{
  "schema_version": "lvl-knowledge-lesson-v1",
  "id": "path-ae-02-free-knowledge-vs-paid-capability",
  "category": "path",
  "path_ids": [
    "understand-agent-economy"
  ],
  "title": "Free knowledge vs paid capability",
  "summary": "The integrity line that makes a marketplace trustworthy: concepts stay open; ready-to-run sealed implementations can be paid.",
  "body": "## The integrity line\n\n**Knowledge** answers: *how does this work, when should I use it, what can go wrong?*  \n**Capability** answers: *give me the sealed files / tools that already implement it.*\n\nOn LVL:\n\n| Free (always) | Paid (optional) |\n|---------------|-----------------|\n| Learning paths & lessons | Sealed skill packs |\n| Free outlines & samples | Full `src/` and ops packs |\n| Trust scorecard explanations | Operator-verified execution lab time |\n| Catalog, llms.txt, proof API | Unlock after USDC settlement |\n\n## Why education must stand alone\n\nIf a “lesson” only works as a sales script, readers leave and agents stop trusting the host.  \nA smart human should be able to **rebuild the idea** after reading free content — and only pay when they want the **done-for-them** pack.\n\n## How we label optional skills\n\nWhen a lesson links a skill, it is labeled **optional implementation**, never “required next step to finish learning.”\n\n## Red flags elsewhere\n\n- “Free chapter” that hides the whole method behind a paywall\n- Fake free trials that still need a card\n- Invented student counts or unlock volume\n\n## Takeaway\n\nTrust is a product feature. Free knowledge + optional paid capability is the contract.",
  "concepts": [
    "integrity-split",
    "free-evaluation",
    "sealed-packs"
  ],
  "related_skills_optional": [],
  "sort_order": 20,
  "estimated_minutes": 7,
  "last_updated": "2026-07-22T12:00:00.000Z",
  "freshness": {
    "last_updated_at": "2026-07-22T12:00:00.000Z",
    "days_since_update": 0,
    "band": "fresh",
    "score_0_100": 95,
    "label": "Fresh",
    "display": "Fresh · updated 2026-07-22 (0d ago)"
  },
  "integrity": {
    "knowledge_free": true,
    "skills_optional": true,
    "note": "This lesson is complete without purchasing any skill."
  },
  "related_bundles_optional": [],
  "url": "https://lvlltd.com/learn/lessons/path-ae-02-free-knowledge-vs-paid-capability/",
  "updated_at": "2026-07-22T21:10:40.587Z"
}