‘Meanwhile Use,’ the Perfectly British Way of Saying ‘Sharing’

How Colin Firth might talk about things like Airbnb.

This is your first of three free stories this month. Become a free or sustaining member to read unlimited articles, webinars and ebooks.

Become A Member

Lisa Gansky, author of The Mesh and a well-known West Coast tech entrepreneur (the photo sharing tool Ofoto was partly her doing) introduced a beautiful phrase at yesterday’s Municipal Art Society Summit in New York City: “meanwhile use.”

As Gansky pointed out, the phrase has the benefit of being perfectly British, so much so that it’s nearly impossible not to hear Colin Firth saying it in your head. But the idea gets at the notion that there are things people own that might find another use while their owners are busy with other things — a car, a spare bedroom. In the United Kingdom, the concept is particularly focused on finding creative uses of vacant spaces in town centers between commercial rentals.

In the U.S., we’ve somewhat strangely started talking about similar things as “sharing” or the “sharing economy.” Of course, as every kindergartner knows, sharing doesn’t generally involve getting money in return. Nor tax laws. But meanwhile sort of hits a sweet spot. Sure, it’s something you own. But while you’re not using it, hey, might as well make a buck — or a quid — off letting someone else use it.

Like what you’re reading? Get a browser notification whenever we post a new story. You’re signed-up for browser notifications of new stories. No longer want to be notified? Unsubscribe.

Nancy Scola is a Washington, DC-based journalist whose work tends to focus on the intersections of technology, politics, and public policy. Shortly after returning from Havana she started as a tech reporter at POLITICO.

Tags: shared citysharing economy

×
Next City App Never Miss A StoryDownload our app ×
×

You've reached your monthly limit of three free stories.

This is not a paywall. Become a free or sustaining member to continue reading.

  • Read unlimited stories each month
  • Our email newsletter
  • Webinars and ebooks in one click
  • Our Solutions of the Year magazine
  • Support solutions journalism and preserve access to all readers who work to liberate cities

Join 1096 other sustainers such as:

  • Anonymous in Grand Rapids, MI at $10/Month
  • Mike in Roseville, CA at $10.00/Month
  • Davis at $10/Month

Already a member? Log in here. U.S. donations are tax-deductible minus the value of thank-you gifts. Questions? Learn more about our membership options.

or pay by credit card:

All members are automatically signed-up to our email newsletter. You can unsubscribe with one-click at any time.

  • Donate $20 or $5/Month

    20th Anniversary Solutions of the Year magazine

has donated ! Thank you 🎉
Donate
×