Expand!

[Cypher]

I think this site is a great Idea. I think you should consider expanding this to include programming projects. But you would have to figure out a way to make it so that it doesnt turn into another Elance site, because it would be incredibly difficult to have programmers each making their own versions of the same project...

Perhaps have it so that there is a "Design Team" for programming as well? And when somebody posts a project, then the design team decides how to split up the work, if its big enough, then the whole team can participate. If this site had a programming section, I would join the team in an instant (assuming you guys would let me in...)

This idea may not be right for the present, but maybe once you have a larger user base and have been open longer.

[Palmer]

We're way ahead of you ;) Design Outpost is the first in a network of sites appropriately named the Outpost Network. These are sites that will offer web services in a unique format. The sites that comprise the network are...

OutpostNetwork.com
DesignOutpost.com
ProgrammingOutpost.com
HostingOutpost.com
DomainOutpost.com

We will also be offering our own web hosting service from the domain OutpostHosting.com.

Our plan is to be the only resource needed from inception to completion for getting a web site off the ground.

Thanks for the suggestion,
Palmer

[Cypher]

Sweeet... any idea on a launch date for the other sites?

And I would be interested in knowing the process of the other sites. Whats going to make them unique compared to other Programming Contract Sites on the net? (there are quite a few of them now, and they are all the same format that makes things really tough. Especially when you have 1000's of people bidding on the same project).

Our plan is to be the only resource needed from inception to completion for getting a web site off the ground.

If thats your plan, I think you missed out one key factor that will decide the fate of any business/website. Promotion. What about a promotionoutpost.com ? Where people will do things like search engine optimization, advertising, link exchanges, etc.. A place for people to either learn how to advertise their sites, or a place for them to pay someone to do it for them.

[beetle]

Don't let it get too crowded in here. Many sites like this let just anyone join (which I know DesignOutpost doesn't) but sticking around and acutally spending time on designs, etc is only worthwhile if I feel like I have a 1 in 20 chance or better. Once the population on a site like this is too large, it just isn't worth it.

Just my 2 cents

[Palmer]

Beetle - I agree, I want to limit how many are on the design team but on the other hand I don't want any contest to go ignored. It's a difficult balancing act. What this thread is concerning is expanding into other forms of "Outpost" sites.

Cypher, sorry I didn't see your reply, thus the reason for the delayed response.

The way Programming Outpost (http://www.programmingoutpost.com) will work is as follows...

1)Contest holder requests a service via the forum, a link to a private forum is posted for the bids to be posted
2)The Programming Team is permitted to ask questions of the contest holder in that public thread to better decide on their bid for the project
3)Programmers post their bids on a private forum only viewable by them
4)After a set amount of time, maybe a week, the contest holder is notified that there are x number of bids with prices ranging from this much money to that much money
5)Contest holder pays a small fee (that's my cut) and their priviledges are upgraded so they can view the bids.
6)An unbiased member of the Consulting Team can assist the contest holder (maybe by using Instant Messaging) for an additional fee (I'll probably get a cut of that as well)
7)Contest holder makes a decision and contacts the programmer for the job.
8)Any additional fees for upgrades and changes can be worked out betweeen the programmer and the contest holder.

Although I agree promotion outpost is a great idea, I'm not sure how it would work in the scheme of the outpost method of finding web site products and services. Possibly the service of marketing and promotion could be outsourced to the lowest bidder. I'll have to think about that one. You have some very good ideas in your post, I just need to figure out the game plan.

Thanks for the input.

Palmer

[missingarrow]

hmm... the programming outpost is an interesting concept but I think you may run into some road blocks... People bidding on program work (anything above a small piece of code) like to have a feel for what the programmer can do. If the contest holder can't see who is at what price it would be hard to choose...

I hope that made some sense, I am running low on sleep, and still have a night class to go...

dan

[Palmer]

They'll get to see all the bids and read the bidders comments when they pay. They gain access to the private forum wher the bidding takes place. For a small fee, a member of the "Consulting Team" (not a member of the progreamming team so to get an unbiased opinion) will be available to assist the client with their decision. Some will need that others will not, some will decide they need help after they look at the bids.

It seems with the other freelance sites you're sort of on your own and "buyer beware" with the decision you make.

[Adam P.]

Wow, Palmer, I had no idea you were expanding on your idea like this! Sounds like it's going to be an amazing network of talented people. :) The best of luck to you, and if you ever need any help, just ask and I'd be glad! :D

[Palmer]

Thanks Mr. P, I will need help. I'll give you a holler.

Palmer