This is an extremely important article from Smashing Magazine that talks about the honest criticisms about conventions, processes and responsibilities around web production that are rarely discussed.

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/02/10/10-harsh-truths-about-corporate-websites/

Notable excerpts:

• “Put web teams in a division that recognizes that your website is not a bastard of your brochures, nor a natural outgrowth of your group calendar. Let there be Web divisions.”
• “Managing Your Website Is A Full-Time Job”
• “[provide] continual investment in your website, allowing it to evolve over time. Not only is this less wasteful, it is also better for users”
• “if you build a website for everyone, it will appeal to no one”
• “Social networking is about people engaging with people. Individuals do not want to build relationships with brands and corporations. They want to talk to other people.”
• “Web designers are much more than pixel pushers. They have a wealth of knowledge about the Web and how users interact with it.”
• “Design By Committee Brings Death”
• “CMS Is Not A Silver Bullet”

Well said. And thank you, SM.

[photo by foxypar4]