Gifting economy

Hello,

I've been trying to motivate people to put effort into a gifting economy.  To me the permaculture ethics of earth care and people care lead to this.  Return our excess into earth care and people care leads to gifting.

So I attempted to do this with milk cows with a neighbor.  I tried to express the idea that if you want to join in with me on this then we will apply a few concepts with it all.  With baby females we will keep them and try to breed them true to type, keep them purebred.  With the males they can be banded and turned into beef.  But with the males talk with people doing this and see if we need any more bulls for breeding.  If any females are majorly problematic she can be turned into beef if you find it necessary.  Once you have more cows than you want gift your excess out to others and try to spread this idea.

As time went on the first neighbor I have tried this with started having problems.  They came up with hypotheticals and justifications to not commit to doing any of this.  Before this ever took place I let them know there is no penalties.  No punishment if you do not follow any of this.  the only mild penalty is a natural one, where anyone who does not follow this would just go down in priority to gift further cows to.

I don't want people to just take advantage of this.  For example just sell all the cows I gift.  I want people to desire these cows and treat them well.  The potential here is pretty great.  People can put more money and effort into the things needed to raise the cow rather than on the cow itself.  An extra $500-$3,000 going into a barn, hay, and whatever else is nice.  And for the person with the excess cows it is nice to be done with the labors towards a cow you don't need.  It seems like a win/win type of situation and keeping money out of it elevates the operation in my view.  Gifts are great.

Anyways, I'm throwing the gist of this idea on here to see all of your reactions.  If I were to gift you a cow and asked that you in turn would gift them when you don't want them anymore or have an excess of babies would you do that?  Would you feel this too burdensome and why?  Keep in mind the only punishment for not following this would be you might not get another free cow from me.  Is this fair?  Is this a good idea?  Would you like to be involved in this?  I'm trying to invite people I know to join in on this idea, so far it's been mediocre.  Would you join in?  If so maybe you can do this on your own and help the gifting society idea spread.

Food for thought anyways.

There's a psychology I've observed -- if it's offered free people think there must be a glitch -- something is wrong with it. Or, it's a sneaky obligation -- now I owe you something, and I'm uncomfortable with that. But if it's offered for half the going rate, paid in cash, they are thrilled about the incredible good deal. And they may reciprocate with good deals in the other direction. My 2c.