John Hodgman has decided to stop using Uber after one of its executives suggested they should dig up some dirt on several journalists — particularly Sarah Lacy from PandoDaily — to protect the company from negative press coverage:

I like Uber. I know some don’t. I don’t intend to blackmail them.

And I really don’t want to take that crummy car I was so glad to hang up on two years ago.

But I just can’t get into a car with those guys anymore.

Well said.

For a series of unrelated reasons, Uber is struggling to gain traction in Madrid. I admit I was curious to try it but after this, there’s no way I’m using the service.

It’s unfortunate, but companies like Uber listen only when customers speak with their wallets.