Sometimes it pays to pay your web designer
winonachiropractic.com
winonachiropractic.com
I'm a big fan of using a staging server that I'm in control of for changes to sites. We'll agree on a scope for an individual project or revisions, then I'll make the changes on my server and send you a link. If the changes are to your liking and the scope has been met, I'll bill you. Upon receipt of payment, I'll upload the changes to your live site, and we'll start again ad infinitum.
I've heard that when constructing fireplaces and chimneys, masons sometimes install a plate of glass partway up the flu. When the final installment on the work is paid, the mason drops a stone down the chimney to break the glass. Otherwise it's a house full of smoke for the deadbeat client...
Also, the glass pane would not have to be anchored deeply in the masonry, just set in slightly, enough to support its own weight. Thus any breakage would likely remove it entirely.
If you failed to pay a contractor building you a house, they can take a lein against the house or sue you, but it would be quite illegal for them to start tearing the house down. Similarly, unless you have a written contract saying that their website is merely a service you provide, defacing their property is not putting you in a stronger position, morally or legally.
Then the analogy is that your running a shop selling stuff, and then when people come in asking for product x you tell them you won't give them product x because the owners of product x don't pay their bills to you.
It all depends on who owns the hosting. You can't sued for libel if you tell the truth.
If you provide two services (say, design and hosting) you can't hold one "hostage" for non-payment on the other (that's my understanding at least).
Take it to small claims court, or let it go.
Designer seems to have recovered his goods domain/hosting and used it for what he wanted. To slag off the debtor.
BTW, I don't know why everyone assumes the facts are as described on the defaced website. It's not like we've heard the other side of the story. (Personally, I'm unlikely to spend any time to study it in detail, anyway). But if I knew who the web designer was, I'd certainly stay the hell away from him. This was ridiculously unprofessional and inappropriate.
I've experienced non-payment only a handful of times over 15+ years of freelancing. Barring bankruptcy, I have ALWAYS been paid by using these two tactics. If they go bankrupt, you will be just another creditor, and a low priority one at that, since there are no physical assets involved.
Frankly, I think a little "this website is offline because they didn't pay their bills" would be enough, given the web designer is being honest about the whole situation.
although, the "get bent" is awesome.
...if in fact this whole thing isn't a hoax.
If the client never paid anything up front, that's just bad business practice. If the designer delivered and launched the site without having yet collected a dime, that's more bad practice. And if the designer continued to host the site while never getting paid, that's just stupidity.
Rather than being controlled by his emotions, this designer would have been a lot better off kicking those pesky feelings out of the building and viewing the situation as a learning experience, then creating business practices as a result.
For example, adopt a policy of getting 50% down at project start with the other 50% due within 30 days of site launch. If a client starts dragging their feet on payment, remind them of the clause in the contract where the penalties for non-payment were outlined. You did get a signed contract, right?
Sometimes clients don't want to pay and unfortunately nobody starts out in business with great judgment about who is and isn't going to pay. That judgment comes from experience, which is unfortunately built through exercising bad judgment.
At the same time - I feel sympathy for this designer and don't blame them. One overwhelming gesture of disrespect (devaluing ones work and not paying) sometimes deserves another.
That said, after a quick double-take, I have to admit I laughed when I looked at the site.
If you take away what they gave or took down the site entirely you would be justified and perhaps quickly pay. Doing something classless like this is just going to make the client bitter and perhaps damage your personal reputation.
Now, I'm not ever going to need his services; I can handle the tech stuff just fine myself thanks and I know plenty of graphic designers. I also tend to pay bills when I receive them :-)
But there's no way I'd take a hosted service from someone who's pulled this stunt in the past. Let's say we have a small disagreement - happens in business, doesn't necessarily mean either of us is a crook. But how do I know he won't fly off the handle and do this to me too? That's not a liability I want to think about.
Our web designer has a childish sense of humor
Indeed, and that's why I won't take his services.
I can't imagine the particular designer will hurt for doing it - its not like his contact details are stamped on it.
If he does great work and it's what I need I'd use him, since I make a habit of paying my bills.
To be sure, the site design as displayed is only average. Sure, he may do average work very well, but I'm not sure this is the best way to advertise that.