making money on maps

From: Jon Thorvaldson <yinkin_at_uppsala.mail.telia.com>
Date: Sat, 6 Feb 1999 10:07:12 +0100

Steve Lieb writes:
>I'd disagree in essence (the Brithini come to mind), but the main thing is
>that this is irrelevant. If one in 1000 *can* fly, or one in 10k, then you
>have enough to make it a cottage industry, really. What's the proportion
>of apiarists in a population - yet we have honey. (To use an admittedly
>quickly-imagined example - there are probably better ones.) And I'd wager
>a fellow with an ability to make such maps would make a HECK of a lot more
>$$ than a beekeeper. Thus a more attractive field, albeit the
>qualifications are high.

I have to butt in here. My argument against this theory is that (I'm thinking Orlanthing now) making money is not a goal amongst most people. The average orlanthi Wind Lord is not going to squander his god-given powers on such a petty scheme. I seriously doubt that there is a real monetary economy, anyway. A lord/priest/godi is suposed to emulate his god and his deeds, and that's what gives him his powers. Generosity, honor, brave deeds are valuable, as is your reputation among your people, wealth is useful but not a goal.

What I mean is that I think that making money for money's sake is too modern a thought for it to work, IMO, within Orlanthi culture, which was what was discussed.

Jon Thorvaldson

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