Inexperienced User and Ridiculous Scriptlance Policies

wangas · 07/01/2010, 13:52

I have recently had a problem where my Programmer is asking me to review but the project is not complete yet. Scriptlance seems to warn against this but at the same time they are telling my programmer that the time left to review is expiring! He has proven this to me. Why is there a contradiction here?? I think it may have something to do with the fact they quoted 25 days and its now 6 months on and still not complete (probably what most people do on here is under quote it seems and try and win a quote which they know will cost more and take longer)

I have sent scriptlance a message about that but they dont really answer the question (must have a list of standard answers instead of actually thinking).

I still have money left in the escrow account and not sure whether to pull out now or risk wasting money in case its not actually completed as it seems I may not be protected by SL....actually I dont know what happens to the money if there is a dispute now since it is so long in.

To be fair I think the project is a lot more complicated than the programmer first thought but they should have realised this. I have little experience so just relied on what they say. I guess my only option is stick with it and pay up and hope it is actually completed. I guess I am going to have to review before it is completed too which doesnt help other users much as I will have to write only good thingd. It makes a mockery of this site really

I just need my project completed so I dont waste anymore money but will not use this site again.

nick2009 · 07/01/2010, 14:04

25 days, and it's still not finished after 6 months!!!

Definitely cancel, and make it clear to them that they should quote a timeframe properly, and not just a short amount of time in order to win the project,

You can open a project dispute case to try and get the money is escrow returned.

Can you post a link to the project in question ?

I wouldn't leave the site just because of 1 bad experience.

hindiphaj · 07/01/2010, 14:58

https://www.scriptlance.com/cgi-bin/...gi?view=wangas

Do not see any opened projects here ...

wangas · 07/01/2010, 16:26

Thanks for the advice Nick 2009 however SL say that I cant dispute it now, and my project is coming along ok I think, just really slow. Just worried if I pay over more now it will never get done. I dont want to upset the programmer because I just need to get it done now.

The project is a clone of an auction site and most of the bids seem quite similar so I dont think posting the project again will work because everyone who bid seemed to be offering the same.

wangas · 07/01/2010, 16:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by hindiphaj

https://www.scriptlance.com/cgi-bin/...gi?view=wangas

Do not see any opened projects here ...

Hindiphaj that is not my profile. I did open that ages ago when I had another idea for a project but then cancelled it. Forgot I created that when I used that name on this forum. You will see my actual profile is gbroome

wangas · 07/01/2010, 16:47

This is what SL said to me which seems a bit strange after I have actually tried to make this work and given them plenty of time........................

Hello,

As per ScriptLance policy, Projects have to be disputed within 30 days from the time the project is awarded or, within 30 days from the time delivery date of project expires and hence, this project cannot be disputed now.

Sincerely,
Samantha
ScriptLance Customer Support
http://www.ScriptLance.com

Network23 · 07/01/2010, 17:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by wangas

I dont want to upset the programmer because I just need to get it done now.

I know how you feel. I am saddened by this experience. I am thinking I should just hire a local overpriced company, that way at least I can walk into their office and ask WTF!

nick2009 · 07/01/2010, 17:36

Why would a local company be overpriced ?

wangas · 07/01/2010, 17:53

SL have now explained this a lot better to me...so I could cancel if I wanted to. However after all that i'm going to stick in there. I spoke to someone else who knows more than I do about programming and my job is quite complex and the price is not too bad so will see how it goes....

This is what SL said:

The review will indeed expire after the timeline mentioned. However you can contact us anytime to re-enable this option once you're ready to review them. Also reading from the forums, you cannot cancel the project but, given the extra time taken by the programmer, you are at your discretion to cancel the pending Escrows by informing them about the same should you require to do so. However, this should be done in no later than next 72 hours and prior to requesting cancellation, the programmer must be informed via PMB about the cancellation. I hope this helps.

Adam
ScriptLance Customer Support

Network23 · 07/01/2010, 18:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick2009

Why would a local company be overpriced ?

When I started researching someone to modify my site, the examples I found from Craigslist were nothing more than a Dreamweaver template and static .jpg images and maybe a copy and paste javascript email code for $500, I am capable of doing that for nothing... When I did find a company that I thought I could trust to do my work, they did nothing more than accept the project and outsource it to India, If they charged $5000, they had India do it for $2000. No thanks, i passed.
My experience on finding a competent programmer has been a sad and frustrating experience, and when you do hire someone, they have you by the balls. Here is my recent post on my experience:
http://forum.scriptlance.net/showthr...3234#post23234

nick2009 · 07/01/2010, 19:41

Quote:

the examples I found from Craigslist

Most real local web design/development companies don't have to advertise on Craigslist, ones on those sites are probably people who have no idea what they're doing and just want money.

And if they ask for $500 per website ignoring the complexity/simplicity of a site then they're no good. Each website has different requirements etc, and should have a custom price per project.

Network23 · 07/01/2010, 19:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick2009

Most real local web design/development companies don't have to advertise on Craigslist,

Sorry to hijack this thread from the OP, but then where do you find local programmers?

nick2009 · 07/01/2010, 20:07

It depends if you want 1 programmer (ie a freelancer) or an actually Company,

For a professional company, Google is probably your best bet, then atleast you can check out there website, portfolio etc, check their website coding, because if a web development company has a poor site, bad code etc then that's a warning sign.

If it's a really large project and even if it's not, you can then at least meet the people in person, Project Manager, developers etc.

Network23 · 07/01/2010, 20:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick2009

It depends if you want 1 programmer (ie a freelancer) or an actually Company,

For a professional company, Google is probably your best bet, then atleast you can check out there website, portfolio etc, check their website coding, because if a web development company has a poor site, bad code etc then that's a warning sign.

If it's a really large project and even if it's not, you can then at least meet the people in person, Project Manager, developers etc.

I looked everywhere, google is no help, many that came up were not even in the US, finding a programmer is hard trust me, I am not an idiot, My first computer was 1982, a C=64, My first experience with the internet was a UNIX shell and TinTin++ playing MUDs. I searched for programmers near Lake Elsinore (IE/OC/LA/SD areas) and had no luck, most were out of state if not the country... I went as far as emailing programmer professors at USC and UCLA, no response, I was about to go down there, until I found my 70+ 10 star rated programmer who is screwing me...
Please if you can find a reputable programmer in the LA/OC/SD area, throw me the link, I had ZERO luck and I am not an idiot.

Again, sorry to the OP for the thread hijack, maybe we can both learn something, cuz were kinda in the same boat.

wangas · 07/02/2010, 02:24

Again, sorry to the OP for the thread hijack, maybe we can both learn something, cuz were kinda in the same boat.[/QUOTE]

No worries, I understand your frustrations. They really do have you buy the balls. But I guess thats just the nature of developing a website. I would probably try to go with someone local in the future but because Im just starting out I have gone for the cheap option and hope it works.

esolz · 07/02/2010, 16:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by wangas

Again, sorry to the OP for the thread hijack, maybe we can both learn something, cuz were kinda in the same boat.

I do not understand one logic though, outsourcing does not mean cheap. When you hire a local company it does not give any assurance that the work will be done on time, ya you can scream on them etc but does that help ?

We are ranked #1 here, but are an Indian company. If you check the projects we do or bid on, we do maintain decency in that ie we do not bid the cheapest but the most reasonable (coz of which we win only a select few bids here, 10 every month maximum - including small and big)

people fail to understand that what they need costs money too .. I am not talking about you but many on SL, this is why such coders who just want to gain projects are encouraged. We have a profile on Elance too, on Guru, on oDesk, on Freelancer and we have good reviews all over just coz we streamline the projects , have project managers, have talented personal to work on them. Everything means cost attached to it so we do not bid on $100 - $200 clone projects

But I really wish you get your projects done and get what you need
Best of luck

jtraher · 07/04/2010, 21:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Network23

I looked everywhere, google is no help, many that came up were not even in the US, finding a programmer is hard trust me, I am not an idiot, My first computer was 1982, a C=64, My first experience with the internet was a UNIX shell and TinTin++ playing MUDs. I searched for programmers near Lake Elsinore (IE/OC/LA/SD areas) and had no luck, most were out of state if not the country... I went as far as emailing programmer professors at USC and UCLA, no response, I was about to go down there, until I found my 70+ 10 star rated programmer who is screwing me...
Please if you can find a reputable programmer in the LA/OC/SD area, throw me the link, I had ZERO luck and I am not an idiot.

Again, sorry to the OP for the thread hijack, maybe we can both learn something, cuz were kinda in the same boat.

Wow, someone else who has played MUDS!

Finding a local programmer should not be that hard (keyword "should"). You can either check your Yellow Pages, or try your local BBB/Chamber of Commerce.

I also recommend checking freelancing blogs such as http://freelancefolder.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=10, if you don't mind an out-of-state programmer.

If you decide to go with a freelancing site again, ask for references. Any reliable programmer won't mind giving you references for past jobs.

I hope you get things sorted out, I truly understand where you are coming from. I spend a lot of time fixing "freelance" sites.

07/01/2010, 14:04	#2
nick2009 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: UK Posts: 61	25 days, and it's still not finished after 6 months!!! Definitely cancel, and make it clear to them that they should quote a timeframe properly, and not just a short amount of time in order to win the project, You can open a project dispute case to try and get the money is escrow returned. Can you post a link to the project in question ? I wouldn't leave the site just because of 1 bad experience. __________________ SL Profile

07/01/2010, 14:58	#3
hindiphaj Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ukraine Posts: 104	https://www.scriptlance.com/cgi-bin/...gi?view=wangas Do not see any opened projects here ... __________________ 2 b \|\| ! 2 b - that is a ?

07/01/2010, 17:36	#8
nick2009 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: UK Posts: 61	Why would a local company be overpriced ? __________________ SL Profile

07/01/2010, 20:07	#13
nick2009 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: UK Posts: 61	It depends if you want 1 programmer (ie a freelancer) or an actually Company, For a professional company, Google is probably your best bet, then atleast you can check out there website, portfolio etc, check their website coding, because if a web development company has a poor site, bad code etc then that's a warning sign. If it's a really large project and even if it's not, you can then at least meet the people in person, Project Manager, developers etc. __________________ SL Profile

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07/01/2010, 13:52	#1
wangas Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: UK Posts: 6	Inexperienced User and Ridiculous Scriptlance Policies I have recently had a problem where my Programmer is asking me to review but the project is not complete yet. Scriptlance seems to warn against this but at the same time they are telling my programmer that the time left to review is expiring! He has proven this to me. Why is there a contradiction here?? I think it may have something to do with the fact they quoted 25 days and its now 6 months on and still not complete (probably what most people do on here is under quote it seems and try and win a quote which they know will cost more and take longer) I have sent scriptlance a message about that but they dont really answer the question (must have a list of standard answers instead of actually thinking). I still have money left in the escrow account and not sure whether to pull out now or risk wasting money in case its not actually completed as it seems I may not be protected by SL....actually I dont know what happens to the money if there is a dispute now since it is so long in. To be fair I think the project is a lot more complicated than the programmer first thought but they should have realised this. I have little experience so just relied on what they say. I guess my only option is stick with it and pay up and hope it is actually completed. I guess I am going to have to review before it is completed too which doesnt help other users much as I will have to write only good thingd. It makes a mockery of this site really I just need my project completed so I dont waste anymore money but will not use this site again.

07/01/2010, 16:26	#4
wangas Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: UK Posts: 6	Thanks for the advice Nick 2009 however SL say that I cant dispute it now, and my project is coming along ok I think, just really slow. Just worried if I pay over more now it will never get done. I dont want to upset the programmer because I just need to get it done now. The project is a clone of an auction site and most of the bids seem quite similar so I dont think posting the project again will work because everyone who bid seemed to be offering the same.

07/01/2010, 16:47	#6
wangas Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: UK Posts: 6	This is what SL said to me which seems a bit strange after I have actually tried to make this work and given them plenty of time........................ Hello, As per ScriptLance policy, Projects have to be disputed within 30 days from the time the project is awarded or, within 30 days from the time delivery date of project expires and hence, this project cannot be disputed now. Sincerely, Samantha ScriptLance Customer Support http://www.ScriptLance.com

07/01/2010, 17:53	#9
wangas Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: UK Posts: 6	SL have now explained this a lot better to me...so I could cancel if I wanted to. However after all that i'm going to stick in there. I spoke to someone else who knows more than I do about programming and my job is quite complex and the price is not too bad so will see how it goes.... This is what SL said: The review will indeed expire after the timeline mentioned. However you can contact us anytime to re-enable this option once you're ready to review them. Also reading from the forums, you cannot cancel the project but, given the extra time taken by the programmer, you are at your discretion to cancel the pending Escrows by informing them about the same should you require to do so. However, this should be done in no later than next 72 hours and prior to requesting cancellation, the programmer must be informed via PMB about the cancellation. I hope this helps. Adam ScriptLance Customer Support

07/02/2010, 02:24	#15
wangas Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: UK Posts: 6	Again, sorry to the OP for the thread hijack, maybe we can both learn something, cuz were kinda in the same boat.[/QUOTE] No worries, I understand your frustrations. They really do have you buy the balls. But I guess thats just the nature of developing a website. I would probably try to go with someone local in the future but because Im just starting out I have gone for the cheap option and hope it works.