Just a warning

Just a warning to caution other users.

I used this form to find a freelance programmer. Amount was agreed upon with Paul Dawson (Devshed user name: paulddaw) for a script to be made. I was told the script would be ready within 1 day from receiving payment..

Funds have been exchanged, yet after 15 days and 5 attempts to contact him I have received nothing. The first 2 emails he replied saying that he'd been busy. Now I don't even get a reply.

Others may have great experiences with this user and this may just be a one-off incident, but I'm just cautioning everyone to be weary.

Andrew: I'm sure he's already got his email address. We don't want other people spamming it.

NightShift: I haven't seen other people complaining, but I have seen at least one person who was happy with him. Sorry about the bad luck though.

Nightshift, this is horrible. But I will say he is on my list, doesn't have any outstanding work to do for me, but I will say him not responding is no surprise, he is a young guy who still attends school and at times truely is away from his computer. And sometimes he doesn't respond in due time(this I attribute to his youth). But overall is a good guy. I would suggest emailing him and letting him know via IM the situation here on the board. This can hurt someone trying to build a carreer in web development.

Dont pay for something upfront.
I only except payment for completed work that the client is happy with, if its a big project i accept 50% on completion of first draft final payment on completion of working site only when final payment do I fully handover all files.
For a simple script I show the script working a my server if the client happy transfer money and transfer of script happens in same day.

Dunno what anyone else thinks about this, but what about a sticky to post feedback about people who have done you work? You could create a new post in the sticky once work has been completed (or not completed) by someone who offered to help and then this would help other users when looking for people to employ.

Anyone like this idea?

done - good idea

you little schznit that was my idea

hey you got credit you little spammer you... you've overtaken my sig now damnit not too long till your post count catches up too

hehe And I edited the thread - just to add my touches

Thanks to everyones replies, and yes gscreations I know that I shouldn't have paid up front my mistake.

The last thing I want to do is hamper someones career if there is genuine reason for the delay. If paulddaw does come through with the goods, then I will gladly get back on here and let everyone know.

I didn't get one here without trying serveral times to make contact with him first. However I do believe that others in the forums looking to employ should have some feedback, good or bad.

You may want to add your experience to the new sticky at: http://forums.devshed.com/t147078/s.html

If you later find that he does produce the code, you could always go back and edit your post.

Well one of you is lying... and I'd like to know who.

edwinbrains this will turn into a he said/she said unless nightshift can show proof of payment.

There in lies the only proof that be shown and close the matter.

A paypal screen shot would do.

I have the PayPal screenshot, Do you want me to post it on this forum, or can I email it to edwinbrains. I also have copies of all the emails.

I don't want this to become a he said/I said argument. All I ever wanted was the script. And if Paulddaw does produce the script, I will gladly let everyone know and withdraw my comments.