Business ideas ladies?

[Miranda]

"He played the wwjd card on me" :shock: Seriously? I would think he would honor a commitment that he made! These people have some nerve.

[Hisey]

What a jerk! Keep pushing him.

I know what Jesus would have done--he'd have honored his committment.

[Guest Anonymous]

The pastor emailed this morning and asked Mr to come in for a talk. I told him I needed to be paid just as everyone else who provided service needed to be paid. He told me that the lady who booked me misunderstood the budget for that particular group. I said that I undrrstood things happen but that that didn't mean I should suffer for her mistake. He played the wwjd card on me and asked if I would "write this off to getting my message out ". I told him that it wasn't about that and I expected payment. He was really unhappy but said he would see what he could do. I am unimpressed with this church. I told him that part of my message was standing up for myself and that he needed to do what was agreed upon. We shall see.

This pastor has enough balls to play pool with. You provided a service to this congregation (the talk) albeit an intangible one. That makes you a vendor, just like the utility store or the local Office Max, and I'd like to see them weasel out of paying the electric or phone company. As for "WWJD", even Jesus would not have condoned His disciples stiffing an innkeeper or the local greengrocers.

[gravelmonkey]

The pastor emailed this morning and asked Mr to come in for a talk. I told him I needed to be paid just as everyone else who provided service needed to be paid. He told me that the lady who booked me misunderstood the budget for that particular group. I said that I undrrstood things happen but that that didn't mean I should suffer for her mistake. He played the wwjd card on me and asked if I would "write this off to getting my message out ". I told him that it wasn't about that and I expected payment. He was really unhappy but said he would see what he could do. I am unimpressed with this church. I told him that part of my message was standing up for myself and that he needed to do what was agreed upon. We shall see.

Jesus would have given the money to the woman who had earned it and needed it rather using it to line the church coffers. What does this priest think the Sadducee and Pharisees would have done?

ETA: How much does the church pay him for his salary? Why doesn't he write his salary off for "getting his message out". Who does he think he is?

And also (something useful) if you're not afraid of needles, donating plasma is a good way of getting by. They pay you "for your time" and it's a good way to make $40+ a week if you're committed.

[Guest Anonymous]

At this stage, you have email evidence from the Pastor at least that a meeting took place. Can you get a free mini-consultation with a lawyer or an advice bureau to see if you have enough for a formal case against them?

[Lady_M]

I know a lot of churches are independent, and if this one is, it won't help. But - is this church part of a denomination or even some sort of group of connected churches where there might be someone higher up to appeal to like a council or a bishop?

That pastor has some nerve - you provided the requested service for an agreed upon fee, and you deserve to be paid the full amount.

[MonkeyMomma]

The pastor emailed this morning and asked Mr to come in for a talk. I told him I needed to be paid just as everyone else who provided service needed to be paid. He told me that the lady who booked me misunderstood the budget for that particular group. I said that I undrrstood things happen but that that didn't mean I should suffer for her mistake. He played the wwjd card on me and asked if I would "write this off to getting my message out ". I told him that it wasn't about that and I expected payment. He was really unhappy but said he would see what he could do. I am unimpressed with this church. I told him that part of my message was standing up for myself and that he needed to do what was agreed upon. We shall see.

I think that dinkus should really ask himself "what would Jesus do?" Answer: not screw people out of what is due to them and try to guilt his way out of it. It sucks that you're even having to deal with this. :(

And yeah, TV judge could be a really fun way to handle this.

[thekate]

The pastor emailed this morning and asked Mr to come in for a talk. I told him I needed to be paid just as everyone else who provided service needed to be paid. He told me that the lady who booked me misunderstood the budget for that particular group. I said that I undrrstood things happen but that that didn't mean I should suffer for her mistake. He played the wwjd card on me and asked if I would "write this off to getting my message out ". I told him that it wasn't about that and I expected payment. He was really unhappy but said he would see what he could do. I am unimpressed with this church. I told him that part of my message was standing up for myself and that he needed to do what was agreed upon. We shall see.

Who knew my crazy Catholic friend would post something useful for FJ on his Facebook?

[Closed Womb]

Someone already said it, but seriously consider in-home pet sitting for a chance to make extra cash. My hubby and I are trying to find people willing to stay at our home for $50/night. This is essentially no work, as our dog is mellow and only need three walks a day (a total of about a mile walking, unless the sitter wants to do more for pleasure.) She's on free feed (dry food), so refill the bowl when it gets empty, and give her a treat in the AM. Best part is that there is no need to stay here all day; it would not interfere with a full or part time job. You can always see the homes first, to make sure they are clean, safe, and you feel comfortable (if those things are important to you, which they may be, since you will be there alone) and be certain that you like the dog(s).

Dog walking gets between $17-20 a walk in this area. This may be more demanding than pet sitting (people might want regular service), but it pays more per walk than dog sitting.

I think what the church did was abhorrent. If you had agreed upon a fee you should get it. Not the $300 either -- the $600! If your fee was dependent upon ticket sales or a "love offering" that should have been made clear to you. WWJD? If he were in your shoes he wouldn't worry about cash, as he had the ability to provide for himself simply by calling on his Father. If her were in the PASTOR's shoes, I suggest that he would give of his own money and provide for the widows and orphans (you, as your family has orphaned you by their abuse.)

Good luck

[pixydust]

I have zero advice for you, but i just wanted to toss out some support. The church took advantage of you, plain and simple, and I think it's because they knew that you are new to the public speaking routine. It is disgusting that they would do this.

Oh, a few people have mentioned the media. One of our local TV affiliates has a segment that they do on the news, as needed, called "WAVY on your side" (WAVY is the call letters of the station), they have dealt with landlord issues, businesses not holding up their end of deals, scams, anything like that. Often times things get solved just by them being involved (no business wants to be on it! They'd rather fix things) If your local TV has anything like that, contact them! Shame is a huge motivator!

[CynicMom]

I have an idea: talk to the pastor and tell them that you understand that mistakes happen. For that reason you'd be willing to accept half of your upfront fee ($150) in exchange for referrals to speak at two other churches for the full fee. Your pitch is that this sort of fundamentalism can creep into a church before you know it and undermine existing church leadership. You can make them aware of this threat. If he gets all WWJD tell him straight up that you are broke. A statement like "Jesus would not withhold anything from someone who cannot afford a Christmas dinner" should work.

[CynicMom]

Adding: there are very very few situation where being a poor single woman would work to your advantage but THIS is one of them.

[Loveday]

I have zero advice for you, but i just wanted to toss out some support. The church took advantage of you, plain and simple, and I think it's because they knew that you are new to the public speaking routine. It is disgusting that they would do this.

I have no advice either, just wanted to add my support as well. The arrogance of this pastor appalls me.

Oh, a few people have mentioned the media. One of our local TV affiliates has a segment that they do on the news, as needed, called "WAVY on your side" (WAVY is the call letters of the station), they have dealt with landlord issues, businesses not holding up their end of deals, scams, anything like that. Often times things get solved just by them being involved (no business wants to be on it! They'd rather fix things) If your local TV has anything like that, contact them! Shame is a huge motivator!

Oh, I love WAVY On Your Side! They'd get things sorted in a heartbeat. Especially if WAVY sent Andy Fox into the fray. No one wants to see him knocking on the door with a microphone in his hand.

[pixydust]

I have no advice either, just wanted to add my support as well. The arrogance of this pastor appalls me.

Oh, I love WAVY On Your Side! They'd get things sorted in a heartbeat. Especially if WAVY sent Andy Fox into the fray. No one wants to see him knocking on the door with a microphone in his hand.

LOL, I know, right? "This is Andy Fox with WAVY TV and I need to speak to you", they go about 13 shades of red!

[SisiL78]

I meant small as in square footage, less traffic so you aren't dealing with a huge line out the door until New Years. Also, I know quite a few people who work at WS part time and they seem to enjoy it. None of them are gay. Rarely does being gay give someone an advantage in the workplace. Seems like you're awfully bitter. Most products in WS are All Clad (made in PA) and stuff like Le Creuset (France). Yes, I'm sure they have stuff from China. And yes, you can find factory seconds and last season stuff for less at TJ Maxx or the outlets.... But, otherwise I think you're mistaken.

Anyhoo, who cares if the stuff is overpriced if you're working there? Honestly, I rather work someplace where stuff costs a fortune. From my experience the higher the prices the fewer the crowds... which is a blessing when you're in retail. Why do I care if someone is "wasting" their money?

take them to tv court and let judge judy tell them a thing or two. your appeaarance fee is $1000, rooming, transportation and food, in addition to anything you might win from the other side.

stay away from williams-sonoma. they are a bad bad store. they are not a small store, they are part of a large chain with over 1,000 stores among all the brands. they have been known to fire people the day before benefits begin. you are discriminated against if you are NOT homosexual. trust me, i have been there. i would advise anyone not to buy things from them, they buy in bulk from sweatshops and repackage it here into retail units, thereby it's made in america. anything they sell, you can find for 1/2 the price and twice the quality if you look hard enough.

[MamaJunebug]

Ruth, I don't have any new ideas but I want to really endorse at least two of the above:

Go to the media outlet that features an "on your side" segment, or a newspaper who has a crusading reporter or a columnist who specializes in human-interest stories, or even to the religion editor, with your story about the church's behavior. You still are owed $300 and they were terrible from the first person to demand the $300 back, to the pastor's wwjd b.s.

Advertise pet/house-sitting services but do this carefully. Try to deal only with folks who are one degree of separation away from people you know.

Don't lose heart, please.

[wild little fox]

Nothing feels like a Christian screwing for sure.

Especially at Christmas time :cry:

[wild little fox]

I know this won't answer your problem right now, but have you thought about selling ad space on your blog for some passive income?

Also, you could always look into self publishing and selling only in Kindle format or electronically from your blog. Just some thoughts.

You have gotten this far, you can get through this. I want to you to know that we care about you lots and lots. I've read your blog and I think you are amazing.

[SisiL78]

If nothing else, for future engagements have a contract written up. It doesn't necessarily have to be very formal.

Key for a contract, whether its verbal or written is the exchange of goods, services, or money between 2 or more parties. Therefore if one party fulfills their end (either through providing a good, service or money) then the other party is obliged to provide what they promised. The question of value can enter into the equation, but its not necessary. In the contract you have to expressly state that you will provide service in exchange for payment (or other compensation).

Verbal contracts are binding but hard to enforce. Even an email with an agreement between two parties promising to exchange services for payment has some value because its written down.

I believe you can download for free or a small fee an official template for a contract. I think just the presence of a contract will make people less inclined to screw you over.

[NotALoserLikeYou]

What kind of unprofessional place are they running? If she misquoted you, oh well. The solution is not that YOUR fee has to cover THEIR catering and mistakes. You two had an oral CONTRACT and once you fulfilled your part of the bargain, they are legally obligated to fulfill their promise. I know, I am in a Business Law class for Paralegals :D

But really, the Pastor had the opportunity to fix it, and he acted HORRIBLY. They should be embarrassed! I have been involved in lots of things, co-ops, PTAs, businesses, and frankly, there are standards for customer service. A church functions just like any other organization and should not ever let something like this happen. It really sounds like a bunch of idiots are running that place.

[Hisey]

Perhaps you could post the pastor's email and we could all write to him. Politely, of course.

[Alecto]

Ruth, you have enough readers you really should monetize your blog. Email me (freejingerowner at gmail) and I can help you set it up.

[blisterine]

I meant small as in square footage, less traffic so you aren't dealing with a huge line out the door until New Years. Also, I know quite a few people who work at WS part time and they seem to enjoy it. None of them are gay. Rarely does being gay give someone an advantage in the workplace. Seems like you're awfully bitter. Most products in WS are All Clad (made in PA) and stuff like Le Creuset (France). Yes, I'm sure they have stuff from China. And yes, you can find factory seconds and last season stuff for less at TJ Maxx or the outlets.... But, otherwise I think you're mistaken.

Anyhoo, who cares if the stuff is overpriced if you're working there? Honestly, I rather work someplace where stuff costs a fortune. From my experience the higher the prices the fewer the crowds... which is a blessing when you're in retail. Why do I care if someone is "wasting" their money?

begin threadjack:

i am very bitter. i was told by upper management that i was too uptight because i haven't found the right woman to rock my world yet. i am female and married, so that might not work out so well with my husband. when i complained to hr, they told the only policy in place was to protect homosexuals and what i was told wasn't harrassment. after all, williams-sonoma was started by chuck williams who sold owned a hardware store and stocked it with cookware he bought on vacation with his gay lover. the company threw away money left and right. i actually sat through a presentation where someone was given a six-figure bonus check for outsourcing manufacturing and the check represented only a small portion of what he saved the company by paying pennies an hour compared to u.s. wages. i grew tired of doing my boss's work and watch him get rewarded with trips based on MY merit. if you look at the staff at any of their stores, they are usually either gay, nearing retirement age or both. i did get my vindication: after i left, my boss was fired for theft after he deconstructed my return procedures and stole over $3 million. the day after i left, he told people i didn't know what i was doing and disregard every process and procedure i put in place. within 6 weeks, he was on probation because he had no idea how to do his own job- because i had to handle everything that came up outside of normal business. his theft was discovered and suddenly i was very valuable to the company. i had put myself in hiding and only one person could reach me- she was offered a bonus if she could find me and get me to do forensic accounting to see the extent of his theivery. i told her what to tell them to look for to see what he was stealing but to tell them she couldn't find me. i was happy to hear that they made him do the walk of shame when he was fired- he was escorted out of the place carrying boxes of his stuff and flanked by security guards. if you think you are purchasing quality merchandise from williams-sonoma, look for the lists of recalled items they have sold- flammable, lead-filled, not safe for human consumption. the inflated prices doesn't really relate to higher profit, but it does cover the inferior and defective items that they purchased and couldn't resell.

end threadjack!

ruth, think about asked judge judy to settle the matter! she doesn't take any guff and now, thankfully, neither do i! wwjjd? what would judge judy do!

[moodygirl86]

Ruth, I'm sorry you got ripped off. What a bunch of unscrupulous bastards, and churches like this think it's everybody else who's immoral!

I would definitely make this public in the media. Also write to this guy's bishop/whoever his boss is, telling him everything you told us, and to your MP (or US equivalent).

Good luck with it all, and please keep us posted.

[SisiL78]

I'm sorry you had a bad experience at 1 out of a 1000 stores, it really sucks. What was done was harassment and its important to stand up for one self when necessary. Again, I don't think the merits of WS is the point of this thread and I suggested it as one of several possibilities for holiday employment as I know they are less intense than working at a Walmart or Macys or similar. I had a friend who had a horrid experience at Bed Bath and Beyond in one location. But, another location a few miles away is a great place to work for the same person (the person in question became manager in just over a year after she switched stores). There are some horrid people out there who insist on using their positions as retail employees to cause misery for other people. I used to be a floating teller and at some branches it would be awesome, at others I'd be denied even a 5 minute bathroom break so that some lousy nobody could feel powerful. I was targeted by a few of the branch managers (It was always women who I had issues with) because they thought I was full of myself. And why was I full of myself? Because I insisted on leaving at 3pm when my shift was over to go to class. THey told me that I was an uppity college girl as often as they could. My co-workers would rush to my defense and that would often make things worse!

In fact there are people in all walks of life who use their positions, large or small, to get a power trip. Perhaps the ladies who ran the even that Ruth spoke at are just such women. They and the pastor probably get a little high off of using their authority over someone. Ya, they are supposed to be G-d's messengers and all that. But, its just another form of exerting power on others. I think these are the sorts of people who don't have control in other parts of their lives so when they see a situation where they can lord their position over someone else they take it. They know they are wrong, they know that they are being ungodlike but they don't care. I would bet that Mr. Pastor got a chuckle about the WWJD line, ya.... because Jesus would really hire someone to do a job and then insist on getting the money back afterwards.