I agree on the control issue. Control is a strong selling point. However, most server-side technologies (ASP, PHP etc) can do this too. It won't be a fresh selling point.
UNLESS, we approach it this way: To modify website templates using ASP and PHP, we need some pretty good programming knowledge. And to employ a programmer isn't exactly cheap. Using CSS to change the layout is not programming per se. In fact, it allows a design professional (who's not from a computing background) control over the layout without having to collaborate directly with programmer. And my following point would make sense to the Asian businessman (according to what I know). It also would drive a lot of designers in this list stark raving mad. In South-east Asia, designers are paid much less than programmers. It's an awful shame but it's a fact of life here. If we tell the decision maker that a site revamp in the future would only incur the costs of a designer and no programmer, his eyes would perk up. Guaranteed. To many people here, designers can design (ONLY). Programmers are reputed to be able to handle both (by virtue of being familiar with computers). Ok, so a programmer may not be able to come out with works of art, but hey, I just want a corporate-looking site. Banner on top, footer bottom, menu on the left yadda yadda. Mr programmer, you can do that, right? Ok I think I got my point across. Am I off-topic? Hmm... standards compliance -> CSS-based layout -> easy to maintain by designers... ok, as long as I don't go into a further rhetoric about how unfair life is to designers, I'm still on track *grin* Wong -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Christie Mason Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2004 4:53 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [WSG] making money out of web standards I think you've hit on something with the thought below. It's easier to sell "control" than quicker loading, etc. People buy based on emotion and then justify that decision based on facts. Control is a strong buying motivator. Acceptance is another. One or the other motivator will work with most people. ****************************************************** The discussion list for http://webstandardsgroup.org/ See http://webstandardsgroup.org/mail/guidelines.cfm for some hints on posting to the list & getting help ******************************************************
