Yes I think it can work. If it's not fountain, it'll be someone else.
This is like asking "will bitcoin work?".
The value for value model is a natural extension of Bitcoin and goes along with what is talked about in the sovereign individual. You will be paid based upon your talent and intelligence.
Gigi's article does a good job of laying out value for value which is basically like digital busking: https://dergigi.com/2021/12/30/the-freedom-of-value/