Configuring task-level tracking on custom AI portals

Tracking work on custom and client-hosted annotation tools

AI contractors frequently move between major platforms and boutique client portals. Platforms like Outlier, DataAnnotation, Mercor, Handshake, micro1, and TELUS often run tasks on distinct domains. When working inside custom interfaces, relying on native platform counters leaves blind spots. Many proprietary tools do not offer real-time session stats or historical task logs, making pay discrepancies difficult to verify when invoicing time comes around.

Running a personal record-keeping layer solves this gap. RaterSidekick functions as a private work hub by operating directly inside your browser. Rather than relying on invasive screen recording or keystroke logging, it logs active work sessions, task counts, and estimated earnings using strict site boundaries and user-defined triggers. Here is how to configure domain-specific tracking and submit shortcuts for custom or unlisted annotation portals.

Step 1: Grant browser extension access for your target domain

Most generic trackers require permission to view every website you visit. RaterSidekick operates under a zero-access default. It remains inactive until you explicitly designate a specific domain or project profile for tracking.

When you open a custom rating portal or client interface, set up site access using Chrome's native permissions prompt:

• Designate the site: Select the domain inside the extension interface to initiate tracking for that specific URL.
• Confirm permissions: Chrome will prompt you to confirm site access. Grant permission only for the domain hosting your rating workflow.
• Maintain separation: The extension cannot access other tabs, browsing history, or unapproved sites. Your work records carry no external URL paths or page context.

This approach ensures that proprietary work stays isolated. No screen capture code exists in the extension, meaning sensitive client prompts, model outputs, and evaluation text remain off the record.

Step 2: Map your task completion keyboard shortcut

Manual clocking breaks focus. To log task counts accurately on custom tools, RaterSidekick detects completions via triggers you select.

Contractors typically submit evaluation forms using key combinations like Enter or Ctrl+Enter. You can assign that exact shortcut to trigger the task counter:

• Select your key combination: Choose the primary keyboard shortcut you use to submit tasks on the target portal.
• Filtered event capture: The extension listens only for your chosen shortcut on designated sites. Every other key press is discarded the moment it happens.
• Automatic task increments: Each time you press the assigned keys, RaterSidekick increments your task total and calculates the elapsed time for that specific unit of work.

Because no text inputs or keystroke logs are saved locally or sent to external servers, you maintain an accurate count without exposing work inputs.

Step 3: Target the submit button for click-based workflows

If your portal relies on button clicks rather than keyboard shortcuts, you can point the extension directly at the submit element during initial setup.

When pointed at a submit button, RaterSidekick saves its coordinate location and label locally on your device. When you click that specific element, the extension registers a completed task. The button details stay on your machine, ensuring no page text, form data, ratings, or comments are ever read or transmitted.

Step 4: Configure project rates and session controls

Once domain permissions and task triggers are active, establish your rate structure to project earnings accurately during long sessions:

1. Establish a project profile: Create a named profile for the client portal. Set your hourly or per-task pay rate.
2. Automated session monitoring: Active tracking begins automatically when you start a task on designated sites. It pauses when you step away.
3. Verify with Pay Checker: At the end of a weekly cycle, use the Pay Checker feature to cross-reference your recorded sessions, task counts, and estimated earnings against the platform report.

If a client portal updates its interface or shuts down its internal history view, your private records remain intact. You can also import existing work history from spreadsheets, Clockify, or platform exports to keep your master dashboard complete.

Maintaining clean records without employer monitoring software

Some client projects mandate third-party monitoring software like Insightful or Hubstaff. RaterSidekick is not employer monitoring software and does not replace those systems. It operates independently alongside existing client tools as your personal data layer.

Setting up custom domain tracking ensures that regardless of how many proprietary portals you use, your complete work history, session durations, and pay audits belong strictly to you. You can start with a 7-day free trial requiring no credit card to test setup across your current client sites. The Pro plan adds unlimited project profiles, full work history storage, Pay Checker, and Evidence Packs under monthly or annual billing options.