Thursday 10 November 2016

Money and Society Newsletter

IFLAS runs a free online course twice a year on what we think is one of the most important topics in the world at a time of a collapse in support for neoliberalism. Here is a newsletter for people who have completed the course (200+)... 

The First Summit 

It is just over a month until the free Money and Society summit in Bali. Your MOOC co-authors Jem and Matthew will gather with complementary currency experts in the region, including Stephen DeMeuleneure. The agenda is now available. The Summit is mainly for people who have done the MOOC. However, please tell your friends and colleagues if they are interested in the topic, as they can attend if they prepare by watching a video of the first lesson.

A European Summit?

We could consider running a similar free 1 day gathering in 2017 in either UK (April or July), or Spain or Greece (mid September). Please let us know by November 30th if you would definitely attend one, and also if you could consider a donation to help with the costs. Email matslats@fastmail.com

Get Qualified

Now that you have done the MOOC you could progress and get a qualification, by taking the residential course in London for 5 days from April 19th. As Di said, its "bloody brilliant". More info here: here.

News and Views

Professor Bendell wrote an article on fintech regulation in the European Finance Review.

Thought experiment, what happens when a central bank splits in two?

Continuing bad news about the dollar's status as the global reserve currency.

Effect of the recession on the real economy is that more large ships are being scrapped. Bear in mind that large ships are the most polluting of all transport.

Eight years of failed bailouts are leading some to question keynsian economics - if a bailout using money borrowed from the self-same recipients is really Keynesian! Japan edges closer to a bailout of ordinary people, helicopter money. 

For a longer read, here is Nick Szabo, expert in currency and cryptocurrency, looking at ancient artefacts and speculating about their function as a store of value. We found it very thought provoking, but always be aware of the absence of credit from such discussions. So far archeologists have only ever found corpses who have taken their commodities to the grave, never their credit.

Finally if you like videos we found this interview with economist Alex Salter enlightnening, on an Austrian perspective of central banking.

The Next MOOC

February 17th is when we kick off again. Please tell your family, colleages, friends and enemies to sign up for the amazing experience. The link for info: http://ho.io/mooc

The Next Newsletter

In late January we will contact you to ask you to consider co-tutoring during the MOOC. In 6 months we will say hi again with a newsletter. Thanks to Martin for sending in some links for this one. Please submit really interesting articles to matslats@fastmail.com

From your MOOCmeisters, 
Jem and Matthew

PS: like this and want to subscribe? Sorry you cant, as you have to complete the MOOC to become an alumnus