Whether or not the consumption of a particular good by one person prevents simultaneous consumption by another person. In other words, does consumption impose an opportunity cost on others. Rival consumption occurs if the consumption by one imposes an opportunity cost on others because others are prevented from consuming the good. Nonrival consumption occurs if the consumption by one does not impose an opportunity cost on others because others are not prevented from consuming the good. When combined with nonpayer excludability, the result is four alternative types of goods -- private, public, common-property, and near-public.

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Our pedestrian excursion through the economy has helped me work up a ferocious appetite. I vote for a quick stop at the Mr. Market Super Food Discount Store where we can purchase a loaf of bread, assorted meats, and some cheese -- all for a luncheon tribute to the Earl of Sandwich. While a self-made tribute to the Earl is less expensive than any purchased from Manny Mustard's House of Sandwich, the ingredients from Mr. Market Super Food Discount Store still carry a hefty price tag. If you're hungry and have limited cash on hand, you might wonder whether food prices are higher than they need to be.
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Today, you are likely to spend a great deal of time searching the newspaper want ads trying to buy either a remote controlled sports car with an air spoiler or semi-gloss photo paper that works with your neighbor's printer. Be on the lookout for slow moving vehicles with darkened windows.
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-- Isaac Newton, mathematician, physicist

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