Any ill effects from designing a site for 1024?

I am asking this because I have designed sites that are optimal for 1024 but never set the base as 1024. Meaning you will have to scroll side and down on 800x600. My question is did you get hate mail or complaints about it from anyone? Was there any draw backs or a drop in visitation/stats to the your site? I have been watching the trends and it seems relatively safe to do so, but this is for my folio/possible studio site and I dont want to get off to a bad start.

Any opinions or experiences appreciated.