I've been in a business relationship for the past 2 months. Right from the beginning, I told them their deadlines may not be possible for me to meet, but I'd try my best and see. I met with them (they are a married couple) a few days ago, and he wanted the product(s) in stores by Christmas. I told him right then it was not possible--I would not be able to do it. They poo-pooed me, like I didn't know what I was saying, and kept talking. They're big talkers. Well, the next morning, I got an email from him detailing an even longer list of products (than the ones I had said no to completing in time for Christmas) that were due October 24th, and he was glad we were "on the same page". It was like he never listened to anything I said. He refused to acknowledge that I had said no.

So last night, after much stress and contemplation, I emailed my collegues that I was in over my head with the project, there was no way I could meet the deadlines (which should not have been a surprise to them, had they listened to me speak), and I didn't think I was right for the job. I also referred them to another person who may be able to complete the job in the time frame they wanted.

Well, first thing this morning, I get a phone call from HIM. Right from the start, he's SCREAMING at me (at 8am, I must ad). He called me every name in the book (including the "C" word), at one point YELLING "I'M A PROFESSIONAL! I'M A PROFESSIONAL WRITER AND A PROFESSIONAL BUSINESSMAN! YOU DON'T SO THIS TO ME, YOU MEALY MOUTH *****!" (professional toddler or jerk is more like it, mr. temper tantrum!) He said so much more, but it's all a blurr. I held the phone up to DBF's ear because I couldn't believe what was being said to me by this "business colleague". His (DBF's) mouth opened in shock at the tyrade, and he claims he's never heard anyone so mad before in his life. I agree with that!

I don't know what else I could have done to end a project that I couldn't do. I thought honesty was the best route to take, but I guess they wanted to be strung along, with me missing deadline after deadline. That was my alternative to the approach I took.

I also should ad, I've not been (and will not be) paid a cent for all my work, and it was many hours of labor, meeting with them, travelling for supplies, etc. They have all the things I've made so far, and I'm out a lot of hours, but thankful for the lessons learned! There's no way I would ever work with someone who was so foulmouthed, angry, and abusive. I'm glad I found out before my name was associated with them and their product. At least I can walk away with my reputation clean. I can't imagine I'm the first person he's attacked in this way.

Oh, yeah, they came to me for this. I wasn't looking for a job. They wanted to collaborate with me.