video features profile information very nice , thank u

I'm confused... is Elance running a dating service? Human beings now and forever have been too influenced by the physical characteristics of other human beings. Why else would statistics still show that a handsome individual is perceived as being smarter than an individual with less flattering physical characteristics? You would certainly hope that prospective employers could see past something as trivial as the way someone looks and focus on the personality portrayed in the video... but are you (and your business) willing to risk it?

As an entrepreneur myself ( I am one of the many people who promotes Adobe products on the Internet ) I will certainly use this video service ! Fantastic idea !

Thank for a great video post.
You have made it easy to add video to my profile. I'm going to try to have a video clip up
within the next week!
Tim
http://www.lasik-surgery-san-diego.info

Great and inovating feature. I see this as a nice step forward. Chears!

Hi kidsbookmaker,

Thanks for your comment.  You bring up an interesting point about the influence of physical characteristics and appearance in our interactions.  I do think people respond to images in different ways.  Remember, buyers are looking to hire providers for specific projects which vary in nature and scope and what these buyers are looking for in the providers may also run the gamut.  We offer this video feature as just another way for providers to market their services - and more importantly, to do it in whatever way they want to express themselves.  So, whether the profile is a static photo, a logo, or a video – the intent is to allow providers to differentiate their services in whatever style suits them.  The video and audio component allows providers the opportunity to give buyers a sample of their professional workstyles and personalities that may not be as easily communicated in text form.

We’ve noticed that some profile videos are reflective of the country providers work in, where others are just voice over images – we purposely made it the provider’s choice as to how they wanted to represent themselves.  Ultimately, the video feature is an opportunity to be creative and really communicate who you are and what you do in a way that is unique and personal to you.  The general consensus from providers already using this feature is that it has had a positive impact on buyers looking at their profiles and in turn resulted in buyers becoming more interested in what the providers have to offer.  I would venture to say that they might even feel it is a risk worth taking. 
Regards,
Rachel
Provider Network, Elance
 

As a freelance writer, I love the idea of using videos. On the phone, no matter how comfortable and smooth you are with your voice, you will never truly communicate how articulate, responsive and personable you can be in person. Now, imagine if all you had was email. How personal and expressive is that?? People want to know something more about who they are trusting their business to. They want to work with people they feel comfortable with and putting a face to the name helps, regardless of attractiveness. And in most cases, a video is as close to a traditional business handshake as buyers and providers can get. This is just another outlet to bring both sides of the table a bit closer. It's a great idea. As far as a "dating service", you're more right than you think. Every business transaction is a relationship. And it's nice to actually see who your courting...