Re: Currency, watermelons

On Tue, 5 Sep 2000 21:10:31 -0400, "H. S. Teoh" <hsteoh@...>
wrote:

>Just wondering... anybody's conlang/conculture *doesn't* have currency
>involved? Not that a money-less world is particularly plausible, but I
>wonder if people have actually explored that direction in conlanging /
>conculturing. And I'm talking about alternative trading systems, and not
>just elementary stuff like bartering. Just thought it'd be neat if
>somebody thought of some conculture somewhere that uses something other
>than currency for trading... or perhaps a culture that isn't based on
>trading? Just wondering...
Zireen culture varies widely from one place to another, but it tends to be
characterized by generosity and free exchange of everyday goods. Explicit
trading does exist, but is limited to rare items or events. Elaborate works
of handmade art are the basis for this economy. Convenient, portable tokens
representing larger works of art may be exchanged for a ticket allowing
entrance to a live performance or other singular events. But such events
are also broadcast worldwide for the enjoyment of all. Food, clothing,
shelter, and transportation are freely available to all natives. Everyone
is expected to contribute something of value in return, if only their
friendship and conversation (which is highly valued). But there is no
explicit accounting of this value-exchange. Three things that make this
possible are: a highly advanced technology, long-established traditions to
ensure the stability of the various societies, and the generally friendly,
highly social disposition of Zireen compared with Humans.