Justin S — Mon, 29 Jan 2001 18:22:06 +0000

If he asks specifically to "maintain it," then I'd say he just wants you to keep all the content current and up to date, which includes doing updated that he wants done. Now redesigning the site could be a part of this, but only if the client wants that done. You could suggest a redesign to him as well.

MichelleB — Mon, 29 Jan 2001 17:54:26 +0000

Thank you for such a thorough answer. I plan a complete makeover.

Another question please:

If the client keeps his original site and hires me to maintain it, what can I change? Add new pages? Delete pages? Update catalog? Add photos? etc?

Thanks again,

MichelleB
mrae@priment.com

anti — Mon, 29 Jan 2001 15:03:54 +0000

I would say this is a high risk sale ....

You have to assume that "designer" owns the whole design.
That includes navigational elements, layout, color-schemes, hierachy of the site, etc.

Ask your client if he gave the pictures to the designer.
If not you can at least use those.

Years ago I used that copyright statement to prevent clients to work with other "designers".

And yes, you can break the copyright by reusing the colors !

(No, you can't copyright "black on white", but you can copyright "#ff0000 on #00ff00 navbar with #ffff00 text on #336699 background with #663399 and #9933ff logo".)

Be carefull, this is calling for trouble.

I know it, I've been on the other side.

Re: Copyright question

AndyB — Sun, 28 Jan 2001 22:57:31 +0000

Quote: Originally posted by MichelleB
The client does not know what he owns and what the designer owns.

I would think that the text he provided is definitely his; if there were photographs of his product I expect those are his as well (unless he contracted with someone to take the pix).

Tricky subject .... I expect he'll make sure that when he has his site makeover finished you'll both know who owns what:)

Copyright question

MichelleB — Sun, 28 Jan 2001 22:49:53 +0000

Thanks for the quick replys.

The client does not know what he owns and what the designer owns.

The client supplied the designer with the text for the catalog, press release, and advise column. Can I assume the client owns this content?

I think it is best to change the graphics, since I don't know if he owns the rights to these.

My client has been unable to contact the designer. That is why he came to me.

Thank you again for your help,

MichelleB
mrae@primenet.com

AndyB — Sun, 28 Jan 2001 20:12:13 +0000

I tend agree with Brian ... but since the wording 'All contents including text and graphics are the exclusive property and copyright of "Client" and "Designer" ' leaves it an open question as to precisely which parts belong to which party ... just ask your client which parts of his existing site he wants you to use, and can he confirm that those are indeed free for re-use.

Brian Farkas — Sun, 28 Jan 2001 19:28:02 +0000

Hi Michelle-
You should be able to use ALL the content on the current client site, if he/she is hiring you to do a redesign... That is because it appears that the CLIENT owns the copyright to all of the content on the site, so he/she would have every right to use the content in a new design.

I hope this helps!

Brian Farkas