Beware of phoneys at iPhone site

Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 31 October 2007 06:47

Your IT - Mobility

A new web site aims to put iPhone owners seeking custom applications in touch with programmers that can develop them. The idea is that people can use iphonefreelancer.com to outline the software they want and solicit bids from freelance developers. Developers may also use the site to advertise applications they have already developed.

As of this writing, no project requests or advertisements have been posted on the site, which launched yesterday. Only three people have become registered users.

The main problem with such marketplaces is that it is difficult for would-be customers to judge whether a developer has the technical skills required for any particular project, and whether they can be trusted.

The site's anonymous operator (the domain was registered using GoDaddy's 'private registration' service) suggests a staged payment schedule - 10 percent when work begins, 40 percent at the half-way stage on evidence of progress, and the remaining 50 percent on completion, but prior to delivery. He or she suggests payments are made through PayPal "because if you have any disputes with the person you are paying money to,you can do this through paypal."

Other areas of the site are devoted to various aspects of the iPhone, including modifications and rumours.

Everyone involved with the site may well be absolutely genuine, but caveat emptor is always good advice where real money is involved.