Is there some reason why the page keeps refreshing automatically? It's annoying and makes it difficult to, you know, read the actual article.
Especially when it refreshes to "too many database connections" mid-read. Great work, citypaper.
I was an undercover Uber driver
11–20 of 170 posts
Re: I was an undercover Uber driver
#12I see people buying 2008 plus four door vechicles(that Uber approves of--on the ever changing list) and not making money and stuck with a four door car. Four door cars are harder to sell than two door cars.(I can't point to a link to prove this, but I used to sell cars, and four door cars were a tough sell.)
My problem with Uber is the requirement for a 2008 or newer car, and Uber decides if it's cool enough to represent their company. This is not an independent contractor Uber?
Let the driver use any registered vechicle? Your brilliant app will let the consumer look at the vechicle before before the hire? If you are worried about safety--just because a person has an older car doesn't mean it's less safe. Bring every vechicle in for a safety check if worried?
Maybe then, when the Uber driver finds out it's not the opportunity your company claims; they aren't stuck with a car they can't sell, or take a huge loss when selling your "acceptable" vehicle, or worse claim bankruptcy?
People are desperate for jobs--don't exploit them! I liked your company in the beginning(before I looked into the requirements of Uber).
Re: I was an undercover Uber driver
#13Off-topic, but what the hell is wrong with the website? It kept refreshing every minute or so for some reason.
Re: I was an undercover Uber driver
#14A few months ago when I was in Seattle for work, I caught Uber everywhere. I had so many conversations with Uber drivers about why they drove for Uber, how much money they made and why they weren't doing something else. Needless to say, unless I felt legitimately fearful for my life (which rarely ever happened) I would always rate 5 stars. I realised a lot of these Uber drivers (usually migrants with broken English)…
I have come across a startup founder who drives Uber in the evenings to help with cashflow.
But he is a unique subset as well. His family lives back in South Africa and this keeps him occupied in the evenings plus he can do a bit of customer validation if occasion presents.
Re: I was an undercover Uber driver
#15A few months ago when I was in Seattle for work, I caught Uber everywhere. I had so many conversations with Uber drivers about why they drove for Uber, how much money they made and why they weren't doing something else. Needless to say, unless I felt legitimately fearful for my life (which rarely ever happened) I would always rate 5 stars. I realised a lot of these Uber drivers (usually migrants with broken English)…
How magnanimous of you, to award imaginary points instead of enough money to support somebody. I think Uber is great for a certain subset of people. While most people who frequent HN on six figure tech salaries would definitely struggle to live on an Uber salary Seriously? I guess it's good for you guys so you only have to spend half of what it costs. Oh, and for the Uber owners of course. A certain subset of people,…
Man, learn to pick the right fight with the right person.
Re: I was an undercover Uber driver
#16I see people buying 2008 plus four door vechicles(that Uber approves of--on the ever changing list) and not making money and stuck with a four door car. Four door cars are harder to sell than two door cars.(I can't point to a link to prove this, but I used to sell cars, and four door cars were a tough sell.) My problem with Uber is the requirement for a 2008 or newer car, and Uber decides if it's cool enough to repre…
The "Sidecar" app may be more appropriate for drivers who want to take customers for a ride in their go karts/tractor trailers/dune buggies/mopeds/cat busses/... :)
Re: I was an undercover Uber driver
#17Is there some reason why the page keeps refreshing automatically? It's annoying and makes it difficult to, you know, read the actual article.
I ended up reading the article in Print Preview. No way for them to screw that up.
Re: I was an undercover Uber driver
#18Is there some reason why the page keeps refreshing automatically? It's annoying and makes it difficult to, you know, read the actual article.
Especially when it refreshes to "too many database connections" mid-read. Great work, citypaper.
I used to think Safari “Reader View” was sort of daft but I’ve been indispensable lately…
Re: I was an undercover Uber driver
#19Is there some reason why the page keeps refreshing automatically? It's annoying and makes it difficult to, you know, read the actual article.
I'm glad it wasn't just me, but I had this happen with (what I think is) another site earlier. Are you guys using Ghostery too, perhaps?
Re: I was an undercover Uber driver
#20A few months ago when I was in Seattle for work, I caught Uber everywhere. I had so many conversations with Uber drivers about why they drove for Uber, how much money they made and why they weren't doing something else. Needless to say, unless I felt legitimately fearful for my life (which rarely ever happened) I would always rate 5 stars. I realised a lot of these Uber drivers (usually migrants with broken English)…
How magnanimous of you, to award imaginary points instead of enough money to support somebody. I think Uber is great for a certain subset of people. While most people who frequent HN on six figure tech salaries would definitely struggle to live on an Uber salary Seriously? I guess it's good for you guys so you only have to spend half of what it costs. Oh, and for the Uber owners of course. A certain subset of people,…
You're being overly rude about this but I agree on the point you're trying to get across. Most of the taxis I've been in were also drove by people trying to support their family. They probably have a better salary and maybe even compensations. Uber is certainly not disruptor in the worker rights zone.