[link] dragoneer, owner of FA

[link] wikifur page

Michael Hirtes has a long history of cheating and abusing artists in addition to his other abrasive behavior, going back almost a decade or more. His usual method is to ask for constant sketches to see the progress and make sure the commission is going as he wants it. He will ask for these sketches and numerous revisions (many infamously involving more and more elaborate toe rings) until either he has had enough sketches and simply abandons contact, or the artist becomes frustrated and calls off the commission.

A secondary tactic of Hirtes' seems to be to actually complete the commission, then find something that the artist did (posting the image in their gallery being one example) to demand a full refund lest he file a grievance with PayPal.

Whatever happens... whether the artist drops the commission, whether they cease to play along, or in any other method when Hirtes sees that he is not going to be able to abuse them into continuing to do as he wants, he will attempt to play the wronged party, making numerous public posts (both under his own name and anonymously) to attempt to vilify the artist and make them out to be the cheat.

Advised Action: Do not interact with Michael Hirtes in any fashion. While this will not fully protect you (he may try to say that you are rude or standoffish for ignoring him), it will insulate you from becoming more thoroughly involved in the drama and anger he creates. Accept a commission from Michael Hirtes at risk to your money, time, effort, and the quietude of your online journal.