I have no problem, in general, with agencies or people who outsource or have other freelancers do the work. I do have a problem with freelancers who are pretending to do the work, are not honest with the client, and paying the real workers next to nothing.
"I think it's unethical if a client hires a freelancer to write an article or translate something; in that case, the person who's hired should be doing the work."
Agreed.
"However, if I'm doing a large graphic design project and there are some easier components to it, I don't see anything unethical about getting an entry level freelancer to complete some of the tasks."
Nor do I. You are still in charge, are doing the majority of work, and overseeing the freelancer.
"As for "why not become an agency", I would gladly do that, except for these two major drawbacks: 1) Many clients hate agencies and just plain avoid them, and 2) Upwork's agency model is cumbersome because the client has to hire each freelancer separately, instead of just hiring one person to head up the project and delegate tasks."
Again, you are a responsible freelancer, using the system appropriately. Many are not. That is where the problem lies. For those who use and abuse new freelancers, (no one who has posted in the forums) there needs to be a statement declaring if this is a Terms violation. I have dealt with freelancers who are manipulated by established freelancers and are doing all the work for peanuts, and nothing is transparent.
I have two issues. One, in many cases the person with the skills doing the work are not even on the radar. It is unethical that the client is not informed of the arrangement if the work is performed in its entirety or majority by someone else. Two, it is unethical to use freelancers without appropriate compensation and acknowledgement. It is the freelancers who are behaving this way, not ethical, professional freelancers like you.
"I just think it would be nice if Upwork allowed me to manage my business as I see fit and potentially create more work for other freelancers, instead of putting roadblocks in my way."
This would all be resolved if the powers that be answered the simple question about Terms violation. If freelancers can do whatever they want to the client, and use new freelancers horribly without ever being truthful, or giving the client an informed choice, and it's fine with Upwork - then I guess that's just the way it is on Upwork. I still want a definitive answer, and no one will give me one.
"What financial and regulatory fees would there be? And clients have complained about poor work from individual freelancers as well - that's a completely separate issue that Upwork ought to address. If were to subcontract, I would be the project manager and take complete responsibility for ensuring that the work was done properly (I'd redo it myself, if necessary), because it's my reputation and JSS that's on the line."
I was referring to all the expenses a legitimate agency would pay to their subcontractors or employees. I in no way want anything added from Upwork. A clarification is all that is required. If it is a violation, Upwork has work to do.
Again, you are a professional, ethical, and honest freelancer. I am talking about freelancers who use others without informing clients and treating the freelancers doing the work like garbage. Apparently, a lot of this is done through chat rooms and messaging, where freelancers find vulnerable and often desperate people who have skills. This could be a win-win situation, but it's often a way to use others to the advantage of the freelancer.
I have no idea how many freelancers are manipulating people outside of Upwork who are doing the work, or even other freelancers. It isn't just on Upwork, but some platforms specifically state it is not allowed without informing the client.
