When chatting with friends at other agencies or reading my favorite web magazine - .NET, I often come across the same comments from designers and creative directors in the industry.  They say something to the effect of, “It is frustrating to deal with clients who want to hire an interactive agency, do so, and then turn around and go conservative - not wanting to do something that is too bold”.  I’m not talking about coming up with the next great viral video, or even coming up with some crazy-cool design...I’m talking about clients that hire agencies for our expertise - and then try to tell us how, or how not to do something.  Or even worse, the client edits, edits and edits some more, while converting you into a production (not creative) agency, until the final product looks like something from 1995.  Read on…

If I’m wrong, tell me different, but when you walk in a law office do you tell them that you just want to get some ideas from them and feel like you are doing the right thing by hiring a lawyer - but ultimately plan to represent yourself in court?  Ok, that’s a lame analogy.  Try this, you walk into the finest restaurant in your area...do you ask the hostess if you can bring your own food in because your not sure if you really want to try their food? Or better yet, do you often find yourself walking up to police officers who are arresting an individual and confidently tell them, “gentlemen - stand back for a moment, I think I can handle this situation.” What about when you fly?  Are you the person that knocks on the cabin door (before you are aprehended and beaten down by the on-board air marshal) and says, ‘Sir or ma’am, I can’t see who’s flying this plane, but I’m really good at Microsoft’s Flight Simulator, can I give you guys a break for a bit? After all, I paid a whole lot for my ticket and I want to make sure I get my money’s worth?...Hello...is anyone in there?”.  Ok, I think you get the picture now.  Pray tell though, why do so many web/marketing clients hire agencies and then tell them how they think the project should roll out, or somehow get sociopathically fixated with a ‘sketch’ that they did - something they thought would work?

I can tell you this.  If you work in this industry long enough - whether you are a lone consultant, small agency or any sized team - you will run into these types.  Rest assured.

That’s it.  I’m not going to offer any more thoughts or ideas on this one from my alternate life as the Storm Pilot.  I just wanted to ask the question is all. 

SP