Q&A: Where can I outsource my book database maintenance?

QUESTION: I have a PDA with a database book pricing program on it. I have a difficult time trying to download the program onto the PDA. I've e-mailed the manufacturer twice, but no help.

When I get my program to work, it works well. I would like to outsource the task of getting this program onto my PDA every month. How can I find someone for this small job? People usually outsource to foreign countries, right?

ANSWER: Two likely places to try are Guru.com and GetAFreelancer.com. On these sites, you post a job, and volunteers bid on it. It's a reverse auction -- the lowest bidder gets the job (after you check out their credentials and references, and give the OK).

For work that can be done via e-mail, these freelance networks are a great way to find affordable expertise. Many of the workers who bid are overseas and they're willing to work cheap. Earlier this year, I posted a job on GetAFreelancer and got about 50 bids, many of them at rock-bottom prices.

But just because someone's willing to work for below minimum wage doesn't mean it's a good deal for you. One thing you've got to watch out for: Some of the people who respond will have very limited English skills. You want to find someone you can communicate with, of course. So take a good look at the writing they've posted on their profiles, that will give you a hint on their language skills.