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A few things. (Disclosure: I'm a mobile dev/freelancer, been doing this own my own for a while with pretty good results) 1) I think the biggest issue is the c

by Gorbzel 15y ago

A few things. (Disclosure: I'm a mobile dev/freelancer, been doing this own my own for a while with pretty good results) 1) I think the biggest issue is the cold-start problem discussed by another HNer below. Namely, while the copy sounds good and the coders in the photos seem trendy enough, do you actually have good clients? Selling promises about freelancing to either side plays to the ideal that we all want, but rarely does it work out that well. 2) How flexible are the payment / contractual terms? I usually see this as a negotiation with my clients which, if done successfully, improves the relationship. If there are disagreements about terms, is this service simply going to insist on the terms that benefit their interests? 3) Is the pre-project test work paid? What if I require at least some deposit on the overall project up-front? 4) Please don't spread misuse of the term hacker. You're trying to appeal to the coder-side of the demographic, but anyone serious should have no problem using a more professional term. I'd consider signing up, but at this point it still does feel like another startup claiming to fix the problem with no guarantees of anything that different other than the best of intentions. No offense, but I've followed 2-3 companies like this so far and nothing's panned out anywhere near as well as traditional networking. I'm hopeful though, and definitely interested in hearing more about what you have to say.

antoviaque 15y ago
1) Aside from the leads from our own network who have shown interest, we have got some good applications from clients already (even with the Hacker branding issue discussed below). So, even if we'll still have to go through the first batch to answer your question with a firm "yes", it's looking good. Since we don't try to be big just yet, this is less of a concern for our first stage - if you get in, it's because we think we have a good match for you. Aside from the 5 minutes you would spend filling the application, you don't really have anything to lose to try. 2) Very flexible - if you and the client agree on something, we're willing to try it out. This is actually another reason for us to start small - to make sure that we can adapt quickly and match what works. 3) Yes, the test project is paid. 4) Duly noted - cf my answers on this topic below.

by Gorbzel 15y ago

antoviaque 15y ago

1) Aside from the leads from our own network who have shown interest, we have got some good applications from clients already (even with the Hacker branding issue discussed below). So, even if we'll still have to go through the first batch to answer your question with a firm "yes", it's looking good. Since we don't try to be big just yet, this is less of a concern for our first stage - if you get in, it's because we think we have a good match for you. Aside from the 5 minutes you would spend filling the application, you don't really have anything to lose to try. 2) Very flexible - if you and the client agree on something, we're willing to try it out. This is actually another reason for us to start small - to make sure that we can adapt quickly and match what works. 3) Yes, the test project is paid. 4) Duly noted - cf my answers on this topic below.