It appeared several times in TNG too. Talk about elemenating poverty, greed, etc. But, in truth, it was really kinda muddled. From what I've seen, if you're in Starfleet, you don't get a paycheck. You get three squares a day, shelter, clothes, whatever you need. But there is definetly some system of trade considering the Ferengi (fuck if I know how to spell it) were a strong capitalists who did trade with individuals in the show. It's basically a Rodenberry "Hey! The future is great with running streams of champagne, gumdrop rainbows, and butterscotch meadows! Just don't ask me how it was done!"

whomod said: I generally don't like it when people decide to play by the rules against people who don't play by the rules.
It tends to put you immediately at a disadvantage and IMO is a sign of true weakness.
This is true both in politics and on the internet."

Our Friendly Neighborhood Ray-man said: "no, the doctor's right. besides, he has seniority."