Stephenson's Reamde and D3 RMAH (Score 0)

Two major players in geekdom have visions for our future here, which is all about mixing paying and playing. I like the idea, because it elevates gaming from pass time to work time for some, and eliminates tedious grinding for those with the cash to spend. All in all, Reamde was kind of disappointing as a novel, but the ideas are interesting. I think Blizzard has been thinking along the same lines and I would not be surprised if D3 real money AH is a test bed for the MMORPG in development.