What does it mean, please help!
By aprilsong
@aprilsong (1884)
China
April 9, 2012 2:29am CST
I registered in odesk one year ago. with an avater as the same as what i used in mylot. But today i got two emails, in the first email, it says:
Inappropriate Contractor Profile
Your contractor profile has been flagged in the oDesk Community because you have not adhered to the requirements of our Identity Policy as seen on your profile: https://url.odesk.com/ryuh9y. Please be reminded that your account name must be real and verifiable, thus should reflect you own name. Likewise, the use of logo, artwork, badge, or certification as a portrait is not allowed.
In line with this, may we request you to amend your profile and update your name and photo to adhere to the oDesk Identity Policy which may be found in this link: http://www.odesk.com/help/help/policies/identity_policy. We would appreciate compliance within 48 hours to avoid possible account interruption.
Should you have questions or clarifications, please feel free to contact me and I will be more than willing to respond.
And in the second email, it says:
We are writing to let you know that the status of this request has been set to Solved. Please let us know how we did, and you'll be entered in a drawing for a $50 credit to your oDesk account!
Ros Mesa, Apr 08 09:47 pm (CDT):
It really scared by the second email. how does it mean "be entered in a drawing for a $50 credit to your odesk account? can't we use comic pictures in our profile, if not, can we just leave it empty, or must we upload a real photo of ourselves?
Thanks very much!
2 responses
@nenyalorien (899)
• Philippines
9 Apr 12
April, hi.
The thing is, ODesk is a legitimate workplace and online work community. Clients are looking to understand that they are working with REAL people, and not just spambots, or people who are hiding their identities and could run away with their money. That is why you cannot and no one may not be able to use cartoon characters for their ODESK profile pictures.
If you were on a mere social networking website, then using a cartoon as a photo would be permissible. But since ODesk is a commerce/service-trading website, trust is needed, thus, real identities should be showcased there.
Regarding the credit drawing: maybe it was because you asked for a service, that's why ODesk decided to charge you for it. Also, it could be a way to verify your identity, as credit card verification is the best way that online marketplaces like ODesk, and even online currency services like PayPal verify their users' identities.
That $50 would be credited to your ODesk account, which you would be able to use for the site's functions or services. Possibly like enhance your profile or put you on a featured service providers' list. If you were looking to hire people, you could use the money for that, as well.
Just look through the FAQ's and check what ODesk money could be used for.
Hope this helps!
@jvincent_129 (4994)
• Philippines
9 Apr 12
yes nenyalorien that's correct!
aprilsongs, you should have posted a photo of yourself because it will affect your chances of getting a job. Clients wont be able to give trust to you and hire you because they would think that you're just a spam. You should complete the verification of your identity so that clients will know that you are an honest and trusted employer. good luck!
@varier (5685)
• Indonesia
9 Apr 12
Well, business is all about trust, and especially in freelance sites. How can we trust someone if she even doesn't put her real identity, including her photo? I think that's the reason.. 
Moreover, you better read their Identity Policy as well.
By the way, before talking about that $50 credit, what did you do between first and second email so that in second email the request had been set to solved? I checked your odesk profile, and it seems you haven't change your profile picture.. 
Moreover, you better read their Identity Policy as well.
By the way, before talking about that $50 credit, what did you do between first and second email so that in second email the request had been set to solved? I checked your odesk profile, and it seems you haven't change your profile picture.. 