At this point in my career, I am not afraid to challenge what does not seem
fair and I sure dont mind turning down the wrong client,  headache
assignment, or even the venue that is just too darn far a distance to bother
driving to!
I have a contract sitting on my desk that was due yesterday but I hesitate
to sign it.  For years I have provided workshops for this particular major
educational company, freelance.  Permission to do a 'criminal background
check' is part of the contract I sign with them every year.  No problem with
that as many of the teaching assignments are with youth and family.  But
this years contract, they have added a form giving them the right to check,
under the Fair Credit reporting Act Disclosure, my motor vehicle record [no
i do not drive for them]; my earning history [ Just look it up
already...they have been one of my accounts for 8 years];  My credit
history? [ I am flabbergasted here.  They should know about those purple,
over-the-knee, suede slouch boots purchased at Nordstrom's???]  Am i being
paranoid or is this info that they need to have?  Is it that as artists or
independent contractors we are signing whatever is asked because we are
afraid not to?  [deep sigh].
Cynthia Padilla
Dedicated to the realistic portrayal of plants, flowers and natural science
subjects. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/botanicalart

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.........
Hi All,
.............. But the more I look at it,
the less interested I am in signing anything with such a clause. Does
anyone have any experience with this, or a policy for themselves
about signing such contracts? Thanks for any thoughts you may have,

Erica