Abusive contracts

[Mark Woodward]

Has anyone noticed that contracts are becoming really mean spirited 
lately? I mean, seriously, some of the ones that I've looked at are just 
ridiculous.

How's this clause:

" The Consultant acknowledges and agrees that any such breach or 
threatened breach will cause irreparable injury to the Company and that 
money damages will not provide an adequate remedy to the Company."

I mean, jeez, in civil law, money damages ARE the remedy!

That on top of 5 years confidentiality, 2 years non-compete, all for a 
few hours part time work? A 6 page NDA and at a low rate because they 
are on a shoe string budget?  Are you kidding me? I know a word and a 
handshake is old fashioned, but why does every dime store lawyer feel 
the need to write these faustian contracts? Especially when there is so 
little gain?

Just my little Charlie Sheen for day. The software industry in the last 
few years has become really awful.