is that acceptable to anyone?

Maybe my expectations are too high and I think people are reactive to others' time and feelings. Silly me. I suppose the amount of people who actually do care and take a minute to say, "Oops, meant to email you but couldn't because...." are few.

I have been very lucky in my working career as a writer. I have had and still have, some extremely reliable resources who ALWAYS come through. I consider them as consummate professionals, and respect the heck out of them and recommend them to everyone for their high work ethic.

Good business like good human contact is really not that tough. Just information, communication and understanding.

You simply have to let a person know what's going on. That's all I have ever asked of anyone I do business with. Just let me know. Once I know...well, I know.

But to BLANK? That's simply bad business and that type of behavior will eventually become common knowledge. I respect everyone's time, I really do. And if you cannot do something, or are delayed. I get it. Not everyone is a workaholic like me and does things the minute they are laid on my desk. So I don't expect the same. (Though when it happens I am very grateful!)

So, here's my two cents worth about THE BLANKING GAME. Don't come to me for favors after you do it. I simply will vanish into thin air. (Like you have done to me)
And life is funny that way. Just because you don't need me or my resources now, does not mean you may not in the future. And I've come from a line of Hauser's with memories like elephants. We never forget.

Be good to each other. It's not that hard.

Be safe out there too.