Their Business Venture Was Perfect, But Just as Success Beckoned, Brotherly Bonds Were Put to the Ultimate Test.
Original Poster (OP) and their artistically gifted brother teamed up with dreams of creating successful board games. While initial attempts failed, OP’s dedication led to an offer from a renowned publisher, but the celebration was short-lived as a conflict over credits and profits threatened to tear their bond apart.
A Passion for Board Games
OP loves board games and is very creative. He often invents his own unique games to play with family and friends. However, OP lacks visual creativity, which is where his brother enters the story.
The Artist Brother
OP’s brother is incredibly talented in visual arts and can draw both by hand and digitally. He often freelances his skills as a side hustle. The brothers’ combined skills seemed perfect for game creation, like a match made in heaven.
Dreams of Riches
Initially, OP and his brother collaborated with big dreams of making real money. The brother did all the intricate artwork while OP conceptualized the games. They decided to split any earnings 50-50.
The Bitter Reality
Despite their efforts and hopes, none of their games found a publisher. The excitement waned, and repeated failures dampened their spirits. OP’s brother grew tired of the constant work without any reward.
Seeking External Help
OP didn’t give up on their lifelong dream and hired a graphic designer. However, the collaboration felt forced and lacked the chemistry OP shared with his brother. The partnership quickly dissolved.
A New Proposal
Determined to see a game to completion, OP approached his brother with an offer. He suggested paying him $60 an hour for his artistic contributions. The brother, while indifferent to the sales aspect, agreed.
A Surprising Turn of Events
After submitting their latest creation to many outlets, OP’s favorite publisher agreed to publish their game. The game was OP’s brainchild, but the brother played an indispensable role in fine-tuning and design.
Paid Contributions
Despite the brother’s invaluable input, OP had compensated him hourly for his efforts. The entirety of his work was paid at the rate of $60 per hour. For OP, this shifted the dynamics of their partnership.
The Brewing Conflict
With the game’s impending success, the brother sought a co-creator credit and half the earnings. Their earlier 50-50 agreement hung in the balance. OP felt that the brother’s paid contributions made him an employee, not a co-owner.
The Investment Perspective
OP reflected on the past ventures where both had invested time and skill without any monetary return. The brother’s decision to charge for his services felt like a lack of faith in OP. Now that there was success on the horizon, the brother wanted a share.
Acknowledging the Talent
OP couldn’t deny the brother’s critical role in the game’s creation. However, they felt that his hourly compensation was enough. Sharing ownership wasn’t in OP’s plan. The dispute escalated, and the brother sought support from their family.
Family Intervention
OP’s brother shared his side of the story with his parents, grandparents, and other relatives. They unanimously sided with him. The family’s unanimous stance made OP question their decision. The weight of the family’s opinion pressed heavily on OP’s conscience.
The Underlying Emotion
Deep down, OP felt hurt. The brother’s decision to charge for his services was interpreted as a sign of lost faith. This emotional wound exacerbated the conflict. Confused and conflicted, OP sought external perspectives on the situation.
Decisions and Resolutions
OP faced a challenging decision that would either mend or further strain their relationship with their brother. As they deliberated, the importance of understanding, communication, and compromise became evident.
Was The Brother’s Behavior Appropriate?
OP posted their story online for feedback and judgment from the internet community. The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter.
Forum Responds
One reader said, “You had the risk of sinking even more money into games that weren’t successful. Your brother didn’t want to risk that and took an hourly pay- he got his reimbursement for his work.”
Another Commenter Thinks
Another responder wrote, “OP, your entire family is agreeing with your brother b/c HE’S the one who complained to them, so he got to put his spin on it. I’m always telling people this, but FIGHT BACK. Don’t let someone else set the terms of the narrative. Tell them your side.”
A Third View on The Story
A different person stated, “You would be well within your rights to stand your ground and keep the money yourself, but you need to decide if you are prepared to have a family rift as a result.”
A Final Perspective on the Matter
Another reader commented, “Would you have split the money with the graphic designer you were paying? No. Your brother was already paid.”
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