Invariably when I demonstrate a Content Management System (CMS) to a client, they are overjoyed and excited at what they see. To type a sentence or two, click a button and view one’s own work live on the Internet for the very first time is a wonderful experience. One feels a tremendous sense of achievement and pride. Some, a feeling of power.
As an aside, on seeing a CMS in action, a client in the haulage industry once misconstrued their typing and clicking as web development and proposed he come into business with me. I can do this. It’s easy. We could make sites for other truckers.
Luckily this was pre-Obama and I didn’t reflexively say yes we can thereby saving him a lot of pain and anguish, not to mention a doomed business.
CMS is wonderful and it is empowering.
However, if one is unable to dedicate the time, no matter how little, to managing it, it can be overpowering. For some the novelty wears off and they lose interest.
I have received calls on occasion from clients asking me to add some piece of news to their website. Why, when they can do it themselves? Because they don’t have time.
Of course I oblige. But I have to charge for my time. More importantly this defeats the purpose of a CMS.
These days I am more conscious of this and take greater care when considering recommending a client use a CMS.
I stress to the client that using a CMS requires a long term commitment.
