Political Discussions
No money allowed!
Posted by Anok • 6/18/09 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: money and stuff
A news bit today brought a tear to my eye, and warmed my heart - I was so proud.
It would seem that the idea of bartering and gift economies is really catching on. In fact, communities all over have started have 'free markets" - which are like flea markets, but money is not used. You bring things to contribute, and take what you need in return.
In fact, this has gotten popular enough to catch media attention - which is saying something.
See? It's just that simple. People are already doing it on their own. No money, just exchanging what you don't need for what you do on a large scale.
Here's a discussion question, inspired by a conversation a few days ago with a friend.
Why profit? Not why money, or why charge for something, but why profit?
A friend of ours was questioning us about where our bike was. It's torn down right now for some alterations. He was perplexed as to why we would even bother putting any work into the bike when it won't turn a large profit when we sell it?
We said, who's selling it? And why do we need a large profit on it? We are going to have the exact bike we want, that we can ride and ride and ride.
His argument was "Why bother if you can't turn a profit?"
Our argument was "Why other if you're only worried about profit, and don't enjoy what you're doing?"
Has the thought of turning a profit taken over so much so that people will no longer do anything if some sort of profit isn't involved? Look at the "free markets" I mentioned above. No one's turning a profit. everyone is getting something that they need or want, but no profit is involved at all.
What is so wrong with that? And what use is profit?
User Comments
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Are you installing tassels and a banana seat?-
No
LOL
We did need some new cables, and I'm doing a complete new paint job, we fabricated a new tank, and are preparing to change the front end when we have more time and money. (and energy!). -
Oh, a motorcycle!
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*slaps Sati*
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lol!
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A free market is free to do such even if it means not for profit.-
Yes, but that is not the status quo and you know that. Because we are a free - capitalist - market. Which means profits are required for most ventures.
More to the point of my question though, is the mindset I outlined above. Why bother with profits at all? What's the point? So long as companies make enough to cover their overhead (that includes payroll, and even some money stashed for the aquisition of new equipment/space or employees as needed - or even a rainy day fund) - why bother with upcharging to make more money than is actually needed?
And why does every seem to attach a pricetag to everything? Is nothing done anymore for the sheer enjoyment or personal benefit anymore? Is it that strange that a person might put money into a bike that won't net a large profit upon it's sale? Is it weird to put money into something that will net no financial return?
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