Do we really need another algorithm for this?

[Douglas Michael M]

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Wes C wrote:

Valeria - I agree with all the others posting here that this is not needed and doesn't seem to be well thought out. The potential for confusion is incredibly high.

If UW is going to implement a nudge like this, the email needs to be very clear that it was automatically generated without any input or request from the client so that it's not confused with an actual client request for UW to reach out to a non-responsive freelancer....

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Automated refunds initiated by Upwork are also mischaracterized as a response to a "request" by one of the contracting parties. Such practices are unconscionably dishonest.

[Petra R]

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Douglas Michael M wrote:

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Automated refunds initiated by Upwork are also mischaracterized as a response to a "request" by one of the contracting parties.

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They aren't (or aren't any longer) - the email explains that the client's payment method failed and hours that were not eligible for protection were reversed.

Could not be much clearer these days.

[Maria T]

Thanks for the information Petra!

[Kim F]

Is the intention to discourage people from booking ahead? I've often agreed to do a project in X weeks' time and accepted the contract. And this approach is now likely to lead to problems?

[Douglas Michael M]

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Petra R wrote:

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Douglas Michael M wrote:

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Automated refunds initiated by Upwork are also mischaracterized as a response to a "request" by one of the contracting parties.

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They aren't (or aren't any longer) - the email explains that the client's payment method failed and hours that were not eligible for protection were reversed.

Could not be much clearer these days.

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I was specifically referring to expiration of Upwork's holding period for escrow, which Upwork characterizes as a refund initiated by the client.

[Tiffany S]

Valeria, are these "reminders" directed only to freelancers, or is Upwork also giving clients the false impression that freelancers are enlisting Upwork to harass them?

[Maria T]

 A very good question, Tiffany.

That would really be dangerous!

[Valeria K]

Hi All,

We appreciate the discussion and feedback shared on this thread about the contract message reminders. We can see how it could be communicated clearer that the notification isn't initiated by the client. We also recognize that slow response over the holidays is expected.

To add some context behind this feature, these messages from us are sent as a reminder that there is an unanswered message from a client that the freelancer has not yet responded to. We don't send similar reminders to clients currently. While the majority of jobs between clients and freelancers on Upwork end well, we know that there are some jobs that do not. One of the top concerns from clients is when freelancers are slow to respond or appear to have abandoned a job. We hope this helps resolve that problem. Also, please note that not replying to the reminder will not result in any negative action on your account.

[Wendy C]

May I suggest that all further messages of this sort state "this is a reminder that there is an unanswered message from a client that the freelancer has not yet responded to" vrs. the misleading quasi-threat it  currently is ...