Events at Fyre Festival is forefront of a criminal investigation by federal agencies

Yes, we should feel bad for the people who got screwed over. Purchasers/guests, vendors, etc. But if you are doing a big job for a short-term event, you don't ask for money after the work is over. You get paid up front.

You get a deposit that covers everything requested, plus everything that might also be added by request on that day (more food, more alcohol, more staff hours, etc).

If the person can't pay up front, then you ask yourself if you are okay if they don't come through. Are you going to be able to pay your bills while you try to get money from them over the next 2-3 months of sending invoices? And what if they never pay you; can you then afford attorney's fees or, worst case, never getting paid at all if the business goes under?

If they potential money is too good, and you can't see turning down the work - then you can't blame others. You are measuring a risk/reward scenario that is, until the moment you are fully paid, no better than the betting all the money you stand to earn on a hand of blackjack.

We should still feel badly for them, but they also stand to learn a valuable lesson - as goes anyone watching who could be put in a similar situation.

/r/news Thread Parent Link - nytimes.com