(no subject)

[thrashbear.livejournal.com]

About two years ago, I recall a rant in this here community from a commissioner regarding a fursuit maker.  Said fursuit maker had a negative reputation within the fandom as a whole, but this project had taken two years to complete it.

One of the excuses offered was that the artist had a basement flood, destroying the project, and they had to start over.  The commissioner seemed doubtful of this assertion, considering all of the other excuses they've offered over time.

Well, just a couple of hours ago, a pipe burst in my home, sending water along my workspace and mere inches from the pieces I was working on.  Had fate not dictated that I be right there when it actually happened, this story could have been a whole lot sadder.  Thankfully, I was able to shut off the water to the house before any damage was done. 

With the homeowners out of town, and me being the resident handyman, I cannot leave until this problem is fixed.  I was due to deliver these projects this weekend.  I am willing to take the hit to my credibility (meager as it might be) considering the scope of the problem at hand. 

This relatively minor incident reminded me of that situation, and I thought it worthy of sharing. 

Comments

[jamesalesto.livejournal.com]

Ouch, thankfully you knew what to do. :)

The difference between you and them is that you haven't been giving your customers constant excuses. Plus if something did happen to them, you would at least have the ability to take photo evidence.

[coyote-feathers.livejournal.com]

The difference here is that even if your work had been destroyed, it would be credible since you haven't been crying wolf for so long.

Nice quick-thinking! I hope everything turns out okay!

[patchesfox.livejournal.com]

I think its a matter of how many excuses the fursuit maker had given over time and how much time they were taking. If all else fails snap a quick photo of the damage or of the remains of the project (if it had been soaked in water or something) and send that to them! Its hard to argue with a photograph (darn things always beat me in staring contests too) if you show them a photo it lets them know what progress was made in the time and its pretty solid evidence that yes something major happened.

[candychic125.livejournal.com]

Its hard to argue with a photograph (darn things always beat me in staring contests too) <- Lol. It's true, though. If any problems come up, most people will be understanding if you explain things too them, and if they don't believe you, photographs help a lot. It's ironic that happened to you, too, though.

[aazhie.livejournal.com]

Those pipes are trouble, i know way too many people who had flooded basements. Good thing you were there! And yes i feel it would be a valid excuse for you to slow down on some commissions, especially since you don't make up excuses at the drop of a hat.

Good you were able to handle the situation!

[onesteptwo.livejournal.com]

I should hope that your customers aren't going to flip out over you sticking around until everything gets fixed. That'd be just plain silly. Someone's got to make sure things get fixed.

[lilenth.livejournal.com]

That's the thing, if someone otherwise has a good reputation, any issues that crop up? Are likely to be believed, besides all it takes is a bit of photo proof in cases like that.

[canis-ridens.livejournal.com]

Echoing what's been said above, it all boils down to reputation, and what the commissioner has already experienced with the artist. The artist had apparently given excuse after excuse. People who lie try to keep their stories plausible. Is it a believable scenario? Sure. Did it necessarily happen to that specific individual (and on top of everything else, no less)? Nope.

[pariah-kittie.livejournal.com]

The pipe thing happened to me last week! - Except it was in my bathroom.
Lucky for me the apartments take care of any repairs or cleaning. Unlucky for everyone is the pipe flooded my bathroom, and the 2 apartments below mine as well.
For the commission, really, if you've been credible then when something does happen people will believe you're being honest as to why the commission wasn't sent out.
Bad things (can) happen to good people.
Bad people make hollow excuses.