I read a SciFi short story, probably Asimov, where beings from another dimension made contact for trade, only transferring physical goods between dimensions was completely impractical, so they trafficked in ideas. The example in the story was the concept of paint, which apparently the other dimensional beings had never considered, but I still find it difficult to fathom how such a basic concept could not have been invented by multiple societies that can communicate between dimensions, but whatever. It was a good example of how much trust would have to go into such an exchange. Just explaining enough to show what you might have to offer also gives away enough value that you need to be able to trust that the other side isn't going to take that and run. Especially if they're the ones who have been doing this for a while.Let's say we discover an alternate reality similar to ours, but they have products we can't get in our reality and vice-versa. How hard would it be to instill trade, from an economic stand point?
For some reason, this reminds me of the (small) subplot in Star Trek IV when they need to get the glass for the whale tanks with no money, so Scotty trades the formula for a thinner, stronger glass for the supplies they need. It's not currency, but it brings up the thought "what is an idea worth to you?".I read a SciFi short story, probably Asimov, where beings from another dimension made contact for trade, only transferring physical goods between dimensions was completely impractical, so they trafficked in ideas. The example in the story was the concept of paint, which apparently the other dimensional beings had never considered, but I still find it difficult to fathom how such a basic concept could not have been invented by multiple societies that can communicate between dimensions, but whatever. It was a good example of how much trust would have to go into such an exchange. Just explaining enough to show what you might have to offer also gives away enough value that you need to be able to trust that the other side isn't going to take that and run. Especially if they're the ones who have been doing this for a while.
Transparent aluminum. "How do we know he didn't invent the stuff?"the formula for a thinner, stronger glass
Thank you.Transparent aluminum. "How do we know he didn't invent the stuff?"
Any of the driving scenes overhead in the first three episodes is MEEEEEEEE standing in for the Bachelor.[DOUBLEPOST=1452825389,1452825358][/DOUBLEPOST]I forgot it was back on! You going to be an extra again this season?
Yeah, twice. Only said a few things to him though. Was getting him on a car.Have you ever met Sean Lowe?
@Mathias did you ever get that blacksmith forge up and running?
*Looks up Current Ray Liotta* ...YUP, agreeance I have with you. Or young Bruce Campbell and current Clint Eastwood, its all good really.Current Ray Liotta looks like a cross between Bruce Campbell and an angry grandmother.
@HowDroll !GASTON!
I usually just use my hands.I use antlers in all of my decorating....
My daughter? Odd? Where would you get an idea like that!?I use antlers in all of my decorating....
I'm not drunk. I'm festively plump.Gentlemen, the "I'm drunk" thread is thataway.