Hardball

About the Author

Chris Anderson is a renowned author and editor known for his works on the impact of technology on business and society. As the former editor-in-chief of Wired magazine, Anderson has a keen understanding of how digital advancements are reshaping the economic landscape. His influential books, such as "The Long Tail" and "Free: The Future of a Radical Price," explore how the internet and technology create new business models and opportunities.

Main Idea

In "Free: The Future of a Radical Price," Chris Anderson argues that giving things away for free can be more profitable than charging for them. He explains how the cost of digital goods has decreased so dramatically that offering free products and services has become a viable and often essential business strategy. This shift from scarcity to abundance thinking applies across various industries, not just the digital economy, and challenges traditional notions of value and profitability.

Table of Contents

1. The History of Free
2. How Digital Electronics Has Revolutionized Free
: How and Why Free Works

The History of Free

The concept of "free" has evolved over centuries, shifting from a simple marketing gimmick to a powerful business strategy. Initially, free offerings were used to attract customers, such as in the case of 17th-century saloons that provided free meals to patrons who bought drinks. Over time, free became a tool for building market share and creating value in various industries, including publishing, broadcasting, and more.