Can guru make it mandatory to post transcription sample files with the project instead of sending them?
|
I have seen some employers do this recently. They want a sample file typed, so they attach a password-protected zip file to their post and send out the password to the selected freelancers. I would like to see this become mandatory. We have had situations right here on Guru where someone wanted a sample file and sent out small chunks to like 50 people and got the work done for free! We shouldn't have to chase down other gurus to see if they got the same file. It should be mandatory that if the employer wants a test, then she posts it with her project description and can password protect it if she likes. That way we all get the same file and don't end up working for free. Instead of coding a required field or something, just put up a blurb about having to post the sample file as an attachment, both on the employer's side and on ours, so we can report if not done correctly. This is becoming a nuisance and it's almost like I don't even want to do any tests unless I can see it's the same thing other people are getting, but I have no easy way to check on that, so it's impossible for me to know if the employer is legit or not. And just because someone has good feedback and invoices paid doesn't mean she won't just up and stiff someone out of the blue. Been there & had that & don't like it!
(comments are locked)
|
|
A few things you can do if you come across a situation such as the above. (employers asking for free samples.) You can report them. You can direct them to view samples in your porfolio. Or you can provide those samples - If they are willing to pay for those samples Otherwise, I just ignore them, because asking for free samples is against Guru's Terms of Service. If it's against Guru's TOS, why do so many of these projects get through the review process? I have reported them in the past and nothing happens. BTW why isn't anyone from Guru commenting on this - is it because it's a suggestion and not a help desk issue?
Aug 21 at 10:58 AM
Starlight Design
Only someone from Guru can answer that for you. This "question" has been asked on other freelancer sites. I'm surprised that Guru doesn't delete these jobs when reported. Jobs asking for tests and free samples are very quickly deleted on other sites (such as Elance) when reported.
Aug 21 at 05:01 PM
Kathleen Termyn
(comments are locked)
|
|
I've experienced the same, Starlight, and I think you are onto something! I wouldn't mind doing a sample so much if there were safeguards in place. As it stands now, if they ask, I refuse. On another (although related) note, have you see the posts that promise payment for the "sample," which turns out to be huge, if you are the one chosen? If they were actually asking you to do a "sample" that wasn't part of the actual job, then why would they even consider paying for it? :)
(comments are locked)
|
|
Yes, I have seen that. Some 30 minute file or something. I'm like what the heck? I was working for a company a couple months ago and got a "test" but didn't send it in right away. Then I did it and got paid. I then realized that the test was an actual file for their client, but they never mentioned it to me ahead of time so I didn't rush to return it. Then I felt kind of bad. I think maybe a field there for "transcription file attachment" or a highlighted note by where they attach files would be in order. Note: If this is a transcription project with a sample test file, please attach it here. Employers are prohibited from sending samples to gurus via private message, IM or email. Thank you. And then post something to us stating that if an employer asks for a test file, then it must be attached to the project and to please report any projects that ask for samples but do not attach. This would be just great and save us from either losing time or projects and allowing us to help weed out the frauds.
(comments are locked)
|
|
Another good idea! I don't know if it's possible but I wonder if the file upload could be limited in size. It might help as well. It's still a possibility for a file to be uploaded that contains the entire job, so a limitation on the size might counter this. Without it, the project listing becomes a contest of sorts. First past the post gets the job...or not, since they've already done the work with no promise of payment. Isn't it sad that we have to even think about this kind of thing? Yeah. . . . .
Aug 20 at 11:21 AM
Starlight Design
(comments are locked)
|
|
All - From our perspective we see samples requested via two avenues. First in the form of requests for test work or mockups within the publicly posted project description, and secondly requests for the same via private communication. Requests that fall into the first scenario are either strictly prohibited, or otherwise governed by restrictions. Requests for free mockups are prohibited from public project descriptions, and any testing scenario must consist of less than 15 minutes of actual task time, otherwise the Employer must offer compensation for the test. In the event that a project is posted that violates either of the above guidelines, please alert us by using the 'Report this Project' tool and we will be happy to review it. We cannot control requests or agreements for test work or mockups that are made via private discussion. In the event that you suspect that an Employer is trying to game the system by piecing together various segments of work submitted by different Freelancers, please use the report project tool to report this activity as well. Thanks!
(comments are locked)
|
