Thanks for taking it lightly, sometimes people are touchy :-)
>The difference here is of course that in the DDR you weren't asked if it's ok to listen in on you. ;)
Yes, but if enough big companies get away with this, then having a choice of "not using Upwork if you don't like it" wont matter much, because you'll be missing where most of the clients are.
In other words, you could still take the principled stance, but it will cost you.
Well, included in not being asked is also that you weren't told when you'd be listened to. With oDesk you know exactly when since it only happens when you push the button. There are no surprises involved, as opposed to the DDR where you could wake up to your door being kicked in because a week ago someone two tables over in the pub heard you gripe.
The difference here is of course that in the DDR you weren't asked if it's ok to listen in on you. ;)