In October, I decided to create a logo for this site and the other stuff I'm releasing under the "Work Yourself Up!" name. Decided to do it via a "contest" on SitePoint.com.
Here's a thread I posted about the process as well as the entries which were submitted.
What happened...
I picked a logo I wanted, only to find the designer was from Israel and was unable to accept Paypal or a standard check. Wanted me to get some kind of special money order and send it to him via registered mail.
A huge pain in the ass for me, but I liked his work and wanted to deal with him. And because I hadn't been specific about how he would be paid, just assuming that everybody has Paypal or can accept a wire, it was only fair.
But when I asked if there were other options to send him money, such as Xoom.com, I never heard back. A couple more emails... Never heard back.
So I ended up getting the logo I've been using here for the last 5-6 months from a guy on Scriptlance. Gave him the elements I had used an an example and he did the rest...and for a lot less money, too.
Mistakes I made with SitePoint...
1. I didn't get in and leave feedback for the logos which were being submitted, as they were coming in, just assuming that no feedback meant I didn't like it and that I'd make my final selection after the contest was over.
But these guys, from what I can tell, are willing to work with you to get the project and expect to get feedback as the contest process is happening. That's a good system, so if you're willing to give good instruction to people and comment on logos which are submitted, SitePoint's "contest" system might work for you.
Giving feedback and being more on top of the process would have probably gotten me more submissions and better quality submissions, which probably would have gotten me better results.
2. As I mentioned above, I didn't get specific with how I was willing to pay people. I've gotten so used to sites like on Scriptlance, which has a built-in escrow system, I didn't think anything about it.
I still think SitePoint is a good system and would recommend it. It's very cool to see the amazing things that people from all over the world come up with.
If you guys use SitePoint, or have used it in the past, please let me know. I'd love to see the results you've had!
