# The Value 4 Value marketing model The [Value4Value model](https://value4value.info/) is a relatively new mechanism that mixes for-profit and not-for-profit branding. The model was first popularized by Adam Curry and is therefore configured for podcasting, but works just as well for any created content. - This ideology borrows heavily from [the open source philosophy](legal-ip-floss.md). - However, this idea is far older, and variations of this model have existed within [church culture](mgmt-church.md). It incorporates ten specific, non-negotiable pieces. ## Way of life The idea represents something closer to a way of life than simply a monetization scheme. - The mindset is based on abundance and [fairness](morality-justice.md), especially regarding digital value. There are 3 major philosophies to the idea: 1. No expectations 2. No entitlement 3. No lies It represents a type of [trust](mind-trust.md) that people will respond correctly to [doing a good thing](morality.md). ## Value inversion [Information itself](information.md) isn't scarce and can be copied without any legitimate effort. - Therefore, selling digital things on a per-item basis is unnatural and counterproductive. The concept acknowledges this fact: you are free to consume the content, but also are free to give back after the fact if you wish to. ## Time, talent, treasure The idea is based on [our implicit contractual nature](people-contracts.md): if you find something value, you give value back. There are three major vectors for this reciprocated value: - Time: your time and attention are valuable, especially in [this modern over-information society](information.md), so there is intrinsic value in spending it toward someone. - Talent: even if you don't have money, your [skills](jobs-specialization.md) and knowledge are valuable. - Treasure: Many payment processors can exchange money instantly without friction One practical effect of this is counterproductive to [most marketing](marketing.md): you should almost never use the word "free" to describe what you do or what you're offering. ## Content format The audience must be part of the content. The *way* the audience is part of it is as unlimited and [creative](mind-creativity-how.md) as you want. It is directly part of a feedback loop. ## The feedback loop The content is the product of a direct relationship with the audience. - The entire effort is a co-creation. This means the focus is more on what the audience wants than any given metrics: 1. Ask (see "the ask") 2. Acknowledge their involvement 3. Repeat regularly For this reason, the audience is encouraged to be involved as much as possible: - Shout-outs to people who contributed - Calls to add numerology about the content - Requests for how more content should be created - Awards for financial contribution - Opportunities for volunteering for various needs And, for that reason, most users of the model call their audience "producers" or "contributors" rather than "viewers". ## The ask The context varies by the medium, but most people don't give because nobody asked them. For this reason, the most difficult part is asking for the audience to give back. It's also the most important to stay financially viable. There is an art to it, but it is absolutely necessary. ## Monetization model Selling the information directly doesn't work and doesn't make sense. - To sell computer information means it can be reproduced indefinitely (and [is frequently pirated like crazy](computers-distsys-torrent.md)). The concept assumes 3 major presumptions about the transaction: 1. Voluntary: people are consenting to the transaction without obligation (i.e., not passively trying to [influence](power-influence-how.md) people subconsciously) 2. Unlimited: there are no constraints to any of the information or content 3. Direct: while intermediaries may exist in some form, they are in no way necessary for the transaction to happen ## The numbers In any context, only about 4% of the people give value back, without much clarity or predictability on how much they'll give. However, due to the audience's increased involvement, many expenses will also be lessened through others' contributions. ## No censorship Many creators are [unbanked](money-accounting-banks.md) either because the organization can erase them or they don't have a system in place to avoid it. - Further, many individual creators will refrain from covering certain topics that risk harming their income. - Even advertising-based models lead to creators' self-censorship. Since there are no intermediaries, the model removes the possibility of censorship. - Further, by using [cryptocurrency](computers-blockchain.md), the producers have the ability to contribute no matter what happens. ## No deplatforming People in [positions of power](power.md) often abuse that role and try to shut out individuals. For that reason, the model emphasizes protocols (which can't be shut down) more than platforms. The practical reality of this situation is that the model forbids exclusive [contracts](people-contracts.md) with any service provider. Another practical reality is that users of the model will use multiple platforms to distribute content. All of this gives keeps the power to affect everything solely in the creators' domain.