My my, GetaFreelancer has certainly had a bit of a face lift since the last time I dropped by. And I haven’t dropped by in a while. The reason being that out of all of the freelancer sites that I have used, GetaFreelancer jobs generally offer the lowest rates of pay around. In fact, most jobs that I saw (not all, I hasten to add) were for those “peanut” rates that send even the most mild-mannered writers into frenzied tirades about minimum wages, comparative rates and the value of skill and experience.
That said, I have been known to use GetaFreelancer from time to time. Here is why sometimes I think it’s ok to work for peanuts:
- Fast, fun jobs.
Sometimes we all need a break. Unfortunately, landlords and utility companies rarely apply that rule to bills, so money still has to be made. From time to time, I like to dabble in new topics and take on projects that really interest me. I am super-selective about these, but since I am doing them for enjoyment, my normal rates don’t apply, and I just aim to get reasonable compensation for my time. - Quick Clips
This isn’t so relevant any more, as I am lucky to have a portfolio of great clients, but when I first started writing, I found that the fast turnaround and varied job topics on GetaFreelancer meant that I could quickly add some new clips to my resumé, as well as some good experience. Some of these clips are now earning me my best reprint fees, more than making up for the original fee I was paid as a ‘newbie’ to the subject. - Philanthropy
Now, I am not trying to portray myself as some kind of undercover Batman of the business world, but I know what it feels like to be starting a business and desperately looking for help and advice, on a shoestring budget. Once in a while I will browse GetaFreelancer boards for entrepreneurs who seem to have a good head on their shoulders but need a bit of expert coaching to stop them from frittering away their tiny budget on a stream of poor quality content and bad SEO advice. I’ll put in a bid for their job, but more often than not I will send them a private message offering my coaching services at a lower rate. It’s nice to be nice, after all.
The new GetaFreelancer site is faster loading (addressing a gripe I had the last time I visited), with a nicer looking interface and a more professional feel. There were also a few better quality jobs on the boards when I glanced, so perhaps their standards have improved to match their new look.
Have you used the new site to find freelancers or jobs? What are your thoughts?
