Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by jimmywanger 2604 days ago
> Basic economics have failed when a company that has existed for over a decade without any ability to turn a profit IPOs.

The markets are irrational sometimes. Basic economics assume rational behaviour, which is something that cannot be assumed.

> And indeed, I am all for using laws against abusive corporate entities.

I don't think you can pass laws against companies specifically. First, define what you mean by abusive. Uber/Lyft doesn't have a gun against your head to force you to drive.

You have to pass them against specific behaviours. Also, for ridesharing companies, what does "per hour mean"? Time you spent logged in, adding time you spent stuck in traffic getting to the customer, or time you are actively moving towards your destination after pickup? There are obviously unintended side effects to give in to knee jerk reactions to something that you feel is wrong. Would Uber/Lyft drivers be happy if the companies implode and they're stuck with a bunch of worthless predatory leases on cars? Or the fact that part time drivers no longer have that option to at least make some money?