Want some money? I’ve giving it away, to anyone who wants it. Seriously.
The twist is that you probably won’t be able to spend it. I collect paper money from foreign countries, and I have a pile of money sitting in my office that I’m trying to get rid of. They’re duplicates that are already represented in my collection, and since I don’t collect the high priced stuff, it’s not worth trying to divide up and sell on eBay.
So I’m giving it away.
It’s neat stuff. Paper money from over a dozen countries, spanning the last half century of world history. It never fails to start conversations with people who are interested in politics, finance, art, or travel. It beats the crap out of monopoly money. It’s fun to leave in tip jars. Kids say “whoa!” and “cool!”
If you’re interested, send me an e-mail with your name and address, and I’ll send you an envelope with 10 different banknotes in it. Pretty simple.
Free money, for the first 18 people who want it. Seriously.
Update: I stuffed and sent out a pile of envelopes this weekend. If you got in touch with me before Friday, you’re getting an extra banknote. Free money, people! Come get it!
Update: All the money is gone, but you’re welcome to get in touch if you’re interested in the next batch!
This morning I listened to a presentation about how mobile phones are a significant catalyst for economic and political change in the developing world. The case is compelling: mobile phones are productivity tools that allow people to more efficiently buy and sell goods, share important news, and coordinate activities across greater distances. Political change precipitates from this process, because mass communication and economic empowerment give disenfranchised people a voice in the political process.
That’s the first wave of technology driven change that most people in the world will experience. It’s happening right now, and it’s changing the lives of millions.
Which gets me thinking — in ten years it could cost under $10 to build a mobile device equivalent to the iPhone, thanks to Moore’s Law. With an open source operating system (like Google’s Android), and an open hardware platform (like the Neo FreeRunner), a remarkable new level of capability and opportunity will be available to the people and communities who can only afford bare bones mobile phones today.
What happens when a village gets e-mail? What happens when an individual can pre-buy and pre-sell their goods in a much larger market? When complex personal and business interactions can be documented and time shifted? When microloans, expert advice, and education is just a tap away, and literacy becomes a critical part of every day life?
I suspect the answers are good. Economic empowerment. Social enlightenment. Political reform.
I think mobile phones are the fastest and most obvious way for these tools to get to the people who need them most. I’m interested in connecting with people who are similarly inclined. Who should I talk with?
