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Special features of Free Software

Keyword: Rivalness

Term to classify goods

  • Rival: If consumed by one not available for a second
    • Example: Food
    • Rival goods can be limited
    • Abundance of a rival good makes rivalness less important
  • Non-rival: Each consumption is independent of each other
    • Example: Information, sunlight
    • Inherently not limited
    • Scarcity must be imposed by external means
  • Anti-rival: The good is more useful if it is consumed by many
    • Happens through network effects
    • Example: Telephone
  • Markets of material goods are based on rival goods

Conclusion

Free Software is an anti-rival good

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Oekonux/Introduction/SlideKeywordRivalness (last edited 2006-12-23 20:53:02 by StefanMerten)

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