Techie takes control of UK firm’s site over dues, writes ‘If you need access, pay me’ on site
In a shocking turn of events, a developer working for Joseph Smith Furniture Store in the UK allegedly took control of the company’s website over unpaid dues. The story was brought to light by SEO expert Joe Youngblood, who claimed that the developer had been left unpaid for their services. The website now displays a message that reads, “Should have paid your website developer. Services were delivered. Payment from Joseph Smith Furniture remains outstanding. If you need access, pay me.” This brazen move has left many wondering about the ethics of such an action and the consequences that may follow.
According to reports, the developer had been working with Joseph Smith Furniture Store for some time, providing them with website development and maintenance services. However, when it came time to pay for these services, the company allegedly failed to deliver. This led to a dispute between the two parties, with the developer claiming that they were owed a significant amount of money for their work.
In a bold move, the developer decided to take matters into their own hands and gain control of the company’s website. By doing so, they were able to post the message that is now displayed on the site, effectively holding the company’s online presence hostage until they receive the payment they claim is owed to them.
The message on the website is a clear indication of the developer’s frustration and desperation. By stating that the services were delivered but the payment remains outstanding, the developer is making it clear that they feel they have been wronged by the company. The addition of “If you need access, pay me” is a clear ultimatum, implying that the developer will only relinquish control of the website once they have received the payment they are owed.
The consequences of this action are already being felt, with many users claiming that the company has gone out of business. This is likely due to the fact that the website is no longer accessible to the company, making it impossible for them to conduct business online. The loss of their online presence is a significant blow to any company, and it is likely that Joseph Smith Furniture Store will struggle to recover from this setback.
The question on many people’s minds is whether the developer’s actions are justified. On one hand, it is understandable that the developer would want to be paid for their services, especially if they have delivered on their promises. On the other hand, taking control of a company’s website and holding it hostage is a drastic measure that could have serious consequences for the company and its employees.
The law surrounding website development and ownership is complex, and it is unclear whether the developer’s actions are legal. However, it is clear that the developer feels they have been wronged and are taking drastic measures to rectify the situation.
This incident highlights the importance of clear communication and contract negotiation in business dealings. If the company and the developer had a clear agreement in place, this situation may have been avoided. It also highlights the need for companies to prioritize their online presence and take steps to protect themselves from situations like this.
In conclusion, the story of the developer taking control of Joseph Smith Furniture Store’s website is a cautionary tale about the importance of paying one’s debts and the potential consequences of not doing so. While the developer’s actions may be seen as extreme, they are a clear indication of the frustration and desperation that can result from unpaid debts. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how the company and the developer resolve their dispute and what the ultimate outcome will be.
News source: https://x.com/YoungbloodJoe/status/2008257478975521242