Are those “auto-pilot” programs a scam or waste of time?
"Genuine (nearly) passive income can be had from some kinds of investing. Index funds are an example of a mostly self-managing investment. Of course investment involves some risk (the income is essentially paying you for taking that risk) and returns are reasonable but proportional to the risk -- IE, not spectacular unless the risk is high. If someone is claiming they can get you better than market rate of return, look carefully at what they are getting out of it and what the risks are. Fees subtract directly from your gains, and if they claim there is no additional risk, they need to prove that. You are giving someone your money. Be very sure you are going to get it back. If it isn't self-evident where the income comes from, it's probably a scam. If someone is using the term ""auto-pilot"", it is almost certainly a scam. If they are talking about website advertising and the like, it is far from autopilot if you want to make any noticable amount of money (though you may make money for them)." These have been around for decades. In the 80's and 90's they had you setup small ads in local newspapers and you would sell a brochure tells people how to make money, or solve some other problem. The idea was that money would roll in. The more ads you placed the more money you made. In the late 90's they had you setup a small website instead of a small newspaper advertisement , but the rest was the same. They were also done with eBay as the medium. Now they are live streams.  Most of the money made is by the people selling you the course materials to show you exactly how to make money. Some of the people pitching these ideas though books, websites and infomercials were able to update their shtick to change with the medium, but the end result was always the same. Most people didn't make serious cash.  The initial description of how it works is done for free and isn't enough information to know how to do it. The real secrets are after you pay for the advanced course. Of course to really make them work you need the expensive coaching sessions.
in the context of AI and self driving, yup I believe it! But development of software is typically much cheaper than development of drugs still because software is intrinsic to a system we understand and built (computers) while the human body still has so many mysteries. That was part of the reason why I didn't wanna go into pharma :l "If you read the first sentence of the article, you'll notice that the orders were placed, then canceled.  The only reason this is done is to front run real incoming orders and get in.    ""Translation: the ultimate goal of many of these programs is to gum up the system so it slows down the quote feed to others and allows the computer traders (with their co-located servers at the exchanges) to gain a money-making arbitrage opportunity.""  If you are an investor without access to floor space within 3 meters of the exchange computer to place a computer of your own, you are being  defrauded of the true market price by this machine." SECTION | CONTENT :--|:-- Title | Humans Need Not Apply Description | Discuss this video: http://www.reddit.com/r/CGPGrey/comments/2dfh5v/humans_need_not_apply/ http://www.CGPGrey.com/ https://twitter.com/cgpgrey  ## Robots, Etc:  Terex Port automation: http://www.terex.com/port-solutions/en/products/new-equipment/automated-guided-vehicles/lift-agv/index.htm  Command | Cat MieStar System.: http://www.catminestarsystem.com/capability_sets/command  Bosch Automotive Technology: http://www.bosch-automotivetechnology.com/en/de/specials/specials_for_more_driving_safety/... Length | 0:15:01           ****   ^(I am a bot, this is an auto-generated reply | )^[Info](https://www.reddit.com/u/video_descriptionbot) ^| ^[Feedback](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=video_descriptionbot&amp;subject=Feedback) ^| ^(Reply STOP to opt out permanently) "If so then what? If thew overall accident rate is almost 50% higher than comparable vehicles *including* the purported marvels of ""autopilot"" (i.e. more or less what my new Toyota comes with) then when not using autopilot it is, what, 100% higher?" "sometimes. Very often, there is two things at play: with the good ones, you exchange money for a service that cuts down on the time it takes to learn or improve certain skills. This can be done by specific trainings, this can be done by making a digestible summary of information etc.  In that case, I don't think it's a waste of time or a waste of money. However, on facebook you see a lot of ""business trainers"" that don't bring added value; the one literally repeating what facebook has in their manuals but charge for it. the ones who are not bringing new insights on how you can improve and run your business, or how you can improve your management skills... Because as your business grows, you will need to learn more of those and you'll have less time to learn them in. It's about weeding the bullshit out." Every job that I've had, I have automated myself out of. I'm an engineer and have always designed the tools to create the final product rather than the final product itself. It's mostly an easy task and getting much easier.  Ever since college when I was interning, I've questioned the implications of this and don't have any answers. In many ways things simultaneously take longer and shorter to come to pass. "There are some people that don't have the cognitive resources to move into management (or to successfully branch out into a new career field independently).  That might sound harsh, and it is harsh, but that is a harsh reality.  During my education I was surrounded by what society would call ""intelligent"" people.  Advanced classes and so forth.  It wasn't until I entered the job market that I started really interacting on a deep level with people who would not have been the kinds of people who would have been in advanced classes in grade school.  I don't know how much experience you have with people that don't have great cognitive resources, but from what I have seen most of them are capable of having better-paying jobs, but they have a difficult time appraising opportunities.  Let me put it this way:  I've got a fat-burning pill that will help you lose the water weight; this is a debt- consolidation plan that will allow you to make your credit score higher; become a phlebotomist, the pay is great after a quick certification course; the energy market is great right now because consumers have choice - we're going to give them the best value because we are a nimble company that is locally based.  Which of the above are scams?  Without researching at all do you know which one is legit?  How do you evaluate which ones are scams?  Suppose you're working 14 hours a day.  How much time will you give to that question?  Suppose you don't have the internet at hime and only use it for confirming you got paid (and you might not even know how to do that)." We already have remote-controlled drone planes. It's entirely conceivable that in the near future, airlines might have a tiny staff of pilots in a room on the ground, there to take over remotely if there's something odd happening, but otherwise letting the planes fly themselves.  EDIT: Commercial planes are all fly-by-wire anyway, so if there's an instrument failure you're screwed anyway, whether there's a pilot physically there or not. I drive 20 miles highway with almost no human intervention, you can take your eyes off the road too. But it is highly not recommended for safety reasons. If you google tesla autopilot there are many videos online to show what I'm talking about. In the long run the drivers are getting pulled from the equation.  I don't care how much regulatory pressure the self driving car industry faces, they'll have it figured out in 5 years. You are talking about an interest group that includes Google, Tesla, Uber, Lyft, Ford, GM and probably Apple. They are all spending billions on the technology and want a return on that investment. Not only do you not understand tech, you apparently don't understand science either. You made the original claim. Not me. What I said is that you're wrong. I CAN provide proof of that, since I happen to do this particular flavor of tech stuff for a living and have reference docs sitting all around me as I write this, but first I'm really interested in seeing what on earth you believe to be true that led you to make your original statement.   It's okay though, we both know you can't offer any explanation on that. The objectively verifiable reason is that you're wrong.   &gt; you can plainly see whenever you open the uber app that it has your location. You think that just happens magically?  So do you have anything to back up what you were getting at in this claim or are you still unsure of how conversation works? What you mentioned are mature enough technologies to have planes fly themselves now; in fact they already do most of the time. What is missing is software to handle complicated contingencies and probably some additional computing power on-board the plane itself . Computers have been responsible for most of the flying done in the past 10-15 years and there haven't been many tragedies at all, in fact air travel is the safest form of travel; your fears are unfounded. "There is a lot misinformation in this thread that I'd like to clear up. In fact, you're more than welcomed to PM me if you wish to see any backup to the statements I'm about to make.   First, I'd like to say that as an Uber/Lyft driver, the experience has been nothing short of exhilarating. I normally work in the L.A. and O.C. areas of So. Cal and the amount of interesting, super successful, and wonderful people I meet on a daily basis is off the charts. It's as if I'm some sort of talk show host on wheels.   Initially, I applied for Lyft, as the social and community angle of its service intrigued the hell out of me. I'm an outgoing guy and I'm also an artist of some type who receives a royalty check only once a month. Instead of doing kickstarters and begging for money, I thought doing Lyft would be a great idea instead. So far my customers have been nothing short of an inspiration. Anyway, after passing a background check, a driving test with my mentor, a driving record check, alongside submitting all my documentation (license, registration, insurance) , and a quick vehicle inspection (my car is rather new and in great condition) I was hired quickly.   That same day I decided to get to work quickly, see how the whole system works. As soon as I got to the destination I wanted to get to I got my first call on my phone within 5 minutes. I use my GPS and rush to pick my customer up (while obeying all traffic laws, of course). After a couple of minutes of chit chat I come to find out my first Lyft customer ever is an Uber recruiter. She likes my car and my approach so she hands me a Uber logo'd black bag with an iPhone, a car charger, and a mount. I asked her if this means I have to work exclusively for Uber, she says, ""Nope.""  My eyes then light up like some medieval lights in the sky, chicken little for the peasantry, ancient aliens approved phenomena when I realize I'll have access to both customer bases just one week removed from not being able to pay my phone bill.   After submitting a background check, a driving record check, and pretty much all the stuff Lyft asked for, I was driving for both Uber and Lyft a week after I was hired for Lyft.   The good news for you the consumer is that both companies are being cut throat because they want your money! There's never been a better time to hitch a ride on the cheap. Both companies have thrown millions of dollars over the past couple of months through social media,  driver bonuses, and other venues, so you're able to get a free ride or a deep discount off a long ride.  If you haven't tried both services, now's the time. Don't want to risk getting a DUI just for driving down a couple of blocks to your favorite bar this weekend? You'll probably be able to get a free ride there (if you scour gently for specials) and pay between $7-13 for the trip back. Better than getting your car impounded, losing your license, and paying $10,000+ in penalties and court fees, eh? You have no idea how many poor saps I take to and from work who can't drive because they just got a D.U.I., and who are now plunking $25-35 per ride just to get to where they gotta go.     **INSURANCE**  As for insurance, both companies have given me supplemental insurance. I have full coverage on my car for when I'm off the clock (which was required at time of hiring, btw). So here's how the insurance for Lyft and Uber works.   [For Lyft](http://i.imgur.com/mc6hanN.jpg)   When App is turned on (on the way to pick up client) -or- ""Contingent Liability""   1. * up to $50k/person (bodily injury)  1. * up to $100k/accident (bodily injury)  1. * up to $25k/accident (Property damage)   When you pick up client(s) in the car and you're on your way to the destination.   Excessive liability &amp; UM/UIM  1. Up to $1,000,000/occurence  Contingent Collision &amp; Comprehensive   1. up to $50,000/accident  ($2500 deductible)   [For UberX](http://i.imgur.com/k9kIvzB.png)   When App is turned on (on the way to pick up client) -or- ""Contingent Liability""  1. up to $50k/person (bodily injury) 1. up to $100k/accident (bodily injury) 1. up to $25k/accident (Property damage)   When you pick up client(s) in the car and you're on your way to the destination.  Excessive liability &amp; UM/UIM  Up to $1,000,000/occurence  Contingent Collision &amp; Comprehensive  up to $50,000/accident ($1000 deductible)  Other than the deductible, as you can see both plans are pretty much the same. Which in my opinion, should be more than enough.   **SERVICES &amp; EXPECTATIONS**  Both apps are easy to use and within 5-10 minutes (sometimes much sooner, there've been many times where I get a call and the customer is on the sidewalk a few feet from where I was parked waiting for my next call). Both passengers and drivers adhere to a rating system. As of today, if either driver or passenger fail to maintain a rating of 4.6 and above they risk being booted from using the app. So it's important that drivers know what the hell they are doing (like being courteous, respectful, professional, clean, and know how to use a GPS while driving accurately and safely and/or knowing their routes instinctively) and passengers should also be polite, respectful, communicative (very important since drivers aren't psychics). Also, don't be so drunk that you either pass out or throw up in the back and make sure that if your bring your friends along for the ride, that they adhere to the code of conduct expected of passengers. I've run into numerous instances where an otherwise perfect passenger gets dinged for their drunk and/or rude friends.    Also, as a driver, for your insurance to work, don't EVER end a drive early because you made a wrong turn or were late for a pick up. You're risking an insurance hiccup in the event of an incident, and passengers should also make sure that their driver has their app online throughout the entire trip, as well as making sure the driver's pic of him/her and his/her car match the profile you see on the app.   As for safety, I've yet to hear from a passenger they felt they were ever in immediate danger. Did they get a creepy vibe from one of their drivers? Sure, not everyone is a social butterfly, and there has been an inundation of ex-cab drivers going over to Uber (which is good, cause' the service is getting pro drivers with experience, but could prove detrimental, since they're gonna have a hard time competing with Lyft on the charisma side of things).   However, I've already numerous accounts from young women in Hollywood who are now refusing to call for a yellow cab or taxis on Hollywood Blvd and Sunset and the surrounding areas due to unwelcome sexual advances by drivers looking to take advantage of their sometimes solitary and inebriated drive home. It's heartwarming and great to hear whenever you drop one of these young women off at their places and they thank you for being both professional, courteous, welcoming, and above all else, trustworthy, all while paying a fraction of the cost of what a cab would normally run at that time of night.   **MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE (IN SUMMARY)**  I'm literally having the time of my life. My other job requires me to interact with humanity, pick its brain, and then express those experiences to everyone else in an invigorating, positive, and inspirational manner. What better way to do it--while earning some decent money--than driving around for Uber and Lyft.   These services are, without a doubt, revolutionary, and are being used and employed by both young and old, men and women, struggling students, and strategically utilized by incredibly wealthy and successful Hollywood types and investment bankers. It's cheap, reliable, and very fun too. It's also bringing back the long lost art of human interaction and conversation back into our daily lives.   So far, so good, and it breaks my heart whenever I hear misinformation and astroturfing about these services throughout the internet, and I'm supremely angered as to how certain municipalities are colluding with taxi cab lobbies to prevent Uber and Lyft and other ride-share services from competing fairly at a time where cities are desperate to ease congestion, reduce DUI's, and make sure their citizens are happy and are left with more money in their pocketbooks." Ahh, that's embarassing. I read two articles on Uber on hackernews this morning, one with this title, and the other talking about uberPool which said that they aggressively offered discounts because without those rebates drivers wouldn't have enough passengers, but if they could reach a critical number of users they would have enough passengers that the ride was (barely) profitable.  I went back and found the articles posted on hackernews and feel pretty silly now. I should definitely tone down my smugness in the future, so sorry for that. Glad you found it amusing though!  [Here is the link to the story I thought this was, in case you were interested](https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;url=/amp/s/techcrunch.com/2017/05/31/uberpool-sf-buzzfeed-documents-burn-rate/amp/&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjI8IqTuKDUAhUByoMKHT7zCHsQFggwMAQ&amp;usg=AFQjCNFMBLxrbnKD1QDka1w0Jm99Xs6OFg&amp;sig2=-efzgIxdqrDmb0j7oAiPyw) Why is that acceptable? That's just bad math. Currently, autopilot for cars isn't fleshed out yet. Humans cumulatively have 1 crash every 470 million miles, while Tesla's autopilot has 1 crash for every 220 million miles, but that's with the old hardware, with one forward camera. the new hardware suite has 8 cameras, along with all the other radar/sonar sensors. It's yet to be turned on. If that system proves to have 1 crash every half billion miles, then the car is safer than human driving. If it reaches 1 crash per billion miles, then it's kind of a no-brainer.   When you get in a taxi, bus, or airplane, you're still putting your life in the hands of something that's not under your control. You just trust that they have a good safety record and let them drive you. Driverless cars will be the same way. Nothing will ever be 100% safe, ever. That's just not possible. A sinkhole can open up under the car at any moment. A meteor could hit the car. No matter what, something will be able to beat the system and cause a fatality, but the goal is to minimize fatalities, not eliminate them all together. 100% will never happen.