>>>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

I have not stated that the designer cannot or should not walk. I clearly stated that IT can advise, explain, recommend, etc. Then the management/owners can decide what they want after they have been appropriately informed and briefed. If they then choose an option which the designer (or contractor) has a real problem with then they are free to walk away. But in the example given, the designer goes along with the client, makes the changes the client wants, and then complains and moans about his aesthetic opinion vs. the client's aesthetic opinion - all the while presumably being paid.

I realize the comic is meant to be tongue-in-cheek but I have often seen this attitude with IT "experts" who think that the business is about them or about "tech", but it's not. For most businesses, and business people, the business is not about perfect code, perfect databases, expert opinion on design aesthetics, the latest/greatest tools, etc. The business is about making money or servicing the clients of the business or whatever other end-purposes that the business or organization exists to address. IT is just a supporting role in that, just like accounting or HR.