[NTLUG:Discuss] Business Issues - a question

[Stephen Davidson]

Greetings.

A while back, I had for a customer a company that had some financial 
issues.  Among other things, they had been burned by less than ethical 
consultants and companies (some of whom now have criminal records).  I 
fell for the line "Just one more feature and we will be able to sell 
this" really hard.  To the point where I let their balance with me get 
out of control.  In the course of trying to get their products 
"on-track", I introduced them to a few user's groups.  I never expected 
that they would never make any good faith efforts to settle with me.  
Otherwise, I would never have done some work for one of their associated 
side businesses -- which I also was never paid for.  There is some legal 
action I should take in regards to this matter, I just have not had the 
time (moved on, current customer, while also having some software 
issues, is paying me promptly to help solve them).  In the meantime, 
these people are now tapping the User Groups I introduced them to 
directly themselves.  My understanding is that they are now planning on 
attending workshops, etc. put on by the groups. In addition, they are 
still hiring consultants, although I don't know (other than by inference 
from the fact that no attempt has ever been made to try to settle with 
me) whether or not they are paying their current consultants.  A concern 
is, what happens if they try to hire somebody from a group I introduced 
them to, and then stiff them like they stiffed me?  I am thinking I 
should warn the group(s) in question, most likely with names, dates, and 
places.  But if I do, that will also start a huge flame war in the group.

Suggestions?

-Steve