Every so often, folks ask me why certain articles or stories I've written remain on the backburner, while others make their way to the forefront (i.e. hit print). Well, it all comes down to professionalism.
Those on the level will reach out to writers and artists and inform them of bumps in the road or explain why a project may not reach fruition. These announcements don't always warm the heart, but at least they don't keep contributors dancing in the dark.
There are also those who beg you to contribute to their cause and claim that the results will pay off (per exposure and cash), but then there's a lull. That lull extends into months and then years, and no matter how many times you reach out, you hear nothing, or you finally get some halfhearted excuse about a lack of funds to make their endeavor a reality, but you're told to hang on all the same, and that's followed by more silence.
I'm still steaming over one guy who asked me to compose a treatment for his proposed, lucha-libre comic. I spent two months developing a script and then emailed it to him. He told me he had to drop off his kids at school, but would get back to me soon thereafter. I never heard from him again. Not a bloody peep. From what I can gather, his comic never did materialize. Is it any wonder with such a lackadaisical disposition?
If one must relinquish a commitment, why not just say upfront what the situation is? Offer an apology, perhaps an explanation as to why things haven't gone as planned, so that contributors can shop around their goods to other sources? Is it that hard to do?
I'm sick of the arrogance, of the attitude that my time and effort hold no weight, that I'm left in a lurch is no big deal.
Such disrespect, my friends, is inexcusable, offensive and unprofessional. If you can't communicate with those who've given you their all, then you shouldn't be in the publishing business, but then your inability to publish equates just that.ðŸ˜
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