The writing world (not to mention other ICs) are in an uproar over elance. I've had some problems since their redesign- not getting communications regularly being the most consequential.
I may still solicit over there, and hope that companies know that they get what they pay for, and forego those who are willing to work for pennies. I've garnered some excellent, excellent clients from elance. But, at this point, I'm not planning on renewing in March.
Here's a post from The Golden Pencil:
http://www.thegoldenpencil.com/2007/12/17/more-problems-for-writers-at-elance/#comment-145848
