…most of the time. Because most of the time it’s a zero sum game. Free is on offer when there is a concession elsewhere. The movie is free. But we’ll show you some ads. Here’s a free phone…for signing a two year contract. Or, it’s last year’s model. Time, quality, price and trust…they are all interchangeable parts in the system.
Sometimes though, there aren’t any strings attached. It’s just a generous offer…a gift. Just understand the difference the next time you’re offered a free lunch.