Whitehat360
Boynton Beach,#2Author of original report
Fri, July 17, 2009
This is in response to the response that was filed by GWE. I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for calling him a con artist. I think we can all agree that in times of emotion we all do or say things we later look back on and wish we hadn't. It is true, I first contacted George in January after noticing that his website needed significant help. He told me that he was having it completely redesigned and would get in touch with me when the time was right. I did offer SEO (Search Engine Optimization) services for free. This included and it was described to them as making sure that keywords were put in place, alt tags were utilized, descriptions were unique to the pages content, page titles were unique, and the creation of a site map for submission to Google as well as any other techniques that could be implemented. It was then expressed to me that GWE wanted me to have a larger role and help them get their business off the ground. I understood that they were a small business with large goals and wanted to help them. Anyone reading this would agree $12.00 an hour is more than reasonable, I used to make more than that working in security. It's not even about the money, its about believing in something and wanting to help. During the same conversation it was also expressed to both george and his partner that if they wanted me to do any coding or scripting that my rate would have to go up due to the work that would be involved. They agreed with me. The work included setting up a back office, shopping for a web based CRM system, setting up the CRM, and managing their users and data. Another task was writing ad copy for his brochure, which he was completely satisfied with at the time. I feel $12.00 an hour for these services was a really good value for them. Second, yes I did receive an email saying payment would be submitted by 7/17/09, ,however the invoices were sent in may/june. I was also told that payment would be received prior to that email which began to lead me to believe I was being ripped off. Not having any written agreements also played a role in that. I would agree that I should have contacted this individual first before making any posts on the internet, but as I said when you feel that you have been ripped off and have nothing in writing, it no longer is an issue of money,but of principle. All that would have had to take place was them right and submit an agreement to pay form giving them x amount of time to pay x amount of dollars, just to put my mind at ease and to not have the feeling of getting ripped off. Lessons learned.
George
Delray Beach,#3REBUTTAL Individual responds
Wed, July 15, 2009
Stephen and I worked together before we opened Global Water Enterprise, Inc. on another project. We terminated our relationship on a positive note. This past January, 2009 I received a call from Mr. Barbarino asking me if I would be interested in his services (IT) for our new company. He stated in that conversation that he was willing to do it for FREE so that he could put it on his resume. I assumed that he was starting his own business. After a few months after his phone call I did call Mr. and asked him if he was still interested in going forward. He said yes, BUT he was going to charge me for his time. That was not what he proposed in the call he made to me in January.Regardless, we did hire him at the $12 per hour. Then it went to $18. Per hour. I realize that was not a lot of money for a solid IT person, but it was his proposal not mine.... Mr started to get upset with us (Global Water) because we were not in a position to move forward with some of the necessary dollars for the campaign. He claimed that he lost business and gave potential business away because of Global. We, I, never asked Mr. not take on new clients. The last conversation we had was that it would be best to get back with him when we had the necessary funds to do a proper campaign. I told him that he would be paid on our next check runThe 17th of July. He agreed. I have an e-mail from Mr. stating that he would like to be part of Global when we would be ready to do an effective campaign. Regardless of Mr. 's vicious attack on me and my company, I wish him all the best in his future endeavourers. Just be honest with the promises you make to people...