OK, I don't have kids, but I know a spoiled brat when I see one. And I just ran across a cool quiz: Is your child a spoiled brat?

Some characteristics of spoiled brats:

* Frequent temper tantrums
* Not understanding needs vs wants
* Doe what he wants -- not what others want
* Demand to have all the latest new toys
* You are reluctant to show him off because he won't make a great impression
* Scare away visitors
* Tries to take control instead of doing what you want

Why do parents care when their kids are spoiled brats? Because spoiled brats are no fun to have around. They drive away the people you care about most. They embarrass you in public, especially when it's most important for you to make a good impression.

When we substitute "website" for "kids," can you detect some similarities? Here are some characteristics of spoiled websites:

-- They're filled with "nice to have" toys: flash, animation, and objects that buzz, whir and chirp. They have lots of new gadgets and they always want more.

-- They want to sit on the sidelines and enjoy compliments. They won't get their hands dirty selling products and services.

-- They embarrass their owners (who realize the website needs a makeover but they're afraid to ask). They control you ("I can't change what I offer - it won't fit the website's theme").

-- They disappear every so often (because their owners got locked into a 2-year web hosting agreement to get a free design and the hosting company isn't the most reliable). So they get a reputation for being temperamental.

What spoiled websites and kids have in common is this: Somebody decided that throwing money at a problem would make more sense that delving into what's really going on. So a troubled kid gets treats, toys and even cars. A troubled marketing concept gets buried under a four-figure graphic display that knocks your socks off.

The solution is the same for kids and websites. Back to basics. Set limits. Identify goals. What would be a reasonable expectation for today? Next week? Next year?

And then figure out how to get your website to do a little work around the house. Are you attracting clients? Screening clients? Collecting money? Saving time?

For instance, an experienced copywriter will create a site that motivates clients to hire you sooner rather than later. You might even be able to skip the obligatory "get acquainted" call.