I think it is so very important to have a clear vision of what the video you are going to create is going to be used for before you actually create the video. This may be very basic to say, but I bet there are many who do not fully develop this step.

Love this Ed. Forgetting the legal problems, inventing a non-existent person is just plain dishonest.

Jack Reznicki and I address this issue at our lectures and in our articles for Photoshop User Magazine and at thecopyrightzone.com. We emphasize simplicity, directness and skipping the drama in about 99.62% of all business transactions.

Inventing non-existent third persons as suggested in the above piece, is potentially very dangerous and could lead to all sorts of legal problems or claims including those in misrepresentation or fraud. At least two attorneys could purchase shiny new vehicles as a result of such misleading information being employed. The scenarios are endless and costly even if the legal cannon ball were to be successfully dodged.

Completely ignore and disregard (intentionally redundant) the legal problems that could arise for a moment. Pause, question and think: what if word gets out that such fabrication was part and parcel to “your” deal or manner of doing business – even for free or discounted services? Your reputation would likely suffer or could even, evaporate. What took a lifetime to mold, becomes mold.

Why tempt fate? Why seek out sleepless nights? Why sign over your child’s college fund to a gleeful attorney who can now deposit same at the Mercedes dealer?

Simply put your usual rate, the reasons for the discount and the consequences if your client shall we say, “takes advantage of you”. Leave the drama to Lindsay Lohan.

Edward C. Greenberg, Esq.