Sorry I couldn't think of a better thread title.
I have a website that I do as a hobby. It's just getting off the ground and could best be described as regional resources for recreational players of a particular sport. Well even though my site is just a "fan of the sport" site and is just getting off the ground, apparently the largest authority in charge governing rules and regulations for this sport in this region happend to visit and liked some elements of my site. They asked if I could make something like that on their website. I haven't replied yet because I came here first to ask advice.
1. I can install a similar feature on their website for a modest one time fee.
2. I can offer them something on my website for free and reap the benefits of tons of traffic.
3. I can capitalize on the situation???? (see below)
Their website is hosted somewhere with a link to the company who designed it (and I presume maintains and hosts it too). I looked at the designer's website and see that their prices are double or triple mine. Would it be unethical to suggest to the people who contacted me that I takeover hosting their website? If I did so and started maintaining the website, does the company that designed it in the first place own all copyrights to it's design, and would I need to redesign the entire look to not infringe? What else should I consider before replying to their email?
Thanks.
Nip it in the bud!
taff posted this at 11:56 — 22nd March 2004.
They have: 956 posts
Joined: Jun 2001
Ethically, things are pretty simple. *They* contacted *you*. I see absolutely no problem with responding to their direct request while at the same time making them aware of the other services you can offer them. Business is business.
As far as original rights to the design go, this is a much murkier subject and one that I'm still not very clear on, even after all these years. Much of it depends on the initial agreement between the designer and client. Absent any explicit assignation of ownership, well I've heard arguments on both sides as to who has intellectual prperty rights by default.
I've had others work on some of my sites. I typically try to keep an eye on things and if the overall results are dissatisfactory to me, I request that they remove my site credits, drop it from my portfolio, and get on with life.
I've never been on the other side of this coin. Typically, if I'm asked to do some "work" on a site, I gently push towards a redesign - that is primarily what I do anyway. That solves any intellectual property issues right there.
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andy206uk posted this at 13:31 — 22nd March 2004.
He has: 1,753 posts
Joined: Jul 2002
Personally if it's not too much hassle then I'd install the system on their site FOC but insist on some sort of advert on the page, maybe even just a text link. Theres not much point in being greedy and if it drives more traffic to your site then you both benefit anyway!
Andyk
Blog of a Web Designer
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him to use the Net and he won't bother you for weeks.