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Tell HN: Oops Upwork did it again

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Re: Tell HN: Oops Upwork did it again

#21

Post by convolvatron »

ipaddr wrote: post #20
Gualdrapo wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Which one do you recommend? I just started on upwork a few days ago, haven't got anything - it's super competitive.

I was able to scrape some clients and ending up making thousands using a normal first world rate. It is difficult to win bids because people are on there because of price. I left because they started charging for you bidding. Bid quick, often and always go hourly so you do get paid. Clients expect the world for nothing (typical project is google for $125) so learning how to deliver within the requirements is an artfo…

I don't how you did it. the jobs requests are so thin that I'm afraid to make a bid - I have no idea what they are really asking for. if you _try_ to actually engage with your potential customer the platform comes swooping down and terminates the discussion because they are so afraid they will lose their cut.

and the guidance on rates is completely out of line. custom usb driver for $80? $12/hr for development work?

Re: Tell HN: Oops Upwork did it again

#22

Post by ChrisMarshallNY »

Gualdrapo wrote: post #6
jsemrau wrote: post #5

Upwork is a terrible platform that I would recommend everyone to stay away from as far as possible.

Which one do you recommend? I just started on upwork a few days ago, haven't got anything - it's super competitive.

In my case, 100% of approaches were scams. One was quite scary, as it was clear the person had … issues, and they kept trying to get me to meet them in secluded places, while refusing to tell me what it was they wanted from me.

I have no idea what would have happened, if I had taken them up; maybe just a religious sermon, but I wasn’t taking any chances.

Most of the other contacts, were offers for me to participate in scams, like being an “American face,” of an offshore coding shop.

I suspect many were not exactly illegal, but were probably dodgy as hell. I like to think I have some personal Integrity (which folks around here, consider “quaint,” or just “stupid”).

I never had one single legitimate approach.

Not one.

Re: Tell HN: Oops Upwork did it again

#23

Post by atlasunshrugged »

Gualdrapo wrote: post #6
jsemrau wrote: post #5

Upwork is a terrible platform that I would recommend everyone to stay away from as far as possible.

Which one do you recommend? I just started on upwork a few days ago, haven't got anything - it's super competitive.

[dead]

Re: Tell HN: Oops Upwork did it again

#25

Post by atlasunshrugged »

kbrackson wrote: post #24

Shitty. I don't want to use them due to the stories I've heard. They've quite the reputation.

And now they want to do actual placements! It's a shame because I've also found just incredible talent on Upwork and I don't want to not be able to find great people from around the world (for everything from development to jewelry design)

https://www.fastcompany.com/90847879/exclusive-upwork-is-rev...

Re: Tell HN: Oops Upwork did it again

#26

Post by Animats »

jahewson wrote: post #16
ssharp wrote: post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Depending on where you live, small claims court is an option if the amount owed is within the limits or if the max limit is acceptable for you. Don’t underestimate the value of a well-worded, signature required snail mail, either. That usually resolves these matters since it usually escalates to the right people.

Does Upwork have a binding arbitration clause? I’d expect them to. In which case, take them to arbitration! It’s pretty easy for you but costs them money.

Yes, their terms say they use JAMS under California law, which is not totally unreasonable. Read their terms. There's a dispute resolution procedure. First, they get to sit on your claim for 60 days, and then you get to go to arbitration.

Re: Tell HN: Oops Upwork did it again

#30

Post by ilaksh »

poisonta wrote: post #27

Anybody willing to start an Upwork alternative?

I tried to start one, with the concept being that it would be free and run by participants. It was almost completely ignored. I think people just didn't see many posts on it and decided it wasn't popular or something.

I think part of the issue was just that the website didn't look cool enough. It looked fine to me but I think that people judge things in a very shallow way.

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