I know I could use a few extra bucks, because I owe the IRS tax money. With no greenbacks or Benjamins floating my way, maybe I'll just print my own money: Odegaard Big Heads (I have a large cranium). Each bill will feature my likeness--for the twenty I might even wear something classy like a button-up shirt.
I might sound crazy and certainly narcissistic, but printing my own money (or at least a local currency) is perfectly legal--"as long as it doesn't look too much like a U.S. dollar," according to SmartMoney. Local currencies aren't legal U.S. tender, but communities across the country are printing their own cash for use in their micro-economies, according to usatoday.com.
Basically, businesses and individuals form a network and print currency. People then buy it from the network at a beneficial exchange rate, i.e. $95 for $100 worth of the currency. The currency is then used at local businesses that accept the currency. It's caught on all over the nation: North Fork, CA Shares; Detroit Cheers; Ithaca, NY Hours; Pittsboro, N.C. Plentys; Brooklyn Torches; and Berkshire, MA BerkShares.
The idea has its roots in the Great Depression, when local groups banded together and issued "scrip" when financial institutions closed down. Local currencies then and now promote local spending, which in turn boosts the local economy--not a bad idea.
Now if I can only get the IRS to accept Odegaard Big Heads in payment for my tax liability.
--Jens
Nice Design!
Mark
editor Community Currency Magazine
Thanks Mark. I wish I could take credit for actually designing it, but unfortunately my artistic skills are somewhat (totally?) lacking. I did have creative input, but my co-worker Dan Sweet, who works in the design department, actually designed it. You can check out more of his awesome work at http://dan-sweet.com/ or in brass|MAGAZINE. I also checked out your website (http://www.ccmag.net/dp/), cool stuff: I had no idea some of those currencies existed.
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