[net.politics.theory] Libertaria and info: why not now?

bmg@mck-csc.UUCP (Bernard M. Gunther) (10/30/85)

When I hear discussions about a libertarian society, I continually hear
references to a vast information network which will provide information
about any service at a reasonable price [reasonable having an upper limit
of what I am currently paying in taxes].  

I am currently looking for a car.  I would be willing to pay for information
about the type I am looking for.  The information I would like is:
	list of cars that would fit my needs
	ratings for each car
	price range (list as well as real)
	reliability of dealers in my area which carry these cars
		for service
	
If this sort of information is not being distributed under our present
form of government/society (where there are people willing to pay for it),
how will it ever be done in Libertaria?  

Bernie Gunther

nrh@inmet.UUCP (11/02/85)

>/* Written  3:06 pm  Oct 30, 1985 by bmg@mck-csc in inmet:net.politics.t */
>/* ---------- "Libertaria and info: why not now?" ---------- */
>When I hear discussions about a libertarian society, I continually hear
>references to a vast information network which will provide information
>about any service at a reasonable price [reasonable having an upper limit
>of what I am currently paying in taxes].  
>
>I am currently looking for a car.  I would be willing to pay for information
>about the type I am looking for.  The information I would like is:
>	list of cars that would fit my needs
>	ratings for each car
>	price range (list as well as real)
>	reliability of dealers in my area which carry these cars
>		for service
>	
>If this sort of information is not being distributed under our present
>form of government/society (where there are people willing to pay for it),
>how will it ever be done in Libertaria?  
>
>Bernie Gunther
>/* End of text from inmet:net.politics.t */

In the second place, your objection that information not supplied now
will not be supplied in Libertaria is incorrect -- if, for example,
there are currently no low-cost private schools providing minimal
education, perhaps it is because they would compete with schools
offered ``free'' by the State, and hence would make no money.  This
does not mean there'd be no need for such schools (no place for
such schools) in Libertaria.

In the first place, have you tried Consumer Reports or any local
consumer group?  I'm told CR has an annual issue on Cars.  There's
also something called the Blue Book.

For dealers in your area, I'd try the Yellow Pages for a raw list,
and the local Better Business Bureau.

sykora@csd2.UUCP (Michael Sykora) (11/27/85)

>/* mrh@cybvax0.UUCP (Mike Huybensz) / 10:51 am  Nov 19, 1985 */

>Huh?  I doubt that many people on the net can name one doctor from a
>report on malpractice.  So how are we keeping an eye out for it?
>
>Why isn't somebody making a profit right now with a malpractice suit
>database?  No slander involved: just a collection of public records of
>cases filed.

Actually, I saw a segment on TV this morning describing just such
a service.  I believe it was being provided by the L.A. Trial Lawyers
Association, which I suppose is a professional association for lawyers.


Mike Sykora