Anything Goes : Liars and cheats by Alex Alvarenga

I think it is a long-standing truth about any business centered on art that you should be open about the art, but all the business goes down on paper. Asking for it in writing should NEVER turn off a potential colleague. If it does, you are probably encountering one (or both) of those 2 types of folks you mentioned. Always get the business points in writing, make sure you have a professional review the contract (if the deal is worth significantly more than the legal costs), and you will rarely have to worry about the "liars and cheats".

Paul, all yes true. but the reality is sometimes you just have to trust people and take a chance. In a ideal world we could ask for a contract but thats not always the case and many time any contract is not worth the paper its written on...I mean have you priced a lawyer and the cost in pursuing. In my case I was warned by this person's office manager and a few others that he was a crook but circumstances had me not thinking right and later ignoring certain realities. I referred people over to him and had to trust that his promise of including me in any profits would be realized. In time I finally had to confront him and all I got back was a lame "I'm sorry" . I had to then salvage my reputation and contact the people I had referred to let them know and warn them. I know many people think its best to just move on but as this person has a history-he was even sued by another mixer friend for the same thing I felt it was correct to at least let anyone know what working with this crook could get them.

Understood, Alex. Yes, as I mentioned, getting it in writing is a good option "if the deal is worth significantly more than the legal costs". Otherwise, yeah, you have to go on reputation and gut feeling. I've read stories like yours from top professionals in the industry, so I guess it happens to the best of us. I hope you are fortunate in finding better business partners these days.