The sharing economy, represented by companies like Airbnb or Uber, is the latest fashion craze. But many supporters have overlooked the reality that this new business model is largely based on escaping regulations and breaking the law.

Airbnb is an internet-based service that allows people to rent out spare rooms to strangers for short stays. Uber is an internet taxi service that allows thousands of people to answer ride requests with their own cars. There are hundreds of other such services.

The good thing about the sharing economy is that it promotes the use of underused resources. Millions of people have houses or apartments with empty rooms, and Airbnb allows them to profit from these rooms while allowing guests a place to stay at prices that are often far less than those charged by hotels. Uber offers prices that are competitive with standard taxi prices and their drivers are often much quicker and more trustworthy.

But the downside of the sharing economy has gotten much less attention. Most cities and states both tax and regulate hotels, and the tourists who stay in hotels are usually an important source of tax income. But many of Airhnb’s customers are not paying the taxes required under the law.

Airbnb can also raise issues of safety for its customers and trouble for hosts' neighbors. Hotels are regularly inspected to ensure that they are not fire traps and that they don't form other risks for visitors. Airbnb hosts face no such inspections.

Since Airbnb is allowing people to escape taxes and regulations, the company is simply promoting thefts. Others in the economy will lose by bearing an additional tax burden or being forced to live next to an apartment unit with a never-ending series of noisy visitors.

The same story may apply with Uber. Uber is currently in disputes over whether its cars meet the safety and insurance requirements imposed on standard taxis. Also, if Uber and related services flood the market, they could harm all taxi drivers' ability to earn a minimum wage.

This downside of the sharing needs to be taken seriously, hut that doesn't mean the current tax and regulatory structure is perfect.

Exhibition(展览会)

Transcribe Sheng Qi

Born in Anhui province , Sheng Qi worked in Italy from 1989—1992. His work deals with the ever—popular subject of the cultural gap between East and West . The artist combines calligraphy (书法) with other more western media in an attempt to bridge this gap .

Where: Red Gate Gallery , Dongbianmen . Watchtower

When : till February 6, daily 10 am —5pm

Admission : free

Tel: 6525 1005

Wan Qingli Traditional Chinese Painting

Professor at the Hong Kong Chinese Language University and graduate of the Central Academy of Fine Arts , Wan Qingli , is well known as an art theorist .His landscape paintings are now on display at his alma mater .

Where:Central Academy of Fine Arts Gallery , Shuaifuyuan , Wangfujing , 5 Xiaowei Hutong

When : Till January 26 , Tuesday—Sunday , 9:30 am—4pm

Admission : 5 yuan

Tel : 65277991

Music

Xie Tingfeng (Nicholas Tse )

Nicholas Tse is one of the hottest young stars in Hong Kong and a top-selling singer . Having decided to pursue a career in show business , he left school at 16 and spent a year in Tokyo studying various aspects of music and performance . On his return to Hong Kong , he released his debut CD, My Attitude , which quickly became a hit and propelled him to stardom .

Where : Capital Gymnasium , 54 Baishiqiao Lu

When : January 25, 7:30 pm

Admission : 80—900 yuan

Tel：6833 5552

Movies

Yige Dou Buneng Shao (Not One Less)

Rural China in the 1990s was a far cry from its city counter parts . A young girl is made teacher of the local primary school and finds herself tracking down a student who left the school for work in the city . Director Zhang Yimou cast non-professionals for this film . Mandarin with English subtitles .

Where : B2M, Bar , Dongpingfang Apartment Block ( inside the easternmost gate ) , next to the Dong River , Andingmenwai

When: February 6, 7:00 pm

Admission: free

Tel: 6426 1091