Laughing M4N,I am happy to hear that everything got resolved for you. I want to mention that I have been apart of 3 separate Sketch opps that Mike Jeter has offered and each of them went smoothly with great communication by Mike.
As someone who has run no less then 30 opps for over 7 years (link to my first sketch opp in 2009 with Mike Zeck can be found here, http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=169073&Number=3397612#Post3397612),
I would like to reflect on a few things you mentioned in your post:
Yes there are MANY things we as facilitators cannot predict when running opps, this includes (but is not limited to) artists who face unexpected work or personal commitments. In some rare cases artists have been know to go RADIO SILENT; stop answering emails, texts, phone calls etc. In situations we as facilitators can only do so much in order to get sketches completed. Some methods that have been implemented to reduce this from happening include holding money in escrow until the pieces are completed. Unfortunately this doesnt work with all as some artists sill require payment upfront.
Getting sketches in person IS AWESOME!!! However not everyone is able to attend shows. When I started offering opps on the boards it was basically for 3 reasons.
1. I wanted to offer sketch opportunities with artist that were NOT attending shows. If you do a search you will see my first few opps were with artists that had not attended any show for years including Mike Zeck (who now is everywhere) Dave Simons RIP, Al Milgrom, Don Perlin etc.
2. I didnt want to fill up sketch lists with artists at conventions with requests for me and client (hey I am a collector too you know )
3. I wanted to offer higher quality pieces/ie at home commissions
I cannot speak for every facilitator BUT I can tell you all MY opps and all the OPPS that I have been apart of (DarrellF, A-DONIS, Alphatrion1, THECOLLECTOR, DennisRodmanofSS) have ALWAYS had great communication. Yes some take a little longer than expected, but all were completed.
Again, I am happy you got everything resolved with Mike. But please do not allow your experience, in this, your ONE AND ONLY OPP, be reflection of all OPPS and facilitators who ru them here on the boards.
-Dan