Bitcoin Forum

I don't know if this has been brought up, but one possible currency backing would be proofs to unsolved math problems.   Proofs to non trivial theorems have an intrinsic value, but also are completely abstract and can be stored and secured digitally.   Proofs can be used to help solve math/sci/engineering problems.  If Alice is writing a piece of software and needs proof of correctness.   She could go to an anonymous bitcoin exchange to buy the proof she needs.  The HOL theorem prover uses scripts written in the ML programming language to represent proofs.   This system could be used for checking proofs.   http://hol.sf.net

Proofs are cool for sure. But I don't see how they can be money since you still have them after you 'spend' them.

Novel idea, but I'd be concerned about counterfeiting.

I'd rep+ for thinking outside the box if we had rep!  ;D

Impressive how people are so concerned about "backing" money with something... you're missing the point.

And by the way, nothing has inherent value. ;)

I usually have proof that I spent money because my wife is wearing a new dress lol.

:D

You got that right, caveden.  It took me about three weeks to get over the "concern" with currency backing and the whole intrinsic vs. extrinsic debate, but I finally GOT IT and now i almost lose my temper every time i have to go over the concept with other economists, traders, and even developers.  Paper currency notes have no intrinsic value (without considering the law and gov't payment preference).

Until we can use molecular transport pods to send a gold coin across the internet, decentralized P2P money will gyrate towards reusable proof-of-work methodologies.

The point of backing the bitcoin with proofs is that it is a digital "product" and thus totally anonymous.  As of now, I would not use bitcoins because I can't exchange them for anything of value without risking breaking the law.  However a completely digital exchange can be done with much better security.  Unfortunately, proofs don't have much of a market right now.   

I don't know where you live, but it hardly matters. You cannot live any kind of life whatsoever without guaranteeing that you will break the law at some point.

Even if you pay taxes on that haircut that you bartered with you your neighbor you are probably in violation of zoning laws.

This is a strawman argument you are presenting.  The if the feds consider what you are doing as a threat to their power they will send you to pound you in the ass prison.  Still feeling brave?

Yes still brave.

Sorry, I assumed you were suggesting that we should try to follow all laws follow all laws. Do you have a procedure for determining which ones they will enforce?

Being as scared as you are of doing anything wrong and being punished, you're a model citizen for your government :)

Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

If history of government tells us anything about the future, it tells us that they will enforce whichever laws were violated by those they wish to persecute.  It's not about the law, it's about control.

Amen, brother.  Welcome to the front lines of the Agora.

If you are that scared you are already in prison - only the government is already "pounding you in the ass".

Well said.

I'm trying to get myself into prison. I'm trying to get myself out.

No one say it'll be easy to fight against authorities for the right of self-determination in economic and social affair. It takes some bravery, some discipline, and absolute moral clarity.

Liberty is not without cost.

what law would you be breaking by buying something with bitcoins as they are now? (and while you are at it, let us know what country you are in).