by Shawnte Pierce

Created on: June 02, 2010

A Review of the Elance Workroom

As a freelancer, it’s important to have a record of all communication with the client and a backup of files of the work performed. Many rely on email to reiterate many points discussed on the phone. However, these methods of communication are not always reliable and can leave speculation that records were tampered with should a dispute arise. This is why many freelancer's use

Elance's Workroom when completing jobs with clients. All communication and work is kept within the Workroom and cannot be tampered with by either the client or myself.  Discover the three main advantages of using Workroom when working with a client.

The Elance Workroom Message Board

The Elance Message Board is the work hub of the Workroom. When you first enter, you’re taken directly to the message board. This is where you and the client can leave messages to each other when one of you is not present online. When a message is posted on the message board, an email notification will be sent to all who were not in the Workroom when the message was posted. When the other party receives the email message, she can either go to the workroom and respond or respond via email and that email will post directly to the message board.

If both the client and provider are in the workroom at the same time, meeting mode is  automatically activated. This allows for real-time open communication between the client and freelancer that is logged for future reference. Since both parties are in the Workroom, no email is sent for each message posted on the board. However, a meeting transcript will be sent to both parties once the meeting has concluded. Sometimes your client may try to communicate outside of the workroom; however, I strongly recommend to never make any project-related decisions outside of the workroom.

File Sharing in the Elance Workroom

Files can be uploaded into the Workroom via an email message attachment, Status Report attachment or a direct upload into the Workroom. I find it easier to upload files as attachments with a message board post or Status Report submission so I can explain to the client what the attachment represents. The Elance Workroom also keeps track of different versions of the same file name.

For example:

You send an attachment for “YourLogo.jpg” with a message board post. The client suggests changes, you add the changes and submit again with the Status Report under the same name “YourLogo.jpg”.

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