Property Value (Computer) Units
Units of measure that PLC put into place with the idea of establishing some sort of standardized value for items across the complex. Each unit was supposed to represent the effort taken to input one line of code into the computer. In typical PLC fashion, the value of any item was then determined by multiplying the number of lines of code required to process the appropriate form with the number of lines of code required to program the manufacturing apparatus (or security apparatus if INFRARED labor was used).
Was very widely used and futures markets developed based on PLCs form update and obsolescence cycles. Many clones amassed small (and sometimes very large) fortunes using these.
Unfortunately, when the Quasi-Random form was developed the units became nearly impossible to use, requiring detailed application of the Zeta_Vector_Principle just to ensure that what you were getting in return for an item was the correct amount.
With the clearance of the Zeta-Vector Principle being beyond that of most clones, UltraViolet citizens naturally took advantage of this state of affairs to amass huge fortunes of Property Value (Computer) Units. Some going so far as to liquidate their entire credit holdings and instead invest it all into Property Value (Computer) Units.
When High Programmer Flo-U-RID-3 discontinued Property Value (Computer) Units some four month-cycles before the Toothpaste_Disaster, several UltraViolet citizens suddenly found themselves bankrupt, while those who had stayed true to Friend Computer's credits reaped windfalls purchasing back their stuff at amazingly discounted rates. There is some speculation in CPU that tracking financial records around that period of time implies that a number of people actually may have had some advance warning on Flo-U-RID-3's intended actions. Of course, insider trading is generally frowned upon by Friend Computer, not to mention treasonous.
Myself, I stayed about even, but I know that's certainly not the case for some members on this panel.
-- Watt-U-GOT-9
Refs: Flo-U-RID-3, Toothpaste_Disaster, Quasi-Random, Zeta_Vector_Principle
Commentary:
I actually pulled out of the PV(C)U markets when the Quasi-Random forms came into general circulation. The Zeta_Vector_Principle has many useful applications, it's true, but its stochastic properties have no place anywhere near my overall credit balance.
-- Jan-U-ARY-31
"Five" and I never really did much more than dabble in PV(C)U; we've always preferred to deal in tangible commodities like property, and the ebb and flow of need that often swirls around lesser-capable PLC groups than that of our own OUT Sector.
I know Flo-U had a fairly spotless set of financial records on through the entire mandatory disclosure period around her shutdown of PV(C)U, but I think we all know how much kickback she was getting from the UV's she must have forewarned (i.e. the ones who made a killing in the buyback). Even at a positively tiny 2% apiece, she would have raked in tens or even hundreds of millions, and we have no reason to believe she was only getting "lowfat" from her pals. Whoever erased her must surely have known how to get that money, 'cause you can bet it didn't simply vanish.
-- Knok-U-OUT-6