[Gasification] Fwd: Kevin Kelly: Better Than Free (or: what would a world of free power look like?)

[Bob Stuart]

On 4-Feb-08, at 2:05 PM, jim mason wrote:

> this is a very perceptive article/post by kevin.  it tries to
> "formalize" where monetizable value is found in a digital world where
> copies are free.
>
> for realms of power where near free copies are possible, what might be
> the manners in which to make money after giving away the copies?  i
> can repeat all the principles and platitudes here.  but the actual
> transactions on the ground/online seem less clear, other than selling
> information.  physical stuff needs to be distributed too.  after the
> fact consulting is much more difficult to structure, and has travel
> realities that tech support usually does not have.
>
> this is a question that pokes me daily.  the answers are not yet
> clear.  any ideas and musings much appreciated.

For many years around the time of Napoleon, English steelmakers were  
making a good living going around tutoring French steelmakers in the  
new techniques.  People may feel almost ready for a gasifier, but  
need a bit of reassurance that they know someone who can make sure it  
will work.

Best,
Bob Stuart