DISQUS

Kate · 2 years ago

Nice rant. Even as someone not in your industry I can definitely understand your frustrations...

Yet I can't shrug the feeling that your current clients probably wouldn't be too thrilled with reading #4. By all means continue the rant for 5 more (I'm enjoying!) but tread lightly when it comes to the people who pay you, I say.

Cj B · 2 years ago

I totally agree on all these points, as a fellow ISU Business major I also get looked over a lot in my small company as "the guy in the cube". There's tons of things that I wish I could have been in on the early stages to help develop the business plans. (And honestly, I think they'd be stronger as all the people in charge here are entirely CS people, not business). I've even been passed up for a promotion (and told directly to my face) that my skills are to wide ranged.

As for the Clients rant, I agree. Thankfully I have the luxury of being able to drop pain-in-the-ass clients because it's not my primary business, and I never intend to make a living on consulting with web design/programming clients.. :)

TJ · 2 years ago

someone had to say this, glad it was said here

Andy Brudtkuhl · 2 years ago

TJ - Thank you, and I agree - I\'m glad it was said here.

Kate - I know I probably shouldn\'t have said that about clients but I\'m sure you are aware it is the truth. You don\'t tell your mechanic how to fix your car and you shouldn\'t tell your web developer how to build a website. Granted clients should have insights that help the design to fall along your brand and the development of content but when it comes to the aspects of web design/development I study on a daily basis the clear solution should be let me decide.

I would love if potential clients read this so they know how to be a good client. Relationships go both ways. Ironically I\'ll reference a business book - Let\'s Get Real or Let\'s Not Play<img src=""></img>

Andy Brudtkuhl · 2 years ago

Cj B - Yes it sucks being a businessman trapped in a tech body. Ironically some of the best performing companies out there were started by tech geeks. You'd think other business would follow the trends.

Tambi · 2 years ago

Hell yeah!

Also have similar feelings. especially #4. Well i guess we should all try to do so product development on the side. this is how i keep my sanity! do i something I want to do where im my own client, boss, and be creative.

Kate · 2 years ago

Thanks for the response, Andy.

I wasn't saying you shouldn't say those things, nor that you aren't correct and qualified to do so, only that you should tread lightly.

For potential clients, laying down the law of good client behavior is fine. If I was a current client, however, I might feel a bit insulted (whether I was an offender or not).

Just food for thought - not trying to criticize. I know you what you do and deal with isn't easy.

Andy Brudtkuhl · 2 years ago

Kate - thanks for input. I do agree that it is a subject that should be tread lightly. Thanks for your concern! :)

Wayne Smallman · 2 years ago

OK, point #4 is the place where we differ in opinion — clients rarely 'suck'.

If they're ever difficult, their intransigence is usually attributable to their lack of knowledge and awareness.

Think about it: they know little to nothing about what you're doing for them. They feel vulnerable and need educating.

Here's a chance to win them over with diplomacy and transparency in how you do things.

As a business owner, I know that people have to buy me before they buy anything from me, and it's that mentality you need to keep in mind...

Deron Sizemore · 2 years ago

Very interesting article. Know it all and clients suck were on point.

It's funny how web developers are suppose to know how to do everything. You see job openings and they are looking to high someone with experience with 50 different technologies, it's crazy.

Yes, clients suck. That's why I don't deal with them much anymore. I take on some work every now and then, but I enjoy developing my own ideas and trying to monetize them.

Nik · 2 years ago

Hey, awesome article. I know a lot of people disagree on the clients thing, but I'm on your side. Every time I mention such a thing I'm met with the tried and true "but the client is always right".

The client is not always right. No one is always right. It's ignorant to say otherwise. I'm a designer, not a slave!

Keith · 2 years ago

Thank you for your honest comments. Yes, technology is exciting, but it certainly has its challenging aspects.

Nishanthe · 2 years ago

I think most of the points you listed here are particular to WEB DESIGNERs..not WEB DEVELOPERS..
-Nish

Andy Brudtkuhl · 2 years ago

Nisanthe: Why do you say that?

I am a web developer and come across these issues all the time..

Mike · 2 years ago

Comparing a web designer to an airconditioner technician?? If you go about designing web pages like a aircon tech works, just following blue prints, then your pages must be really interesting. Web pages aren't just code they consist of code and more importantly ideas and style. webdesign involves teamwork, a shared vision of the customer and the designer. uninstall.

John · 2 years ago

I have just completed a job for a most horrifyingly abusive client. In the end it was delivered, they paid and they went away. I suppose the original objective was achieved, they wanted a web, I wanted the business. What happened in between was just bad luck. Web design & Web development is not for sissies. I suppose selling life assurance products may be worse.

Luminus · 1 year ago

I would like to revise point number 6 to just read Internet Explorer, because personally I think even IE 7 is not a piece of software but a Microsoft Authorized Bug.

John · 9 months ago

I agree with #4 entirely especially if you are a small independent developer. I have two people that assist me but that doesn't mean they are my full time minions. I love it when a customer who pays someone to do something for everything will tell you "why can't you just make it happen". This is entirely true if you work per project cost and not per hour cost. I have done nothing but web development for 12 years now but I have to say that I'm nearing my wits end with this profession.

I would like to add the client whom thinks you owe them life and liberty for that check they wrote you. I have come to learn the small easy projects are bigger money makers in time than the larger multi-thousand dollar projects. The more they pay the more they expect and no its not as easy as just saying charge and take to court if they don't pay. They will drag your name through the mud if you are a regional developer.

I enjoy what I do honestly but it just wears on you after awhile. If you decide to get into this profession take my advice. Stick to your goals, know your worth and get a signature of a very detailed piece of paper.