Sebastian N.

So, basically, unless I pay Freelancer first, I can't get any good money from Freelancer. That I would have to take automatic certification tests I understand; that I would have to pay for them I do not understand. That I would have to pay a monthly subscription to use Freelancer's services I understand; that such a subscription still limits my bids I do not understand. And the jobs...are you kidding me? Unless I have some five to five thousand reviews first, there is no way to get any decent projects, and so I have to put up with a 'race to the bottom' for a couple of years, while I basically work for the reviews themselves (and a few peanuts)? I invested thousands of dollars and hours into my skills; my portfolio spans dozens of high-quality, SEO-mastered, 2000+ words articles; I have been certified by the likes of Jon Morrow and Brian Clark; and who here gives a damn? I can't even 'apply' to worthwhile projects until I spill more dollars to bribe Freelancer first - otherwise, at rates under 10$/hour, I'll retire before I recoup my investment into my own education. No thanks; this is barely one step above exploitation in my view (although I'm sure it presents plenty of opportunity for some third-world countries and for the 'employers').