Based upon a blog that has since been deleted, another member and I are continuing our coversation in the back room on expectations of both the firm of a reporter, and the reporter of a firm. I actually think it's a very interesting subject matter and would love to invite all to join in.
What DO you do when one isn't adhering to their obligation to the other? We all have obligations. The agency has an obligation to correctly transmit the info so the reporter can make it to the job and turn it in in the correct format. The reporter then has an obligation to accurately transcribe the proceedings, have it proofread, and then turn it in in a timely manner. The agency then has the obligation to pay the reporter a fair wage... in the same timely manner.
So what do YOU do when the "other" guy is flaking out on their obligation?
Is it fair to take a job from an agency and then COD them because they've been playing games throughout the pendency of the job? If yes, what did the agency do to put themself in that situation?
When the transcript isn't produced in a timely manner by the reporter, what do agencies do to get that transcript in their hot little hands? Do you threaten the reporter? Do you make a formal complaint to your board regarding the reporter? Do you keep your mouth shut and remain polite because you're fearful of the repercussions of an angry/spiteful/fearful reporter?
How long do you wait before you take an agency to small claims court?
When an agency gets a transcript from a reporter and it's replete with errors, do you say, "Good try, do it over"? Do you fix it yourself? Do you charge the reporter proofreading charges if the job is that bad?
When an angry reporter starts badmouthing an agency in a public forum, what do the agencies watching the show do? Make note of the reporter's name and tell yourself "Do not use because this one's a troublemaker"?
When an agency owner start telling stories of "bad" reporters, what do reporters watching the show do? Make the same mental note and say "Do not work for because they can't be pleased"?
I'd love to hear a general topic -- NO specific names, please -- on what you've done, what's worked in the past, what you've encountered, how you've rectified the situation.