Difference between revisions of "Barter Economy"

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[[File:Barter Economy.jpg|right|560px|thumb]]
 
[[File:Barter Economy.jpg|right|560px|thumb]]
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In trade, '''barter''' is an agreement to exchange goods in a transaction without the need of [[Coin (monetary unit)|coins]] as a medium. It occurs most commonly within isolated rural communities, where the use of money would be impractical since no shop, store or [[Market|market]] is within a practical distance for travel. Because money exists within the culture, and because money can filter into the hands of rural communities, the value of coins is fully understood and utilised to a very small degree — but principle trade in the form of needful items, things that a neighbour could conceivably supply, comes about as arrangements between individuals, viewed as favours done.
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'''Bartering''' makes an agreement to swap goods without the requirement of using [[Coin (monetary unit)|coins]] as an intermediary medium. This practice is most prevalent in remote, rural communities where the accessibility of [[Vendor|shops]], stores, or [[Market|markets]] within a reasonable travel distance makes the use of currency impractical. While currency does exist within these cultures and may occasionally find its way into rural communities, the value of coins is comprehended and employed to a minimal extent.  
  
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A barter economy evaporates for the most part when making a trade within a hamlet, where coin has a presence.
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The primary trade done through barter revolves around essential items, those that a neighbor could feasibly provide, established through individual arrangements between persons who know one another.  These are often treated like exchanged favors, with give and take an important consideration.  A barter economy evaporates when making a trade within a hamlet, as the distance between residents increases and coin has a greater presence.
  
 
== Vouchers ==
 
== Vouchers ==
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Payment for excess goods that a [[Farmland|farmer]] or [[Pasture|herder]] might produce is managed through a trusted go-between, typically a [[Garner|garner]] or the overseer of a [[Carter Post|carter post]], who "pays" for goods delivered by means of a signed "voucher."  A similar voucher is given to the garner when a teamster, or carter, collects these goods for delivery into a [[Village|village]] or [[Town|town]].
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'''Vouchers''' serve as a means of compensating for surplus goods produced by individuals such as [[Farmland|farmers]] or [[Pasture|herders]].  This system is facilitated through a trusted intermediary, typically a [[Garner|garner]] or the overseer of a [[Carter Post|carter post]].
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These intermediaries "pay" for the delivered goods by issuing signed "vouchers."  When a teamster or carter collects these goods for transportation to a [[Village|village]] or [[Town|town]], a similar voucher is provided to the garner.
  
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These vouchers have no value of exchange, nor can they be signed to another person. They are personal [[Note Payable|promissory notes]] specifically from one person to another, accounting for the lack of available coin or the exchange of same. All persons involved in this practice are personally known by the persons whose role it is to exchange coin for the voucher in question. Thus strangers would need to become personally known in the community, and accepted, before being allowed to take part in this form of bartering.
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Note that these vouchers hold no inherent exchange value, and cannot be transferred to other individuals. They are essentially personal [[Note Payable|promissory notes]], exchanged directly from one person to another.  The method is a practical response to the absence of available coins or the need for coin-based transactions. All parties involved in this process are personally acquainted with the individuals responsible for converting the voucher into coin, ensuring a level of trust and familiarity within the community. Consequently, newcomers or strangers must establish themselves as part of the community and gain acceptance before participating in this form of bartering.
  
 
== Outlawry ==
 
== Outlawry ==
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The lack of coin in outlying areas helps preserve these peoples against bandits and plunder. Since no easy wealth can be stolen, frank exchanges can be made between rural folk and outlaws, with the latter supplying information and occasional goods in lieu of food, ordinary supplies and temporary shelter.  Thus the independent, isolated farmer is a willing supporter of the outlaw's actions, since both gain from the relationship.  Naturally, this arrangement is known and loathed in more civilised circles, but given the disregard given to abject farmers, little is done about it.
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The absence of currency in remote regions acts as a safeguard for these communities against the threat of [[Bandits|bandits]] and pillagers. Because there's no readily available wealth to be stolen, honest transactions can occur between rural residents and outlaws.  In this arrangement, the outlaws offer information and occasional goods in exchange for necessities like food, basic supplies, and temporary shelter provided by the rural folk.  Consequently, independent and isolated farmers willingly support the actions of these outlaws, as both parties benefit from this relationship.
  
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This mutual understanding is well-known and disapproved of in more civilized circles. However, due to the general neglect of destitute farmers by the authorities, little is done to address the issue.
  
  

Revision as of 20:11, 7 October 2023

Barter Economy.jpg

Bartering makes an agreement to swap goods without the requirement of using coins as an intermediary medium. This practice is most prevalent in remote, rural communities where the accessibility of shops, stores, or markets within a reasonable travel distance makes the use of currency impractical. While currency does exist within these cultures and may occasionally find its way into rural communities, the value of coins is comprehended and employed to a minimal extent.

The primary trade done through barter revolves around essential items, those that a neighbor could feasibly provide, established through individual arrangements between persons who know one another. These are often treated like exchanged favors, with give and take an important consideration. A barter economy evaporates when making a trade within a hamlet, as the distance between residents increases and coin has a greater presence.

Vouchers

Vouchers serve as a means of compensating for surplus goods produced by individuals such as farmers or herders. This system is facilitated through a trusted intermediary, typically a garner or the overseer of a carter post. 

These intermediaries "pay" for the delivered goods by issuing signed "vouchers."  When a teamster or carter collects these goods for transportation to a village or town, a similar voucher is provided to the garner.

Note that these vouchers hold no inherent exchange value, and cannot be transferred to other individuals. They are essentially personal promissory notes, exchanged directly from one person to another. The method is a practical response to the absence of available coins or the need for coin-based transactions. All parties involved in this process are personally acquainted with the individuals responsible for converting the voucher into coin, ensuring a level of trust and familiarity within the community. Consequently, newcomers or strangers must establish themselves as part of the community and gain acceptance before participating in this form of bartering.

Outlawry

The absence of currency in remote regions acts as a safeguard for these communities against the threat of bandits and pillagers. Because there's no readily available wealth to be stolen, honest transactions can occur between rural residents and outlaws. In this arrangement, the outlaws offer information and occasional goods in exchange for necessities like food, basic supplies, and temporary shelter provided by the rural folk. Consequently, independent and isolated farmers willingly support the actions of these outlaws, as both parties benefit from this relationship.

This mutual understanding is well-known and disapproved of in more civilized circles. However, due to the general neglect of destitute farmers by the authorities, little is done to address the issue.


See also,
Bartering (sage ability)
Coin (symbol)
The Adventure
Type-7 Hex

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