A novel network architecture that puts money at the bottom layer, right next
to data. (Meta comment: Architectures are most coarsely defined by how they
layer functionality.) this is a somewhat Utopian idea that I have no idea
how to bring about. There are ideas within, however, that might find real
expression in the Internet.
Numerous schemes such as Millicent approach some of these same issues.
George Gilder proposed money flowing in e-mail.
Ted Nelson describes a system where quotation of another work
automatically entails an appropriate payment.
See
HyperCoin.
The current Internet funk seems to be "It is a failure because we can't
make any money on it.". Advertising was indeed insufficient to warrant many
great efforts that were made and large sums that were invested. It is as
if they invented movies but neglected to invent the box office.
I understand that many surveys have reported that people prefer free
services. I am sure that they would prefer free movies as well. That is not
the point!!! Movies compete well with free broadcast television.
Other surveys report that people don't want to make endless payment decisions.
Nor do I. I would adjust my browser to pay up to 1 cent for pages that I
select. Others would select higher and lower amounts. Sites would not know
the visitor's threshold.
When we are advised to "follow the money", big money is usually meant.
In DSR little money flows together with data to enable a set of possibilities
that networks do not currently aspire to. Following the small money leads
to fascinating opportunities.