Amazingly enough, the gift economy is alive and flourishing in science, open source software, the blogosphere, and the folk/filk community (and probably many other musical sub-genres). It's probably not a coincidence that I spend a lot of my time there.

In previous centuries, in civilized countries, scientists, musicians, and artists would be patrons of local nobles and rich folk who wanted to build a reputation as "patrons of the arts." Alas, there are few, if any, civilized countries left. I certainly don't live in one.

I am strongly reminded of what Gandhi said when asked what he thought of Western civilization: "I think it would be a good idea."