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Re: Unusual lecture problem

Title: Re: [GWL] Unusual lecture problem
Hi, Graham -- I would say that you had an agreement in principal, with all but a few details worked out. The date and topics were discussed and confirmed. It seems like a hand-shake kind of agreement at the least, and since planning for large events starts a couple of years out, it would seem like an agreement was implied.

Because there was no formal agreement, such as a contract, of course, you can withdraw.

However, I should think you'd want to weigh the public relations aspects of doing so. Would it be better to go to the event and give your speech or would it be better not to go and weather the bad publicity? Word of mouth can be very damaging.

With your formal agreements, do you offer a contract that sets out the details? Does the venue or the organization? That might save you the next time, especially if the contract sets out what will happen should you cancel or should the event be cancelled.

You might also be able to salvage the situation by finding a substitute speaker, one that would be the quality that you represent.

Just my thoughts.

jems



I was approached in June 2004 about lecturing at a conference in 2006. I agreed in principle - all I knew was the date.

Everything went quiet for a long time until this spring when various previously unmentioned conditions emerged. I reluctantly accepted these and subjects for the lectures were discussed but  there was no agreement on the fee and expenses and so no formal agreement that I would speak.

A month ago, after a couple of months of silence on the matter of the fees negotiation, I decided that, for various family reasons, I would have to stop taking lecture bookings for a while and they were informed that I would not be available. They expressed consternation that I would not be coming as, it turns out, in spite of not having reached an agreement with me, they have been publicising my appearance at the event. Then I receive an email saying "Thank you so much for agreeing to participate..."

I'm sure this is more disorganisation, lack of communication within the organisation and incompetence than any attempt to blackmail me by publicity into actually turning up.

But what am I supposed to do now? If I'd actually accepted their offer and agreed to go - then of course I would go, however inconvenient it might be, no argument at all. But we'd reached no agreement and then I was forced to withdraw.

But it will now look as if I have let them down.

Nothing like this has ever happenend before.

Any thoughts, anyone?




--
Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp
Garden writer, speaker, photographer
Director, Region III Garden Writers Association
Phone: 317.251.3261
Fax: 317.251.8545
E-mail: hoosiergardener@earthlink.net
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