Freelancer.com

[GreenHell]

Anyone ever work through this site? I just signed up and was wondering if anyone had any impressions, experiences or concerns. Also, what's with the bidding system? I bid on a project offering to do it for a total of $200. The budget for the project was $30-$250. But, the client said he would only pay up to $30. Well, $30 for what? Per article? Per day? Milestone? The FAQ didn't have anything about that distinction. So, what say you teeming masses?

[Gary "Wombat" Robson]

I just took a quick look at the site and pulled up some freelance writing listings. The pay rate is absolutely ludicrous. I can't imagine a professional working for that little. Unless you're pretty desperate, I would avoid it.

As an example, one listing was looking for someone to write 300-500 word articles for $2.00 to $2.50 each. It's flat-out insulting.

[Markxxx]

I'm wondering if it pulls out international work. Years ago I did some technical writing for a company and it paid decent, till they informed me they were moving it to India. The price went from 20¢ - 50¢ per word to 10¢ per page.

At that point I stopped.

The price may be enough to keep people in some countries interested.

[Gary "Wombat" Robson]

It must, Mark. Nobody could afford to work for the rates they're quoting in the U.S.

[GreenHell]

Most of the bids on the site are from overseas. Pakistan and India pop up a lot, I assume because of a good supply of English speakers. Yeah, I just signed up today and after looking at the bids (unless I am really missing something with how the bidding system works), I'm not seeing anything to lure me away from the shop I'm working with now. I just don't like the feeling of being dependant on one site for work. On that note, any freelancers, former-freelancers or people knowledgable about it have any suggestions for finding work elsewhere?