Besides writing, I also do translations. Recently, I was asked if I would mind doing a translation of a pornographic nature. I have no problems with that, but when I received it, it turned out to be about certain things that are not quite legal. I refused to perform the translation and forwarded the file to the police. I informed the client of this, of course, who got very cross with me and told me that I should have just sent it back to them and let them take action. What would you have done? Would you have performed the translation? Would you have simply sent it back? Would you have sent it to the police?
I guess I would have done the same if in your place. But then it's a tough call to make and I guess one can only decide if they face such a situation in real life. Appreciate your bold move.
It's difficut to say really because we don't know the nature of the subject matter. Only that in your opinion it was "illegal". The fact that you are seeking opinions on this matter would indicate that you are not sure about the validity of your decision. However your decision was based on morality as opposed to financial gain. I would suggest therefore that your heart at least,was in the right place.
I've turned away three clients. One came to me asking to write about Bingo. Seemed harmless, at first. Thankfully, before I started writing for him, he mentioned that he had several other sites that perhaps I could write for. They were all online gambling sites based in off-shore countries to skirt British law. (I'm an American, client was British.) He was a shark and I didn't want any part of it. One wanted me to make them a site just like their competitor's. They wanted the same exact web design and I was to rewrite the other person's content only as much as needed to change the names and fool Google. In other words, he wanted me to steal everything his competitor had online. The other one was a young women who wanted to start a T-shirt company. In speaking with her on the phone, it became quickly clear she thought she could make tons of money by printing politically and sexually charged T-shirts since her friends and family told her it was a good idea. The samples she shared were offensive and we had very little in common with each other. Her overall business plan was a joke. She too planned on stealing as much as possible from a competitor. At the end of the day, as writers, we have to decide the sort of business we want to have. I could have very easily taken the Bingo guy's job as he wasn't doing anything technically illegal. I have no doubt there are specialists (writers, web designers, etc) who make a very good living via gambling sites. Unfortunately, our decisions sometimes have to be based on finances. Had I not the money to buy groceries, I might have had to hold my nose and write for T-shirt girl. It is hard to let a client get away. As your writing business grows, you will have to decide what your boundaries are and if you will ever cross them. Taking the materials to the police. Whew, that was a gutsy move. Good for you.
I typically will not write about something that goes completely against my morals. I just do not want to put my name to something that is the complete opposite of my beliefs I also would not write about anything that I felt was illegal.
Whoa doggie...I've had some STRANGE clients that wanted their quirky ideas put to pen, but never something that I'd have to call johnny law about. I usually require a phone consultation before taking on a new client and from there I can tell if they are fly by night, really strange, High drama low value and make a decision from there to see if we are a good fit for each other. Bottom line Trust your Gut! PS. You've piqued my curiosity what was so awful that you had to call the law about a writing assignment?
if it had anything to do with children then yeah...I'm letting the proper authorities handle that. I'm not for that crap!
I would personally stay away from that kind of crap. I don't do anything pornographic, there is so much out there I never need to resort to these types of write ups.Hope you figure it out!
I don't write hunting, pro-fur or fishing articles. I'm a vegetarian, so those topics bother me. I think it's perfectly ok to say no to a topic for personal reasons, even if the topic is legal.