What is Word Market?
Word Market (WM) is an Internet portal dedicated to buying and selling words, using a unique currency, the ‘Wollar’. In times of increasing privatization of public spaces and the profusion of copyright laws, WM allows you to own, trade and profit from words as their value fluctuates. WM offers you attractive discounts and promotions. Don't hold back! Increase your linguistic wealth. Become the owner of your words! And most importantly, prevent others from using them!

What is a Wollar?
The Wollar currency has been established as the monetary system for operating in Word Market. As soon as you sign in, WM will provide you with an initial credit of 10,000 wollars. With this amount you can begin your operations, winning or losing more credits with them.

How do I join Word Market?
Create a free WM account by signing in.

How do I buy my words?
Buying words is safe and easy. Once you have signed in, browse for words in our list, or search for the one you’d like in the “Find it” box. Once you have found your word simply click “Buy now.” If the word is not available, Word Market will give you the chance to contact the owner and make him/her an offer.

How is the value of words determined?
The value of a word is based on an algorithm that is calculated according to three variables: its linguistic category; the number of letters it contains; and its current trend (its popularity in Internet searches). Because this last component constantly varies so does the word’s value which, in turn, makes possible speculation and consequent profit.

Aside from the original set up value, can I submit lower or higher offers for a word?
Of course you can, and as prices rise and fall, you will profit through your trades.

What are the benefits of buying and selling words, anyway?
In times of increasing privatization of public spaces and the profusion of copyright laws, owning as many words as you can is a great investment. Chances that language will become completely privatized are high. By owning your own words you can avoid paying someone else to use them.
Buy your own words before someone else does.

Where can I get extra Wollars?
When you buy a word, you are issued a “Certificate of Ownership” and a “Warning Page Link.” Send this link to whoever uses your word without your permission! Bookmark your WPL and send it often; also use the social networking buttons. The more traffic you get to this page, the more Wollars you will earn.

Can I buy any Word?
You can buy any word as long as it is not already taken. Note: you may not buy the words “Word” or “Market.” They are WM’s and are not for sale.

Is my Certificate of Ownership forever?
No. The Certificate of Ownership has an expiration date. It ceases its validity when someone else buys your word. That is: a certificate with a posterior date cancels the validity of one with a previous date.

Can I buy words for others?
Word Market has implemented a new service: “Send a word as a gift.” To send someone a word as a gift you must first buy it. Then, send WM the name and a picture of the person receiving the gift so that WM can create his/her “Certificate of Ownership.” Note: being the owner of a Word Market account, any offer to buy a word from a third party should be made directly to you.

Who is behind Word Market?
Word Market is an artistic project by Belen Gache, commissioned by New Radio and Performing Arts, Inc. for its Turbulence web site. It was made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Disclaimer: All references made here to warnings, legal consequences or illegal use of words are used metaphorically.