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Cruel_but_True's Profile About me ... |
Member since: 11/23/2009 Last login: 5/20/2010 |
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Cruel_but_True has posted 24 comments with an overall 93.8% helpful rating...
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Cruel_but_True's comment on Ifreelance ...
Different isn't that bad
I joined Ifreelance more than 3 years ago. The concept is a bit different from other freelance websites. I found this to be a very interesting place. I got 3 or 4 projects there, but the main feature for me is the exposure your profile gets. Indeed you have to pay (you have 3 different types of membership) but the exposure is great. My company got several projects based on visits on that page. You can place your contact information (unlike 99% of the freelance sites), portfolio, references, past projects, photos, samples and more. This can be great for your business if you know how to organize your profile. I never had any issues up to now and the support team works in a decent way. If you need to increase your business this is definitely a website to visit. Even the membership isn't that expensive (the basic is less than $45 for a whole year) and you DON'T pay any extra commissions on your projects. This is great, try it.
Cruel_but_True's comment on ProgrammerMeetDesigner ...
Entrepreneurs' Paradise but be careful
The constant need for assistance in this global world made me join this website. Oh yes, this is a real breakthrough regarding the other freelance websites. No prisons, fees or severe conditions here. As an Entrepreneur, I was able to post my requirements and get a lot of important replies. Moreover, you can place if you are looking for 1 project only or if it is an ongoing job. This is the amazing good part. However, there are some things I don't like. The design of the website is not much appealing and feels quite boring. I don't feel very comfortable looking at it too long. Also, the FAQ section is too short and provides little or no information at all in what to do if something happens. I hired someone related to design and it was perfect and easy, but if you want other areas it is impossible (translation for example). The website does little to grow and no updates are seen for a long time. The part of paying the freelance directly is also bad because the first time you work with someone is always a risk and the website doesn't not offer any protection for buyers. The concept is perfect but I think they have a long way to go yet. If you're looking for someone in the programming and design areas this can be "heaven" for you BUT please be careful.
Cruel_but_True's comment on I Hate PHP ...
Hate PHP? Not anymore
This ebook is quite good and not only because of the way it is written but also because the author had sensibility and patience to capture the user. Attention, this isn't a book for experts or solid programmers, this is for rookies like myself. Having some
knowledge in HTML I decided to move into PHP, and I came across this
ebook recommended by a good friend of mine. Well, it is GOOD! It is the perfect ebook to get you started, after this I already started getting more info around but I own it all to ihatephp.com. The ebook doesn't give up on you and presents perfect examples for you to follow
and understand. It keeps you informed and goes side-by-side with you on the early steps of php.
Moreover, the price is super cheap for the information and support you get. Not many ebooks get you interested in php or any other subject as this one. If you curious about php or just starting,
get this one NOW!
Cruel_but_True's comment on Link Market ...
Street market for Links
I came across Linkmarket. net 7 months ago and up to now I'm pleased with the service. In my opinion, it is one of the most decent linking services around on the Internet. It is not a free and automated service, you have to do some work yourself and pay $25 per year. However, I find it to be a decent value. You of course need choose wisely when deciding the websites to link to or not. The website is pretty decent to raise your PR, I got one of my websites
to pick up quickly a PR2 in no time. There are also some downsides, the website could have some improvements like the support team. They are very, very slow to reply to inquiries and some new features
could also be important to keep the site "live and running". Nevertheless, I recommend this service to people who have lots of websites running and wish to raise their PR and exchange some links. It is not great and not free, but it offers a decent middle-road solution.
Cruel_but_True's comment on Project4hire ...
What exactly is there 4hire?!
This is a freelance outsourcing website that really tries.. you can't blame them for that, but the bottom line is that it is not the best or even second best website for you to go freelance. There are not a lot of projects and unless you are a programmer or a designer, you'll get 0 projects in a long time! As a buyer, things are nice, you pay nothing to place your project and bids slowly get in. However, 85% of the bids are from NO RATING users. This means you can't evaluate a freelancer based on his rating because he ain't got one. Also, the website design is just lame, no upgrades, weak color scheme and lots of ads that puts you away from what matters. They make messages on the site small so that there is room for ads. Not good and not a solid choice for your outsourcing needs.
Cruel_but_True's comment on Pair Networks ...
Top Hosting with TOP problems
Pair Networks is a very reliable web hosting company that doesn't come cheap as many of their competitors but at least provides top features that no one else has. Overall it is a decent place to host your website. However, I had a couple of problems lately with a few of my websites.
First thing I must complain about is the support. It works awful and sometimes it really doesn't work at all. Some problems are handled in such an awful way that you can clearly see that your message or complaint wasn't even read until the end.
Also, I had some issues with email boxes being spammed and some emails lost, really very unprofessional. The shared hosting is little decent; For example, you don't have access to log files. For starters I was pleased with this company but such issues made me move all my websites to a different web hosting company. My advice is although they present good features, it is not really worth the price you pay. Choose wisely please!
Cruel_but_True's comment on LimeExchange ...
Bittersweet Lime
I came across LimeExchange a year ago. The website is well structured and both buyers and coders will have no issues getting around. However, I don't think Limeexchange is so user-friendly like other similar sites(Getafreelancer or scriptlance). Another negative thing about this is the volume of projects, fewer than the direct competition. If you work in the writing area you'll find great issues on getting a projects there. Indeed the website is limited to freelancers, not all will make a "career" there. From a buyer's perspective, the site is good, the people found there are generally good and honest. Moreover, you have the ability to post a project at fixed prices or daily fees, which works great for a buyer. Overall, the website is good but still lacks a lot to reach the big sharks in the business. Also, they do have to make the website a lot easier for new freelancers. Limeexchange? Sure, but not for everyone.
Cruel_but_True's comment on Outsource Profits ...
Profits only for some
Being an outsourcing manager I couldn't resist to read this very carefully and my honest advice is that ONLY newcomers will find it useful. It shows, in fact, some good points when starting to enter this outsourcing world, shows where to start, the steps to take, things to watch for... ALMOST everything is covered. However, it doesn't show the possible "not so great" side of outsourcing. Some things explained in this guide can only work with the right workers or budget. They don't explain that if you won't gather or don't own the required budget, things might go very wrong! Based on my large experience, I can only recommend this guide to people starting now or with little experience. Those who deal with the concept of outsourcing everyday will find this lame.
Cruel_but_True's comment on Blogomator ...
The Tool that gives you Freedom
Here is a tool that actually works. In terms of posting Automated Content... Blogomator is your choice. I can't even imagine how to work without it. It really helps me a lot in handling my blogs. The things it does.. wow... posts articles on time, adds posts to twitter and automatically adds bookmarks to each post. What else, do you want more? :)
Blogomator gives me all the freedom I require and such does not require any software... that's the best part. It definitely saves you time and makes your blogs more organized. I can't really say bad
things about this because it works and it is GOOD!
Cruel_but_True's comment on Adbrite ...
AdBrite Vs Adsense
As millions around the world I started by using Adsense. Adsense made a considerable income for 2/3 years but slowly slowed down pace. That is where Adbrite enters in my life. Adbrite really puts the money in your pocket. I generate more $$ with Adbrite than any other Ad program. The payments are fast and the ads easy to place on your website or blog once your approved.
Up to now I never had any problems and I can honestly recommend this service to all. One thing that I still find short developed in Adbrite is the ads integration. I think Adsense presents more options to blend the ads into your content and Adbrite still misses a few options to get it up there. However, since Google really dropped the rate per click I suggest everyone to try Adbrite.
Cruel_but_True's comment on Automated Link Building ...
Automated Improvement to your website
Being around the Internet most of the time, I soon became aware of this amazing service.
It is totally user-friendly and most people won't have any issues getting around this.
Automated Link Building is in my opinion a low-cost service. I say this because the service is quite good for "early" links if you get me. After a while, you will be getting more links and more important links too. In no time, you'll see your website getting more visits and more attention from Google. Such really helps improving your website on the spotlight. The thing that makes Automated Link Building great is that they have a very big network for getting those 3 way links and the updates to the network never stop. My advice to all is to go the the site and use the service because such can really boost your business.
Cruel_but_True's comment on Contracted Work ...
Oldie getting... Old?!
Contracted work was one of the first freelance websites to come out. I used it a lot back then. The website is great to find capable freelancers and covers some areas not much explored by others from the competition (writing is one of them). I found some of the best writers on Contracted work. It is very easy to navigate and both buyers and freelancers will get along just great with the system. They offer secure payment methods and never I had money problems in here. I must say it is one of the few websites that don't really go after your money. They have a goal... to make life easier for both parties. My only negative thought to this is that the design is getting way old and the overall aspect of the is site also. I mean, they are getting behind the competition and that's a pity since Contracted work provides a good service. Also, they are way too many ads on the site and that can sometimes take you off your purpose. Overall, not a very busy website anymore, but definitely deserves respect and your visit.
Cruel_but_True's comment on Graphic Design Freelance Jobs ...
Freelance market for Designers? Ok
With all the general freelance websites, this was indeed a nice surprise for designers. Being a logo designer in my spare time I didn't resist to register here. The website gets several jobs posted everyday and really provides a nice platform for overall designers. The interface is nice and easy to use. However, there are still some things to work on. As a designer freelance website it would be expected that the DESIGN would be better. I mean, is just plain awful, not very professional and complicated to the eyes. Moreover, it has lots of ads that make things even complicated. Having 8 banners in a row in a job offer that asks for a template designer kind of spoils the purpose don't you think? Still, it has a way to go to be a very good site, but it is definitely a good resource for designers (professional or not) to find some extra jobs. Worth seeing it.
Cruel_but_True's comment on Traffic Testers ...
Traffic Testers are OK
Let me start by saying that I recommend Traffic Testers. I say this because their results take only minutes to show and give you already a clear idea where to "place your bet".
I must add that in my case I'm getting better results. Please keep in mind that the same might not work for all types of business, but even on my two websites the results were quite good.
This really assists on separating the good from the bad. You'll be able to find the correct traffic for your business. The only bad thing I found on this is the price, although not being a lot of money, it could definitely be less for this kind of service. Overall, if traffic is part of your main concerns, you should definitely consider this.
Cruel_but_True's comment on Insider Secrets To E-Mail Marketing ...
Insider Secrets to the Outside Enterpreuner
There will be no hiding in the bush on this one... The ebook is good and that's that!
I still can't believe such information is available! The content is so specific that it even teaches you who to email, how you compose the message and WHEN to send it. How great is this???
I honestly never thought about e-mail marketing because I largely associated it with spam, but even this is covered here. The book teaches how to avoid these issues and how to protect yourself. Of course every reader will have to adjust the info to his business, but I guarantee you won't be sorry.
So, even if you aren't in e-mail marketing, but have an online business, I definitely advise you to read this today because you might change your point of view quickly and benefit from it. For all the others that ARE into email marketing... this should already be on your desktop. Highly recommended!
Cruel_but_True's comment on Affiliate Bully ...
The Bully that gets you by the neck. Perfect!
Affiliate Bully has a perfect name for what it offers. I'm going to talk on my experience and what's been good for me so far. This is a pdf sort of ebook with 42 pages but wait, don't think it's all bla bla bla.. NO! This actually is top-notch content and very useful
for anyone determined to learn and improve their marketing concepts. For me, it really has helped developing my adwords campaign for my websites and you know what? It worked! I'm not saying it works 100% and that you'll be rich day over night but it is actually pretty
good in tips and strategies that will definitely make an improvement.
Moreover, There is a landing page template that show you (at least in a adwords perspective)how to attract your customers and "make them stay". It helps you reach your customers' attention and grabs them "by the neck" so to speak. That's why the name bully makes perfect sense, because this is a tool that forces your skills to advance and it really show results. Highly Recommended!
Cruel_but_True's comment on OnlineCashSuccessKit ...
Another Scam?!
I honestly don't know what to think of this. I don't want to shout the word scam but I ordered this and... oh boy where to start? First and most important of all the link to access to the membership doesn't work, really, totally dead!
I immediately tried to contact on the phone number presented and no reply. I try several times and no reply. It was only the next day after a bunch of attempts that I manage to get someone. However, the person you replied seemed completely unaware of such situation and puzzled on what to say to me. Quite suspicious I must add! I asked
for a full refund because that service was nothing but total garbage (I was a bit upset at the time) and even there the person on the other side of the line was just speaking isolated words (yes, no, dear sir, please, I understand) followed by total silence.
After some discussion I was able to get part of my money back but not the total of it. This is totally numb and for all means please stay away from this. Don't even bother or you'll lose money for sure.
Cruel_but_True's comment on EU Freelance ...
The Next Best Freelance Site... I hope
This is one of the new freelance websites. I can honestly say I was one of the first to register there. Why I find this site good? Well... living in Europe I am "forced" to like it because it pays in Euros. This is a HUGE advantage! The website doesn't not have as much traffic as other giants of the Industry, BUT I know (hope) it will grow. I think this site and getafreelancer are all from the same company as I registed on Eufreelance following a link in my Getafreelancer account. Being so, I can only wait for the best. Programming freelancers are the ones to take full advantages from the site since 80% of the projects there are related to this. The support team also seems to work fine with replies within 24 hours. Doing small jobs can honestly pay a lot good in Euros rather than US dollars. I really recommend that you join and give Eufreelance a try. It is free and the power of Euros is definitely a "MUST".
Cruel_but_True's comment on Adwords Code ...
Not the code you're looking for
It is very hard to recommend this service to anyone. As usual, they advertise a lot and deliver quite little. What you get is some boring videos that help almost nothing. As soon as you start watching them you'll think "OMG... What have I done?!"
The audio files are only 10% good in information and again do a poor job in improving your skills. Of course I asked for a refund, but can't honestly say if I'll get one because I'm still waiting for their reply. Since it is now 3 weeks since my call for a refund, I honestly
doubt I'll get one. Even if you get a tip or two from the files you get, I doubt you'll gain anything more (considerable money) from this. Take your money and try your luck elsewhere is my advice.
Cruel_but_True's comment on GetACoder ...
Worst Freelance Website EVER!
Getacoder is a freelance website with projects around mainly programming and design. I registered at Getacoder some years ago and earned around $1000 in a year. One day, out of the blue my account was suspended! WHY? Honestly I don't know. They provided NO info about this situation and moreover kept around $230 in my "frozen" account. I had more than 18 perfect reviews there! They stated an irregular situation was found and provided no help. Be aware of Getacoder. As this review states, they provide no information about their location and the Whois has been private for years... they definitely have something to hide. The site has some crazy rules and you even pay fees for mistakes you make. They take $30 off your account if you mention something like an email from a previous client in order to give references. Moreover, the website is full of mistakes and typos, so I believe these people are not English natives. The support team is awful and take weeks to reply to a simple question. Also, to collect your money you have to wait 30 days! If you want to collect it sooner you must buy a golden membership... how bad is this?? I recently became aware that an online friend of mine had the same situation there. This website is so suspicious. 2 years passed and they retain $230 of my hard earned money. If anyone experienced the same please let the world know. Getacoder should definitely be kept at distance because they change the rules and steal your money.
Cruel_but_True's comment on RentACoder ...
The eternal number 1 but not forever I think
Indeed Rentacoder is perhaps the number 1 site in this area. I admit they are really professional and the website is a landmark for the word “freelance”. However, I do think this is the worst site in navigation. For a new comer it is really hard to get around and start working in any sense. Also, they seem a bit static and should definitely make a “face-lift” to the site’s image. I also noticed that people who go there provide a work of poor quality. After posting a job 3 times I still got very little quality in the code. It is indeed a site very much attended by both buyers and coders, but at the end it is quite hard to sort out the good from the bad since those coders I hired all had great reviews and at the end NONE provided the standard quality they promised. All and all, still a site to join!
Cruel_but_True's comment on Commission Junction ...
A good resource... for some!
I came across Commission Junction within my quest to find advertisements to place on my first website (about travel) and I found this to be a decent place. Commission Junction definitely is well built and presents a solid reputation and good graphics. Nothing bad with this.. being so, so far so good right? Ok! They really have plenty of resources.. I found myself browsing for hours the advertisers in order to get the best deal to my website. However, the facts are that if you don't have a well-established website with loads of traffic this Commission Junction thing will do very LITTLE for you. Also, the site isn't top user-friendly and you tend to get lost sometimes. They also put you through a lot in order to be approved and it will be months and/or years until you see $100. In sum, lots of work for little money UNLESS you have a really good website with plenty of visits per day.
Cruel_but_True's comment on ScriptLance ...
Scriptlance is okay... I guess!
Scriptlance is another one of those freelance websites. It has been around for a few years (longer than others) but my personal experience is that it lacks something more. I was a user for several years and the quality of bids there seem pretty low. It is not a bad website... don't get me wrong, but the quality of work tends to be very weak. Moreover, Scriptlance is very static and lost in time. There is little evolution (towards competitors) and no new benefits. The old "benefits" are also very limited. The support is awful (no replies) and they offer users no protection. If someone rates you low in an unfair way... your lost, they don't don't even bother to reply. There are a lot of projects daily, but to find specific projects regarding your area can be a lot of trouble. I don't find the site easy to navigate and everything seems confusing. My advice is to look for a better freelance site to build a solid and decent reputation.
Cruel_but_True's comment on Freelancer ...
My Big Thank you to Getafreelancer
I have been a member of Getafreelancer for 3 years now. In 3 years I reached a lot, I owe Getafreelancer a lot of what I am today. The website is easy to use and has a lot... really a lot of projects! Sure it is not easy to gain your first project and the competition is hard, BUT if you are persistent you'll win that first project. After that things get "simpler". Most of the people I knew there are great and some even offer regular work. I think they have a good support system (at least for minimal inquiries) and the payment system always worked for me (Paypal). They pay a lot quicker than most freelance sites. To sum things up, Getafreelancer might be what you need to get a boost on your online career (designer, programmer, writer). I definitely recommend Getafreelancer to ALL :)