Is "free access" the best description?

  1. The Idler
    The Idler
    Is "free access" the best description? Is it effective at excluding free at the point of use services? Does Wikipedia count as true free access because you can read it, edit it, copy it etc.?
  2. robbo203
    robbo203
    "Free access" as a term can, I guess, give rise to misunderstanding. I interpet it as meaning simply something you can access without payment or some kind of quid pro quo arrangment. Some form of rationing could in principle I suppose be considered free access but others not. For example a labour voucher system is not a system of free access as goods are accessed only by presenting your non redeemable non circulating labour voucher at the distribution store. I think Wikipedia is quite a good example of free access as is the internet generally. Free access equates with what is called a gift economy based on generalised reciprocity