I think I joined Elance around 2007 and then rolled over to Upwork when they acquired EL. I used to be active in the community with EL. I find it amazing that the complaints that appear here, are almost identical to those that appeared on EL 13 years ago. It tells me that this industry has not evolved one bit.
I think the lesson that needs to be learned is to use your disappointments to learn your market better. Yes, there are crappy clients. But they all tend to write the same way, have rediculous budget numbers, have payment records that are less than enthusiastic. Learn to avoid them. Don't waste your time. Learn from the good clients.
Learn how to write a proposal that actually addresses what the client wants. Don't waste their time. Effective, to the point short proposals that include published work, a competitive (but not low ball) price, and an invitation to chat about the project on Upwork is all the hook you need.
I don't know why I added this but it might help one person.
