Thanks Jackie
I actually wrote this in response to a situation I had recently where *I* was the client. I outsource work to other VA's once in a while and had set up a job with someone who was very new to the industry but whom I really really liked and thought would be a good fit.

Now, in any new client/service provider situation a bit of training may be necessary to get that project *just right* but this VA apparently didn't like being given direction and took it as a criticism and even downright rejection (which it wasn't...it was a bit of guidance with the assumption she would use it to hone her skills and provide a more perfect product.) I've been on both the giving and receiving end of this type of guidance and so carefully craft my 'criticisms' to be friendly, helpful, and with a clear intention of continuing the working relationship.

After the first email I sent she wrote back with another go at it but I still needed a few more edits and suggested a way she might find the solution to what was needed for the project.

After that I didn't hear from her again, at all.

Finally I rec'd an email (on a mass-mail list) announcing that she was no longer offering services.

I thought it was quite sad really, that she gave up so fast and was unwilling to negotiate the learning experience - but as a client it made me realize just how important that communication really is.

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