Freelancers of all types are active on a variety of websites all over the internet. Reviewing forums on various sites reveals a frightening ignorance of Terms of Service on websites. This goes for writing sites, blogs, freelance sites and more. There are some important things that you need to know when you sign up to be a part of any website. This means Affiliates, Freelancing Marketplaces, Writing Sites, Web2.0 sites, bookmarking sites or whatever else you are considering signing up for.
A) Always read the TOS! – Always read the Terms of Service and make sure you understand what you are agreeing to. Nearly all terms of service state VERY clearly that continued use of a website represents your agreement that you have read, understood and agree to abide by the terms of service.
B) Check for Changes – Not all websites announce changes to their Terms of Service. In fact, many terms of service documents tell you that they reserve the right to change them at any time and put the responsibility for reviewing the changes on you. They further go on to incorporate the same language noted above, that is that your continued use of the site indicates your acceptance of those changes. Try to plan to review them at least one time a month for your own protection.
C) Know your rights - Some individual areas of a terms of service may not apply to you depending on where you live. If you should find that any portion of the TOS is a violation however this does not normally mean that the entire TOS is invalidated. Protect yourself by notifying the company or website (with a return receipt requested) that a portion does violate your rights along with proof (i.e. copy of statute).
Do not complain – It shows a complete lack of professionalism!
It is really unprofessional to complain about the terms of service of any website because you failed to read them and understand them. It serves to point out that you have failed as a professional that you were not even wise enough to thoroughly understand what it was you were getting yourself into. This isn’t going to help you get clients!
This means all websites – no matter what kind they are!
In addition to reading the terms of service on websites you are searching for jobs on, writing on, etc., you should be reading the terms of service on all websites. Even those that are seemingly innocuous could have serious clauses in their terms of service. Remember, the terms of service are not on websites to protect you, they are there to protect the interest of the company who put the website up. The terms of service can provide you with valuable information if you understand what you are reading.
Summary
The reading and understanding of the terms of service for all websites is important. When you are working online as a freelance professional you have a responsibility to read and understand them. Remember, the terms of service for websites can affect your business if you have not read them and understood them.
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