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Are Freelance Web Sites Useful?

Posted by Cliff on from the useful-resources-or-waste-of-time? dept.

GrokSoup asks: "There is an article [registration required] in a recent Wall Street Journal about the rise of freelance sites like eLance, Guru.com, FreeAgent, and HelloBrain. While I've looked at these things before, I've never used them. Have many Slashdot-ers used them for tech freelance work? What kinds of experiences have you had? Think they're useful? "

2 of 5 comments (clear)

  1. Hiring Practices by Spax · · Score: 2

    I've never offered myself as freelance on one of these sites, but it's been quite a while since I freelanced.

    As a web design/develppment firm, I know we look to local freelancers as outsource agents rather than a freelance site when we have rough deadlines or take on too much work.

    Everything helps, especially when you're in a dry spot, so surely freelancers should use sites that offer service. More importantly, make sure every firm in your area has your skillset and contact info on file.

    I miss the schedule of freelancing and the pay 9when things were good), so I love to help out those in town that still live that way.

    --

    bugger.net | MunkAndPhyber.com
  2. free agent by malice95 · · Score: 3

    I used to use freeagent quite happily. Back then
    they used to be know as churchill benefit. basically you would go out an get a contract with
    a client. Call up churchhill and used them as you employer for w2 stuff. For about 200 bucks a month
    they took care of w2, taxes, etc.. plus you could get decent group rates on heath benefits..etc.
    I think it makes going independant a lot easier since they basically take away all the hassle and let you concentrate 100% on your client. All I had to do was send them a timesheet every week and they billed my client for me.

    Mike