So many times I see buyers requesting you add them to G-talk or Skype or some other messaging platform just to discuss the project, regardless of how menial it may be. I'm curious to know how many of you do this and why you do it. As for me, I don't use messenger services at all. I don't like them, have no use for them. I certainly have no desire to be tethered to anyone 24hrs a day. That said, I'm an avid user of email and check mine several times an hour. I dunno. When I see a potential client demand to be added to messenger services, I automatically think they want to be in your ear every step of the way, telling you what to do and how and changing their minds 43294324230 times. I can't work like that and frankly, I refuse to. What say you?
If I'm to be on call, I expect to paid for that level of commitment. A typical writing project simply doesn't warrant that. I've only used Google messaging only with one client where I was subcontracting. Otherwise it's strictly email and the occasional phone call. I generally tell clients during the initial stages of a project, particularly ones in a vastly different time zone, that I will be more than glad to accommodate their schedules as long as they let me know ahead of time.
I would stay away unless you're being paid handsomely or by the hour...some clients are into micromanaging and getting something for nothing. I have to wonder how successful they really are if they have time to talk for eons to article writers online. Stephanie
Lol, I use all of the messengers but I always stay cloaked! With me being cloaked around the clock people won't know when I am on. I figure that if it's urgent then they'll leave me a message off line. I don't mind talking to them on messenger because there are times that it's needed. My clients at least know that they can reach me whenever they want to and I feel that it helps with communication and with getting to know exactly what they are wanting. That's just my personal opinion anyway. I have a client in the UK that I talk with on Skype off and on throughout the week. I feel that we've gotten closer because of it. Email still works but I've discovered that some clients get dozens of emails each day and that is why some like talking on the messenger. If they get to be annoying or things don't work out, there's always the block and delete button!
I can be online as the buyer asks for, however in that case, I will like to be paid per hour. I mean when I charge the buyer, I will add the hours spent in writing+the hours spent in chatting etc.