Nowadays, it sometimes seems that we can obtain everything for free. At first sight of-course, because afterwards we are always presented a bill: in terms of money, giving part of our privacy in exchange or having to receive unwanted spam.
By giving away something, you create a relationship with the receiver. Normally this happens without a hidden agenda, however the opposite is true when you are dealing with for instance LinkedIn, Google or Facebook.
As an innocent user of Google, Facebook or any other community you are under the impression you have found the solution for all your problems in life: finding new information, friends or even jobs. Unfortunately you are confronted with an unexpected bill.
In the past the border between paid and for free was clear: you got paid for your work and leisure time and charity was for free. In our diffuse present time it is more complicated, because time and even space are no longer definable entities: a pub can be your working space, you can live in Barcelona and work everyday in Amsterdam, without physically being present.
Fact is that mankind loves everything that is for free, which is widely acknowledged by the commercial world. The issue is volume: working on a large scale - to have access to a lot of profiles, IP addresses or email accounts - means that there are always fishes to catch. The question is: "Do we mind paying with our privacy?" Because, is there a way back? A life without a free search engine has become unthinkable, also a free mobile phone with your contract or the smaller discounts provided by air-miles cards etc.
The only option to avoid these kind of services is to withdraw from modern life completely: to choose for a self-supporting lifestyle "back to nature" or to start a life of a "pro-sumer" supported by consumer technology.
People are innovative and curious: the first signs of emerging micro-economies are visible. People choosing for a less stressful life restoring old furniture, the growth of local food on menu's or Holidays closer to home.
Old economic values where "more" is the only option are getting competition of a new approach marked by small scale, quality and service. Not only return on investment counts, also a pleasant environment and awareness is important.
With great respect for the achievements of Google c.s.: giving something away and become a millionaire. The time is also ready for local initiatives focused on individual needs.
