10 alternative currencies, from Bitcoin to BerkShares to sweat to laundry detergent
“Is there a reason for governments to be in charge of money?” asks Paul Kemp-Robertson in today’s talk. Judging by the new raft of alternative currencies—from digital coins to point systems that reward customers of a certain brand—the answer might someday be “no.” Again.
Tough Times Lead to Local Currencies
With local economies flailing, communities across the U.S. are trying to drum up more action on Main Street. “Buy Local” campaigns are one way to go. But many towns–from Ojai, Calif., to Greensboro, N.C.–are considering going a step further and printing money that can only be spent locally.