The trouble with Google's capacious Gmail service is that because it's free, you can't buy it. And those that aren't on the guest list for the beta test can't get an account for love or money. But of course there may be those who do have their name on the guest list that might be tempted to hand over their Gmail account in return for love, money, or something in-between. Helpfully, at least one web site has sprung up to put those who'd like a Gmail account in touch with those who have one to trade. The hot question being, of course, what exactly is a Gmail account worth? As the saying goes, a thing is only worth what someone else is prepared to pay. So according to the long list of open offers, an account is worth exactly the same as "a Microsoft styrofoam coffee cup"; "an imaginary invisible helper-monkey"; "an hour-long drum solo"; "a handmade ceramic boot, with wings"; "an original work by a 13-year-old poet"; "a vintage IBM vacuum tube"; or "a slide-rule (with instructions)." Yes, in fact a Gmail account, even in beta, is worth absolutely nothing.

03 Jun 2004