Scoble mentioned odesk so I went and checked it up.
Odesk requires you download yahoo messenger as you sign up.
Ah … no.
I dont want to be forced to download a messenger program to use the site. I don’t have to go that in any other freelancing site.
I think ill just leave this one.
Crossing the net as I work 
February 15, 2007 at 6:13 pm |
Hi Mary,
I’m Director of Marketing at oDesk, and just wanted to say thanks for raising this concern. We’re actually working hard to come up with more convenient ways to help buyers and providers communicate.
In the short term, you don’t *have* to download Yahoo Messenger; you can always use a web-based service like http://www.meebo.com instead.
The reason we like providers to use an instant messaging service is that it makes it easier for buyers to reach them. Since many people work across timezones, it can at times be tricky to be online at the same time. The benefit to providers is longer projects – keep in mind that the average oDesk project is about ten-times the dollar volume of an average project on your typical freelance website. That’s because the hourly payment model makes long-term relationships work as specs and requirements change.
Please let us know if you have any other suggestions or concerns. In the meantime, if you want to see what other users think about oDesk, you can check out our forums: http://community.odesk.com.
Best,
Jason
February 16, 2007 at 11:35 am |
The registeration screen seemed to suggest you had to though, it might be worth changing that for other new users.
Instant messaging is useful, but people and companys have their own preferences of which one.
April 21, 2007 at 4:36 pm |
*applauds*
February 24, 2008 at 3:03 pm |
Hi, I have written my own view of the odesk service: http://ework.cz/odeskcom-review/