I have no idea who is right or wrong nor am I sticking up for either side, but taking it public can and does work.
Example: There was one sleazy record distributor that ripped off a bunch of labels, including mine. Took product, sold it and never paid the labels. I was only in the hole with him for a few hundred bucks but others were owed 4 figures and up and in one case it put a label under. Rather than chalk it up to an education I went to a site where this person was a regular poster and I harrassed the shit out of him. Presented facts and incidents he could not refute and even though he claimed to be broke, I did indeed get paid. The funny part was that he had many defenders, mostly customers, who said "I always had good experiences with him, I sent him money and he always sent my records promptly". Great, I'm glad for you, except he didn't PAY for the records and in effect was selling you stolen merchandise, albeit in a friendly and prompt manner. Those labels who choose to sit back and not do anything were ultimately burned, I wasn't. And if the same circumstances happened again I'd do it the same exact way. And yes, I realize that there were many people who were uncomfortable reading my rants and thought I should just shut up and go away....fuck them.
