[autobahn]

Seems like a common theme in "sharing economy" companies - start off with a great concept and great execution, but once they become popular, some part of them just falls apart.

For uber, it's the way they treat their drivers. The churn is incredible. But as long as they continue to offer cheap rides and can lure new drivers in with empty promises, they'll continue to exist.

[brianwawok]

A sharing economy works when you have a lot of like minded people in the same social circle. Once you invite the masses and investors, you lose what made it work...

[drzaiusapelord]

How can a driver be in the same social circle as a well off professional? At the end of the day, very few industries are peers between worker and client.

[brianwawok]

Yah right... they can't.

Though the first drivers in Chicago were Hipster Musicans, which were fun.. similar culture to yuppie coders. But over time, it has moved to more and more recent immigrants who do not speak English as a first language.

[matwood]

Oddly enough, both Uber drivers I used last weekend raved about how awesome Uber was and how it let them make good side money every weekend.

[icebraining]

What does Uber promise to drivers?

[nikanj]

Taxi-level income without medallion costs (renting / buying)