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Will you tell proposers in Elance/oDesk exactly what u want before agreeing to a deal?

by John2810
4 replies
Hi all,

I am looking for people to write content for an ebook on how to use a specific device, and did not mention which device it is when I posted the job on Elance and oDesk.

May I ask the experienced gurus here, will you tell everything to freelancers before getting them on board and signing an NDA?

My concern is in regards to letting out what I want to do before I can monetize it.

Or am I thinking to much?:p
#agreeing #deal #elance or odesk #proposers
  • Profile picture of the author Greedy
    I usually just tell them up-front and am somewhat vague. Honestly I don't know how much a NDA would ready do to someone in another country.

    Most of eLancer want your return business, and aren't smart enough to do online marketing otherwise they would be doing it.

    BUT clearly you have to use your head, and best judgement.
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  • Profile picture of the author Halcyon
    You have to be careful what information you post into your request for proposals. Just because respondents may not do anything with the information does not mean that the thousands of people perusing the ads are so innocent.

    You can be vague and speak categorically. For example, if the device is the iPhone 5, you can say cell phones or smart phones. That's enough to give possible freelancers an idea of what you're looking for without giving away the goods.
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  • Profile picture of the author 100KAffiliateManager
    I like to give fairly specific details up front of what I want as well as asking for some details in return e.g I am looking for 10 articles to be written in the fitness niche, specifically for over 40's and relating to daily exercise routines. Please provide samples, delivery date and price per article.

    I do add more than that but you get the idea. For bidders that don't even bother to answer my questions I just ignore and then sift through the rest until I find someone that I'm happy with.

    I'm really not worried about someone 'stealing' my idea/book/product as most ideas etc have probably been done before. Besides there are more than enough customers out there for everyone.

    In most cases if no-one is already marketing something similar then it's usually because the demand is not there but, as with most things, there will be exceptions to the rule.

    Chow chow,
    Kevin
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  • Profile picture of the author fcebri24
    I do not know if there is a law and legal entity that would enforce the NDE agreement that you would sign. Nevertheless, I do recommend you get one signed by your contractor. The purpose is more phsycological than anything else. It portrays you as a serious business to the eyes of the contractor, and most likely would prevent him from stealing your idea or doing something with it.
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