Contractor Dilemmas - Moral and Financial Obligations?

An Anonymous Coward asks: "This is a true story, one that I am currently trying to resolve and wondered if the Slashdot community could offer any help. I've been developing a new application for a startup company, contracted on a daily basis for my services. I've been providing services for 5 weeks now, and am still trying to get payment for work completed during week 1. The company is refusing to pay me, stating that they are not happy with progress, however all of the milestones we agreed upon for that week have been met. Now, it gets interesting: I know that this company is seeking startup venture capital, and I know from whom. Yes, it would be malicious to contact this party with the information that I have, but am I morally obliged to? If you were set to pump several million into a company with loose moral fibre would you not appreciate a warning?"

Not very anonymous, are we?

[TTop]

Geez, if you're gonna be anonymous, try a little harder, Mr. [e-mail] (the email link connected to the AC).

Other people have good suggestions, but it seems consulting an attorney (and not Slashdot) would be the best suggestion.

You're essentially asking for legal advice here and Slashdot is not the place to ask for moral advice, either (see Warez thread earlier today).

They'll be delighted

[Lars T.]

Delaying to pay one's contractors is quite common business practice, and the VCs will sure like that the start-up knows how to save money.