The Sharing Economy - R U Experienced?

[JSngry]

Uber, Airbnb, etc. Really interesting story written buy a guy who, as he puts it, "became a corporation" through these new business models. History leading up to the successful realization provided, as well as speculation about implications for future class distinctions. But mostly a first-hand relating of experiences.

This is all new-ish to me, and I don't know that I'll ever participate in any of this. I'm too old to take to it naturally. But if this had been happening in 1975 instead of 215, I would probably be all in (and my parents would have most likely have the same instinctual wariness that I have now).

All that aside though, is anybody here actively involved in this type of activity, either as a provide or a consumer, casually or fully? Wondering how it's working, how it's feeling, etc.

Seem like a really interesting socio-economic development from which there may not be any walking back short of forced institutional blockage.

Potential here to veer the discussion into the "political" is high, so the extent that it might, please keep it between the lines.

[GA Russell]

I remember back thirty years ago, the Libertarians were objecting to the fact that the number of taxi cab medallions in NYC was fixed in the 1930's. The issue was the number. I don't recall anyone objecting to the government's right to regulate who received a cab license (ie, the prohibition of convicted pimps).

As I see it, Uber is (de facto) arranging for anyone to become a cab driver without first clearing the driver. I think that's asking for trouble.

Edited February 1, 2015 by GA Russell

[BeBop]

I'm old, but doing a lot of this "sharing". I'm forced into it because I don't have a home. So I'm always on the selfish/receiving side of the share. Or I s'pose I'm sharing my money.

[danasgoodstuff]

I don't get how is Uber not subject to the same rules as any cab company?

[JSngry]

I'm old, but doing a lot of this "sharing". I'm forced into it because I don't have a home. So I'm always on the selfish/receiving side of the share. Or I s'pose I'm sharing my money.

Not necessarily "selfish", imo...I take it your experience has been mostly positive?

[BeBop]

Uber, positively positive. There are lots of places on the outskirts of urban areas where I can't reliably get a cab...to get me to an airport/flight. Uber is at least honest about whether they're coming to get you and when. Taxis, no. And taxis still run you around the long way, since that boosts the fare. Uber is GPS "neutral", so there isn't the BS.

Airbnb on the other hand is too hit or miss. Privacy? Maybe. Everything in good working condition? Seldom. You do get to check out people's music and book collections, but I'll stick with cookie cutter hotels. At least you get a cookie.

Zipcar and those things with their own fleets are great. But if you need a car for more than a day, rent from something like Hertz Local Edition (non airport) and save a lot of money. Driving someone's personal car scares me. Who maintains and repairs the thing?

Edited February 1, 2015 by BeBop

[Guy Berger]

I think, on net, these kinds of things are good - my one experience with airbnb was a good one, and I'm glad to have Uber around (though I do think some of the more extravagant claims about the macro- benefits are overdone).

But our country does a terrible job evenly distributing the gains from these kinds of innovations. There will be a lot of people who experience detrimental impacts that I'm guessing policy won't try to ameliorate. Won't say more because this isn't the politics thread.

[johnblitweiler]

Does anyone here have experience in sleeping in strangers' homes-having strangers sleeping in their homes while traveling? These kind of reciprocal exchanges appear promising but the lack of privacy in my small crib would seem to forbid my reciprocity.