Why Contracts Are Really Your Best Friend – "My work is being reused…by someone that I no longer consider a friend." http://t.co/iR5Qw95
— Shawn King (@ShawnKing) August 14, 2010
From Twitter User Melissa Findley (@Mercuralis) https://twitter.com/Mercuralis
I discovered this Tweet back in 2010 and it says exactly what I am telling people on a regular basis: business relationships need to be documented with written agreements, even if (some would say particularly if) the relationship if with a friend or family. I am frequently told that requiring something in writing is “to formal” or “not necessary”. People I encounter regularly feel that asking for something in writing is a sign of distrust.
Why is it distrustful to take an action that protects both parties to the relationship and could prevent a protracted legal dispute? That is precisely what creating a properly drafted written agreement provides:
- It spells out the terms of the relationship removing confusion and doubt;
- It defines and clarifies each parties’ ownership of and rights to use the work in the future;
- It promotes discussion and negotiation of terms while the parties are on good terms;
- It adds credibility to the relationship because each party was willing to “put it in writing”;
- It provides a reference to clarify disputes when issues arise.
If you have any questions about these items or want to discuss anything about contracts, please email me or call me.
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