So a few weeks ago, I had a messy session with one of the content providers here. Needless to say, while the session was fun, not totally what I envisioned, but close. However, I did have the session filmed for my personal use. That said it was essentially just a video camera (not mine)on a tripod. Nothing special, but it works. Anyway, The session cost a lot of my time and money. I have for the past few weeks been trying to contact the said provider via email to obtain the video. Well, surprise surprise, I have gotten no response from the provider, and I suspect I won't. This is the second time I have gotten burned like this from a major provider of content here. Second time shame on me for trusting. So consider this a cautionary tale to beware contacting session providers if you are participating. I wont directly name the providers/producers of content here, but rest assured it has put another sour taste in my mouth, for people in general, and I will not be purchasing anymore of this persons videos, as I have stopped purchasing from the first provider that burned me. So a wishful message to content/session providers, Take care of your customers, or lose them.. I was extremely accommodating to your schedule and booked an expensive session/trip only to get burned, and not get the video I asked for, or any response whatsoever. It is very disappointing. To producers out there making quality content and making a conscious effort at customer service, Thank You..

Good Luck, be safe...

that sucks.

name them. don't protect thieves

Agreed.

Message MM and let him know the details and who the provider is, and what the agreed terms for you getting the video were, this should have been part of the deal in writing? Even if the provider eventually gives you the video it's useful to overall site management to know how well (or not) people are delivering promised deals.

Is there a particular reason you won't name the person here? You might save someone else from being burned, and if you don't want someone to post anything negative in public about you, then be ethical and honor the terms and continues of the session, which means providing you with the video.

Update... So I will be as clear as mud. I did finally hear back from the producer, who was travelling for work, and will hopefully be getting my video in the next few days. However, I would like to emphasize, that communication is key. A quick message to inform of delays, and I probably would have been ok. So apologies for the rant.

I'm sorry to hear of your bad experience. I do believe you should name them so others can be informed and prevent them from also being stung. Also, it helps eliminate good producers who strive to get it right and deliver great service. Your experience is unacceptable and diminishes the trust of the entire industry.

We have heard of very negative stories of big-name producers also and it is both sad and frustrating to those who want to provide a decent, honest and trustworthy service.

Reporting to mods is a good idea, but also informing the public is important as there is a much bigger market out there on other platforms also.

We hope you get this resolved with whichever producer it is and your trust is restored.

We can assure you, there are companies who are professional, honest and can be fully relied upon for trust and decency.

Devil's avocado - Did you have anything in writing?
Was it explicitly expressed/agreed upon that you were getting a copy or was it more a suggestion?
Was a time frame given?
How long was it from session before you made your first inquiry?
Did you try multiple lines inquiry (email, here, twitter, etc.)

I don't want to make light of your situation as you definitely feel like you've been burned. But there's three sides to every story, your side, their side, and the truth. We've had similar discussions about customs recently, and to be fair, getting screwed can go both ways. Not everything that felt as a slight is meant as one.

In the two sessions I had with people here, both were filmed for the possibility of releasing here; one was, the other was not. Both said I would get a copy, and eventually I did from both. I never bothered asking about where it was in the process because I just had other things going on in life and I know they did too. Also, editing takes time. One came considerably faster than the other. I don't hold that in the slightest against the one that took longer.

That said, if most of those questions above can be checked off then yeah, I'd be a bit pissed too.

I just don't want people jumping on the bandwagon of "X producer is shit because I didn't get my video" only to find out later it's been like two weeks, and they never got your one email or message. Don't feel dissuaded from outing someone, but also realize that blowback is a bitch.

I'm glad that you made contact though, and I hope you get your video and that it's wonderful!

Some general advice to others:

Resist the urge to publish an alleged offender's name or handle here. Despite your confidence that you have been wronged, you might be mistaken (happens often), and then you've besmirched someone else's name/identity. The poster did the right thing my not posting their name here (and yes, the advice to contact MM about the issue is best).

If you book a session, and it transpires, and, if it is recorded (whether on cell phone camera or other device) you should have them upload the video to your computer before they leave (this is easy to do; make sure you have a USB to cell phone cable). Don't accept any excuses -- especially if you have paid. But, in the future, makes sure you stipulate this in advance.

Thanks, The issue is being resolved, and hopefully I will have it in a few days. I am glad that I didn't post the name. I feel the reasons are valid as life is busy. But as I said in my update, communication is key, and I am hoping that is all this was.

I'm going to heavily disagree with this. By posting their name, you're not only going to get a quicker resolution but you're going to save others from hiring them.

Anytime a producer or model stops communication, right there they are at fault. Also, since there's two sides to every story, the producer or model would be more than welcome to post their rebuttal.

"Busy" is never an excuse. If you're that busy, don't take on custom projects. If you take on a project or session, then something does indeed happen in your life it's your responsibility to stay in very good communication or offer a full/partial refund.

'Life is what happens when you are making other plans.'

Sure, being 'busy' is a lousy excuse, but it can also be a polite cover for more personal issues/crises.

And yes, communication is key. One should stipulate (if you're a producer) when to expect replies, updates, etc. om a custom order...that way the consumer is not fretting over delays or lack of prompt communication.

Johnnypie:

If you wish post a complaint here with name-outing -- because you think it leads to a 'quicker resolution' (show me the proof/data) -- that's your call.

People should use their best judgement and discretion. Like I said, contacting MM to liaison with the custom producer is the BEST way to go...but it's not the only way.

I'm glad that the OP has heard back from the producer. In a case like this, it seems unlikely that they would take the money and run: he's already had the session, so the expensive bit (model and mess) is done. Plausible reasons not to send the video immediately:
* Maybe they don't have it, e.g. if they forgot to press record on the camera or wiped the memory card by mistake.
* Maybe they just haven't got round to dealing with it yet.

Neither of those are ideal, but it's a bit different to a scenario where someone pays upfront for a custom that never gets made.

I also agree about being cautious to name and shame. In a situation like this, imagine that you're fired up with righteous indignation, but then it turns out that the producer did email you and the message is stuck in your spam folder. (The OP specifically mentioned email rather than UMD messaging.) At that point, you'd have to grovel and apologise for the false accusation.

Thanks, I think it just turned at not being able to get to it.. Life does get in the way.. busy schedules..etc..etc..Glad I did not name and once I get the video there will be no issue. Just a lesson, and life goes on either way..

Either way, if the producer is on UMD's list, please take a minute to write a review?

MM