Upwork Community Forum Do's and Don’ts
Overview
The Upwork Community forum is a member based community for both Freelancers and Clients. Like many other online communities, this Forum has its own rules and culture. Some of these rules and culture quirks are like other forums, and some are specific to this particular community.
This post outlines the various do's and don'ts that are expected (and sometimes enforced) in the Upwork Community Forums.
If you haven't already read the basic Upwork Community Forums Guidelines, you should. You are expected to know these guidelines, and abide by them.
Click here to read the Upwork Community Forums Guidelines
So, now that you have read the basic Guidelines, what do some of those restrictions and recommendations really mean?
First, your post content.
That includes your post title, the body of your post, and any replies you make to someone else’s post. There are certain things that are 100% NOT allowed in you post content. Let's look at some examples:
Client / Job Data
*Note: if you want to report a job post, submit a ticket to Support, and flag the job post.
**Note: if you want to report a scammy client, submit a ticket to Support.
Putting a client or company name into the title of your post - Don't.
This means if you want to discuss a job post, or ask about a possible fraudulent client, you can't name the client or company.
Putting a client or company name into the body of your post - Don't.
This means if you want to discuss a job post, or ask about a possible fraudulent client, you can't name the client or company.
Copying a job post description into a post - Don't.
If you wish to discuss or report a job post, you must manually write about the job post or client. Do not post ANY content from a job post.
*Note: if you want to report a job post, submit a ticket to Support, and flag the job post.
Including a link to a job post inside your post - Don't
*Note: if you must report a job post, submit a ticket to Support, and include the job post URL.
Freelancer Data
*Note: if you want to report a fraudulent freelancer, submit a ticket to Support.
Putting a freelancer name into the title of your post - Don't.
This means if you want to discuss a possible fraudulent freelancer, you can't name the freelancer.
Putting a freelancer name into the body of your post - Don't.
This means if you want to discuss a possible fraudulent freelancer, you can't name the freelancer.
Copying a details from a Freelancer Profile into a post - Don't.
If you wish to discuss or report a Freelancer Profile, you must manually write about the profile. Do not post ANY content from the Profile.
*Note: if you must report a fraudulent freelancer, submit a ticket to Support, and include the Profile URL.
If you do include any of the above data, your post will be edited (and possibly removed) by an Upwork Moderator. If this happens, don't complain. Your responsible for knowing this is against the rules.
What else can't we post?
This is a professional community. If you would not want a current or perspective Client to see your post, it's very likely not appropriate for this forum. And of course, the usual forum rules apply here. Hateful speech, flaming, spamming and trolling isn't allowed.
Here are some misc. items that are considered to be inappropriate, and will either get you a slap on the wrist (edited/deleted post), possible suspension, or even banishment.
- Links to other freelancer sites
- Dissing Upwork (general criticism is allowed, but saying Upwork Sucks! isn't going to fly)
- Hostile or rude behavior to other Members, or the Upwork Moderators
- Spam posts
- Not Safe For Work (NSFW) written, image or video content
- Promoting your own services
Before you think these restrictions are just simply too much, consider the community. Upwork is a business, offers the forums as service to the Member base, and has every right to enforce whatever rules they want.
General Etiquette Tips
Forum moderators work hard to maintain a professional environment for the Member base. In addition, there are professional Freelancers and Clients who go out of their way to provide informative and helpful posts.
Be nice to them, and they will be nice to you.
If you appreciate the support of a Moderator or other Member, thank them. If they offer constructive criticism, don't be hostile.
Know where to post
Freelancer Forum - For freelancers, obviously. You can post in the Client area, but be watchful of what you are posting.
Client Forum - For Clients, obviously. Clients can post in the Freelancer area, but for support and Client related questions, the Client area is best.
Coffee Break - Anything goes, for everyone. Within reason, obviously.
There are other areas, but they are much more specific and don't really need an explanation. If you post something by accident in the wrong forum, don't panic. A moderator will eventually move your post to the correct area.
Common Questions
If your brand new to Upwork, your question probably isn't unique. For now, the Search function is your best friend. Chances are that your question has already been asked, and discussed at length, in an existing post.
Note: The video in the first post in this thread has a section related to searching. If you haven't watched the video, do check it out.
Do check out these 2 main threads that have a lot of good info for new Freelancer Members of the Community:
Link: Job Warning Signs - https://community.upwork.com/t5/Freelancers/Job-warning-signs/td-p/21467
Link: Want to get that first job? Check this out! - https://community.upwork.com/t5/Freelancers/Want-to-get-that-first-job-Then-check-this-out/td-p/2145...
Note: At the time of this writing, Upwork has announced that they will be re-organizing the Forums somewhat. These changes will make it much easier to find answers to the most common questions. Stay tuned, and watch out for updates regarding the new changes.
Conclusion
Being an active member of the Upwork Community Forums means that you are familiar with the rules, are respectful to the Members, and are mindful of the content you post. Having a bad day and want to rant? Go for it, within reason. Got a fun story to share? Please do. Having a problem with Upwork, a Freelancer, or a Client? Go ahead and post, but be mindful of the rules.
I hope this post gets pinned/highlighted.
