Lets play a game...

So why don't we try to design a money system for the state of LaLaLand, together.
I will take the role of LaLa and you (whoever wishes to participate) will
take roles as members of the LaLaLand Council* (LLLC).

I've jotted down some initial thoughts, questions and ideas.
You as members of the  LLLC are invited to participate by providing input to the process.

As a member of the LLLC one can suggest additions/deletions/modifications to the
Assumptions, Purpose, Composition and Administration sections (APCA).

We all have an equal vote in the process.
Should a member of the LLLC or LaLa wish to add/modify/delete any item in the APCA doc or even add a new section, they must present their argument in as few words as possible - in their own words to the council.
The Council and LaLa are not interested in what someone else has to say. Any links
to papers/sites, siting authourities etc invalidates the proposal.
The LLLC members have 36 hours, from the timestamp of the post to vote. ( is too much time??). During this time (36hrs), the proposal cannot be changed by the
initiator, but it can be withdrawn, as long as no one has voted for/against it (1 vote cast disallows withdrawal).
The LLLCmembers may lobby each other as to the merits of the proposal, but not on this forum. If you convince someone that your idea is good then you and the person you convince become co-authors of the proposal and present it to the Council in that way. Each of you still retain your vote.
Majority vote carries or cans the motion.
You must support your vote with a reason for voting in that manner.

Anything else???


For the time being, we will define money simply as:
- a circulating medium of exchange.

Section 1: Assumptions:
- a closed system, that is, this money system is only for the state of -
LaLaland. It is not designed, at this time, to be used in exchanges between
Lalaland and its neighbors; Neverland and Nomansland.


Section 2:Purpose of this money system is:
-to facilitate trade between the citizens of Lalaland.
We have been a barter economy for some time now and it is getting very
cumbersome. The citizens are getting tired, of trading goods and services for
someone else's goods and services. It's too cumbersome and wasteful. And there
are times, during the year, that some goods are not available for trade. This
puts an undo hardship on those people that produce these seasonal goods
(potatoes and apples come to mind).

-to provide a store of value for the citizens of LaLaland.
For example, going back to the plight of the people that produce seasonal goods.
They must have a way of being able to satisfy their needs off season. Then there
is the necessity of being able to cope with emergency situations. Two years ago
the apple crop was excellent. Last year our apple growers would have starved if
it wasn't for the help of their neighbors, the early spring hail storms all but
destroyed their crop. There are other reasons but they don't come to mind at
the moment.

-support of Lalaland's infrastructure
Then, of course, our state has infrastructure expenses, roads, water, protection
(fire and police). It's sort of silly paying Billy Appleseed in apples for the
work he has done in maintaining the city street network when his family grows
the apples. He has an allergy to potatoes.


Section 3: Composition of the money-system (currency and credit)
-what should the currency be made of; some kind of metal, perhaps. Should it be
something with an inherent value in itself, or should it be something that can
be exchanged for, on demand, for something that has an inherent value,
something that lasts and doesn't rot, like potatoes do.

If it is made of something that has an inherent value that means it must be
something considered to be scarce, all the time. If it is made of something,
not scarce, like paper, then it must be redeemable in something scarce - on
demand, always. Or else its not worth anything.

Credit as we think of it in Lalaland is used to 'tide' one over in bad times
and also for the realization of various private enterprises. Tom Miller has
been trying to finish adding to his mill for 2 years now. He can only get
workers when he has enough flour to pay them for their labor. Of course, Tom
only has flour after the grain crop has been harvested and he has able to
take his his flour-wage from the milling of it. Some of his hired help do not
need flour and they must then trade it to someone that does. Flour is messy
stuff.

Section 4: Administration of the money-system
This will probably be done by a subset of the LLLC. The members of the LLLC
choosing amongst themselves people to staff the post. This is a one year staff
position. Checks and balances will, of course, be put in place. The LLLC and LaLa
will have to work out just what the responsibilities of these people are and
how they are to held accountable.
………………………………….

*The LaLaLand-council (LLLC)
is made of members elected by the villages in Lalaland. These reps are very
partisan. They support and speak for the people they represent. This is a
not-for-profit position. The people they represent pay their wages. The wage
scale is fixed. Every 3 months they must account to the folks they represent.
The term of office is 3 years. The village can withdraw their rep, at any
time, by a majority vote and replace h/im/er with another. If someone wishes to
serve in the council again, they must have been out of office for a minimum of 5
years. But this is not the place to talk about that. Suffice to say there seem
to be enough checks and balances in the present system to keep the reps
'honest'.

anybody want to play?

the best-
basho

Re: Lets play a game...

Sorry Basho! Nobody wants to play it seems. I have been tied up with many things. You raise an interesting scenario….just don't have time to think and play. Hopefully someone else will come along in time.

Cheers
mita