Terry Scoggin, Texas deadbeat

Ladies and Gentlemen, We have a John Crowley fan, name of Terry D. Scroggin, who lives in Valley View, Republic of Texas. Email tjscoggin at ntin.net He ordered a chapbook and I sent him one. Then his check bounced. I contacted him by email two weeks ago and asked him to send a money order or cash to cover the amount plus the bank charge, a total of $12. He responded quickly:

It is that "Do whatever you have to do" part that continues to bug me. Maybe it means something different in Texan, but it sure sounds to me like "Hey, it isn't my problem (and you aren't likely to come all the way out to Texas for $12, but if you do, you can try and squeeze blood from my turnip)." Well now we are up to $20. I'd like to publically shame and humiliate Mr. Scroggin into paying the $20 right now before it goes up again. To this end I'd like people to tell him not to be a jerk and to send the money order right away. Any help in this would be greatly appreciated! =mantis=

I think it means you're out $12.00

Excuse me: it looks like you're out $20. I'll be sure not to sell Scroggin anything.

I'd say publicize the facts and write it off. I think that blackening Mr. Scroggin's reputation is probably a fine and a worthwhile thing to do. But I feel you have small chance of seeing any money. Good luck! J. PS I've Cc:'ed Mr. Scoggin. It's way to late in my life to start talking about people behind their backs.

That's an accurate translation. Our glorious republic was settled and founded by people who owed money to numerous other people in distant parts, after all.