It’s time to come out of the closet – I am not just a contract geek but I have maths degree. Both these have developed my analytical skills and my love of cold hard facts. So I have been checking that the statements I believe about contracts are true. Here
After a scorching weekend in the UK thoughts turn to sunnier climes and holidays. My theme for this collection of tips comes from walking the Alta Via 1 in the Italian Dolomites with my family. Read the full edition here » If you’d like to receive The Dotted Line directly
‘Can you turn a simple agreement into impenetrable gibberish’ Dilbert asks his lawyer. The lawyer agrees and also states he can leave a sour taste in everyone’s mouth. This cartoon illustrates a lawyer’s barely disguised rant about the reasons cited by clients wanting simple contracts. Although I write books on
At the weekend, I spotted a goldcrest. It is the smallest bird I have ever seen (and I later found out that it is the UK’s smallest). It is the perfect metaphor for those of you who doubt that a contract can be really small – you just need to
One of my favourite workshop activities is to ask delegates to improve award-winning contracts. Naturally, I use winners of awards for poor language (eg the Golden Bull Awards). It’s hard to believe both the quality of the drafting and the excuses given, like this apology from Scottish Power “Legal definitions often
Terms and conditions are everywhere – sometimes comical, sometimes ranting, and regularly far too long to be a tool to help anyone do business. I have collated a few gems from my recent contract experiences to highlight their absurdities. Read it here » If you’d like to receive The Dotted
During the Easter break, I listened to a podcast on How to Negotiate which reinforced some of my advice from previous newsletters. The negotiators said you must know your walk away position before you start, you should understand your why (what you are trying to achieve), and you should build
This week I have been reviewing the terms and conditions of a global airline. As expected, they are relying on their T&C to create the wriggle room they need to avoid their duties… Read it here » If you’d like to receive The Dotted Line directly to your email inbox
What was behind the door? I imagined the ‘fire exit’ lead to a pit of vipers, a helter-skelter, a first-floor door without stairs, or a Horcrux… If a customer has to worry about what’s behind the door when there is a fire in the pub, surely it must be more
I was tickled pink by this sign in the first floor lounge bar at the Zetland Hotel (top house) in Marske-by-Sea. My imagination went into overdrive! What do you think lurks behind the door marked ‘fire escape’? The best answer wins a tablet – to be clear it’s a clay
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