Modifying the structure of the "Paid Work Offers" forum?

[WA]

Hi guys:
I've been looking to modify the set up of the Paid Work Offers forum forum one way or the other for a while now, and now's a good a time as any. What do you guys think about breaking it up into smaller categories based on cost, such as:

1) Very small projects (<$30)
2) Small projects (<$100)
3) Medium projects ($100 to $500)
4) Larger projects ($500 and above)
5) Looking to hire or get hired

I realize for a forum that's rather quiet in terms of traffic, it may be overkill to break it up further, but right now it just seems very cluttered. I may also be looking for another mod to give bcarl314 a helping hand in keeping everything in order, if anyone's interested.

[Spookster]

We have a paid work offers forum?

[PappaJohn]

What about those who have no idea what a project would be worth (we get a few of them).

Maybe "Request for Bid"

[WA]

Originally Posted by Spookster

We have a paid work offers forum?

We sure do!

[vinyl-junkie]

How about changing it so that the thread title lists a price range or bid in the title? For example:

[$100 to $500] Project A
[bid] Project B
[looking to hire] Company C

That would make it easier for people to comb through the posts, without necessitating the establishment of new sub-forum(s). You could also see visually when a particular category was getting large enough to justify having its own sub-forum.

[Aradon]

Originally Posted by vinyl-junkie

How about changing it so that the thread title lists a price range or bid in the title? For example:

[$100 to $500] Project A
[bid] Project B
[looking to hire] Company C

That would make it easier for people to comb through the posts, without necessitating the establishment of new sub-forum(s). You could also see visually when a particular category was getting large enough to justify having its own sub-forum.

If you did something like that, then you would have to make it a required option when creating the post. I mean, how many people in Computer Programming actually list the language they are using in the topic even though we suggest that they do?

[WA]

Originally Posted by vinyl-junkie

How about changing it so that the thread title lists a price range or bid in the title? For example:

[$100 to $500] Project A
[bid] Project B
[looking to hire] Company C

That would make it easier for people to comb through the posts, without necessitating the establishment of new sub-forum(s). You could also see visually when a particular category was getting large enough to justify having its own sub-forum.

This could work for the short term, but ultimately, I think it's still better just to break things up into separate categories...

[bcarl314]

I'm not sure if I like the idea of having a "small" projects and a "micro" projects separation. I'd think something akin to the following would suffice...

1) Small projects (i.e. less than $100)
2) Quick projects (i.e. $100 - $1,000)
3) Large / Enterprise projects (i.e. over $1,000)
4) Maintenance projects / Paid positions - ongoing hourly work / employment opps
5) Developer "connection" - where people can post their resume, portfolios, and availability
6) Job advice

[WA]

I see your logic bcarl314, though is it realistic enough though? I mean, your breakdown is a quintessential one as far as what constitutes a small, medium, and large project. But based on the type of posts that currently gets posted on CF's work offers/request forums, does it reflect their mindset?

[bcarl314]

I guess I see a lot of projects in the $20 - $50 range, then there's usually a jump to the $150 - $300 range, and again a vary significant jump to $1000 + range with very little in the gaps in between (i.e. not many people posting for a $70 or $600 project). So I think the categories 0-100, 100 - 1000 and 1000+ would fit nicely.

I think it we made a $30 or less "micro" project forum, we'd end up getting people who are willing to pay a little more than 30 posting in that forum. Because I think if you've got $25 to spend, more than likely you're going to be able to come up with $35. Whereas $100 is a psychological barrier as is $1000.

Just my 2 cents, well, inflation adjusted it's more like 4.2 cents, but whatever

[bcarl314]

Not to mention, what is the CF community going to look at more? If there's a <$30 and a $30 - $100, I have a feeling that the <$30 will get ignored.

[WA]

Ok, I've just reorganized the Web Projects forums, mainly using bcarl314's suggestions. Members starting a new thread in any one of the "XX size Projects" categories will now be presented with a template to fill out. Hopefully this will guide people somewhat in providing the necessary details when looking for paid help.