Bitcoin Forum

I currently use Bitinstant to my MTGOX account, but I am looking for a reputable service on here that I could find BTC from.
What are peoples favorites?

I like the the idea of meeting, face-to-face through the Local BitCoin exchanges. Seems a bit more legit.

How do you find local exchanges?

Some people like trading through the currency market here. But only trade at your own risk with rep traders.

Their service is good and dont take as long as the big websites which takes days to verify your accounts.

Who would be the most reputable traders?

those that people have vouched for. common sense approach i guess.

The "best" ways to get bitcoins would be to accept them as currency in daily business transactions.

The current state of the bitcoin currency community will eventually have a stagnation issue whereby the lack of infrastructure to allow the acceptance of btc as a currency will hinder the usability of the cryptocurrency. In other words, the value of btc will never really have significant gains unless more people accept btc as currency. If everyone continues to mine them and stockpile them, then the value will never really increase unless they are traded.
As it stands right now, speculation is driving up it's value. Popularity will see a decrease given the current amount of DDOS attacks and fear among even the most experienced holders of btc. Which could lead to massive sell-offs and price fluctuations in a downward value trend.

So the "best" way to get them, is to add your acceptance of them as a currency for you business transactions. It will help to stabilize the value from fluctuations and give an outlet of support to those who wish to use them.

Otherwise, mining btc, or buying them from the exchange houses are very viable if you have the capital to do so. And finally, there are many websites that offer free btc hourly. Even if you only use those websites, it's possible to see .001 in your wallet daily. It's a lot of work to do so, but if you're at a keyboard all day, it only takes a few moments to open the browser and earn.

I hope this helps.

~bit_NINj4

Its subjective as if one wants to remain anon they will pay more and it initially takes time to set up.  If you dont care about your privacy then verify with one of the exchanges.  Also, read some good stuff about a direct exchange service like the otc board BUT you have to be careful who you trust and cant rely just on feedback score since those can be manipulated.  If your like me a US citizen the other option is to get rid of it.  Its a personal decision and for me really personal as my family has been in the military for generations.  I read its much easier to get btc if your not subject to FACTA.