Internet is a great communication medium. One of its biggest advantages is that it can effectively be used to aggregate resources scattered over a wide physical area for a common project that can be executed on the Internet.

There are several business models that can be effectively executed on the Internet where a person sitting at home or through a Cyber Cafe can participate in a group project. Such "Sit at home And Work" kind of projects are ideally suited for the Internet medium and hold great promise for the future.

However, due to the remote nature of interactions, it is often difficult for the "Contractor" and the "Contractee" to establish a proper rapport. If the relations get sour,  then there is a possibility for misunderstandings leading to  break in the contract.

It is therefore necessary that all such businesses follow a policy of "Abundant Faith" and "Best Practices" in all aspects of business.

One important aspect of all such businesses is to develop a relationship which does not require a member of the public to pay any upfront fees. Any scheme which requires payment of a non refundable amount is prima-facie risky. 

If the nature of business involves any upfront expenditure by the businessman it should perhaps come as the entrepreneur's investment. The member of the public should be able to start off without any investment other than his time and say computer resources.

While there can be many genuine businesses that can be developed under this model,  it appears that even before this benefit of Internet are fully reaped by the genuine businessmen some appear to be taking advantage of the system in a manner in which the very image of such home based Internet business is tarnished.

Recently, Naavi.com received a few references from persons who have pointed out about one Company which seems to have dissatisfied several persons by providing a "Medical Transcription Work" to be executed from home.

According to the complaints received, the Company is collecting money upfront for registration and providing some work setting  some performance parameters. It is felt that the performance standards are either impossible to achieve or the work is unfairly rejected. The Complainants feel that the Company is refusing payment citing the non fulfillment of the performance standards and a huge scam is hidden in the scheme.

Unfortunately, we have not been able to personally verify the facts of the case and hence we have to be restrained in passing any adverse comments on the same.

We would however request the public to write to us about their experience on such companies in India and their offers. In particular, if any member of the public has some good experiences in participating in such home based networked business, please let us know.

Naavi

February 10, 2003

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