Pay it forward

I have a thing about value. So many things seem to have a price tag that is disproportionate to the value we derive from it. Why does the cleaner charge more than the experienced Mum that looks after our twins? How come the baby sitter costs more than the night out? Why does GNER charge more to travel on a near empty train just as it's about to leave the station?

We have an intuitive sense of value that makes us feel that warm fuzzy feeling or pinch of anxiety when presented with bill. At least I do. Sculptors talk of us having an innate sense and understanding of scale - a human ability that enables us to perceive an object as pleasing or unsettling because its scale either chimes with our senses or doesn't. Nothing to do with aesthetics - it's more visceral than that. Value works in the same way.

Because of this, I believe there is hugely untapped potential for paying what you think something is worth to enter the mainstream. Yes there are elements of this on ebay and museum entry fees, but what about those rail tickets, holiday lets and, dare I say, consultancy fees?

With this very much in mind, I was delighted with the news that Radiohead are releasing their new album online tomorrow, and buyers can pay whatever they want. I've just paid a fiver. The idea is brilliant, simple, user focused and totally up to the minute, even if the website isn't. Must get my cleaner to check it out.