tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12263366.post303347926262800492..comments2023-08-10T12:30:07.083-07:00Comments on Post-cocious: The Sharing Economy Gives Me The Jim-JamsAnuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681387485517846478noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12263366.post-58773149323856917152014-08-23T07:11:43.785-07:002014-08-23T07:11:43.785-07:00Sebastian, I would argue my post is a "look i...Sebastian, I would argue my post <b>is</b> a "look in earnest at the phenomenon of the 'sharing economy' and its possible ramifications."<br /><br />Just because you disagree with the assertions or concerns doesn't make them "FUD" (that's "fear, uncertainty, and doubt", for those who don't know).<br /><br />The use of "FUD" as a term here implies that I have malicious, rather than critical, intent, and that is obviously not the case.<br /><br />As I noted, taxis are imperfect, and the new ride-sharing services (which are only part of the article) have forced the moribund taxi industry to improve somewhat.<br /><br />My overall concern is that few people are thinking critically (in every sense) about what these changes might mean. If my tone is somewhat strident, it is because I think it is needed to counteract the boosterism from those invested in the new markets.Anuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10681387485517846478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12263366.post-74988935976142318002014-08-22T12:09:38.503-07:002014-08-22T12:09:38.503-07:00Yeah, FUD. I'm all for debate as well, but rig...Yeah, FUD. I'm all for debate as well, but right off the bat "would you get in a car driven by a total stranger?" What, like a taxi you mean? <br /><br />But taxi drivers are employees of a company! With liability insurance! And they have a special magic license! <br /><br />And they are every bit as dangerous as any "stranger" who drives for Uber or Lyft or whatever. Google "assaulted by cab/taxi driver" sometime.<br /><br />The real difference? When I hail a cab and get in, *no one* knows where I am or who is driving me. I order an Uber or Lyft or whatever - both our phones are logging our interaction and location, the whole time. I know which one makes me feel safer.<br /><br />Plus the ride sharing services are doing more thorough background checks, plus they are beefing up their insurance, plus the novelty is wearing off and people are getting over their inchoate fear of "something new" and starting to look in earnest at the phenomenon of the "sharing economy" and its possible ramifications. And are moving past FUD, which doesn't make a very good substitute for actual discussion.Sebastianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16077206938904829985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12263366.post-15081168334151594972014-08-12T10:52:54.260-07:002014-08-12T10:52:54.260-07:00> Rob, if it is a little hyperbolic or one-side...> Rob, if it is a little hyperbolic or one-sided, I still think it is justified because there is a dearth of commentary about this "innovation" (or most other in Silicon Valley, for that matter).<br /><br />Agreed. I'm all for critique as my comment indicates/ <br /><br />> Before we throw ourselves over the edge, we should look a bit first.<br /><br />We're already over the edge, aren't we?<br /><br />> But I actually don't see it as all that hyperbolic. One could argue this is a triumph of Libertarianism or Capitalism or the Little Guy or something, but the outcomes of this seem very clear to me.<br /><br />Potential outcomes that haven't materialized as yet. <br /><br />Let's see if I can quickly respond in some detail w/o losing my day. :) From the top:<br /><br />> Would you get into a car driven by a total stranger?<br /><br />Yes, in fact I prefer it to driving myself. I asked my wife if she'd rather have an Audi A4 convertible (a car we own) or 30 Uber rides/month (the value of the car's parking space should we put the Audi in RelayRides/GetAround circulation). She too preferred the latter. <br /><br />> Would you give total strangers keys to your home while you're on vacation for a few weeks? <br /><br />Of course not. But someone with a solid AirBnB reputation and a security deposit aren't "total strangers" IMHO. <br /><br />> Would you like The Internet to tell you what it thinks of who you are and how you live your life?<br /><br />By "The Internet" presumably you mean people who use the Internet. By "what...who...how" presumably you mean being open to 3rd party review as concomitant quid pro quo of commercially lending my assets to others. I don't know if I "like" it, but I am clear wrt the trade-offs. <br /><br />> Most reasonable people would say "No!" But the new sharing economy says "LIKE!"<br /><br />Rather most reasonable people reasonably believe the new sharing economy is made up of reasonable people for some reasonable definition of reasonable.<br /><br />> The sharing economy is creepy, dystopic, and it gives me the jim-jams.<br /><br />ORLY?<br /><br />> They all act as "clearinghouses" or dispatchers, skimming profits off of every transaction while steadfastly ignoring or denying most liability and responsibility, and not actually "employing" any of the people or owning any of the assets used. They're middlemen.<br /><br />Yes, they are markets for the arbitrage of extant underutilized capital assets. <br /><br />> They typically ignore, avoid, or subvert regulations and laws that have constrained similar businesses.<br /><br />Yes, the markets are skirting or ahead of regulation but importantly no one expects that will last.<br /><br />> All the hype aside, none of these companies are really "tech companies". Their innovation is typically limited to cute names and nice-looking app design. In other words, the emptiest of marketing, coupled to a billing platform.<br /><br />Innovation is not bound to tech (or logo design). Changing the way people live and exchange at scale is part-and-parcel of innovation. <br /><br />> The new sharing economy gives me the jim-jams. It won't be optional. It will become compulsory, both to stay afloat, and because not participating will starve you of precious "reputation". Without avid participation, you will enter a downward spiral.<br /><br />> Participation itself will erode your autonomy, your privacy, and your ability to be yourself. What is at risk? Literally your life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.<br /><br />Here be FUD. Albeit, FUD I like, Facebook-is-the-panopticon ecumenically scoped FUD. But still FUD.<br /><br />RobRob Lordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12194901959477811852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12263366.post-53121719399075544072014-08-12T08:10:59.616-07:002014-08-12T08:10:59.616-07:00Rob, if it is a little hyperbolic or one-sided, I ...Rob, if it is a little hyperbolic or one-sided, I still think it is justified because there is a dearth of commentary about this "innovation" (or most other in Silicon Valley, for that matter).<br /><br />Before we throw ourselves over the edge, we should look a bit first.<br /><br />But I actually don't see it as all that hyperbolic. One could argue this is a triumph of Libertarianism or Capitalism or the Little Guy or something, but the outcomes of this seem very clear to me. Anuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10681387485517846478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12263366.post-10792685838780347442014-08-11T22:07:17.451-07:002014-08-11T22:07:17.451-07:00Good article because of and despite the gushing FU...Good article because of and despite the gushing FUD. Thank you Anu. :) Rob Lordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12194901959477811852noreply@blogger.com