[p2p-research] open-source gadgets have the best chance in markets where the technology has matured to the point that it is commonplace.

[Patrick Anderson]

On Thu, Mar 25, 2010 at 9:29 AM, Ryan Lanham <rlanham1963 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Once the technology slows, it becomes free because markets really only
> support differentiation.  What people buy is differentiation.  The idea that
> people can sell "utilities" that maintain consistent low levels of service
> is absurd.  There is no market theory to support it except monopoly.
>
> The same is true of medicine too.  As soon as doctors start to all do the
> same things (which they are violently fighting) then, it becomes free.

Ryan,

Maybe I am misunderstanding you here.

Are you saying things are become "zero cost" when they are
'commonplace' - when they are no longer 'differentiated'?

If so, then why are rudimentary things such as shelter, food and older
medicines still *so* expensive?

Thanks,
Patrick