Some people say that having a relationship motivated by capital makes it equitable and stable: "You get what you pay for," and so on. If a consumer pays for a product or service, they can now hold the business or seller accountable when that service fails or falls short. Seems simple enough, right?
So what is the relationship for those who are getting a service or a product, for free?
Is Freedom Really Free?
I'd like to believe that deciding to give away things I write isn't as stupid as people still say it is, especially when they have the option to buy a finished version.
In fact, I believe it's the most equitable of relationships there are. I write something from the depths of my soul, and you choose to read it or not. If you do, you will give me your honest opinion about it, or you will not.
In either case, there is an authenticity to that interaction that I wish I could bottle and sell to the people who convoluted it.
We Take Everyday
I am continually inspired to write because I am continually inspired by the technology around me. I am continually entertained by Twitter and Facebook and my friends and the things that they find and share. This transference of positive energy is indeed, free. And I use it to propel my "business" forward.
It's not motivated by money or power, but by community and existence.
I often wonder how well companies would do if they stopped looking at profit margins and started noticing people. How would that change our lives? When did people become customers?
I'd rather have one hundred people look at this site every day, than one million consumers.