Complementary Currencies

Complementary Currencies is an all-embracing and flexible package which includes a mutual credit engine and super-malleable transaction form then goes several extra miles with you, providing many views, blocks, actions, etc for you to choose from.

Features

• offers/wants directory (a simpler module than classified ads)
• balance limits
• mass payments
• visualisation
• email notification
• transaction api
• multiple currencies

Usage

Difference between this and userpoints is that this is a mutual credit system. This is not a shop, a cart, or an ecommerce system. Please note there is a new module, hours, which meets a subset of these objectives, This module was designed for use by community groups such as classic LETS schemes and Timebanks, but is actually being used by a 'younger' generation of monetary reformists. As the project expands it will meet more business-like objectives. It works almost out of the box, but if you have no resources to commit to customising such a web site, you should think carefully about whether you are should be setting up an new economy.

Warning about Governance
Complementary currencies historically have a very high failure rate. Web tools are no substitute for proper governance and community buy-in. You should be seeking advice from experienced professionals if you don't want to let down people in your community, and the wider movement. Please check out Value for People's Community Currency starter pack.

Hosted service

There is a non-profit organisation, Community Forge specialising in bringing this software to the commnunities who need it. It offers a full Drupal installation, hosting, customisation and development.

This is the only open source social networking tool of it's kind. Cyclos is much more powerful as an accounting package but requires java, and is not so modular. GETS is a business to business network with a high barrier for entry for local communities. CES is a membership based scheme which means communities sacrifice a certain level of autonomy for use of the software. One to watch is http://opensourcecurrency.org

Roadmap

We know there is demand for the following, but demands far exceed resources at present!
Version 1.1

• improved stats and visualisation
• standardised theming

Version 2.0

• Serious APi for integration with outside world
• Compatibility with CES
• SMS integration

This project will be refactored as complementary_currencies, and the transactions module split into mutual_credit and mutual_credit_webform. Rather than clutter up drupal.org, we are looking at installing our own feature server for the forthcoming ecosystem, paving the way for:

• Drupal 7 upgrade
• non-member accounts
• trading between different Drupal instances
• More metadata for offers and wants
• Integration with other content types
• Better tax & demurrage mechanisms
• Ajaxy goodness

Tricky upgrade from Beta

Best not done on a live site
Disable all marketplace modules and replace with mutual_credit
Enable mutual_credit modules, ignoring errors.
Run update.php
Check user permissions
Delete the views without the 'cc' prefix and rebuild from the new ones provided
Some blocks will need re-placing.
(Contact me if you want a hand)

Downloads