7 COMPLAINTS! - Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com

[angelahoy]

COMPLAINT #1 OF 7

WARNING - THIS PUBLISHER OWES LOTS OF PEOPLE MONEY YET THEY ARE STILL "HIRING" ON THEIR WEBSITE!

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: COMPLAINT about HowStuffWorks / Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com / The Shakespeare Squared Foundation
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:07:06 -0400
To: PR@ShakespeareSquared.com, BCarroll@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, LWasilewski@ShakespeareSquared.com, JAltun@ShakespeareSquared.com, TSimpson@ShakespeareSquared.com, VOlson@ShakespeareSquared.com

March 25, 2009

Kim Kleeman, President/CEO - PR@ShakespeareSquared.com
Beth Carroll, Project Manager - BCarroll@ShakespeareSquared.com,
info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com
Laura Wasilewski, Digital Media Manager - LWasilewski@ShakespeareSquared.com
Juliet Altun, Financial Director - JAltun@ShakespeareSquared.com
Terese Simpson, Project Coordinator II - TSimpson@ShakespeareSquared.com
Valerie Olson, Editorial & Project Management Assistant -
VOlson@ShakespeareSquared.com
Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com
The Shakespeare Squared Foundation
1827 Elmdale Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
P 847.998.0535
F 847.510.2095

AND

HowStuffWorks
Discovery Communications, LLC - investor_relations@discovery.com
1 Discovery Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (240) 662-2000 (Legal)

WritersWeekly.com has received a complaint about:
Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com / The Shakespeare Squared
Foundation - work done on HowStuffWorks / Discovery Communications, LLC

WritersWeekly.com is a publication that publishes information for
and about freelance writers. The publication is the
largest-circulation freelance writing ezine in the world.

As part of that information, WritersWeekly.com publishes a Warnings
section on its website and in its newsletter. This warning section
contains reports about publications that are unprofessional in
dealing with writers, haven't paid writers money that is owed to
them, who have not abided by their contracts, or who have unfair
contract terms. These reports are used by WritersWeekly.com's
subscribers
to decide which publications they should and should not work with.

Your firm has been submitted to us for inclusion in the
WritersWeekly.com Whispers and Warnings section.

Step one of our investigation of this report is to gather all
relevant correspondence between your publication and the person
submitting the complaint so that we can piece together that person's
side of the story. Step one of our investigation has been completed.

-------------
THE COMPLAINT
-------------

[TS] (name not published here but was, of course provided to the publisher)
alleges you owe her $3075.00, some of which dates back
several months, and that you're now ignoring her correspondence. Since
you blamed your late payment on late/no payment by your client, which
appears to be HowStuffWorks / Discovery Communications, we are copying
them on this complaint as well.

See complete allegation under my signature.

-----------------
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
-----------------

The second step in our investigation is to send this communication
to your firm to get its side of the story. If you have evidence
disputing these allegations, or would like to make your own
statement about these allegations for publication in our report, please
email angela@writersweekly.com within two business days.

***All correspondence for our investigations must be in writing and
is subject to publication.***

If you do owe this person money, we strongly suggest you read
this article before responding:
http://www.writersweekly.com/the_latest_from_angelahoycom/003628_09132006.html

Our report on your firm is scheduled for inclusion in our
publication next Wednesday, though it may appear in our Whispers and
Warnings forum before that time.

If there is no response to these allegations, WritersWeekly.com will
still publish this complaint, but our readers will not be able to
read your side of the story.

We appreciate your prompt response in this matter.

Angela Hoy
Publisher
WritersWeekly.com

~~~~~~~~~~~
ALLEGATION
~~~~~~~~~~~

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Whispers and Warnings
Date: Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:17:53 -0400
From: [TS]

Hi Angela,

In November of 2008 I started working for Shakespeare Squared on the How
Stuff Works project for the Discovery Company. I believe they hired 3
other writers at that time.

The contract was to write articles using a Shakespearean name, for
$125.00 per article, on a 45 day payout. I invoiced Shakespeare Squared
at the end of November(13 articles), December (9 articles) and late
January (6 articles).

I should have received my first payment of $1575.00 January 15th, but
did not. I inquired about when I could receive payment and on January
21st was told “We are waiting for payment from the clients. As soon as
we get payments from them we will be sending you a check. Thanks for
your patience.”

On Jan 30th I again inquired about payment, and on Feb. 2nd they said
“We are hoping it will be in the next 2 weeks.”

In total, I wrote 28 articles, with one being a short article @ $75.00.
So they owed me $3450.00.

February 12th I contacted them again, as it was time for the second
invoice to be paid and they responded with “This has been a frustrating
year. That being said, we completely understand your position. We have
had you as a top priority when dollars come in. We just got a payment
from a client & have issued you a check for $375. partial payment for
you. Will be mailed today. I am sorry it is not a full amount. We
are making payments as best we can.

"Thanks for your continued patience.”

I did receive a check for $375.00 the following week. But nothing since.
They still owe me $3075.00.

I sent this email on the 12th of March -

“Any word on when I will be receiving payment for work completed? This
is taking a very long time. I understand that Shakespeare Squared is
waiting on payment from How Stuff Works, but my contract is with
Shakespeare Squared. I need to have a definite answer on when I can
expect payment in full.”

But have not received a reply. Their lack of communication has left me
feeling like I’m being royally screwed.

I did believe that Shakespeare Squared was a good company, but they
don’t seem to understand that just like you can’t buy $3450 worth of
groceries at a store and only pay $375, you can’t purchase a writer’s
work and not pay for it.

[TS]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PUBLISHER RESPONDS

See publisher's notes by the **"s below and in italics, which we have added because their response was difficult to read.

Hi Angela,

In November of 2008 I started working for Shakespeare Squared on the
How
Stuff Works project for the Discovery Company. I believe they hired 3
other writers at that time.

***[TS], in giving your website this confidential information, is now in breech of the confidentiality clause in her Independent Contractor Agreement which she signed with our company.

The contract was to write articles using a Shakespearean name, for
$125.00 per article, on a 45 day payout. I invoiced Shakespeare
Squared
at the end of November(13 articles), December (9 articles) and late
January (6 articles).

***This is accurate except that the terms are 45 days after the invoice is posted. We have an internal approval process which must be followed before accounting can enter an invoice into our bookkeeping system. This is a normal business procedure we experience all the time with our clients.

I should have received my first payment of $1575.00 January 15th, but
did not. I inquired about when I could receive payment and on January
21st was told “We are waiting for payment from the clients. As soon
as
we get payments from them we will be sending you a check. Thanks for
your patience.”

***This is also accurate.

On Jan 30th I again inquired about payment, and on Feb. 2nd they said
“We are hoping it will be in the next 2 weeks.”

***The end of last year and the beginning of this were an extraordinary time in most businesses in America. We, like many other companies, were trying to understand the vast changes we were experiencing. We, again like many others, did major staffing cuts which included going from a comptroller and full time bookkeeper to a part-time bookkeeper. Consequently our response time to emails from writers was not as tight as we would have liked it to be.

In total, I wrote 28 articles, with one being a short article @
$75.00.
So they owed me $3450.00.

February 12th I contacted them again, as it was time for the second
invoice to be paid and they responded with “This has been a frustrating
year. That being said, we completely understand your position. We have
had you as a top priority when dollars come in. We just got a payment
from a client & have issued you a check for $375. partial payment for
you. Will be mailed today. I am sorry it is not a full amount. We
are making payments as best we can.

"Thanks for your continued patience.”

I did receive a check for $375.00 the following week. But nothing
since.

***Unfortunately had she waited another day or two she would have received a check that was already processed on the 16th of March for $1200.00

They still owe me $3075.00.

***Thus at that time we only owed her slightly over $1000. which has been paid off in the meantime.

I sent this email on the 12th of March -

“Any word on when I will be receiving payment for work completed? T
his
is taking a very long time. I understand that Shakespeare Squared is
waiting on payment from How Stuff Works, but my contract is with
Shakespeare Squared. I need to have a definite answer on when I can
expect payment in full.”

But have not received a reply. Their lack of communication has left me
feeling like I’m being royally screwed.

***Once again timing was the problem here. We did reply on the 17th, apparently right about the time she contacted you, telling her that the $1200. check was being processed. As of today we have paid all open invoices, although she may not actually have received the last check as it does take a few days for them to be processed and sent and then the post office takes over. To my knowledge [TS] never tried to contact anyone else within our company or her concerns would have been addressed. Unfortunately as our bookkeeper now works only part-time she does not always get to her emails over the long weekends.

***I sincerely hope this takes care of this issue. Please contact me directly if you, or [TS] have any other concerns.

Kathy Bretz
V.P. of Operations
Shakespeare Squared
UpGrade Education
The Shakespeare Squared Foundation
1827 Elmdale Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
P 847.998.0535 x. 14
F 847.510.2095
KathyBretz@ShakespeareSquared.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WRITER RESPONDS

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: [Fwd: COMPLAINT about HowStuffWorks / Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com / The Shakespeare Squared Foundation]
Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:31:02 -0400
From: TS

Angela,

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond. Fortunately I have been busy with
new work.

After reading this letter over many times, it seems that most, if not all
problems could have been rectified if somewhere in the contract How Stuff
Works would have clarified that pay would come 45 days *after the article is
posted to the web*, and that it could take months for work to post to the
web. If this would have been explained during the interview, or the
orientation, or if it had been written in the contract that way, I would not
have taken the job and this would all be a non-issue.

I believe that How Stuff Works had no idea that it was going to take months
to receive payment, and that they were as frustrated as I over not getting
paid on time. This is evident by their response when I questioned when I
would get my very first pay. They are using the economic instability to
justify their lack of communication, but at any time Kim herself could have
taken the time to email us freelancers and explain what was going on.
Surely if she could find the time to reply to you Angela, she could have
written to us. The same economic instability that affects How Stuff Works
affects me as a freelance writer, and makes communications and
professionalism that much more important.

Had How Stuff Works handled this situation better, by keeping their writers
informed of payment delays instead of just not communicating, I would not
have been mistrusting of the company and sought out your services.

As far as Kim accusing me of breaching confidentiality, I do not believe I
have violated any confidentiality clause by seeking services to help me
retrieve payments due. The contract was violated when payment was not made
in a timely manner.

I am still waiting for the last payment of $750.00 for work completed in
January.

[TS]

[angelahoy]

UPDATE:

TS above reports she was finally paid in May, 2009.

However, WritersWeekly has received another complaint about this firm and we are currently investigating that.

[angelahoy]

SECOND COMPLAINT ABOUT Kim Kleeman / Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com / The Shakespeare Squared Foundation

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: SECOND COMPLAINT about Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com / The Shakespeare Squared Foundation
Date: Sat, 25 Jul 2009 14:50:47 -0400
From: Angela Hoy <angie@booklocker.com>
To: PR@ShakespeareSquared.com, BCarroll@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, LWasilewski@ShakespeareSquared.com, JAltun@ShakespeareSquared.com, TSimpson@ShakespeareSquared.com, VOlson@ShakespeareSquared.com, tswriter@gmail.com, KathyBretz@ShakespeareSquared.com

July 25, 2009

Kim Kleeman, President/CEO - PR@ShakespeareSquared.com
Kathy Bretz, V.P. of Operations - KathyBretz@ShakespeareSquared.com
Beth Carroll, Project Manager - BCarroll@ShakespeareSquared.com,
info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com
Laura Wasilewski, Digital Media Manager - LWasilewski@ShakespeareSquared.com
Juliet Altun, Financial Director - JAltun@ShakespeareSquared.com
Terese Simpson, Project Coordinator II - TSimpson@ShakespeareSquared.com
Valerie Olson, Editorial & Project Management Assistant -
VOlson@ShakespeareSquared.com
Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com
The Shakespeare Squared Foundation / UpGrade Education
1827 Elmdale Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
P 847.998.0535
F 847.510.2095

WritersWeekly.com has received a complaint about:
Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com / The Shakespeare Squared
Foundation / Kim Kleeman

WritersWeekly.com is a publication that publishes information for
and about freelance writers. The publication is the
largest-circulation freelance writing ezine in the world.

As part of that information, WritersWeekly.com publishes a Warnings
section on its website and in its newsletter. This warning section
contains reports about publications that are unprofessional in
dealing with writers, haven't paid writers money that is owed to
them, who have not abided by their contracts, or who have unfair
contract terms. These reports are used by WritersWeekly.com's
subscribers
to decide which publications they should and should not work with.

Your firm has been submitted to us for inclusion in the
WritersWeekly.com Whispers and Warnings section.

Step one of our investigation of this report is to gather all
relevant correspondence between your publication and the person
submitting the complaint so that we can piece together that person's
side of the story. Step one of our investigation has been completed.

-------------
THE COMPLAINT
-------------

MWF (name not published here but was, of course, provided to the publisher)
alleges you owe her $1490.00.

See complete allegation under my signature.

-----------------
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
-----------------

The second step in our investigation is to send this communication
to your firm to get its side of the story. If you have evidence
disputing these allegations, or would like to make your own
statement about these allegations for publication in our report, please
email angela@writersweekly.com within two business days.

***All correspondence for our investigations must be in writing and
is subject to publication.***

If you do owe this person money, we strongly suggest you read
this article before responding:
http://www.writersweekly.com/the_latest_from_angelahoycom/003628_09132006.html

Our report on your firm is scheduled for inclusion in our
publication next Wednesday, though it may appear in our Whispers and
Warnings forum before that time.

If there is no response to these allegations, WritersWeekly.com will
still publish this complaint, but our readers will not be able to
read your side of the story.

We appreciate your prompt response in this matter.

Angela Hoy
Publisher
WritersWeekly.com

~~~~~~~~~~~
ALLEGATION
~~~~~~~~~~~

[MWF] wrote:
Angela,

I truly appreciate your site.

I have been perusing your "Whispers and Warnings" feature after doing
a search for Shakespeare Squared. I too have had issues with slow
payment with them, and in fact, they owe me more than $1200.00 for work
I did in Feb (payment was due in early April; and not to mention another
$240 for another project came due at the end of last week).

What struck me most is that after reading about a freelancer with a
similar complaint, they received the same "song and dance" as me.
Additionally, I received an email late last week from writer on the same
project as me (the one that was due for payment last week after 60 day
terms), and she had a similar story to tell.

It is truly frustration to not be paid by this vendor since they tout
their awards for being a great workplace for women and the owner shares
morale boosting incentives on her blog.

[MWF]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EMAIL COPIES

Thursday, February 19, 2009 12:50:41 PM
Juliet,
Please find enclosed my invoice for the recent National Geographic patch
writing project. When you receive this email, please let me know.
[MWF]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Friday, February 20, 2009 7:12:59 AM
I got it.
Juliet Altun
Financial Director
Shakespeare Squared
1827 Elmdale Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
P 847.998.0535 x. 11
F 847.510.2095
JAltun@ShakespeareSquared.com
www.ShakespeareSquared.com
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Monday, March 9, 2009 2:13:15 PM
Juliet,
Can you tell me when I can expect payment for the invoice totaling $618?
It was submitted on 01/11? Also, although it is far from being due, what
is the estimated date for NG Edge invoice I sent last month? I would
just like to mark my calendar for this payment.
Thanks,
[MWF]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Monday, March 9, 2009 2:16:17 PM
[MWF],
We are issuing checks this week & your invoice for $618.00 is scheduled
to be paid.
Thanks, for your patience.
Juliet
Juliet Altun
Financial Director
Shakespeare Squared
1827 Elmdale Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
P 847.998.0535 x. 11
F 847.510.2095
JAltun@ShakespeareSquared.com
www.ShakespeareSquared.com
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Friday, March 20, 2009 9:00:00 AM
Juliet,
Has my check gone out?
Thanks,

[MWF]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
[MWF],
Check #1318, dated 3/18/09 for $318.00 was mailed on the same day. We
will be sending payment for the balance as soon as we can. Again thanks
for your patience.
Juliet
Juliet Altun
Financial Director
Shakespeare Squared
1827 Elmdale Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
P 847.998.0535 x. 11
F 847.510.2095
JAltun@ShakespeareSquared.com
www.ShakespeareSquared.com
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Thursday, April 2, 2009 2:20:23 PM
Juliet,
Can you give me an ETA for the remaining $300 for the Riverside project
and also the estimated date for the National Geographic invoice which by
records will be due on 4/05/09?
Thanks,
[MWF]

JULIET WAS OUT OF OFFICE ON THIS DATE THROUGH 04/060/09
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 9:16:34 AM
[MWF],
Check #1386 for $300.00 dated 3/31/09 was mailed to you & we are working
on paying the other invoice & it will be done as soon as possible.
Thanks again for you patience.
Juliet Altun
Financial Director
Shakespeare Squared
1827 Elmdale Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
P 847.998.0535 x. 11
F 847.510.2095
JAltun@ShakespeareSquared.com
www.ShakespeareSquared.com
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Tuesday, April 7, 2009 11:54:29 AM
Juliet,
I did receive the check for $300.00 last Friday. Thanks so much. Also, I
hope you were able to relax during your time off.
Thanks,

[MWF]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Thursday, April 9, 2009 11:39:00 AM
Juliet,
I also left you voicemail regarding this issue. My bank informed me
today that they were unable to received funds for the deposit of a $300
check from Shakespeare Squared. As a result, funds are being held until
next week. Can you please tell me what happen with regards to this check?
thanks,
[MWF]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Friday, April 10, 2009 9:27:03 AM
I just spoke to our bank the check was presented & paid (cleared) our
bank account on 4/9/09. Our bank said the only thing it could be is
that your bank was not releasing the funds until they got cleared
confirmation from our bank. It is really the policy of your bank &
nothing to do with ours.
Hope this helps. I also left you a phone message stating the same.
Juliet
Juliet Altun
Financial Director
Shakespeare Squared
1827 Elmdale Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
P 847.998.0535 x. 11
F 847.510.2095
JAltun@ShakespeareSquared.com
www.ShakespeareSquared.com
THIS HAPPENS AGAIN WITH A PARTIAL PAYMENT FOR NG. HOWEVER, IT DOES NOT
APPEAR TO BE A SS2 ISSUE.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Friday, April 10, 2009 9:27:03 AM
Juliet,
Thank you for looking into this. I just checked my account and the hold
has been removed and the funds have been made available. I bank with
Wells Fargo and I have had some oddities before, I just have never had
them hold funds for an amount as low as $300. They had explained on the
phone that they had trouble presenting the check to your bank. So who
knows. Perhaps, these little practices have helped them in projecting
their record quarterly profits :o).
Again, I truly appreciate your leg work in investigating this. Have a
great weekend and Happy Easter or Passover.

[MWF]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 1:11:47 PM
Hi Juliet,
Again, thanks so much for all your work in looking into my last payment.
Can you give me an estimated date for the arrival of my payment for
$1800 for the Nation Geographic project that I finished in Feb?
thanks,
[MWF]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 1:42:41 PM
[MWF],
At this time I cannot send you specific payment information for your
outstanding invoice. As soon as we know when another check run will be
processed I'll let you know. I do know that our President is traveling
until after the first week in May and so we will not be mailing checks
until after she returns.
Kathy Bretz
V.P. of Operations
Shakespeare Squared
UpGrade Education
The Shakespeare Squared Foundation
1827 Elmdale Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
P 847.998.0535 x. 14
F 847.510.2095
KathyBretz@ShakespeareSquared.com
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 2:23:45 PM
Kathy,
Thank you for the update. I will look for a note from you in May.
thanks,

[MWF]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Monday, May 4, 2009 7:03:30 PM
Hi Kathy,
I received a check for $360.00 last week. Thank you. Can you give me an
ETA for the remaining balance of my invoice?
thanks,

[MWF]

NOTE: A CHECK WAS RUN EVEN THOUGH THE PRESIDENT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE OUT
OF TOWN AT THIS TIME.
IN THE NEXT EMAIL, I AM PULLED FROM THE LEARNING INSTITUTE MATH WRITING.
I ONLY SIGNED ON WITH THIS PROJECT BECAUSE THERESE HAD ASSURED ME THAT
MY INVOICES WOULD BE TAKEN CARE. FOLLOWING THE PAYMENT OF $360.00, I
ALSO RECEIVED A $250.00 CHECK. BECAUSE THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE
$360.00 CHECK, I HAD A CONVERSATION WITH KATHY. SHE ASSURED ME THAT THEY
WOULD PAY MY NG INVOICE, AND THE WAY THINGS WERE GOING, IT LOOKED LIKE I
WAS GOING TO GET SMALL PAYMENTS EVERY WEEK.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Thursday, May 7, 2009 11:32:54 AM
[MWF],
I want to thank you for all your work on the Math project. At this
point, we don't have as hefty a workload as we initially anticipated and
need to cut back on our staff. We were expecting a much larger project
than this is turning out to be. I think it's in the best interest for
both parties to take you off the project as I won't be able to get you
substantial assignments.
As far as invoicing goes, here are the rates you requested:
"Grades 1-3 rate is $5.00 "
Thanks again [MWF]. Hopefully we can work together in the future.
Beth Carroll
Shakespeare Squared
1827 Elmdale Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
P 847.998.0535 x. 33
F 847.510.2095
BCarroll@ShakespeareSquared.com
www.ShakespeareSquared.com
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Thursday, May 7, 2009 3:34:27 PM
[MWF],
It came down to the fact that the workload wasn't as heavy as we
anticipated and we needed to make cuts. We have a lot of experienced
math teachers and math item writers who were submitting work that needed
little to no editing. It was in no way associated with your questions
regarding invoicing.
I appreciate your follow-up.
Have a good weekend,
Beth Carroll
Shakespeare Squared
1827 Elmdale Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
P 847.998.0535 x. 33
F 847.510.2095
BCarroll@ShakespeareSquared.com
www.ShakespeareSquared.com


Beth,
I just submitted today's assignment. Sorry that it was a little late.
BTW, I just wanted to check.... Was my quality of work one of the
reasons for being pulled? Or perhaps, my pestering about invoice
payments to accounting? Just wanted to double check, so I can make any
improvements.
I will send an invoice tomorrow or Monday.
thanks,

[MWF]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Monday, May 11, 2009 9:23:23 AM
Juliet,
Please find attached my invoice for project 0118.
thanks,
[MWF]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 12:52:35 PM
Kathy and Juliet,
Can you please give me an ETA for the remaining $1250.00 for my invoice?
It is nearly 90 days net and a month half past due.
Thank You,
[MWF]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 2:04:48 PM
[MWF],
I wish I could give you a specific date but I just can't. We are doing
our best to keep up with our commitments. All I can do is promise that
just as soon as we possibly can we will send you something, if not the
whole balance.
Kathy Bretz
V.P. of Operations
Shakespeare Squared
UpGrade Education
The Shakespeare Squared Foundation
1827 Elmdale Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
P 847.998.0535 x. 14
F 847.510.2095
KathyBretz@ShakespeareSquared.com
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Thursday, June 4, 2009 8:43:05 PM
Kathy,
Just a reminder that my invoice is now 60 days past due and has aged a
total of 105 days. Any ETA of payment(s)?
thanks,

[MWF]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Friday, June 5, 2009 9:51:32 AM
Not yet but hopefully soon! Thanks again for your patience as we
struggle with cash flow. Like most companies today we are at the mercy
of the economic times. I can promise that you will be paid in full just
as soon as we can as things look better as the summer begins.
Kathy Bretz
V.P. of Operations
Shakespeare Squared
P 847.998.0535
KathyBretz@ShakespeareSquared.com
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Friday, June 12, 2009 2:04:46 PMKathy,
I am dire need of this payment. Please give me a date on which I will
receive funds.
thank you,

[MWF]

NOTE: THIS EMAIL HAD NO RESPONSE.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 12:48:46 PM
Kathy,
Please provide an update as to the payment of my invoice for the NG
project. It is now more than 90 days past due from the net 45 days.

[MWF]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 4:11:10 PM
[MWF],
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you but I was trying to find out
if we could give you a set date for the mailing of your check yet or if
we needed a bit more time. Unfortunately I can't give you a set date. As
soon as I know a firm date I will let you know.
Kathy Bretz
V.P. of Operations
Shakespeare Squared
P 847.998.0535
KathyBretz@ShakespeareSquared.com
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 11:55:17 AM
Kathy,
The amount of $1250 still remains unpaid for work I did nearly 5 months
ago. Additionally, another invoice for $240.00 will be due next week for
the math item writing I did in May. I need due dates for these.
thanks,
[MWF]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 9:06:34 PM
If I could give you an exact date of payment I would be more than glad
to but we must wait until funds clear from our clients. We plan on
making a check run by mid-July. I cannot at this time promise an exact
date, or an exact amount but you will be getting a check then. I will be
able to give you more detail after next week and will keep you apprised
when we can.
Kathy Bretz
V.P. of Operations
Shakespeare Squared
P 847.998.0535
KathyBretz@ShakespeareSquared.com
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Monday, July 20, 2009 9:59:12 AM
Kathy,
My patience has run out. My invoice for National Geographic's Edge patch
writing remains mostly unpaid. This invoice has an outstanding balance
of $1250.00. It is now 115 days overdue and it has been a total of 160
days since I completed the assignment. There is no excuse for this
invoice not being paid.
In addition, my invoice for the Learning Institute math writing
($240.00) is now 15 days passed due (net 75 days).
I want to know when these invoices will be paid and why as of July 20,
2009, they remain unpaid.
Best Regards,
[MWF]

AS OF 1:15 OF 07/20/09, I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM KATHY TODAY.

[angelahoy]

WRITER SENDS UPDATE

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: S2 Payment
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:10:29 -0500
From: MWF

Angela,

I received a cashier's check today for $1250.00. This covers the
remaining balance of the payment for the project I completed in Feb. I
have not heard from S2 about the payment for math project I did in May.
This means they still owe be $240.00 and as of next week it will be net
90 days and 30 days past due.

Thanks,
MWF

[angelahoy]

COMPLAINT #3

Subject: THIRD COMPLAINT about Kim Kleeman / Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com / The Shakespeare Squared Foundation
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:41:55 -0400
From: Angela Hoy <angie@booklocker.com>
To: PR@ShakespeareSquared.com, BCarroll@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, LWasilewski@ShakespeareSquared.com, JAltun@ShakespeareSquared.com, TSimpson@ShakespeareSquared.com, VOlson@ShakespeareSquared.com

July 30, 2009

Kim Kleeman, President/CEO - PR@ShakespeareSquared.com
Beth Carroll, Project Manager - BCarroll@ShakespeareSquared.com,
info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com
Laura Wasilewski, Digital Media Manager - LWasilewski@ShakespeareSquared.com
Juliet Altun, Financial Director - JAltun@ShakespeareSquared.com
Terese Simpson, Project Coordinator II - TSimpson@ShakespeareSquared.com
Valerie Olson, Editorial & Project Management Assistant -
VOlson@ShakespeareSquared.com
Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com
The Shakespeare Squared Foundation
1827 Elmdale Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
P 847.998.0535
F 847.510.2095

WritersWeekly.com has received a THIRD complaint about:
Kim Kleeman / Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com / The
Shakespeare Squared Foundation

OWNER'S BLOG:
http://www.shakespearesquared.com/blog/

WritersWeekly.com is a publication that publishes information for
and about freelance writers. The publication is the
largest-circulation freelance writing ezine in the world.

As part of that information, WritersWeekly.com publishes a Warnings
section on its website and in its newsletter. This warning section
contains reports about publications that are unprofessional in
dealing with writers, haven't paid writers money that is owed to
them, who have not abided by their contracts, or who have unfair
contract terms. These reports are used by WritersWeekly.com's
subscribers
to decide which publications they should and should not work with.

Your firm has been submitted to us for inclusion in the
WritersWeekly.com Whispers and Warnings section.

Step one of our investigation of this report is to gather all
relevant correspondence between your publication and the person
submitting the complaint so that we can piece together that person's
side of the story. Step one of our investigation has been completed.

-------------
THE COMPLAINT
-------------

SA (name not published here but was, of course, provided to the publisher)
alleges you owe him $2800.00, that you tried to get him
to sign a new contract AFTER the assignment was negotiated and all work
was completed, and that you're now ignoring his correspondence. He
alleges you owe several other writers money as well.

You updated your blog on July 22nd so it's clear you are online.

It's interesting how you posted a comment to one of your readers about
paying for content here:
http://www.shakespearesquared.com/blog/comments/curing_the_summer_blues/

Why aren't you responding to correspondence concerning your unpaid workers?

See complete allegation under my signature.

-----------------
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
-----------------

The second step in our investigation is to send this communication
to your firm to get its side of the story. If you have evidence
disputing these allegations, or would like to make your own
statement about these allegations for publication in our report, please
email angela@writersweekly.com within two business days.

***All correspondence for our investigations must be in writing and
is subject to publication.***

If you do owe this person money, we strongly suggest you read
this article before responding:
http://www.writersweekly.com/the_latest_from_angelahoycom/003628_09132006.html

Our report on your firm is scheduled for inclusion in our
publication next Wednesday, though it may appear in our Whispers and
Warnings forum before that time.

If there is no response to these allegations, WritersWeekly.com will
still publish this complaint, but our readers will not be able to
read your side of the story.

We appreciate your prompt response in this matter.

Angela Hoy
Publisher
WritersWeekly.com

~~~~~~~~~~~
ALLEGATION
~~~~~~~~~~~

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Complaint about Shakespeare Squared
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:55:46 -0500
From: SA

Dear Angela,

I saw the complaint you mediated on the Writers Weekly forum between a
freelance writer and the publishing company Shakespeare Squared.

http://forums.writersweekly.com/viewtopic.php?p=66747

I am now having a similar problem with the same company. They owe me
about $2,800 for work completed between late April and early June 2009.
The first payments due from them are now three weeks late. They have not
acknowledged that payment is late, have not said when they will pay me,
and are evasive or do not return phone calls regarding payment. In
addition, they informally sent out an Independent Contractor Agreement
on July 21, which they say I need to sign if I want to get paid for the
work I did months before that.

From what I understand, several if not all of the other writers on my
project have also not been paid.

Sincerely,

SA

[angelahoy]

UPDATE FROM WRITER IN 3RD COMPLAINT ABOVE -

Subject: Re: THIRD COMPLAINT about Kim Kleeman / Shakespeare Squared /
ShakespeareSquared.com / The Shakespeare Squared Foundation
Date: Sun, 30 Aug 2009 11:06:17 -0400
From: SA
To: Angela Hoy

Hi Angela,

I have been paid. The wonderful client intervened, holding the final
payment to Shakespeare Squared for the project in escrow until all of
the writers owed money had been paid in full.

SA

[angelahoy]

FOURTH COMPLAINT

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: FOURTH COMPLAINT about Kim Kleeman / Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com / The Shakespeare Squared Foundation
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:37:11 -0400
From: Angela Hoy <angie@booklocker.com>
To: PR@ShakespeareSquared.com, BCarroll@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, LWasilewski@ShakespeareSquared.com, JAltun@ShakespeareSquared.com, TSimpson@ShakespeareSquared.com, VOlson@ShakespeareSquared.com

October 16, 2009

Kim Kleeman, President/CEO - PR@ShakespeareSquared.com
Beth Carroll, Project Manager - BCarroll@ShakespeareSquared.com,
info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com
Laura Wasilewski, Digital Media Manager - LWasilewski@ShakespeareSquared.com
Juliet Altun, Financial Director - JAltun@ShakespeareSquared.com
Terese Simpson, Project Coordinator II - TSimpson@ShakespeareSquared.com
Valerie Olson, Editorial & Project Management Assistant -
VOlson@ShakespeareSquared.com
Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com
The Shakespeare Squared Foundation
1827 Elmdale Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
P 847.998.0535
F 847.510.2095

WritersWeekly.com has received a THIRD complaint about:
Kim Kleeman / Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com / The
Shakespeare Squared Foundation

OWNER'S BLOG:
http://www.shakespearesquared.com/blog/

WritersWeekly.com is a publication that publishes information for
and about freelance writers. The publication is the
largest-circulation freelance writing ezine in the world.

As part of that information, WritersWeekly.com publishes a Warnings
section on its website and in its newsletter. This warning section
contains reports about publications that are unprofessional in
dealing with writers, haven't paid writers money that is owed to
them, who have not abided by their contracts, or who have unfair
contract terms. These reports are used by WritersWeekly.com's
subscribers
to decide which publications they should and should not work with.

Your firm has been submitted to us for inclusion in the
WritersWeekly.com Whispers and Warnings section.

Step one of our investigation of this report is to gather all
relevant correspondence between your publication and the person
submitting the complaint so that we can piece together that person's
side of the story. Step one of our investigation has been completed.

-------------
THE COMPLAINT
-------------

RS (name not published here but was, of course, provided to the pubilsher)
alleges you owe him $875.00, and have since March.

See complete allegation under my signature.

-----------------
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
-----------------

The second step in our investigation is to send this communication
to your firm to get its side of the story. If you have evidence
disputing these allegations, or would like to make your own
statement about these allegations for publication in our report, please
email angela@writersweekly.com within two business days.

***All correspondence for our investigations must be in writing and
is subject to publication.***

If you do owe this person money, we strongly suggest you read
this article before responding:
http://www.writersweekly.com/the_latest_from_angelahoycom/003628_09132006.html

Our report on your firm is scheduled for inclusion in our
publication next Wednesday, though it may appear in our Whispers and
Warnings forum before that time.

If there is no response to these allegations, WritersWeekly.com will
still publish this complaint, but our readers will not be able to
read your side of the story.

We appreciate your prompt response in this matter.

Angela Hoy
Publisher
WritersWeekly.com

~~~~~~~~~~~
ALLEGATION
~~~~~~~~~~~

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: complaint (another) about Shakespeare Squared
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:18:45 -0400
From: RS

Dear Angela Hoy,

I have seen on Writers Weekly several writers complaining about not
being payed by Shakespeare Squared. I am one of their number, and
although I have been reluctant to complain to a third party, I now
feel it is necessary. They still owe me $875 for work I completed in
March 2009, and have acknowledged this repeatedly. They've paid
in little $200 or $300 installments, but have sent nothing for two
months. Kim Kleeman, their boss, did not reply to my last message, in
which I warned her that I would complain to you if she did not reply.

RS

[angelahoy]

FIFTH COMPLAINT about Shakespeare Squared / Kim Kleeman

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: FIFTH COMPLAINT about Kim Kleeman / Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com / The Shakespeare Squared Foundation
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:22:32 -0400
From: Angela Hoy <angie@booklocker.com>
To: PR@ShakespeareSquared.com, BCarroll@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, LWasilewski@ShakespeareSquared.com, JAltun@ShakespeareSquared.com, TSimpson@ShakespeareSquared.com, VOlson@ShakespeareSquared.com

October 21, 2009

Kim Kleeman, President/CEO - PR@ShakespeareSquared.com
Beth Carroll, Project Manager - BCarroll@ShakespeareSquared.com,
info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com
Laura Wasilewski, Digital Media Manager - LWasilewski@ShakespeareSquared.com
Juliet Altun, Financial Director - JAltun@ShakespeareSquared.com
Terese Simpson, Project Coordinator II - TSimpson@ShakespeareSquared.com
Valerie Olson, Editorial & Project Management Assistant -
VOlson@ShakespeareSquared.com
Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com
The Shakespeare Squared Foundation
1827 Elmdale Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
P 847.998.0535
F 847.510.2095

WritersWeekly.com has received a FIFTH complaint about:
Kim Kleeman / Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com / The
Shakespeare Squared Foundation

OWNER'S BLOG:
http://www.shakespearesquared.com/blog/

WritersWeekly.com is a publication that publishes information for
and about freelance writers. The publication is the
largest-circulation freelance writing ezine in the world.

As part of that information, WritersWeekly.com publishes a Warnings
section on its website and in its newsletter. This warning section
contains reports about publications that are unprofessional in
dealing with writers, haven't paid writers money that is owed to
them, who have not abided by their contracts, or who have unfair
contract terms. These reports are used by WritersWeekly.com's
subscribers
to decide which publications they should and should not work with.

Your firm has been submitted to us for inclusion in the
WritersWeekly.com Whispers and Warnings section.

Step one of our investigation of this report is to gather all
relevant correspondence between your publication and the person
submitting the complaint so that we can piece together that person's
side of the story. Step one of our investigation has been completed.

-------------
THE COMPLAINT
-------------

A cleaning company (name not published here but was, of course, provided to the publisher) alleges you owe them almost $1000.00 and
that you're ignoring their phone calls.

See complete allegation under my signature.

-----------------
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
-----------------

The second step in our investigation is to send this communication
to your firm to get its side of the story. If you have evidence
disputing these allegations, or would like to make your own
statement about these allegations for publication in our report, please
email angela@writersweekly.com within two business days.

***All correspondence for our investigations must be in writing and
is subject to publication.***

If you do owe this person money, we strongly suggest you read
this article before responding:
http://www.writersweekly.com/the_latest_from_angelahoycom/003628_09132006.html

Our report on your firm is scheduled for inclusion in our
publication next Wednesday, though it may appear in our Whispers and
Warnings forum before that time.

If there is no response to these allegations, WritersWeekly.com will
still publish this complaint, but our readers will not be able to
read your side of the story.

We appreciate your prompt response in this matter.

Angela Hoy
Publisher
WritersWeekly.com

~~~~~~~~~~~
ALLEGATION
~~~~~~~~~~~

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Complaint Against Shakespeare Squared
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:44:46 -0500

Ms.Hoy,
This is certainly appropriate for your "warnings" section even though we
are not in the publishing or writing business. I've read the complaints
against Shakespeare Squared and want to add another. We performed office
cleaning service for them for several years until they recently moved to
smaller quarters. We cleaned their offices at a less than break-even
rate while they were in financial trouble. They still owe us nearly
$1,000.00 and now won't even return phone calls. We even offered to
accept a substantial discount but were met with silence.

Those who wish to do work with Shakespeare Squared should be advised to
be cautious.

[angelahoy]

SIXTH COMPLAINT ABOUT Kim Kleeman / Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com / The Shakespeare Squared Foundation

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: SIXTH COMPLAINT about Kim Kleeman / Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com / The Shakespeare Squared Foundation
Date: Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:42:20 -0500
From: Angela Hoy <angie@booklocker.com>
To: PR@ShakespeareSquared.com, BCarroll@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, LWasilewski@ShakespeareSquared.com, JAltun@ShakespeareSquared.com, TSimpson@ShakespeareSquared.com, VOlson@ShakespeareSquared.com

November 6, 2009

Kim Kleeman, President/CEO - PR@ShakespeareSquared.com
Beth Carroll, Project Manager - BCarroll@ShakespeareSquared.com,
info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com
Laura Wasilewski, Digital Media Manager - LWasilewski@ShakespeareSquared.com
Juliet Altun, Financial Director - JAltun@ShakespeareSquared.com
Terese Simpson, Project Coordinator II - TSimpson@ShakespeareSquared.com
Valerie Olson, Editorial & Project Management Assistant -
VOlson@ShakespeareSquared.com
Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com
The Shakespeare Squared Foundation
1827 Elmdale Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
P 847.998.0535
F 847.510.2095

WritersWeekly.com has received a FIFTH complaint about:
Kim Kleeman / Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com / The
Shakespeare Squared Foundation

OWNER'S BLOG:
http://www.shakespearesquared.com/blog/

WritersWeekly.com is a publication that publishes information for
and about freelance writers. The publication is the
largest-circulation freelance writing ezine in the world.

As part of that information, WritersWeekly.com publishes a Warnings
section on its website and in its newsletter. This warning section
contains reports about publications that are unprofessional in
dealing with writers, haven't paid writers money that is owed to
them, who have not abided by their contracts, or who have unfair
contract terms. These reports are used by WritersWeekly.com's
subscribers
to decide which publications they should and should not work with.

Your firm has been submitted to us for inclusion in the
WritersWeekly.com Whispers and Warnings section.

Step one of our investigation of this report is to gather all
relevant correspondence between your publication and the person
submitting the complaint so that we can piece together that person's
side of the story. Step one of our investigation has been completed.

-------------
THE COMPLAINT
-------------

PW (name not published here but was, of course, provided to the publisher)
alleges you owe her $3120.00.

We've noticed you're still hiring people here:
http://www.shakespearesquared.com/careers/available_positions

Hiring people when you don't have the money to pay them is fraud. I will
be recommending to all of your victims that they report you to the
authorities.

See complete allegation under my signature.

-----------------
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
-----------------

The second step in our investigation is to send this communication
to your firm to get its side of the story. If you have evidence
disputing these allegations, or would like to make your own
statement about these allegations for publication in our report, please
email angela@writersweekly.com within two business days.

***All correspondence for our investigations must be in writing and
is subject to publication.***

If you do owe this person money, we strongly suggest you read
this article before responding:
http://www.writersweekly.com/the_latest_from_angelahoycom/003628_09132006.html

Our report on your firm is scheduled for inclusion in our
publication next Wednesday, though it may appear in our Whispers and
Warnings forum before that time.

If there is no response to these allegations, WritersWeekly.com will
still publish this complaint, but our readers will not be able to
read your side of the story.

We appreciate your prompt response in this matter.

Angela Hoy
Publisher
WritersWeekly.com

~~~~~~~~~~~
ALLEGATION
~~~~~~~~~~~

PW wrote:
Angela,

I read with interest the other complaints against Shakespeare
Squared for nonpayment to writers.

As of today, they owe me $3120.00 for work I did in April and May
of 2009.

I have sent numerous e-mails requesting payment to Kathy Bretz and
I get replies stating that "in these tough economic times" they are
doing the best they can and they don't yet know when they will be able
to pay me.

I have been a freelance writer for over 13 years and this has never
happened to me before.

PW

[angelahoy]

7TH COMPLAINT ABOUT Kim Kleeman / Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com / The Shakespeare Squared Foundation

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: SEVENTH COMPLAINT about Kim Kleeman / Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com / The Shakespeare Squared Foundation
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:21:21 -0500
From: Angela Hoy <angie@booklocker.com>
To: PR@ShakespeareSquared.com, BCarroll@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, LWasilewski@ShakespeareSquared.com, JAltun@ShakespeareSquared.com, TSimpson@ShakespeareSquared.com, VOlson@ShakespeareSquared.com

November 11, 2009

Kim Kleeman, President/CEO - PR@ShakespeareSquared.com
Beth Carroll, Project Manager - BCarroll@ShakespeareSquared.com,
info1@ShakespeareSquared.com, info1@ShakespeareSquared.com
Laura Wasilewski, Digital Media Manager - LWasilewski@ShakespeareSquared.com
Juliet Altun, Financial Director - JAltun@ShakespeareSquared.com
Terese Simpson, Project Coordinator II - TSimpson@ShakespeareSquared.com
Valerie Olson, Editorial & Project Management Assistant -
VOlson@ShakespeareSquared.com
Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com
The Shakespeare Squared Foundation
1827 Elmdale Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
P 847.998.0535
F 847.510.2095

WritersWeekly.com has received a FIFTH complaint about:
Kim Kleeman / Shakespeare Squared / ShakespeareSquared.com / The
Shakespeare Squared Foundation

OWNER'S BLOG:
http://www.shakespearesquared.com/blog/

WritersWeekly.com is a publication that publishes information for
and about freelance writers. The publication is the
largest-circulation freelance writing ezine in the world.

As part of that information, WritersWeekly.com publishes a Warnings
section on its website and in its newsletter. This warning section
contains reports about publications that are unprofessional in
dealing with writers, haven't paid writers money that is owed to
them, who have not abided by their contracts, or who have unfair
contract terms. These reports are used by WritersWeekly.com's
subscribers
to decide which publications they should and should not work with.

Your firm has been submitted to us for inclusion in the
WritersWeekly.com Whispers and Warnings section.

Step one of our investigation of this report is to gather all
relevant correspondence between your publication and the person
submitting the complaint so that we can piece together that person's
side of the story. Step one of our investigation has been completed.

-------------
THE COMPLAINT
-------------

KB (name not published here but was, of course, provided to the publisher)
alleges you owe her $665.00.

I wouldn't be surprised if some of your victims start contacting the
companies that have allegedly given awards to your firm.

REPEAT - We've noticed you're still hiring people here:
http://www.shakespearesquared.com/careers/available_positions

Hiring people when you don't have the money to pay them is fraud. I will
be recommending to all of your victims that they report you to the
authorities.

See complete allegation under my signature.

-----------------
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
-----------------

The second step in our investigation is to send this communication
to your firm to get its side of the story. If you have evidence
disputing these allegations, or would like to make your own
statement about these allegations for publication in our report, please
email angela@writersweekly.com within two business days.

***All correspondence for our investigations must be in writing and
is subject to publication.***

If you do owe this person money, we strongly suggest you read
this article before responding:
http://www.writersweekly.com/the_latest_from_angelahoycom/003628_09132006.html

Our report on your firm is scheduled for inclusion in our
publication next Wednesday, though it may appear in our Whispers and
Warnings forum before that time.

If there is no response to these allegations, WritersWeekly.com will
still publish this complaint, but our readers will not be able to
read your side of the story.

We appreciate your prompt response in this matter.

Angela Hoy
Publisher
WritersWeekly.com

~~~~~~~~~~~
ALLEGATION
~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi Angela,
I, too, am a freelancer who has not been paid by Shakespeare Squared. My
invoice dated April 30, 2009 is for $665, and they have not even managed
to make a partial payment. I have sent repeated emails to Kathy Bretz
and Juliet Altun. Kathy says they simply don't have the money to pay,
yet they still advertise for writers for new projects They also keep
applying for business awards! Kim Kleeman recently blogged about winning
Influential Women in Business for 2009 (from Business Ledger).
Shakespeare Squared certainly knows how to make themselves look good on
paper! People seem to be falling over themselves to interview Kim
Kleeman and hand her awards. This is why I find this situation so
frustrating.

In August, Terese Simpson, the staffing coordinator, actually had the
nerve to call me to ask if I was available for another project. I told
her I really needed to get my check for the last project before I could
work on a new project. She acted surprised that I was never paid and
promised to look into it. Long story short, she got back to me and said
they didn't actually have my invoice on file, which is why I was never
paid. (Not true, since between April and August I re-sent that invoice
about 4 times, and each time Kathy Bretz and Juliet Altun confirmed that
it was "in the system" and that they would let me know when they could
pay it.)

In any case, I sent it again, via email, while on the phone with Juliet
Altun, and she confirmed that she did receive it and would place it on
the desk of Kathy Bretz for immediate (partial!) payment. Well, that was
about a 3 months ago and still no check. Terese never called me back
about that new project. I guess I was no longer a good fit for the
project, since I needed to be paid for my work! I think their database
of writers is just so large that after they burn one set of writers,
they can just hire a whole new crop of unsuspecting writers.

On another occasion, Kathy mentioned that I would be paid in early
September. Needless to say, that never happened. They should not be out
there boasting about their company, getting new work, and then hiring
freelancers they can't pay.

Thank you for your time. Let me know if you need additional information,
KB

[angelahoy]

PUBLISHER FINALLY RESPONDS

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Response from ShakespeareSquared
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:32:08 -0600
From: lmcfarlane@shakespearesquared.com
CC: KathyBretz@ShakespeareSquared.com

Angela,
We acknowledge the money due to both PW and KB and understand
how frustrating this may be to both of them and I would like to respond
on behalf of Shakespeare Squared on a couple of points.
First - the positions we show on our website are for internal placement
and we are not actively hiring. We do not have access to the program to
update our web-site, we respond to this issue with each person as we
receive the resumes. To suggest others take action without any knowledge
is irresponsible at best.
Second – We are responding as best we can in the current climate, it is
difficult when we have to adjust to client bankruptcies and halted
projects. We need to make strategic decisions every day as to what is in
the best interests of the company. We can only say in so many ways that
we can’t give exact amounts or dates at this time. I have just recently
been moved to help out in the finance department. The freelancers and
vendors that we owe money to are always in the conversation. You will
see in our previous complaints that although payment is slow we do make
payments.
Unfortunately we cannot pay every person and/or company at one time. We
do pay a portion on a cyclical basis, as much as we can, as often as we
can, keeping in mind the longer we are in business the more past debt we
can pay.
The freelancers and vendors are very important to us and we hate
the fact that many of our relationships may be damaged due this
situation. However, that does not change the fact that our intent is to
pay every person, every dollar that they are owed.
While I understand that this does not help relieve the
frustration many are feeling we are trying to not make promises that we
cannot keep. I read the article you provided a link to before I
responded and it suggests the same tact we are currently using. “If you
are #1, please know that we understand your predicament. Who hasn't
gotten in over their heads on one occasion or another? If this is you,
please don't make promises you can't keep.”
Please feel free to contact us directly and we will do our best
to respond in the most accurate way possible.

Thank you

~~~~~

WRITERSWEEKLY RESPONDS

L. McFarlane states they aren't really hiring; that they just can't update their own website (How ridiculous is that? Why not just take the entire website down?). They then call us irresponsible for suggesting others take action. Continuing to allow employment ads to appear online, while claiming you can't remove them, is not only irresponsible, but may also be considered fraud by some.

They also claim, "freelancers and vendors that we owe money to are always in the conversation." If this is true, why did some of the victims above claim Shakespeare Squared stopped responding to them and/or has given false promises of payment?

Finally, L. McFarlane claims, "We do pay a portion on a cyclical basis..."

If that is true, why have so many received no payment at all, not even installments, from Shakespeare Squared?

And, what kind of company / person would accept a business award after having failed to pay so many people?!

It is still, of course, the opinion of WritersWeekly that writers avoid doing business with this firm.