Baby Got Back Problems

you’re taking people’s money for commissions, you owe them two things: communication and refunds.

If you can’t do the work—fine. Life happens. Everyone gets that. What’s not fine is ghosting the very people who paid you. Ignoring messages and sitting on their money? That’s not “overwhelmed,” that’s straight-up stealing.

At the very least: have the common human decency to answer your DMs. Say you can’t finish it. Send the refund. Don’t make people chase you down for months wondering if they’ll ever see what they paid for.

And I’m speaking from experience—I commissioned something months ago, tried to be nothing but nice and patient the whole way through, and I still haven’t gotten a single word back or my money. I even gave the writer, a full week’s heads up to respond before posting this, and they still said nothing. So this is my last resort.

It’s not hard. Respect the people who respect your work. Own up, give the money back, and move on.

I commissioned a story from a writer about a few months ago and paid upfront. I’ve reached out a few times, always politely, just asking if there’s any progress or updates, but I haven’t gotten a response yet. I do know they’ve been going through a lot personally, and I’ve been trying to be as understanding and patient as possible.

I’m really not trying to come off as pushy or inconsiderate. I just don’t want to be left hanging, especially after paying. How would you go about handling this in a respectful way that doesn’t come off as rude or “Karen-ish”? Any advice would be appreciated 🙏💛