ODesk

I registered at odesk last May, downloaded the software, took some tests, applied to a few jobs but here I am, 5 months later and still have nothing to show for it. I get alerts for writing jobs but 99% of them have crappy offers. Imagine, there are clients who ask for 500 word articles and are only willing to pay as low as $1 for them?! That is an insult to professional writers! A lot of them are taking advantage of the sites members. Unfortunately, with the way things are in the the world's economy today and the great financial needs of some, people are willing to be paid measly sums just to earn. It's a vicious cycle :( I heard though that those who "get rich" at odesk are the IT professionals and graphic artists. They are being given higher offers. But for writers, I think it's just a case of getting lucky most of the time. You're better off with other writing sites like Helium. Too,I hate it when the clients specify they need "only native English speakers". Heck, not all Americans have good grammar. The same way non-US residents should not be thought of as "not good enough".

Hey kimbers867. I have a very complete resume on oDesk and have taken 2 or 3 of the tests. I applied for 2 jobs but didn't get either one. They were both writing jobs. However, I have not downloaded all the yahoo software which is required by oDesk, if you should get a job there. I did load it on my old computer and it seemed to really slow down the operations and processing. All the odesk virtual work rooms are part of yahoo, so you can't work through Odesk without having all the yahoo stuff downloaded onto your computer. Since I initially completed all their "hoops", they've added another "Readiness test", which I haven't taken. That's because I'm sort of afraid to download all the yahoo stuff onto to my new (9 months old) computer. I do think they are reputable and that, if a person kept applying for many jobs, would eventually provide alot of work. But you have to download all the Yahoo stuff, in order to take a job there. I wish they didn't require a person to have Yahoo, but they do. Anyway, let me know if you download it all and how it works for you. Take care.

hello, i have download the software. pass odesk test. done 2-3 more tests. spent some time over odesk but.......... i have apply for some jobs but nothing is happening.

Odesk is a great site and you could earn a lot if you were able to take their exams because clients would know more about your knowledge compared with what you have in your resume. There are a lot of professionals working there as a freelancer and Odesk make sure that the clients would be paying you that's why they have percentage on your earnings. Just beware on fixed-price work, Odesk can't guarantee your payment, they can however rate the client or ban them. Likewise, you could rate the clients too and vise versa. The software that you need to download is used for you to login, communicate with you client or team, manage your work and send screen captures of your actual work. I have used the software and it is OK. No viruses. If you work hard with quality and was able to build a good reputation in Odesk, many will hire you and you could increase your hourly rate. Goodluck!