More on another of Cox's signature ideas – about which he wrote a book[1] – 'Superdistribution': http://archive.wired.com/wired/archive/2.09/superdis_pr.html h

More on another of Cox's signature ideas – about which he wrote a book[1] – 'Superdistribution': http://archive.wired.com/wired/archive/2.09/superdis_pr.html http://archive.wired.com/wired/archive/2.09/superdis_pr.html The gist is to stop charging for software (including subcomponents like shared libraries and reusable objects) per copy, or by copy-based-licensing. Instead, charge (tiny amounts) per use. Theoretically, this could cure underinvestment in the creation of certain shared components, or in software quality/reliability. It's somewhat related to the idea from Ted Nelson that hypertext transclusion could also route automatic incremental reuse payments. Of course, enforcing the metering can be hard. (You need either DRM or cheerful voluntary compliance.) And all the usual issues with micropayments apply. But it's an interesting idea and the currently-vibrant in-app/in-game models resemble it in some respects. [1] http://www.amazon.com/Superdistribution-Objects-Property-Electronic-Frontier/dp/0201502089 http://www.amazon.com/Superdistribution-Objects-Property-Ele...