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FreelanceSwitch has an interview with Jonathan Snook and it’s a great one!  One area really struck home to me; most likely because I relate with it so much.

IBB: What would you say to people who say “bollocks” when they hear someone mention web standards. Is it hard being a web standard conscious freelancer? Do the clients come to you because of it or do you have to sell them on the idea?

JS: Many of my clients come to me because of my visibility in the “web standards” community but some clients don’t know or care. They just want something that works. In those cases, it’s not a selling point. It’s just how I do my business. Most clients really don’t care about how it gets built. I certainly don’t buy my car but ask the retailer about standards. I just ask if it works and if it doesn’t, I go back to them. There are plenty of web standards zealots but for me, it’s just a tool. It’s a way of getting something done that comes with a number of benefits. If somebody comes up with a better way then I’ll switch to it in a heartbeat.

Like Jonathan says, there are plenty of web standards zealots out there.  Like him though, I’m more of an implementer than a zealot.  Don’t get me wrong, I believe wholeheartedly in web standards as the most efficient way to build a website.  However, it’s just a tool.

Many clients don’t know what web standards actually is, and those who actually do will often not truly understand what “web standards” actually mean.  Do they care about “standards” or do they just want a site that works?

I think that most will fall under the, “Give me something that works” heading. I try my best to never “overload” clients with information.  I will explain to them the things that they need to understand and know, and will answer any questions that they have. 

Clients are investing their money in my work because I know what I’m doing.  They’re comfortable knowing that when they do have a question, I generally have an answer to clearly explain the situation.

So where do you fall?  Zealot or Skilled Worker? 

The Freelance Developer Insight — An Interview with Mr. Jonathan Snook - FreelanceSwitch - The Freelance Blog

Tags: webstandards, interviews, freelancer tips, freelancing