Submitted by Philip Brewer on December 6, 2007 - 06:43.
Yes, it's really only useful within the community of Esperantists, although it could be stretched to serve beyond that, much as Hawala can be stretched to serve beyond its primary ethnic and cultural community.
There are plenty of solutions that work, each with its own limits. You mention Paypal, which makes you have an account as well, although just having an account is free. Western Union can send money almost anywhere very quickly and doesn't require an account (although it's not cheap--send money two or three times and you'd have payed for a membership in UEA). I just think the Esperanto solution is interesting, because of its parallel with Hawala.
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Only really useful within the group
Submitted by Philip Brewer on December 6, 2007 - 06:43.
Yes, it's really only useful within the community of Esperantists, although it could be stretched to serve beyond that, much as Hawala can be stretched to serve beyond its primary ethnic and cultural community.
There are plenty of solutions that work, each with its own limits. You mention Paypal, which makes you have an account as well, although just having an account is free. Western Union can send money almost anywhere very quickly and doesn't require an account (although it's not cheap--send money two or three times and you'd have payed for a membership in UEA). I just think the Esperanto solution is interesting, because of its parallel with Hawala.