|
| |
|
|
Daubs
Posts: 6
Joined: 3/12/2008
Status: offline
 |
Cloning a site...what would you do - 4/14/2008 22:49:32
I'm building a web site for a client and have met with committee to discuss general layout, etc. As usual, we visited sites they liked and sites they did not. One of the people liked one site so much they asked if I could build a web site "just like it."
I'm a little concerned that person wants me to copy exactly the look and feel of the site (colors, layout, etc.) and simply change text, pictures, content to meet our needs.
Having worked at college/university for 20 years I'm well aware of copyright and plagerism standards with regards to intellectual work.
So what's the general feeling on "cloning" a web site and installing clients words and pictures? I want to do things the right way and not place myself or my client in harms way, legally speaking.
Some feedback would be greatly appreciated…
|
|
|
|
Tailslide
Posts: 6003
Joined: 5/10/2005
From: Out here on the raggedy edge
Status: offline
|
RE: Cloning a site...what would you do - 4/15/2008 2:14:11
I'd be very careful if I were you. I'd make it clear that you'd be looking at the site concerned for inspiration rather than copying it. Point out the copyright on the site concerned.
If they insist upfront then personally I'd ask them to write to the site and get written permission to borrow the design (which they're unlikely to give) or I'd walk away. You can bet that if you produce a cloned layout, if it's ever pointed out the client will blame you in a shot. Explain how embarrassing and damaging it could be for them to be labelled a "pirate".
Ensure that you're covered contract-wise and that you've got deposits etc for any design work you do before the layout is finalised - in other words, if after producing possible designs they're still demanding an exact clone then you can walk away without being out of pocket.
I have a paragraph in my contract that states that I have no responsibility for any images or content the client gives me - that they must have the right to use these. Then it backfires on them, not you.
Thing is - if you spend a load of time copying a design for these clients - you could probably never have it in your portfolio.
Also - you can bet that they'll say that, since you haven't had to come up with an original design they should be charged less...
_____________________________
"My strategy is so simple an idiot could have devised it"
Little Blue Plane Web Design | Blood, Sweat & Rust - A Land Rover restoration project
| |
|
|
|
Daubs
Posts: 6
Joined: 3/12/2008
Status: offline
|
RE: Cloning a site...what would you do - 4/15/2008 17:13:48
Thanks for the feedback...that's the way I was leaning. Much appreciated. D.
| |
|
 New Messages |
 No New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/ New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/o New Messages |
 Locked w/ New Messages |
 Locked w/o New Messages |
|
Post New Thread
Reply to Message
Post New Poll
Submit Vote
Delete My Own Post
Delete My Own Thread
Rate Posts
|
|
|
Printable Version 
