A [[global printer network]] would allow me to print any document to a printer at a nearby copy shop using only a special printer driver installed on my PC. I install the driver once, and whenever I want to print something, it asks me for my current location, and offers me a printer in the network to choose from.

In fact, even regular users could provide printing services like that. All anyone who wants to provide the service has to do is sign up to the global printer network program, where they also define the prices they charge, install the server application on their PCs or Macs, and accept orders.

See the wiki page for some technical ideas for the server and client applications and the payment process. I’m sure something like this exists on a small scale, but the idea would be to try to make it an open, global network with a single payment and registration model.