Is Elance Listening To Writers?

I just received an e-mail from Jon Diller of Elance this morning that lists a number of changes that they have now made to the new payment plans. Looks like they might be listening to us writers (well just slightly). It seems that the number of complaints and threatened membership cancellations has not fallen on deaf ears. Here’s what Elance have to say:

“Earlier today, we announced modifications to the new membership structure to incorporate some of the feedback we have received from members of our community during the last several days. No action is required from you, but we want to let you know about the changes.

More details on the modifications can be found in the FAQ, and the key points are below:

1. We eliminated the ‘Less than $250’ budget range option. In addition, we lowered the number of Connects required to submit a proposal:
   • Projects with budget value of less than $500: 1 Connect
   • Projects with budget value between $500 – $1,000: 2 Connects (previously 3 Connects)
   • Projects with budget value of more than $1,000: 4 Connects (previously 6 Connects)
2. We also added Connects to the Small and Large Business membership:
   • Small Business: 30 Connects (previously 25 Connects)
   • Large Business: 60 Connects (previously 50 Connects)

3. Through March 1, 2008, we will waive monthly maintenance fees for the Premier Provider program

 

As a reminder, all unused paid membership fees will be applied towards the cost of your new membership plan. For example, if you purchased an annual subscription on October 16, 2007, you have 11 months remaining in your subscription, the dollar value of those remaining 11 months will be applied towards your new membership plan.

However, if you are not fully satisfied with the new membership plans available and would like to cancel your membership, please contact Customer Service for an immediate refund.”

I don’t think that these few minor changes is going to have much effect. Membership prices still remain the same and a bid still isn’t a bid. Adding an extra couple of connects to monthly memberships is one thing but let’s face it, it’s nowhere near the number of bids we are currently getting which is 80 or 120 per month.

I think it’s time to start looking elsewhere and I will be posting a list of other websites shortly.

Let’s see what happens. Remember you can post your comments here or check in with the two blogs I mentioned in my last post.

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