Frequently Asked Questions on TOS changes regarding information sharing and interviews

Pandora H · May 28, 2020 01:03:57 PM

Kim F wrote:
Given the increased pressure that will be placed on the messaging system and the importance of a speedy response, is there to be a dedicated helpline/contact point for people who face issues? If so, how do we access it?

If not, why not? The usual response time of several days for an issue isn't adequate.

Clients are going to have a very rude awakening regarding Customer Service.

Sean S · May 28, 2020 11:32:31 AM

You know what's really ironic, Upwork? You are so paranoid about people circumventing your platform, that you are creating an environment so hostile that people are likely actually thinking about it now. As myself and many others have mentioned repeatedly, just do something worth defending and we will defend it passionately.

Imagine the good you could do if you were able to allocate your resources to building a solid and trustworthy platform, instead of battling this unnecessary dumpster fire.

Adam P · May 28, 2020 12:13:44 PM

I think if they get their systems updated and it works fine before 6/26 it’s gonna be a good thing. Why go on different platforms if you don’t need to?

I thought originally it was starting 5/26 and we already needed to do this.

If after the 6/26 start it’s still very buggy, I think Upwork will need to alter this.

I’m truly rooting for it to work well though. I may be wrong but my fingers are crossed.

You should be closing contracts quickly without doing too much hoop jumping anyway.

Once that happens you can share anything or use anything you want.

Shakib K · May 29, 2020 08:32:57 AM

Client is asking for whatsapp no. Does upwork support sharing personal communication method like (skype / whatsapp / email / messenger ID or other ) ?

When I am typing "skype" in upwork message then a yellow warning box is showing. Thats why I am afraid.

Pandora H · May 29, 2020 09:37:01 AM

Shakib K wrote:
Client is asking for whatsapp no. Does upwork support sharing personal communication method like (skype / whatsapp / email / messenger ID or other ) ?

When I am typing "skype" in upwork message then a yellow warning box is showing. Thats why I am afraid.

You can right now, but after 6/26 (June 26), you will not be able to do that. You should have received an email about this. Check your mail.

Shakib K · May 29, 2020 12:52:15 PM

In that case if client want to contact me through 'skype' or 'whatsapp' or 'email' then what shuld be my response ? PLease let me know in detail about this contact issue.

NB : I did not get any email.

Thanks in advance

Anton K · May 28, 2020 12:33:59 PM

Sean S wrote:
You know what's really ironic, Upwork? You are so paranoid about people circumventing your platform, that you are creating an environment so hostile that people are likely actually thinking about it now. As myself and many others have mentioned repeatedly, just do something worth defending and we will defend it passionately.

Imagine the good you could do if you were able to allocate your resources to building a solid and trustworthy platform, instead of battling this unnecessary dumpster fire.

Had a conversation about these changes with someone who regularly hires freelancers, including on Upwork, and his response was (verbatum): "Screw Upwork".

So, yeah. It's definitely creating a situation where both clients and freelancers will either look to leave the platform or stop caring about all the insane rules and will get banned for breaking them.

Mohammed G · May 30, 2020 11:26:45 AM

Sean S wrote:
You know what's really ironic, Upwork? You are so paranoid about people circumventing your platform, that you are creating an environment so hostile that people are likely actually thinking about it now. As myself and many others have mentioned repeatedly, just do something worth defending and we will defend it passionately.

Imagine the good you could do if you were able to allocate your resources to building a solid and trustworthy platform, instead of battling this unnecessary dumpster fire.

Is there a way I can put a clap emoji?

Eli M · May 28, 2020 11:32:58 AM

With all of the exceptions that are listed, our email address is going to be visible somewhere in there. The people who want to cheat are going to figure out a way to cheat. Those of us who don't will have a very cumbersome process to deal with, and be constantly worried about getting banned and losing our income if we accidentally give a link to a portfolio that UpWork doesn't allow or a myriad other things. The rules are becoming very confusing.

I just tried to do a voice call using the UpWork system. In order to activate the microphone I have to restart the browser on my Mac. I'm not going to leave it open all the time.

After I was able to reconnect, the audio quality was poor and the video was blurry. I have a very good, 1Gb/s connection

Even if the UpWork system worked well, potential clients often need to be able to create an an account on their system for me to see the detail of the project, and that requires giving them my email address.

This is ridiculous. I predict that a competitor will easily beat UpWork if UpWork continues to insist on this cumbersome process. All of the time that I have spent building a good reputation on here will have been wasted and I will need to start over on a new system.

Please reconsider.

Solange B · May 28, 2020 07:00:25 PM

You’re so right, that’s exactly one of the things I was talking about with some Friends yesterday. They still had the advantage, but they have lost it. Not too long before another platform steps in and take the lead.