Thursday, November 4, 2010

The Hyperinflation

In the 2030s environment set for both Suki book series, there is mention of "the hyperinflation" from earlier years.  Inflation is under control, but prices may seem higher to the reader compared with today.  I didn't want to change the form of currency, I stuck with the history that I am used to where prices go up and so do salaries (actual inflation) with a nod or two at price appreciation.  Manufactured goods continue to be cheaper and cheaper in adjusted dollars, etc.  In Suki I, Patricia tries to tip a pizza deliveryman $100 and she uses the same amount to bribe a cab driver into letting Suki smoke in the car.  Table dances at exotic dance clubs are $1000, but all of the items for a new gourmet kitchen are less expensive than a high-end refrigerator today.

No, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke is not an ally of mine trying to make my books come true.  His latest move of printing $600 Billion, to buy bonds and flood the economy with money, is a made-to-order act to guarantee high inflation for the next several years.