ODesk vs Elance vs Freelancer vs Guru
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ODesk vs Elance vs Freelancer vs Guru
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Re: ODesk vs Elance vs Freelancer vs Guru
#2Is there any service that doesn't require installing spyware on your system?
AFAIK they all force developers to install monitoring software, and then boast about this on their marketing pages targeting employers.
Re: ODesk vs Elance vs Freelancer vs Guru
#3Re: ODesk - Screenshots count as video? That is completely irrational.My most recent experience was a contractor on there who was padding his hours hugely. Literally a 5 minute job he tried to spread across 5 hours.
Re: ODesk vs Elance vs Freelancer vs Guru
#4Is there any service that doesn't require installing spyware on your system? AFAIK they all force developers to install monitoring software, and then boast about this on their marketing pages targeting employers.
And it's not actual effective in preventing fraud. The only real way would be having a live video stream + recording you can return to watch.
Re: ODesk vs Elance vs Freelancer vs Guru
#5Is there any service that doesn't require installing spyware on your system? AFAIK they all force developers to install monitoring software, and then boast about this on their marketing pages targeting employers.
Unless I am mistaken, it is not obligatory (at least on oDesk) to track time using their "spy" software. Instead you can report offline hours if you have previously agreed with the client.
Re: ODesk vs Elance vs Freelancer vs Guru
#6Is there any service that doesn't require installing spyware on your system? AFAIK they all force developers to install monitoring software, and then boast about this on their marketing pages targeting employers.
Unless I am mistaken, it is not obligatory (at least on oDesk) to track time using their "spy" software. Instead you can report offline hours if you have previously agreed with the client.
That's correct - when the client makes a hire, she can decide whether or not to allow offline hours.
Re: ODesk vs Elance vs Freelancer vs Guru
#7I tried all the sites except Guru as a hiring manager. From my experience, Odesk is the best option so far in terms of value - if you prefer to pay per hour.
Freelancer is the cheapest per project option but full of low quality spammer applicants. You can find a good quality provider on Elance but be prepared to pay premium for that.
Re: ODesk vs Elance vs Freelancer vs Guru
#8Is there any service that doesn't require installing spyware on your system? AFAIK they all force developers to install monitoring software, and then boast about this on their marketing pages targeting employers.
Like others have said, the tracking software hasn't proven to be effective in stopping contractors who want to pad hours.
The contracts who were doing this before are still doing it, and those who are offended by the practice have all but left.
Re: ODesk vs Elance vs Freelancer vs Guru
#9Is rentacoder still around? I had good experiences there.
Re: ODesk vs Elance vs Freelancer vs Guru
#10Speaking as an employer:
All of these sites have good workers, and all of them have workers who will turn in shoddy work, hoping you won't notice. I've hired for more than a dozen projects and in no case did the contractor do the job right the first time - because they didn't care enough, not because they were incompetent. I've hired workers in the US, in India, in the UK, and elsewhere. Same sorts of issues crop up. (I was eventually very pleased with the results - it just wasn't as smooth as presented by Tim Ferriss or whoever.)
Poor communication and missed deadlines are the rule. Also watch out for bait and switch: for graphics, for instance, the individual who produces a firm's portfolio may not be the same one who will work on your project.
Identifying talent, and managing remote workers, is a skill that can only be developed with time and practice. It's much more than a question of picking the right marketplace. The reviews are not trustworthy. If possible, try to get recommendations for specific workers from people you personally know. Because the great workers are out there, among the masses.