Dear Economist,
At the end of concerts the performers leave the stage to the sound of applause. I prefer to save my energy, especially when many of my fellow concert-goers are applauding on my behalf.
From a strictly economic viewpoint I believe that my behaviour is rational but why do others not behave as I do? Please do not fob me off with the explanation that the applause is thanks for an excellent performance.
I bought my ticket in the expectation of an excellent performance and the delivery of that is the performers living up to their side of the bargain.
Kind regards,
S.C. Li, via e-mail
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