I do have that notation on my abstracts.  When the lady called me, I basically said, "That really defeats that whole purpose of our conversation of being paid within 30 days. I need for you to meet your end of the agreement."  She replied that once checks have been cut, they can't cut anymore until the next pay cycle.  I find that extremely hard to believe. Nils, you are correct that they set out to do this from the get go.  I even have the email from her stating that they agree to pay within thirty days, but she said that does no good because their accounting cycle is closed until the next pay cycle.  

This isn't so much about the money as it is the principle.