What no one has suggested is how Lift was supposed to get his money after 8 months of emailing, calling, billing, and politely asking for the money. Did you expect him to call King's parents or hire a lawyer at his own expense or fly across the country and knock on King's door and beg him for the money?? Gimme a break. The only leverage a web designer has to get paid is to remove their work. No one with any business sense would have done anything else.
I understand the fanboys supporting King, but for industry people like Ron and 240 to fail to back up Lift is disappointing.
On one hand you have a Pro Bodybuilder who claims to be loaded, but when it comes to paying a bill, claims to be broke.
On the other, you have a guy who spent hours and hours of his time building a great website only to have his client refuse to pay.
I would expect those who run their own business and do their own billing to completely understand.
For those who mentioned that now Lift has ruined his relationship with King, ask yourself how having a deadbeat client who doesn't refer any business your way and refuses to pay his bill and doesn't appreciate the hard work you do is worth having any sort of relationship with.
Bottom Line: If King was able to come up with the money WITHIN TWO HOURS of the site going down, HE HAD THE MONEY ALL ALONG!!!
He was an IDIOT for NOT PAYING IT WHEN LIFT GAVE HIM a couple days of NOTICE.
Lift is a designer. He does great work. No one should hesitate to do business with him.
Special "Elevator Action" Ed