>>http://theoatmeal.com/comics/design_hell
>
>Actually the web designer is a prima-donna. The web designer has confused his role in the client-supplier relationship. He thinks he is an artist and that his "art" has to be respected and remain "pure" or some similar irrelevant (to the client) ideal. But actually he is just a hired hand; hired to develop a website that suits the client and their opinion, not his. The web designer can offer "expert" advice and suggestions but at the end of the day the client's needs and wants need to be serviced and satisfied, not the web designers. The role of IT should be as a service to the needs of business and management/owners. IT can explain, advise, present pros and cons. And then the business owner decides. It's their penny.

Translate that to what we do. We're experts in designing and implementing database applications. If the client says "it's my dime and I want you to do ...," if it's a UI issue, maybe. But if the client wants us to store data in a way that's inappropriate or worse, would enable fraud, we're going to say "You hired me for my expertise. Let me do my job." If necessary, we'll walk.

Tamar