To your comment on replicators: the replicator as described by Mike Okuda in the ST Technical manual - total fiction (molecular construction from transporter technology = breaks the laws of physics). But nanotech, additive manufacturing etc - yes. We are getting there. The replicator in ST is more like a metaphor for all sorts of automation technology, IMHO. And to address your concerns and wet your appetite, chapter III of the book is all about replicators!
I know - copy editing!!!!
thank you so much for the close reading! I do think you've answered your question: prices are a signalling mechanism and a way to solve imbalances in supply and demand - therefore a pretty awesome instrument to deal with the limited nature of resources and/or transformed products
I would not be so dour. I think that for the time being, the starship is earth, for better or for worse. we have to make do somehow. we probably could use an appolo program for renewable energy/fusion, for instance.
Dear all,
We have posted another chapter online, which explores the question of Star Trek's roots in the genre of science fiction. I hope you will enjoy it, and I am looking forward to your comments and suggestions.
There is more press for Trekonomics: Business Insider published a piece by yours truly yesterday. You can read it here: http://www.businessinsider.com/star-trek-says-dont-freak-about-robots-2015-8
Your support and enthusiasm are overwhelming. We are nearing the 2/3 marks towards our funding goal of 1,000 pre-orders. For those followers and casual readers who have not yet purchased their copies, I warmly recommend you to do so. Every order helps, every order is precious.
We are currently working on several surprises for all of you. But I will keep it at that.
In the meantime, for those who enjoy the sound of the human voice, I will be on the next installment of Scott McNulty's Random Trek podcast this week (https://www.theincomparable.com/randomtrek/).
Until the next update, please keep spreading the word about the economics of Star Trek, and do not forget to pre-order your very own copies. We are almost there!
Live Long and Prosper,
Manu