I don't think 1-2 emails a week is a lot to ask, even if it's to say "Sorry, my cat's been sick and I've made no progress." If a team member goes 2-3 weeks without touching base or responding to emails, then I assume they aren't doing any work. If I don't see it, I don't know it exists. And if they are busy and can't be bothered to tell me, then obviously they don't take the project seriously enough.
In any type of work environment, you always need "face time" at the office. In an internet work environment, you need the same, whether it be emails or IMs or forum posts. It's very easy to slip away and disappear on the internet, and any project leader knows this. When you've dealt with enough flake outs, you'll begin to recognize the signs. Lack of communication is the first thing to look out for.
It's a pain and it does make you feel like a bastard sometimes, but it pays off. Eventually you'll wind up with a team of people you know you can rely on, and you won't have to resort to such draconian measures.
In any type of work environment, you always need "face time" at the office. In an internet work environment, you need the same, whether it be emails or IMs or forum posts. It's very easy to slip away and disappear on the internet, and any project leader knows this. When you've dealt with enough flake outs, you'll begin to recognize the signs. Lack of communication is the first thing to look out for.
It's a pain and it does make you feel like a bastard sometimes, but it pays off. Eventually you'll wind up with a team of people you know you can rely on, and you won't have to resort to such draconian measures.
