The best so far imho is Getafreelancer (yes my aff link is in there). I've both worked there and hired people. It's cheap and effective for most types of outsourcing except perhaps coding complex applications. For all writing and graphic design, it works almost flawlessly.
what do you guys do to make the money, write articles? and if so how long do they have to be usually. also, do you have to have any special talents
Personally, I do content writing--eBooks, guides, articles--and proofreading. For me, writing is a strength, so I can crank out 2-3 500+ word articles per hour. I've also established a relationship with a few clients and still get consistent work from them. You don't have to have special talents...you don't even need to have a degree in anything. If you're at least decent, you'll get hired for projects.
I agree with you. I did the freelance writing thing both online and off, but it's a lot of work to constantly solicit new markets and trade time for dollars. I much prefer my own business where I'm doing/writing about what I enjoy and the residual income keeps coming in.
I do agree, but the thing with that is, most of us don't have the money to just build up something like that. We need freelance writing because it pays the bills for us. I'm in the process of jumpstarting my own business, but am doing it on my own time while I still freelance to pay all of my expenses. Plus, no one is forced to take a project on something the person doesn't like. I, for instance, dislike writing really technical reviews. Therefore, I don't do those projects. Instead, I take on things that I can appreciate from a creative standpoint--and leap for joy when I get hired on a project that I love.
I have a bigger plan and this I considered to be my ultimate online plan... I don't have money to pay for some programming so I am taking some freelance jobs like writing and promotion in order to build fund for this project. Freelancing helps me a lot..
Right now: less than $500/month. But a few months ago i went on for $500-$2000/month. But scammers (yes, you morons) and the lack of time made me rethink what i wanted to do, and right now just doing freelancing for solid costumers.