Hmmm, I wonder what this post is about.

A number of things put a fire in my belly to start The Chic Geek, but I have to say the biggest was my experience, and the experience of friends and colleagues, with crappy web site designers.  If I had a dollar for every time I heard calls and emails weren’t being returned, designers that would get angry when you didn’t like their design, exorbitant monthly “hosting” charges which really weren’t necessary or didn’t cover the changes that person wanted to that month to their site I could buy myself a first class ticket to London. 

Sadly, my newest client has such a story.  He had a “friend” create a site for him, which he loved, he paid and all was well until he needed to make some changes a year later.  Calls and emails went unanswered for months.  He knew she was still around as they shared common friends.  Finally, he reached out to me to see what I could do.  I started investigating and it turns out the designer actually purchased his domain and owns it.  DOH!  More emails were sent, lawyers were contacted, and the “friend” question even went as far to add an extra layer of security around any attempts for him to acquire the domain with the hosting company.  Needless to say, his hands are tied, and no changes can be made, he is stuck with a business site that does not reflect even 10% of what he does.  That, to me, is just inexcusable.

Look, I understand that we all have clients that can rub us the wrong way or a relationship can just go south, but instead of becoming an arse just to make a point, how about this, how about taking the high road, agreeing to disagree, and still doing the right thing.  I know at times it’s easier said, but I can assure you, when you dig your heels in your disgruntled client is making it their life’s sole purpose to tell everyone who will listen just how totally crappy you are.