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The issue here is that it really would not be in Uber's best interest to take all of the hit for this. This bullshit about "community" or whatever is a nice sug

The issue here is that it really would not be in Uber's best interest to take all of the hit for this. This bullshit about "community" or whatever is a nice sugar coating for the whole issue, but it really has to do with legal jurisdiction and economics. Uber drivers are not employees. They are independent contractors. They can be part of a limo company or they can be literally independent, and drive the car they own/lease around. That is what many drivers in Philadelphia do. So in that sense, Uber is pretty much a more expensive, clean, and medallion-free version of a taxicab. This is precisely why it isn't Uber's fault at all for what happened, especially because the service wasn't used in any stage of this scenario. So in that sense, I think it's good that they are "standing their ground" and emphasizing how background they are in this whole operation. Personally, I like that. I'm a big believer in supporting your local economy, and I like how my Uber fares are mostly going to the driver. But the other side of that coin, responsibility, is also being saddled on the Uber driver. I also like that. It means that it's up to the driver and I, not some bullshit startup 5,000 miles away, to set out the rules of the trip. It makes Uber a better company to contract from and it makes the whole trip feel more "homey" rather than some kind of "ride from above". In my opinion, Uber's done a great job at fostering its community by staying the FUCK out of my business.

evanhamilton 13y ago
This is a line from my article: "Is it Uber’s responsibility to do something here? No." So no, I don't think they should take the hit for this, and I don't think they're legally culpable. Perhaps I didn't make it clear in the article: I think Uber is making people dislike them through their lack of empathy in this and other situations. This is bad for Uber, and I'm suggesting they change this. That is all. So, now that we've covered that... I think your point about Uber staying out of your business is valid. Some people prefer that, and perhaps Uber doesn't need to try to build a strong connection with their community. As I said at the end of the article, I don't think this attitude will kill Uber, but I do think it'll make it lose some customers. Maybe, to your point, that's totally ok because they're keeping the type of customers they want. Would be interesting if that was their strategy!
revelation 13y ago
It is questionable if "independent contractors" that do 100% of their work for Uber will be considered such. In general, companies are responsible for accidents caused by employees performing work duties under the respondeat superior doctrine. Notice that the "performing work duties" part has been stretched pretty far in cases; a drunk driver coming from a company party where alcohol was served could still cause liability for the company.

evanhamilton 13y ago

This is a line from my article: "Is it Uber’s responsibility to do something here? No." So no, I don't think they should take the hit for this, and I don't think they're legally culpable. Perhaps I didn't make it clear in the article: I think Uber is making people dislike them through their lack of empathy in this and other situations. This is bad for Uber, and I'm suggesting they change this. That is all. So, now that we've covered that... I think your point about Uber staying out of your business is valid. Some people prefer that, and perhaps Uber doesn't need to try to build a strong connection with their community. As I said at the end of the article, I don't think this attitude will kill Uber, but I do think it'll make it lose some customers. Maybe, to your point, that's totally ok because they're keeping the type of customers they want. Would be interesting if that was their strategy!

revelation 13y ago

It is questionable if "independent contractors" that do 100% of their work for Uber will be considered such. In general, companies are responsible for accidents caused by employees performing work duties under the respondeat superior doctrine. Notice that the "performing work duties" part has been stretched pretty far in cases; a drunk driver coming from a company party where alcohol was served could still cause liability for the company.