The Gratis Economy: Privately Provided Public Goods

The author argues that one of the striking features of the "new information economy" consists of offering public goods free of charge, and he analyzes how the concept of reciprocity can explain how "giveaways" can still work towards business ends. Three essays explore the traditional gratis economy, volunteerism, in addition to the business and politically generated gratuity economies. How these forces interact with traditional notions of economic interaction is considered. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)