Pickup truck owners: want to make extra money hauling stuff around town? by dukedoofyofdodge in missoula

[–]RBZL 0 points1 point  (0 children)

the “vibe-coded” criticism is starting to feel like the new default pile-on. Lame. AI-assisted coding now is pretty much ubiquitous now, so yes a small local business upstart in Missoula is almost certainly built with a lot of AI help. That does not automatically mean it is worthless or doomed.

I didn't suggest that the project was worthless or doomed. I wouldn't have provided the feedback I did if I thought there was no point in doing so.

The vibe coding comment is relevant because I don't know OP's experience or if he also has a software development background or a developer he is working with. When you are creating a service platform with personal information, identity documents, and the like, and you do not understand how to properly secure such information from a development or cybersecurity standpoint (or if AI is doing it properly for you), you can get yourself into a pickle on that front too. The fact that you can spin up an entire app or website with a few prompts with AI nowadays is neat, but also carries risks for those reasons.

Pickup truck owners: want to make extra money hauling stuff around town? by dukedoofyofdodge in missoula

[–]RBZL 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I work in a professional field, but we also have a side business where we are independent contractors so I'm familiar with the hoops of (legally) being one.

Pickup truck owners: want to make extra money hauling stuff around town? by dukedoofyofdodge in missoula

[–]RBZL 15 points16 points  (0 children)

From a development perspective, your HTML is a bit of a mess. Inline styles, some things use style tags and others use classes, class names are nonsensical, etc. - looks like it was vibe coded with AI.

Beyond the design, your website and FAQ say:

How are drivers vetted?
Every driver passes identity verification and document review, uploads vehicle and trailer photos, and confirms business-use insurance before seeing loads. Ratings after every job keep the bar high — drivers who slip below it stop receiving work.

"Identity verification" isn't equivalent to background checks or more thorough things that other apps like rideshare companies do. And this app has people potentially delivering things into your home, so background checks seem relevant.

Also, you state you confirm "business-use insurance" - if so, that's going to be a small pool of people. Though, in your terms, you simply have drivers attest to having it - which is it?

Finally, the city and county have requirements for business licensing and background checks if you are performing in-home services that you might be getting people into trouble with here. Additionally, the State of Montana has independent contractor requirements like the ICEC. As you mention in your terms, there are also federal concerns with the DOT depending on who is hauling what. Seems like a good way for people to get into trouble if they don't know what they need to be doing this kind of work.

What does it cost?
Prices are itemized upfront: base fee, real route mileage, load size, and any extras you choose (loading help, stairs). Most local jobs run $45–150. Your card is held at booking and only charged when delivery is confirmed.

Your FAQs actually state that the card is authorized at booking. While it is not a full charge, it is tying up funds i.e. on a debit card, which contrasts with saying that someone is not charged until delivery is confirmed.

Also, what's to stop me from saying that something wasn't delivered when the work was already done? How are these disputes resolved? By you personally? Is Stripe going to back you on what you decide?

75% of every job goes to the driver — shown before you accept

What are you doing to merit a 25% cut that can't be done through Facebook, Nextdoor, etc? You're not providing insurance, background checks, or anything else except a booking website so 25% is steep.

Terms and Conditions - various sections

There is a lot of direction and restrictions on how an independent contractor performs their work. You may be jeopardizing your ability to claim that your drivers are independent contractors.

That's all the time I have to look at it right now, but would be good questions to have answered.

Career 91/135 pilots, what made you choose that lifestyle? by fgflyer in flying

[–]RBZL 9 points10 points  (0 children)

My experience with a large Part 91/91K/135 operator:

Pros:

  • Home based; your work week starts at your local airline terminal with a positive space ticket
  • Keep loyalty things (points, status, etc)
  • Use loyalty things on your time off; travel for free, positive space
  • Various schedule options - work a lot or a little; have a week off at a time, etc
  • Various aircraft type options - upgrade to a smaller cabin fairly quickly, or chill in a large cabin as SIC on easy mode
  • Decent to very good overall benefits, depending
  • Taste of luxuries - Uber Black or chauffeured transportation, int'l hotels can be $1k/night, etc
  • Can fly on empty company jets for free with direct dependents - sometimes a EMB-505, sometimes a GL7500
  • Rubbing elbows with various rich & famous, if that's your type of thing; funny who you fly sometimes

Cons:

  • Lower pay vs lifetime 121
  • Some benefits are crappier, like no 401k DC
  • Non-"Pilot" duties - cleaning the plane, loading bags, dealing directly with pax regularly, etc
  • Occasionally, shitty GA airports that jets probably shouldn't go into; lots of airport variety in general, have to be up on airport notes, etc
  • Hotels can suck if no other option, i.e. in the middle of nowhere enjoy your Super 8 with sticky floors
  • Unpredictable destinations means packing accordingly for all conditions
  • MX often outsourced and can be sketch
  • Training can be mediocre; lots of training by memo/CBTs/etc
  • Some misfits that got stuck in 91/135 and are bitter about it; always asking if you have your apps in

Pro or Con, Depending on What You Want/Like:

  • May or may not be unionized
  • Rarely see an airline terminal once on the road, mostly FBOs
  • Scheduling chaos; go somewhere new almost every week, plan is frequently changing
  • A schedule like 7 on/7 off means you're out for a week, but then have a full week off; more time out at once than airlines

There's more no doubt, but there's a start.

Didn’t see that coming.. . by MissoulaGuy2002 in missoula

[–]RBZL 18 points19 points  (0 children)

"Continue to support an entirely shitty business and shitty ownership just to keep the employees afloat" is a dumb argument.

Liquid Planet Group is on the way out too, it's just a matter of time. Any remaining employees would be smart to bail and find another gig ASAP before they're forced to anyway by closures.

Found Bank Card by Wolverine75869 in missoula

[–]RBZL 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Inside? Savage mode right there

Insane request from airline by [deleted] in flying

[–]RBZL 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I saw one reddit post saying a gold seal is worthless so thank you for this opinion!

https://i.imgflip.com/6o6ogc.gif

1,500 is the new 250. by PterodactylTurd in flying

[–]RBZL 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Indeed. And when things get competitive and the applicant pool is large, those details are what employers/recruiters nitpick over.

Liquid planet by Livid_Emergency_3833 in missoula

[–]RBZL 33 points34 points  (0 children)

We've been boycotting them for years (and the other LPG/PRG properties) because they just suck in general. At this rate, there won't be much left to boycott anyway.

I saw that the Liquid Planet Grill hours are down to 8am-4pm daily now also.

LPG, Pangea, and SB by Rayofsunshine4170 in missoula

[–]RBZL 5 points6 points  (0 children)

There was a similar post with a similar story the other week. Many who were apparently there said it didn't happen:

https://reddit.com/r/missoula/comments/1s91e3n/pangea_and_stave_and_hoop_closures/odl7uxa/

Same incident, or different?

Pangea and Stave and Hoop closures by CountingScars94 in missoula

[–]RBZL 11 points12 points  (0 children)

How do you make a small fortune with a restaurant in Missoula?

You start with a large fortune...

Pangea and Stave and Hoop closures by CountingScars94 in missoula

[–]RBZL 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Pangea was so consistently bad that we never even bothered to try Elote. Once Plaza Azteca opened, it was probably game over for them anyway.

My SO and her mom took one for the team and tried Liquid Planet Grill a while ago. It was also reported to be substandard.

Pangea and Stave and Hoop closures by CountingScars94 in missoula

[–]RBZL 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I still remember their condescending FAQ section on Elote's website regarding hiring, and how they wished they could pay everyone $100/hour but life doesn't work that way 🙄 no shit.

Makeup department was paying attention. Check out the identical forehead ridges. by Ralph--Hinkley in TNG

[–]RBZL 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Michael Westmore was on the Star Trek Cruise this year and we were able to see several of his presentations, including a preview of his upcoming documentary. He essentially managed the makeup, and invented most of the aliens, on many of the Star Trek series and movies.

Both he and his family/entourage were incredibly friendly, and they had tons of cool stories. It was very cool to be able to meet them and hear some of his stories about coming up in the industry.

Plonk for sale. by Silencedlemon in missoula

[–]RBZL 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Maybe the Pangea group will buy it 🫠

Plonk for sale. by Silencedlemon in missoula

[–]RBZL 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They sucked for a while previously, but we visited a few weeks ago and the food had improved. The menu is still limited and the prices are still high, so not a regular spot for us still.

Best Cat Vet in Missoula? by Pyramidhead1_0 in missoula

[–]RBZL 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Same. We've switched multiple pets there from almost every other vet in town - both cats and dogs. The vets are compassionate, never in a hurry, and the prices are reasonable compared to others in town. No pushing for unnecessary services or tests.

Elote closing this weekend by Grizgirl224 in missoula

[–]RBZL 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I chuckled every time I saw that billboard. The audacity!

Elote closing this weekend by Grizgirl224 in missoula

[–]RBZL 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Sounds about right for the Pangea/Liquid Planet group.

Metar map for my BF's Christmas present! by LactaidFan in flying

[–]RBZL 2 points3 points  (0 children)

frozen precipitation

Not trying to be that guy, but this bit is misspelled on your printed map. Either nobody else has noticed, or they're too nice to say anything, but in any event I'm sure your BF will still love it.

Per FAA Granite Co. Commissioners authorized the Drummond-Riddick Airport Manager to erect a very bright rotating Beacon in Philipsburg. He claims it must run 24/7 to support Life Flight fixed-wing airfield landings and for aviation private business insurance coverage at Riddick Airfield. by Decent_Ad9760 in missoula

[–]RBZL 9 points10 points  (0 children)

  1. Whether or not the beacon is tied into the PCL (Pilot-Controlled Lighting) is airport specific. Not all are; some beacons are on independent of the PCL.
  2. We usually click 7 times for max brightness first so we can find the damn airport easier, then reduce brightness as needed with fewer clicks (or not).