Article Surfing Archive

Sometimes when you run into a programming problem you need a little help to get moving again. You can quickly find that help on the Internet (at a reasonable price).

Rentacoder.com is a really helpful website. It is similar to eLance.com, but it specializes more in programming and coding while eLance.com covers more general services such as writing, translation, legal, accounting, etc.

It is more difficult to register on Rentacoder than on eLance. Apparently, Rentacoder has been burned by credit card fraud so you must take additional steps to validate your card for payment. The sign up process consists of the usual completion of the sign up form, setting up your credit card as the payment method, scanning or faxing both sides of the card to Rentacoder, and then receiving a phone call from Rentacoder validating the card. This is handled quickly and efficiently.

One reason for using Rentacoder over eLance is the minimum project cost on eLance is $50.00 and Rentacoder does not have a minimum.

Let's discuss how to use Rentacoder.

Once you have established an account on Rentacoder and validated your credit card, you are ready to post projects for coders to bid on. This is a simple process of completing the input form for the bid. You must state the specifications for the job in as much detail as possible so the coders who will enter bids can understand the job and enter the most accurate bid possible.

You then specify the computer operating system on which the program or script will run.

The deliverables are important so both parties understand exactly what is expected as the output for the project. Rentacoder has standard language for deliverables to help you with this part of the project creation as follows:

Deliverables:

All deliverables must be uploaded to Rent A Coder before the deadline(s) for this project...with no exceptions. If this contract makes it impossible for a competent person to do this, then do not start this project...but instead alert Rent A Coder of an un-arbitratable, illegal project.

1) Complete and fully-functional working program(s) in executable form as well as complete source code of all work done.

2) Deliverables must be in ready-to-run condition, as follows (depending on the nature of the deliverables): For web sites or other server-side deliverables intended to only ever exist in one place in the Buyer's environment--

3) All deliverables will be considered "work made for hire" under U.S. Copyright law. Buyer will receive exclusive and complete copyrights to all work purchased. (No GPL, GNU, 3rd party components, etc. unless all copyright ramifications are explained AND AGREED TO by the buyer on the site per the coder's Seller Legal Agreement).

When you have entered all the information, post the job and wait for the responses (bids). You will be surprised how quickly you will receive bids and how reasonable most of them will be.

Rentacoder is a great resource for any coding or programming project on which you need help. There are many capable programmers available through the Internet who can help you at a very competitive price. Don't let a small coding project stop you when help is so easy to find at a reasonable price on Rentacoder.

Copyright 2006 John Howe, Inc.