Fight Club Author apologises to Publishers. And Pirates!

[pwalker8]

Originally Posted by fjtorres

It is self-defense by the legitimate/competent operators.
It weeds out fly-by-night-ers to protect the reputation of the sector.
It also, conveniently, reduces competition.

Certification serves honest players, whether it be state- or industry-policed.

Most honest industries and professions maintain minimum standards, whether craftmen like plumbers/electricians, or professionals like Engineers, Doctors, accountants, etc.

Lack of certification in a long established sector suggests a fear of *any* policing. A red flag right there.

Generally, certification is different than regulation. There actually is a professional organization for literary agents in the US. I believe there is one for sports agents as well.

[DuckieTigger]

Originally Posted by pwalker8

Generally, certification is different than regulation. There actually is a professional organization for literary agents in the US. I believe there is one for sports agents as well.

Yeah, a regular audit system is necessary, IMHO. Preferably an outside company, not just internal audits.

[pwalker8]

Originally Posted by DuckieTigger

Yeah, a regular audit system is necessary, IMHO. Preferably an outside company, not just internal audits.

Lawyers and Doctors are suppose to be self regulating in the US, however as often as not, only the most egregious gets sanctioned. Circling the wagons and protecting the insiders (i.e. what's known as the good old boy network in the US) seems to be the natural reaction in any organization over time. The Better Business Bureau model, which in theory at least, allows consumers file complaints and to see what kind of complaints are being filed against various businesses, seems to be better, IMPO, though it's not perfect either.

Unfortunately, I rather doubt there is a perfect system. Even the best companies can get hit by embezzlers (which is what the original story is actually about). In the US, insurance is one of the most heavily regulated industries out there, but there are still fly by night insurance companies.