Periodically we see people rightfully complain that one end or the other of a business deal or 'understanding' was not upheld.  This is the brief story of an 'understanding' arrived at long ago:

About fifteen years ago I was promised a significant percentage of a small corporation based on what I had accomplished up to that point.  I trusted the man who made that promise so much that I never bothered to get it in writing.  But, fifteen years after that promise was made I decided it was time to put it in writing.  (shame on me for not getting it in writing to begin with).  So, I told him, 'hey, I think it's time we put this in writing'.  He responded immediately, 'You're right.  Let's do it.  We're not getting any younger.'  And so we did.  If he wanted to be ruthless he could have denied he ever made the promise in the first place and probably have prevailed in court.  There was a very significant dollar value involved.  I've been fortunate ... and careful ...  in my choice of company in business.  Moral of the story?:

1 -- Get it in writing.

2 -- Deal with honorable people to begin with and the significance of  item 1 above diminishes.

Maybe it doesn't belong here, and my apologies if it doesn't.  But I thought it was a pleasant enough little story that some of you talented artists who've crashed into business walls might like it.  In a rather negative world it's reaffirmed my faith in human nature.

3 - Honorable people have no problems putting things in writing.

indeed.  because honourable people know that circumstances beyond their control can intervene.  they might have an accident incapacitating them, or worse, they might die.  without a properly signed contract it's near impossible to collect from an estate.

i don't have faith in human nature (because it encompasses everything, from pure altruism to horrific cruelty), but i do put faith in the honour of some individuals i know.  that means i expect them to keep their promises if generally possible.  it doesn't mean i expect them to wield their influence upon bureaucracies from the great beyond.  :)

glad you just had a good experience, Tunesy.

Quote - i do put faith in the honour of some individuals i know.  that means i expect them to keep their promises if generally possible.  it doesn't mean i expect them to wield their influence upon bureaucracies from the great beyond.  :)

Very well said :)

One of the quickest ways to be dropped from my circle of friends is to show that you have no honour and can't be trusted.  For me, I value my word, my reputation and honour, and I will do whatever I can to make sure that I keep my promises wherever possible, and spend years trying to make it up and apologizing if for whatever reason something prevents me from doing so.

Too many people these days show a lack of honour and integrity.