Lending cars to Uber drivers[2015/12/4]

Uber is launching a program where Uber lends cars to Uber drivers who do not have the cars that meet Uber's standards in a partnership with a rental car.

The idea is actually quite brilliant because it combines the underutilized labor and capital. People who want to make extra money but with no decent car can earn money and the rental car company also makes money.

From an efficiency point, this is wonderful. However, the cost $210 may be hmmm questionable. How did they come up with that amount? Also, shouldn't there be some differentiation. Just like insurance, good Uber drivers should get discounts.

The article does some calculations and shows that it is not a bad deal. I have not done the calculations but it does not look like a good deal.

However, let us remember that without this program, some people could not have ever made money using Uber. So overall, I do agree that this program has issues but in terms of efficiency, it is great. For drivers, just make sure that you do the math and it would be great if Uber could offer at least a range of expected profits like insurance companies. That would make the whole thing much better for Uber, drivers, rental companies, and consumers. Everyone wins ^^

Thoughts on about Uber's Employee Case in California [2015/6/24]

California Labor Office ordered Uber to consider drivers as employees given the control Uber has over its drivers.

I am all about fairness and treating people generously. However, it baffles me that

California ordered Uber to consider drivers are employees. How does

Uber have  control over the drivers? The drivers can schedule their work hours and quit

whenever  they want.

No one forced them to drive Uber. I am perplexed how voluntary will to work for Uber

is considered Uber's control.

Some might complain Uber is the only source of income for some? Really?

Why can't you work in other jobs that may be you can be happier. There are also other

sharing economy companies. Plus, you can be entrepreneurial and start a business.

Honestly, I think the drivers  are unhappy about the lower than expected Uber earning.

In such case, the drivers should complain about misleading advertisements not switching

to employees. Also, if the drivers are concerned about health insurance and benefits,

Uber can create a insurance/ benefit fund where the drivers will automatically contribute

and the those benefits can only be accessed if the driver fulfilled certain requirements.

I am always for fair and reasonably generous treatment of people but this California Labor Office ruling is quite unreasonable.



From Snapshot Serengeti

What I have learned today [2015/4/18]

1. Google+ failed due to lack of understanding of basic marketing. Google did not understand why normal people liked SNS. They focused Google+ towards nerds and geeks, mostly not the average Joe...Google+ is great for organizing and analyzing information but it's not a really a socializing platform. I like it though :p

2. Uber, Lyft, and other on-demand economy companies are being sued for taking advantage of workers through classifying them as contractors not employees. The lawyer Shannon Liss-Riordan has a point that on-demand economy companies may be taking advantage of the workers but she has to remember that no one is forced to work for Uber or any of the on-demand economy companies. Yes, there are minimum commitment hours but that is to ensure consistency and quality rather than trying to make the employee bound. I believe that an efficient solution would be for Uber and other on demand companies to enable good workers those who are good at their job receive more for their skills. Also, Uber and other on demand companies can set up certain rainy funds for certain workers who meet certain skill and time commitment to the company (e.g. worked over three years).

3. When negotiating for ransom be always firm yet cordial. Avoid publicity, and try to find a middle ground as soon as you have certainty that the hostage alive.


4. Wow...there are people who collect tax related antiques.

5. 31.5% of student debt is at least a month behind their payment...pray for the best, this won't be pretty.

6. Gravity Payment's CEO will raise wages about $70,000 to make his employees happier. Ok, this is sort of noble but I think he is making a mistake that everyone needs at least $70,000 to be much happier. Well, actually, it depends on the people, some may need more and some may need less. I think a better way would be to have more meritocracy rather than just raising the money. Also, we have to remember that people adapt very quickly to new circumstances, so it would be interesting to see how effective this program is.

7. I learned that there are intricate formulas for creating number of bins. Math is awesome :D



*From Floating Forests