Open Source Markets (OSMs) are best exemplified in the freelance IT world. Sites like ifreelance.com and guru.com are currently operating the best user interfaces with the most practical functions and reaping the rewards of their innovation.
Open Source Markets are new forms of exchange, what impact will they have on economics?
These are some of my thoughts:
Open Source Markets provide a level playing field for entities small and large.
An OSM may be used for the sole purpose of promotion with no intent to sell, purchase, or distribute.
Business practices that are elsewhere considered unethical may be operative in an OSM.
OSMs are not subject to regulations at present including mandates for workers rights, wages, etc.
OSMs are not governed by the theory of supply and demand.
OSMs are public requiring no affiliations for involvement.
OSMs are not bound by time and space, an example of this is the trading floor of an exchange, and an always-on site like craigslist.
OSMs: ebay.com craigslist.com kijiji.com guru.com etsy.com
Id like to compile a list of obscure online markets that are free to enter and use. Open Source Markets
more @ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Source_Markets
How open source markets aren't subject to supply and demand... indeed I'd have thought they were very much subject to it. Ebay, for example... if there are 350 people flogging widgets on Ebay, individual sellers aren't going to get much for their widget because there's a big supply and buyers will only bid on the cheapest auctions.
That aside, there's an interesting lecture by Alvin Toffler here about how the modern economy is asynchronous, ie., we're no longer constrained by time and place, much as you mention above. The lecture is worth a listen.