The people who are not web designers shouldn't be charging people to make websites, simple as that.
Not true at all -- don't tell me that you started your career as a professional website designer. Everyone starts somewhere.
I find that a lot of people getting their start in web design come here for answers only to be slammed by those who are past the "beginner" stages.
Honestly, I'm thankful for those who shouldn't be charging people to make websites. Those clients who come to us looking to improve their current websites (after shopping the lowest bidder) are more grateful for the work we do as opposed to having unrealistic expectations.
I think it goes without saying that if you're using the tools of amateurs to charge people for the work of professionals, you really can't call yourself much of anything except a fraud.
Maybe, maybe not. I used to code websites by hand but later learned that it's easier to custom build my own CMS templates for my clients using Joomla!
Wix.com and sitebuilder are tools for anyone to pick up and start building. If they can find a way to turn a profit using these tools, well then good for them. Who are we to say they can't?
Whether they should or should not is really an opinion, isn't it?
That's like telling someone because they haven't gone to school to become a chef, they shouldn't be cooking.
There are many "businesses" where I live that try to promote professional website design. Are they professionals? Maybe they are, maybe they aren't. That's subjective to the person who they are doing business with.
We can all scoff at beginners who wish to use Wix or Sitebuilder (or whatever "drag and drop" tool there is) but in reality, those who want to truly advance don't have a choice but to learn how to code xHTML/CSS.
My company is looking to hire a CSS/xHTML developer -- would we hire someone who builds a site using WIX? Absolutely not.
I don't think people should use pre-built templates to design websites. But that's just my opinion. There are people doing it - and doing it quite well while turning a good profit. It works for them.
Some people may not care that they are getting less than quality design -- I say let them. There is a market for Wix builders...Great.
Let those who want poor quality buy poor quality. We want the clients who demand quality and are willing to pay for what a website is worth!