ningo.me is here to close a systemic gap in today’s online communication landscape .
Communication In The Physical World
Money was invented some «7000 years» ago. It has been used to pay for goods, services, knowledge, and attention. In particular, there was always a possibility to charge or pay for trusted communication.
This is accepted in everyday life without question. Often it is not a conscious choice – that’s just how it is:
- I meet with friends and family and don’t pay them money
- I meet and discuss a situation with my dentist or attorney and pay a lot of money
There is a natural distinction between free and paid communications. It allows for business models other than selling goods or services. It actually lays the foundation for the knowledge economy. People can ask for money before they get into a conversation. They can be paid for before being asked for their expertise.
The ability to set a price on being contacted helps balance the burden of filtering. Without a price, there is no incentive on the sender’s behalf to not send a message. With a price, the sender will consider the needs first. If there is a need, the sender will carefully make sure the message is clear and to the point.
Communication Through The Telephone
When the phone was invented, the same possibilities emerged soon. There are premium rate phone numbers (0900, 1-900, depending on where you are). I may be an expert or a busy person. I have the option to set up a number where callers have to pay money to contact me.
Psychics, legal counsels and many others are using this possibility to make a living. Or, they may simply be trying to reduce the amount of calls they get.
Communication On The Internet
With the internet came the promise of «free» communications. There is email, instant messaging, IP telephony, WhatsApp, and more to come.
The «free» aspect felt like paradise at first. Writing a letter became so much easier. I could save the few francs of postage. I could avoid the hassle of finding appropriate paper and envelope. For a student, that was a good reason for joy. Also, it was unbelievable how my message was transferred practically instantly.
After my cheapskate’s euphoria there was a new realization: the communication is free for anyone! Specifically, it is free for people, organizations, or robots that want to contact me. For forces that want my attention, knowledge, or time.
There is no alternative to «free» for the recipient!
The Systemic Gap
Let me consider communication systemically. «Systems Theory» helps to think of what makes up a complex whole.
In communications, there is an option to put a price on it. Be it by phone, in person, or in writing. But the option is missing online.
This is the systemic gap ningo.me is here to close. I can think of many reasons to set a tollgate on my inbox:
- Offering my expertise in small chunks of time for short questions
- Letting people show their motivation for their message to me
- Helping people to think hard whether they really need to take my time
What do you think?