The Rise and Limitations of Traditional Freelancing

The global freelance economy is expanding at an unprecedented rate. By 2027, more than 50 percent of the U.S. workforce will be working flexible remote jobs on Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com.

However, despite its growth, the traditional freelance model is deeply flawed. While Web2 freelance platforms have provided global opportunities, they have also introduced significant inefficiencies and exploitative practices that limit freelancer autonomy and earnings.

What’s Wrong with Web2 Freelancing?

• Excessive Fees – Freelancers lose 10-20% of their earnings to platform commissions.

• Payment Delays & Withheld Funds – Earnings are locked for weeks due to platform policies.

• Platform-Controlled Reputation – Work history and ratings belong to the platform, not the freelancer.

• Biased Dispute Resolution – Arbitration often favors clients, leaving freelancers unprotected.

• Account Bans & Censorship – Platforms can suspend accounts without explanation, erasing years of work.

Rather than fostering true financial independence, these platforms act as gatekeepers, extracting value from freelancers while offering minimal protections. This has created an urgent need for a trustless, transparent, and decentralized alternative.