Re: FWD: What to do about a recommendation?

[Al Geist <al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com>]

   Forwarded anonymously on request. Please reply to the list.

     ***********************************************************
     We hired a contractor several months ago.  We weren't unhappy
     enough to fire the person, but we also weren't happy enough that
     we'd hire them again.  We made a tactical decision not to try to
     address the person's shortcomings with them.  We thought that would
     require too much time, and we'd make better progress on the project
     if we just worked around the problems with the contractor.
     Unfortunately, since we haven't told them about the issues that we
     see, and we are also about to deliver the project on schedule, the
     person now wants to use me as a reference.  So what do I tell the
     person?
     *  No, with no explanation
     *  No, because I wouldn't be able to give you a good reference
     *  Yes, with no explanation
     *  Yes, but it won't be a _good_ reference
     *  Some other option I haven't thought of
     Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

   THis is a classic case of you should have been upfront with this
   person all along.  Since you never told him/her there were any
   problems, this poor sap was led to believe that you were really happy
   with their work.  Now that he/her asks you if you can be used as a
   reference, are you going to tell this person "no, 'cause you suck as a
   writer"?
   Al

   --

   Al Geist
   Technical Writing, Online Help, Marketing Collateral, Web Design,
   Award Winning Videos, Professional Photography
   Voice/Msg: 802-658-3140

   Cell: 802-578-3964
   E-mail: [1]al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com 
   URL: [2]www.geistassociates.com (online portfolio/resume)

   See also:
   URL: [3]www.geistimages.com (fine art prints for home for office, and
   note cards for all occasions)
   "When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know
   whether to answer "Present" or "Not guilty.""
                            Theodore Roosevelt

References

   1. mailto:al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com
   2. http://www.geistassociates.com/
   3. http://www.geistimages.com/
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