I got an email a couple weeks ago requesting help from you all, and debated on how to deal with it since we normally only fundraise for pets and candidates, but it sounds like our fellow commenter got really screwed and maybe we could help:
Hi fellow Juicers
I work as a freelance editor on large projects; training programs, continuing education systems and the like. I worked a 6 month project ending in December. Contract has strong NDAs and work exclusivity. Completed my work on time and sent in in. then BOOM; no response, no payment, no work release allowing to accept new work. Nothing. Hired an attorney and entered pre-trial litigation After extended pre-litigation filings, we have been pushed into an arbitration proceeding using the arb service they contract with. I need to pay my attorney addition fees to file arbitration. This is a massive case (over 41M at stake) and I am a very small fish in this ocean. I already put up $8000 litigating this case. This arbitration proceeding is being used not to resolve the case but drive smaller litigants from the case and thus losing their case by draining them of funds and running through their retainer, while remaining trapped in the contract..I need a total of $6000 ($4000 for initial arbitration filing and $2000 for response). It’s billed at $400/hr and includes $800 filing fee.If this runs on BJ I will pay it forward to the “Walter Fund”. I am precluded by the exclusivity clause from any W-2 or 1099 work until the arbitrator releases me; hence my funds deficit.. I will be released as soon as arbitration filing is accepted. I’m an honest person, I will pay this forward win or lose the litigation. I’ve been a longtime Juicer (2003) mostly an amused lurker who reads everyone’s pet stories 20 times over. Now I need some of my Juicer compadres to slip a ten or twenty into the hat when it passed. Thanks so much..
Planetpundit
When he refers to the Walter fund, he means he will basically just reimburse the website whatever we chip in and send a check to Anne Laurie to deposit and (Anne Laurie told me to pound sand she doesn’t do accounting so I will deal with it or find someone willing) use for emergency pet issues or crises that affect readers who may need a hand. At any rate, I am not a lawyer, but this sounds like something a company would do, and while I am super cautious with what I ask of all of you, I thought I would pass it along and let you all use your own judgment.
Here’s the link.