iamlost - 8:45 pm on Jun 22, 2004 (gmt 0)

But they think they have GOOD taste and the rest of us have bad taste. Who gets to decide what is good or bad taste?

The harm comes from the fact that you're doing sloppy work - even if it's exactly what the customer wanted, your reputation as a designer is at stake if anyone ever saw it.

There are two very different aspects to the work we do. The first is valid compatible coding so that a site is looks similar to every visitor. The second is to design that appearance. Usually we are asked to do both, but not always.

The physician analogy used in an earlier post is not applicable to web design. We are more like building architects: first: building code compliant structure that is safe to inhabit; second: facade, interior design for appearance. The first I will not compromise, the second I will propose but not dictate.

If the client wants each page to be one enormous jpeg or large vivid blue unusual font on a blinding yellow background with lots of multi-colour blinking links (both are clients!) it is my responsibilty to point out (in written memoranda signed as read by client) the reasons not to do what their heart desires. It is not my responsibility or my place to dictate their aesthetics. I think several of my clients' sites must rank among the worst dressed sites on the Web - but they validate and the clients were, and still are, thrilled.

Some clients like Reubans, some Picasso, some Pollack, some Elvis on black velvet ... that is their choice and they are entitled to it. It is their site and they get to wield the brush.

I revel in my "tacky" sites. I am pleased to show them to prospective clients. I also explain why these examples are inappropriate to the matter under discussion but that I always strive to give my clients exactly what they want.

If I limit my clients to those who share my aesthetic view I would be exhibiting hubris and intolerance and would also be unable to support the style to which I have become accustomed.

I learned long ago that the only person who can embarass me is myself and it is never fatal.