Originally Posted by Brad Mitchell

The easiest thing to do here for me would be to not post. My knee-jerk reaction was that readers put me in one of two categories, either the 'bro club' writing it off or the other bandwagon of people who are quick to judge. So, whether I'm understood or not is irrelevant anyway, I'm happy to share my thoughts which I feel are reasonable and balanced.

From ten thousand feet as someone who is a vendor to ATK and spent a great deal of time with Kim, with photographers that shoot for ATK, with affiliate programs that do business with ATK, with his CTO Matt, programmer Stuart, with a former employee (now competitor) and also a lot of very genuine time with Gunner... I suggest that cooler heads will prevail, absolutely.

ATK is held in high regard by so many not just because they were early in the industry, but because by all accounts that I have seen myself and be recanted second-hand they are quick to lead by example and are very principled in how they conduct business. They've earned the respect of everyone I've ever come across and personally with me in the discussions and business that we have done together.

Kim is insanely bright and genuine, very much the 'nutty professor' type. If I was asked to make an honest guess as to how there could be issues with a few out of hundreds of vendors, it would be that perhaps it's just one of those things that owners make mistakes on when they continue to insist that they do the work personally. Out of best intentions, when your business is your baby, it's often difficult to relinquish responsibilities that have always felt important in allowing you to keep a pulse on your business and stay involved. Vendor relationships are typically something that owners manage themselves and I know myself that right now I'm struggling with letting go of doing that work myself because my time is best served by exercising my talents elsewhere... and because I'm not the best at it.

I know that Kim is busy with more than one business and my post is not meant to excuse late payment. I am simply suggesting that as they do very obviously have a long standing history of growth, innovation, honest business practices - that this could simply be an instance of the 'scientist' who has been clumsy with some of the administrative details that he should have long since relinquished.

My advice to those who aren't already in communication is to simply email Gunner with your concerns and *full* contact information. I have no doubt that Gunner will organize and communicate well with you to set expectations properly for all parties and alleviate concerns. Perhaps as a result of this a refined process of standardizing invoicing, establishing finite terms or positive things will result. Growing pains can sneak up on anyone, despite best efforts, whether they are process or financial. The judge of the situation is what happens after an assessment has been done and all information gathered.

I propose ATK will respond accordingly, vendor obligations will be met and all parties will have learned something - and most continue to do business. It's hard to find good customers these days, in all verticals in our market.

Best,

Brad