Ever feel bad for the workers on odesk?

It's their world... In their market $2 is considered just fine and they even have competition. So, just forget about it... If you are satisfied with their performance - that is the main point...
 


I'm huge on completion bonuses. I tell them that they will receive one if the work is done well and timely.

You get WAY less disappearing acts... and then I come through. Nothing insane, but a good 10-20% extra, depending on quality.
 
Mail them some chiclets, and they'll be fine.

Chiclets.jpg


Seriously though, if you find someone worth keeping, so nice things for them. For example, if you know the city they're from, do some searching and find a nice restaurant there. Then do what you can to get them a gift certificate for 2 for dinner. Way better than just throwing extra money their way.
 
If you ever happen to find a freelancer who delivers good work, overpaying is the absolute best way of making sure you'll get your work done better than the rest and on time and you may get your work cheaper in the long run. I have several freelancers charge me less than everyone else even though they're worth more, just because of this.

I guarantee you that those new freelancers are going to always remember you as that one decent person who didn't fuck them over when they were new in the game like all the other fucktards who probably bitch about a $2 article and demand it rewritten.

Of course, this only applies to the rare talented freelancer who takes pride in their work.