When a Website Becomes a Payment Demand

[kevin1]

A recent incident involving the website of Joseph Smith Furniture has reignited debate about unpaid freelance work. Instead of showcasing products, the site now displays a blunt message from its developer demanding payment — effectively turning a business homepage into a public invoice. The move underscores a recurring issue in the freelance economy: work delivered, payment withheld.

While extreme, the tactic reflects a reality many independent web developers face. Without leverage, legal muscle, or cross-border enforcement options, some freelancers resort to the only control they still have — access to the code. The incident raises an uncomfortable question for the digital economy: when trust breaks down, who really owns the work?

[ed]

extreme move but also… i get why someone would snap like this