..it makes me mad..

unfortunately, most dilrods(other than fortune 500 comp) want
that rediculous, Bulls*@t bubblegum!!! They don't have a clue as to
what they want most of the time and know only what they don't want 150% of the time.

Solution: make something really nice, the way you think it should look

then make something the way they want it to look, but (I know this is tough, really tough) make it look like crap!! and tell them it's not gonna work, too long too download, won't catch your targeted audience, it's just a trend and has no staying power.
Bulls*@t them, half the time they won't know what the hell you're talking about, and tell them you'll do it like that but you know down the line it'll have to be redone, and that's not cost effective.

use the lines" I get paid to do this" so let me do my job!

hrm...i think this is the winnah-solution:

when they suggest effects and other such eye candy that can only be achieved by plug-ins and filterlicious fun, I suggest throwing the computer monitor out the window and yell n00b as you prance on their office desk. (or any table like structure will suffice)

or you could comply w/ their wishes and animate .gifs to flash bright colors saying "if this is flashing you're a n00b" then prance around further...

^^ what A+ does to u :(

ROFL

I don't care if a design I do looks bad, or if a client wants an ugly one. As long as I get paid, its a good design to me.