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I saw a paper once that discussed the duties of a webmaster and how to work with clients. My clients don't seem to understand their responsibilities with regards to the web sites and seem to expect me to do content.
What can I do to explain the separation of duties and reponsibilities?
ASIRT, LLC
by ann777
Why can't you simply explain that you are a provider of space... that you host the website and are only responsible for the hardware and keeping the servers alive and well.
You should setup a contract that spells out the price they must pay forthe specific services you have listed.
by ann777
Incidentally a "webmaster's duties" are defined as "having overall responsibility for presentation and layout of the website. Works with (other top authorities within the company) to solicit content, materials for website, maintain accuracy of information. Will be expected to develop site with flair, creativity and originality. Will make suggestions to board as to areas of expansion, changes, and ideas in general. Should demonstrate technical proficiency and be able to implement updates in atimely manner."
You might want to define yourself as a System Administrator or with another title that better describes what you want to do.
by asirt
by marclipshitz
As a webmaster I believe there would be a certain level of expectation that you would manage content in terms of data administration and versioning. However, the actual content of the web must lie with the client.
You need to explain to them that they are the business/domain experts for what is being put onto the website. Thus they are responsible for making sure the content is correct. You need to emphasise that you are the technical manager, your role is to ensure that the website is up, stable and secure so that the content they decide on is available to people browsing the site.
As stated before an explicit contract detailing each parties role in the relationship or alternatively a service level agreement detailing what you will do are probably the way to go.
Regards
Marc
by asirt
by acstech01
You should describe *in detail* in your contracts and proposals what "maintainance" or "management" means - this will decrease trouble later. Also spell out that you will not be responsible for posting content, but you will provide a WWW interface for them to do the posting. This might decrease some of their "HTML fears." :-)
You should also explain what management does mean, as by now they're probably scratching their heads and saying "Well if he doesn't post content for us then what are wepaying him for?" For example, "I will make sure the site is up and running, handle user comments and complaints regarding the site, and provide troubleshooting services..."
Hope this helps!
Michael
DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for the results of anything that I have posted in this post. I'm not a lawyer. :-)
by asirt
by asirt
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