It is well established by the Maryland, Dept. of Consumer Affairs that disputes between a contracted author and Publish America ARE business-to-business relationships and fall outside of any Maryland Consumer Statutes. Therefore, Maryland will not act on any consumer affairs complaints filed by authors against Publish America.
HOWEVER
There are services being sold by Publish America outside the purview of the contract that do not meet Maryland's business-to-business definition. Here is an example, by a Publish America author, of a situation that meets Maryland's Consumer Statutes and would be of concern to their Consumer Affairs Department.
"I called PA to verify that there would be a convention in Atlantic City June 8, 9, and 10. I've already paid $102.99 for a 3-day pass. The person I spoke with seemed unsure at first, then acknowledged that this was true. But there's been no discussion or promotion of this convention since the original promo came out. Hotel arrangements were to be made via PA. I am unsure as to how to proceed. Will there be a convention as advertised or not? If not, will my money be refunded? If so, then please clarify dates, details, etc. regarding the convention. Thanks."
This is a purchase of a convention pass using Publish America as an "agent" of the convention. There is no publishing dispute This is far outside the four corners of the publishing contract and any business-to-business transaction, in my opinion.
HOWEVER
There are services being sold by Publish America outside the purview of the contract that do not meet Maryland's business-to-business definition. Here is an example, by a Publish America author, of a situation that meets Maryland's Consumer Statutes and would be of concern to their Consumer Affairs Department.
"I called PA to verify that there would be a convention in Atlantic City June 8, 9, and 10. I've already paid $102.99 for a 3-day pass. The person I spoke with seemed unsure at first, then acknowledged that this was true. But there's been no discussion or promotion of this convention since the original promo came out. Hotel arrangements were to be made via PA. I am unsure as to how to proceed. Will there be a convention as advertised or not? If not, will my money be refunded? If so, then please clarify dates, details, etc. regarding the convention. Thanks."
This is a purchase of a convention pass using Publish America as an "agent" of the convention. There is no publishing dispute This is far outside the four corners of the publishing contract and any business-to-business transaction, in my opinion.
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