:-)

I can see your point with IE 6 but the analogy can be easily altered to show a minor flaw in your argument. Instead of a surgeon, think of an auto mechanic. It’s not practical for even a skilled auto mechanic understand how to work with an older auto. For that you go to an expert.

Coding for IE 6, generally speaking, is something that expert developers should know how to do. However, that being said, I wouldn’t be so hasty to expect every web developer to know how to code for IE 6. It’s often time consuming and promotes the continued use of an out-dated and poor browser that ignores web standards.

Though it’s a matter of philosophy, a wise developer will go the extra mile and deal with IE 6. If not, the client that looks bad in the end, not the developer.

That’s actually a valid reason for not operating – if it will cause more harm than good (i.e. the risks are too high). Therefore I’m sticking with your surgeon’s analogy and ignoring IE6 :D

In my opinion, the only time you should be experimenting is if you’re building a site for someone who expects it, if you’re pushing the boundaries of what is known and developing something new, then you’re going to have to experiment. BUT, in this case the experiment shouldn’t be the finished article. If a client wants you to develop something brand new and unseen before, they have to expect a long period of trials and testing.

Here’s my one:

Web designer:

I could have created an awesome design for them, but the client chose the worst out of my six concepts and then suggested changes to it that made it even worse!

Surgeon:

I could have done a good job of the operation, but the patient chose the worst tools they could see in the room for me to use and then told me what to do during surgery.

Lesson:

Never give a client ANY ‘bad’ concepts, just choose two or three good ones (that you would be happy adding to your portfolio) to show them.

Also, even though the client ultimately has the final say, try not to let them take your designs in a bad direction, if they offer ‘bad’ suggestions, doesn’t always mean you have to go along with these, sometimes you will just need to explain to them why that idea is bad and remember to subtly remind them that you are the designer and they are paying you as a professional to create a good design for them.