Angry and Perplexed Newbie Who Could Really Use Help!!!!

waldorfpc · 07/29/2010, 10:06

Hello,

I’m so sorry that my first post to the forums has to be like this, but I’m really angry. Maybe, you all can lend some help.

Yesterday, my account was suspended because I allegedly posted contact details, which is a violation of the TOS. I never did such a thing, and I wrote that to the support staff.

I told the support staff that I know that posting contact details on the PMB is an outright violation of the TOS, unless posting that I have profiles on other sites when detailing my work history is a violation. I write as a featured contributor on another site that I will not mention because I do not want it to get me into trouble, just in case it is against the rules. I stated that I write for this site as a featured contributor when writing to potential clients on the PMB, so they can have an idea of my work experience. But if this is not allowed, I’ll have to find another way to market myself.

I also told the support staff that the only thing I can think of that contains my contact info is my resume, which has my contact details by default. When I uploaded it to the portfolio, it never occurred to me that my resume can possibly be a violation of the TOS. I told them that if my resume did violate the TOS, I’d be happy to go back and upload a modified version of my resume with the contact details omitted. I still have yet to receive a response about that. That question goes unanswered.

I also cannot edit or modify my portfolio. I asked about that in the support ticket. That also goes unanswered.

When I did get a response, I was told that I was suspended for posting contact details in a nonfeatured project area as an attempt to avoid paying the Scriptlance commission for projects, when I never did any such thing. I told them this is a big mistake, and I explained I never did any such thing and that they could verify this by looking through the history of the PMB of all projects I’ve posted on to date. For one, I don’t mind paying the fee because that is how the site keeps going. Sites can’t run for free. Secondly, the fee isn’t even that much. To try to get around it is just absolutely stupid. I mean, come on! Paying $5 for a job is nothing! I appreciate how this site puts clients and freelancers together, as it takes all the work out of having to search forever to find work. They deserve to have their fee for each project. It is only fair.

I also explained to the staff that I do not like to take work off the site. I like to keep all communication with clients, as well as submitted work, here on the PMB for the protection of all involved. Not to mention, I only want to be paid in Scriptlance escrow to protect my earnings because I do not want problems with payment upon completion of my work. That can also be verified through the PMB. So, if I wanted to avoid the fee, how could I work under those terms? That does not make a hill of sense!

I opened another ticket, explaining I felt I got into trouble for something that was not my fault. I explained why I felt like that and how this was a mistake because I never posted any such thing on the PMB to avoid paying the fee or to even attempt to.

Rather than receiving a response to that matter, I received a response that tells me to communicate on the previous ticket. I followed their instructions to remain in compliance, and I have yet to receive a response.

I feel like I’m being jerked around by the staff here. I feel like I’m being treated unfairly. I’m trying all that I can to be in compliance with them, but they are doing nothing to help me. I’m sorry but responses that are vague and obviously rushed through do not help someone who is new to the site and who is confused about why she is being accused of something that was never done.

If any of you all can help me, such as by clarifying what is allowed here and what is not and explain how I can edit my portfolio, I’d appreciate it. Any advice is welcome.

vinu91 · 07/29/2010, 22:53

1. Posting your contact details in your resume and uploading it here, is definitely a violation. What is the difference between posting your contact info directly on your profile or on your resume? Either way, buyers can contact you outside scriptlance, if you post such details.

2. I would avoid posting links to my profile in other freelance websites as well. If you do want to show a separate portfolio page, start a website, put your portfolio items there, but ensure that it does not have a contact form, or your contact details.

It is certainly your fault, that you are in such a situation, so continuing with the tone of 'It is not my fault', is not going to get you anywhere. I would rather own up for the mistake, and ask for a second chance.

Good Luck.

jtraher · 07/30/2010, 01:20

I think the OP is saying they were wrong to a degree and they do want a second chance.

I've seen a LOT of programmers with links to their personal sites which contain contact info, as well as posting contact info in their profile, so go figure.

Give SL staff a chance to look into the matter a bit more, I've found them to be responsive, but it might take a few days. They get a ton of requests daily I am sure...

Best of luck to you!

ayumi · 07/30/2010, 04:42

Vinu91 explained it pretty well. Accept your mistake that you posted information that could have enabled buyers to contact you directly.

One more thing, if you're posting links to another freelance site with your work, I don't think SL is gonna like that idea. Drives buyers away.

SL has to pay $$ to get buyers on the site and they can be lost in a flick just like that.

Contact SL and speak with them calmly and just accept your mistake and promise them you'll never post any info again.

Use the portfolio feature to upload your work. SL provides lot's of internal tool to send files to buyers, showcase your work, etc so there is no need to direct them elsewhere.

Hope it goes well for you.
Cheers

07/29/2010, 10:06	#1
waldorfpc Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: USA Posts: 1	Angry and Perplexed Newbie Who Could Really Use Help!!!! Hello, I’m so sorry that my first post to the forums has to be like this, but I’m really angry. Maybe, you all can lend some help. Yesterday, my account was suspended because I allegedly posted contact details, which is a violation of the TOS. I never did such a thing, and I wrote that to the support staff. I told the support staff that I know that posting contact details on the PMB is an outright violation of the TOS, unless posting that I have profiles on other sites when detailing my work history is a violation. I write as a featured contributor on another site that I will not mention because I do not want it to get me into trouble, just in case it is against the rules. I stated that I write for this site as a featured contributor when writing to potential clients on the PMB, so they can have an idea of my work experience. But if this is not allowed, I’ll have to find another way to market myself. I also told the support staff that the only thing I can think of that contains my contact info is my resume, which has my contact details by default. When I uploaded it to the portfolio, it never occurred to me that my resume can possibly be a violation of the TOS. I told them that if my resume did violate the TOS, I’d be happy to go back and upload a modified version of my resume with the contact details omitted. I still have yet to receive a response about that. That question goes unanswered. I also cannot edit or modify my portfolio. I asked about that in the support ticket. That also goes unanswered. When I did get a response, I was told that I was suspended for posting contact details in a nonfeatured project area as an attempt to avoid paying the Scriptlance commission for projects, when I never did any such thing. I told them this is a big mistake, and I explained I never did any such thing and that they could verify this by looking through the history of the PMB of all projects I’ve posted on to date. For one, I don’t mind paying the fee because that is how the site keeps going. Sites can’t run for free. Secondly, the fee isn’t even that much. To try to get around it is just absolutely stupid. I mean, come on! Paying $5 for a job is nothing! I appreciate how this site puts clients and freelancers together, as it takes all the work out of having to search forever to find work. They deserve to have their fee for each project. It is only fair. I also explained to the staff that I do not like to take work off the site. I like to keep all communication with clients, as well as submitted work, here on the PMB for the protection of all involved. Not to mention, I only want to be paid in Scriptlance escrow to protect my earnings because I do not want problems with payment upon completion of my work. That can also be verified through the PMB. So, if I wanted to avoid the fee, how could I work under those terms? That does not make a hill of sense! I opened another ticket, explaining I felt I got into trouble for something that was not my fault. I explained why I felt like that and how this was a mistake because I never posted any such thing on the PMB to avoid paying the fee or to even attempt to. Rather than receiving a response to that matter, I received a response that tells me to communicate on the previous ticket. I followed their instructions to remain in compliance, and I have yet to receive a response. I feel like I’m being jerked around by the staff here. I feel like I’m being treated unfairly. I’m trying all that I can to be in compliance with them, but they are doing nothing to help me. I’m sorry but responses that are vague and obviously rushed through do not help someone who is new to the site and who is confused about why she is being accused of something that was never done. If any of you all can help me, such as by clarifying what is allowed here and what is not and explain how I can edit my portfolio, I’d appreciate it. Any advice is welcome.

07/30/2010, 04:42	#4
ayumi Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Land of the Rising Sun Posts: 336	Vinu91 explained it pretty well. Accept your mistake that you posted information that could have enabled buyers to contact you directly. One more thing, if you're posting links to another freelance site with your work, I don't think SL is gonna like that idea. Drives buyers away. SL has to pay $$ to get buyers on the site and they can be lost in a flick just like that. Contact SL and speak with them calmly and just accept your mistake and promise them you'll never post any info again. Use the portfolio feature to upload your work. SL provides lot's of internal tool to send files to buyers, showcase your work, etc so there is no need to direct them elsewhere. Hope it goes well for you. Cheers __________________ On the Front Side "Amuro Rocks!"

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07/29/2010, 22:53	#2
vinu91 Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: India Posts: 11	1. Posting your contact details in your resume and uploading it here, is definitely a violation. What is the difference between posting your contact info directly on your profile or on your resume? Either way, buyers can contact you outside scriptlance, if you post such details. 2. I would avoid posting links to my profile in other freelance websites as well. If you do want to show a separate portfolio page, start a website, put your portfolio items there, but ensure that it does not have a contact form, or your contact details. It is certainly your fault, that you are in such a situation, so continuing with the tone of 'It is not my fault', is not going to get you anywhere. I would rather own up for the mistake, and ask for a second chance. Good Luck.

07/30/2010, 01:20	#3
jtraher Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Louisville, KY USA Posts: 99	I think the OP is saying they were wrong to a degree and they do want a second chance. I've seen a LOT of programmers with links to their personal sites which contain contact info, as well as posting contact info in their profile, so go figure. Give SL staff a chance to look into the matter a bit more, I've found them to be responsive, but it might take a few days. They get a ton of requests daily I am sure... Best of luck to you!