My Dad recently pointed me to a pretty interesting blog written by a guy who lives totally off the grid and doesn’t believe in either earning or spending money. Check it out here.
The more I learn about this guy, Daniel Suelo, the more he reminds me about the spirit of social media. The analogy that Chris Brogan and others often use is ’social media as the cocktail party’ - where you sit around and share thoughts, formulas for success, and general BS for free. There is no apparent short-term monetary value to the cocktail party other than the exchange of ideas and the connection. It’s the love of the relationship.
So too with Daniel, who’s goal is simply to contribute. He’s not interested in making money - and in fact it could be said he’s interested in not making money. He contributes by helping others, and as a result, people help him. It’s an ecosystem by design that he’s managed to be successful at: a social community built on respect and simple contribution versus reward.
Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not rushing out and and joining the ZeroCurrency model. Last I checked, I had a mortgage and a college savings plan or two to save for. I am intrigued however: marketing stripped down to the core. No crass MLM schemes or loud slogans or hand waving. No social media ‘gurus’ or ‘Best Ideas Ever on how to earn 1000/day’. Just a very honest - albeit potentially difficult - approach to society. And existence.
Who else out there walks the walk? Let me know!
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