Consumer Goodies

[ÑóẊîöʼn]

Under capitalist society, things like computer games, movies, music, DVD players, PCs, etc. are bought and sold.
Under a moneyless communist society, music, games and software(IE data) will be freely available to download and use.
But what of things like DVD players, et al? these are physical things which cannot simply be copied, I am wondering if the current rate of production for these goods meets or exceeds demand, with money not being a barrier- will people be able to pick up one from a distro point (Formerly shops) at whim, or will people have to wait for a new batch?
I geuss the question is, assuming current rates of production, is there enough for everyone?
Are there warehouses full of stuff that people want or need that are there because ppl can't afford them?

[truthaddict11]

DVD prices are pretty low now than they were 5 years ago, i see them heading in the way of VCRs in about 10 years everyone will probally have a DVD player

[redstar2000]

Ideally, there ought to be enough of what most people want that you could just drop by and pick up whatever you need.

Realistically, there may be periodic shortages...as there are now.

You could ask someone who doesn't use theirs much if they would give it to you until a new one became available. There might even be "shops" where stuff that people didn't need any more would be available for the asking...the waiting time for a new computer might be six months, but you could get a used one in good shape immediately.

Lots of useful things are thrown away in capitalist society...partly because our "status" and "prestige" is partially defined by how much "new stuff" we have.

In communist society, what really counts is usefulness...not conspicuous consumption.

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[Comrade of Cuba]

Originally posted by [email protected] 1 2003, 11:02 AM
Under a moneyless communist society, music, games and software(IE data) will be freely available to download and use.?
But to download you also need a computer. I think that technology shouldn't have to banned because no one can buy it , but you have to create public place where you can download, watch a movie,... Without having to buy a PC or DVD-player.

[The Children of the Revolution]

Computers are ridiculously cheap and easy to produce - as are DVD players.

I have my own computer; it's not top of the range, but it suffices. And I built it myself; the parts were largely second hand so it cost only £150. (£100 without the fancy graphics card I had to purchase)



In communist society, what really counts is usefulness...not conspicuous consumption.


Indeed. In a Communist Society "wants" - and demand for luxary goods - would decrease. Basic products would therefore be widely available.