The archive
Issue #016
Client Horror Stories 6 min read· 6 Sept 2026

The Kids Picture Site

A client with a vision: a picture site for kids. Upload photos of themselves. Named after his 3-year-old daughter. A name nobody can pronounce. When I raised the consent issues, he didn't understand the question. When I refused, he said I wasted his time.

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CTO takeaway

The lesson, minus the scar tissue.

  • If a project involves children, ask about consent first. If the client doesn't understand consent, walk away.
  • Legality and ethics aren't optional. They're not 'for big companies.' They're for everyone.
  • 'Kids are smart' is not a valid legal defense. Children cannot consent. Period.
  • A name nobody can pronounce is a red flag. A name nobody can pronounce for a site about kids is a red flag on fire.
  • Sometimes the best work you do is the project you refuse to take.
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