[lbo-talk] IT innovation and "the Markets"

[Miles Jackson]

John Thornton wrote:
> Miles Jackson wrote:
>> Chris Doss wrote:
>>> Central planning is very good at big, well-defined projects. It's not
>>> very good at distributing the end product.
>>
>> Unless that end product is public libraries, public roads, national 
>> parks, the internet, basic scientific research, police service, fire 
>> service, health care, pension funds, public utilities, etc, etc, etc.
>>
>> Miles
>
>
> While I agree with your list do you imagine central planning would be 
> as effective at filling demand for microwaves, TeeVee, pants, shoes 
> and similar goods?
>
> John Thornton
Why not?  The efficient distribution of media from a lending library 
requires significant planning, tracking, budgeting, staffing, etc.  
Actually, the more I think about it, in practical terms, it's way easier 
to produce and distribute microwave ovens than it is to produce any of 
the public goods on my list.

Miles