Bitcoin Forum

Bitcoin => Press => Topic started by: lunarboy on June 14, 2013, 03:44:35 PM



Title: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: lunarboy on June 14, 2013, 03:44:35 PM
 http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/910858fa-d3bf-11e2-95d4-00144feab7de.html

Might be behind a pay wall for some, but its free for several articles a month and well worth registering.

Anyway unlike there usual dismissive nonsense this is a huge article, well researched and read by many a billionaire.

Still has that tinge of derogatory tone, like some old man looking down his nose at you; but at least he's had the respect to put his glasses on and see what all the fuss is about.

Quote
A growing band of young evangelists believe the virtual currency Bitcoin is the economic future. But how long before regulation catches up with them?
 


edit: actually this might be a free article, logged out and it still lets me view it. ?


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: flix on June 14, 2013, 04:30:48 PM
Wow!

This is a pretty nice article, especially for the FT. Unsurprisingly the headline plays the fear card, but still, overall it's surprisingly positive.


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: kiko on June 14, 2013, 07:09:52 PM
Geez, that was really long. Bitcoin doesn't usually get serious column inches like that. I wonder if it's destined for tomorrows weekend print edition.


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: kiko on June 14, 2013, 07:14:49 PM
Looks like we bagged the weekend magazine front page.

http://media.ft.com/cms/c6d1ee20-d436-11e2-a464-00144feab7de.jpg


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: VoteGoat on June 14, 2013, 10:04:32 PM
Hi

I'm Jonathan Mohan

OMG OMG OMG OMG

I Had NO idea about the cover, dude you made my day this is AWESOME

 also please feel free to contact me for anything @ jonathan(a)bitcoinNYC.org


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: VoteGoat on June 14, 2013, 10:15:21 PM
You talk for three hours to a reporter and see how they use your words. It's easy to criticize, its FAR harder to actually try and contribute. Please if you wish to put yourself out there and be an active part of the community email me and I'll help you the best I can. Maybe you can do better than I.


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: kjlimo on June 14, 2013, 10:27:33 PM
Holy turnips, just noticed the link to the image and its the real deal. Never thought I'd be going out to hunt down a copy of FT :) :) :)

haha, I may need to do the same.


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: nwbitcoin on June 14, 2013, 10:31:12 PM
You talk for three hours to a reporter and see how they use your words. It's easy to criticize, its FAR harder to actually try and contribute. Please if you wish to put yourself out there and be an active part of the community email me and I'll help you the best I can. Maybe you can do better than I.

This is so true!

Reporters already know what they are going to write before they even set up the interview with you.  Your quotes are weaned out of you to match their agenda.

I learnt this the hard way with a story I was involved with a few years ago.

Never, ever trust the media! ;)


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: VoteGoat on June 14, 2013, 10:43:30 PM
You talk for three hours to a reporter and see how they use your words. It's easy to criticize, its FAR harder to actually try and contribute. Please if you wish to put yourself out there and be an active part of the community email me and I'll help you the best I can. Maybe you can do better than I.

This is so true!

Reporters already know what they are going to write before they even set up the interview with you.  Your quotes are weaned out of you to match their agenda.

I learnt this the hard way with a story I was involved with a few years ago.

Never, ever trust the media! ;)


Hey man, Email me Jonathan(a)bitcoinNYC.org I'd love to hear the story and we can talk about how I can improve my wording around interviews.


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: VoteGoat on June 14, 2013, 10:57:05 PM
You talk for three hours to a reporter and see how they use your words. It's easy to criticize, its FAR harder to actually try and contribute. Please if you wish to put yourself out there and be an active part of the community email me and I'll help you the best I can. Maybe you can do better than I.

I am a very active member of the community and people like you make me sad. In no way should a quote like that should come out, when you claim to be  a "bitcoin promoter". I get asked to do interviews once a week maybe twice, I turn them all down, cause I am not here for publicize, I am here for bitcoins the idea and getting local people into it. I know for 100% they would never get a quote like that out of my mouth. And if they misquoted you then say it, but they are pretty good at not doing that so yeah. It just makes me upset to know someone is going around as a "promoter" and saying things like that. Maybe think before speaking just a hint.


Things listed in "" marks I said, things not are what the reporter said. If you can show me where I said I was a "promoter" I would really like to know. Further if you are going to be disparaging to me any further I will not choose to continue talking to you, but I'd really like it if we could have a conversation because I'm new to this and I welcome any constructive feedback.


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: kjlimo on June 14, 2013, 11:04:49 PM
You talk for three hours to a reporter and see how they use your words. It's easy to criticize, its FAR harder to actually try and contribute. Please if you wish to put yourself out there and be an active part of the community email me and I'll help you the best I can. Maybe you can do better than I.

I am a very active member of the community and people like you make me sad. In no way should a quote like that should come out, when you claim to be  a "bitcoin promoter". I get asked to do interviews once a week maybe twice, I turn them all down, cause I am not here for publicize, I am here for bitcoins the idea and getting local people into it. I know for 100% they would never get a quote like that out of my mouth. And if they misquoted you then say it, but they are pretty good at not doing that so yeah. It just makes me upset to know someone is going around as a "promoter" and saying things like that. Maybe think before speaking just a hint.


Things listed in "" marks I said, things not are what the reporter said. If you can show me where I said I was a "promoter" I would really like to know. Further if you are going to be disparaging to me any further I will not choose to continue talking to you, but I'd really like it if we could have a conversation because I'm new to this and I welcome any constructive feedback.

While gweedo's heart is in the right place, he is being harsh.  Try to take away that we're not trying to "promote" the idea that bitcoins will make everyone rich quick.

We're trying to promote how bitcoins can improve the monetary system and brings many many other advantages other than just simply "get rich quick."  So when discussing bitcoins, try to avoid that phrase which will only attract short term money and lead to tulip mania.

That said, I'm also hoping for bitcoins to be lucrative for my future; however, I don't expect that without earning them.  I just see millions of opportunities related to bitcoins and they excite me!


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: VoteGoat on June 14, 2013, 11:12:38 PM
You talk for three hours to a reporter and see how they use your words. It's easy to criticize, its FAR harder to actually try and contribute. Please if you wish to put yourself out there and be an active part of the community email me and I'll help you the best I can. Maybe you can do better than I.

I am a very active member of the community and people like you make me sad. In no way should a quote like that should come out, when you claim to be  a "bitcoin promoter". I get asked to do interviews once a week maybe twice, I turn them all down, cause I am not here for publicize, I am here for bitcoins the idea and getting local people into it. I know for 100% they would never get a quote like that out of my mouth. And if they misquoted you then say it, but they are pretty good at not doing that so yeah. It just makes me upset to know someone is going around as a "promoter" and saying things like that. Maybe think before speaking just a hint.


Things listed in "" marks I said, things not are what the reporter said. If you can show me where I said I was a "promoter" I would really like to know. Further if you are going to be disparaging to me any further I will not choose to continue talking to you, but I'd really like it if we could have a conversation because I'm new to this and I welcome any constructive feedback.

While gweedo's heart is in the right place, he is being harsh.  Try to take away that we're not trying to "promote" the idea that bitcoins will make everyone rich quick.

We're trying to promote how bitcoins can improve the monetary system and brings many many other advantages other than just simply "get rich quick."  So when discussing bitcoins, try to avoid that phrase which will only attract short term money and lead to tulip mania.

That said, I'm also hoping for bitcoins to be lucrative for my future; however, I don't expect that without earning them.  I just see millions of opportunities related to bitcoins and they excite me!


Thanks for the feedback, I TOTALLY agree. During my time talking to him I stated something to the effect of, As an entrepreneurship major I want to start a company. I want to get rich. I love Bitcoin because It makes business models that were never viable, viable. And I see a blue ocean of billion dolllar companies just waiting to be formed.

Further I HATE the term promoter and its kinda demeaning to what I am doing. BitcoinNYC is a professional networking group for people who want to do business in bitcoin. We also have co-working hours once a week so businesses in bitcoin can come together and figure out this space as a community. It's my goal to grow those meetings and BitcoinNYC from once a week to 4 times a week and become a community based co-working group for bitcoin entrepreneurs to that end we are now at twice a week and growing strong.

But I guess its far easier to just call that a "promoter" =(



Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: nwbitcoin on June 14, 2013, 11:15:28 PM
You talk for three hours to a reporter and see how they use your words. It's easy to criticize, its FAR harder to actually try and contribute. Please if you wish to put yourself out there and be an active part of the community email me and I'll help you the best I can. Maybe you can do better than I.

This is so true!

Reporters already know what they are going to write before they even set up the interview with you.  Your quotes are weaned out of you to match their agenda.

I learnt this the hard way with a story I was involved with a few years ago.

Never, ever trust the media! ;)


Hey man, Email me Jonathan(a)bitcoinNYC.org I'd love to hear the story and we can talk about how I can improve my wording around interviews.

I got fooled by the BBC on two projects I've done in the past.  They tell you one thing, and the editor paints a totally different story before it get broadcast!

I wouldn't worry about the reaction you get on this forum - its full of almost autistic geeky types who don't understand the concept of marketing or politics or anything that is not black and white! PR is not on anyone CV! ;)

I'm just happy Bitcoin is getting coverage - well done! :)


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: genjix on June 15, 2013, 06:54:07 AM
Don't be so harsh on him. Stephen Foley (the author) is an old guy that doesn't like Bitcoin. He thinks it's stupid and doesn't get it. I'm sure Jonathan probably said more but he got quoted out of context.


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: ImI on June 15, 2013, 11:28:36 AM

You gotta love those BS comments beneath the article:

"The total number of coins will never be allowed to exceed 21 million." says who?
Bitcoin has no legal status and no legal existence (and transactions are anonymous).
This is has all the characteristics of a ponzi scheme and all ponzi scheme eventually collapse.
Furthermore, this is the most stupid waste of electricity ever created."



Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: VoteGoat on June 15, 2013, 02:14:31 PM
Don't be so harsh on him. Stephen Foley (the author) is an old guy that doesn't like Bitcoin. He thinks it's stupid and doesn't get it. I'm sure Jonathan probably said more but he got quoted out of context.

Stephen treated me and my group with nothing but respect, As someone who knows the NYC scene I find that his coverage in this article is the most objective I have ever seen as it relates to bitcoin. If he has a bias, he did a fairly good job of keeping it aside. I find that editors like to "jazz up" the truth sometimes and find any EDITING choices could probably be chocked up to making the article "pop"

As to the opening statement "I want to be rich" he did right by me. I say that ALL THE TIME, I've been an aspiring entrepreneur for almost 10 years http://money.cnn.com/2006/10/16/smbusiness/kid_entrepreneurs/ and as a soon to be college grad I am risking everything i own financially in an effort to start a business and "make it" you know "The american dream and all......"


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: lunarboy on June 15, 2013, 06:39:00 PM

Quote
“My goal is to get rich,” says Jonathan Mohan, blunt as you like.

Worst quote ever, thanks for painting bitcoiners as greedy people.


Easy tiger  :P


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: gweedo on June 15, 2013, 07:09:23 PM
As to the opening statement "I want to be rich" he did right by me. I say that ALL THE TIME, I've been an aspiring entrepreneur for almost 10 years http://money.cnn.com/2006/10/16/smbusiness/kid_entrepreneurs/ and as a soon to be college grad I am risking everything i own financially in an effort to start a business and "make it" you know "The american dream and all......"

The American dream? This is bitcoin and you should never risk everything you own to start a business. That is just being dumb. You should bootstrap your business as much as you can. Your probably going to fail the first company. Trust me I failed at 3 companies, one site pays for itself, and the other I sold. These were just in the bitcoin space. You have to go with that attitude that you will fail, and if you succeed, you will be working to make sure you stay at the top. Another thing that bitcoin companies have to deal with, is to know you may not have any funds the next day. Bitcoin is very young, it could go to 0, is it likely no. But I wake up every day knowing my wealth could be gone tomorrow and I am actually starting another company so it even scares me more. I always hedge, I actually have about a quarter of my wealth in dollars just incase.


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: el_rlee on June 16, 2013, 04:07:09 AM
Many people want to get rich, you know?
It's not a bad idea for Bitcoin's adoption to make people rich. The whole hyper-deflationary thing built in is only made to reward the early adopters and I still think you are pretty much an early adopter getting in now.


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: genjix on June 16, 2013, 01:17:30 PM
I see what you're saying but it does feel a bit depressing if the unscrupulous keep exploiting people and do well off it. I'm hoping Bitcoin will empower more people. Most people are good.


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: dwdoc on June 16, 2013, 03:49:02 PM
Without the opportunity for some to get rich from bitcoin, there is no bitcoin.


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: ErisDiscordia on June 16, 2013, 08:51:12 PM
You talk for three hours to a reporter and see how they use your words. It's easy to criticize, its FAR harder to actually try and contribute. Please if you wish to put yourself out there and be an active part of the community email me and I'll help you the best I can. Maybe you can do better than I.

THIS. Had my own experience of organizing a festival built around comics and anime, going to great lenghts to point out to the reporters that the point of the festival is to show people that Comics are not only Batman and Superman. They shoot tons of footage. Then they go ahead and talk only about Batman and Superman for the whole time of the report.


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: BitChick on June 16, 2013, 10:37:46 PM
Without the opportunity for some to get rich from bitcoin, there is no bitcoin.

Do you really think this? Cause you are very wrong.

Greed is a driving force.

Some people are here to use BTC as money/capital and to thus profit. Others just want to fuck over banks.

I currently think greed is the driving force in people joining the bitcoin community, but do you think in the beginning people like Mike Hern, Gavin, Theymos, you think in 2010 they were all here because of greed? The way the question is said it sounds like he thinks if in 2009-2010 no one would become involved without greed, and I feel that is just a bad statement.

Not no one, but man, go back and read the posts form 2009 and 2010. So many people in 2010 bitched about how they missed the money boat!

I often think it would have been so nice if we had invested earlier.  But then people might be saying in a year "I wish we would have invested in 2013!"  I suppose greed does drive some of the growth.  I know that as the prices began to skyrocket I was worried about missing out on the increase and threw some more money in.  Thankfully I have not really lost any money investing in BTC when it all averages out but unfortunately, I lost most of my gains too.  I could cry and walk away or just realize we are still in the early stages of something with great potential and hang on for a wild ride.  I am choosing to do the latter and if I make gains, great.  If I lose all I invested, oh well.  I did not invest more than I could afford to lose so it really is not a big deal.


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: BitChick on June 16, 2013, 10:42:54 PM
You talk for three hours to a reporter and see how they use your words. It's easy to criticize, its FAR harder to actually try and contribute. Please if you wish to put yourself out there and be an active part of the community email me and I'll help you the best I can. Maybe you can do better than I.

THIS. Had my own experience of organizing a festival built around comics and anime, going to great lenghts to point out to the reporters that the point of the festival is to show people that Comics are not only Batman and Superman. They shoot tons of footage. Then they go ahead and talk only about Batman and Superman for the whole time of the report.

Then, as we can see this weekend, another Superman movie is made and it has record breaking box office sales, even though it is just another Superman movie!  The same story we have seen over and over and over again!  I am with you.  There are so many great comics out there but I guess people like what they are familiar with.  Hence why the growth of BTC is going to be a slow process to become mainstream.


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: ErisDiscordia on June 17, 2013, 08:26:09 AM
Then, as we can see this weekend, another Superman movie is made and it has record breaking box office sales, even though it is just another Superman movie!  The same story we have seen over and over and over again!  I am with you.  There are so many great comics out there but I guess people like what they are familiar with.  Hence why the growth of BTC is going to be a slow process to become mainstream.

Our culture pretty much raises people who fear the unfamiliar (neophobes) and like easy definitions and labels.

BTC does have a big advantage over obscure comics, though. People can figure out various ways how using BTC can be advantageous for them. When it comes down to personal profit I find that people often go from being their usual close-minded self to being open to all sorts of ideas  ;D


Title: Re: 2013-06-14 Financial Times - The Bitcoin believers.
Post by: BitChick on June 17, 2013, 04:42:00 PM
[When it comes down to personal profit I find that people often go from being their usual close-minded self to being open to all sorts of ideas  ;D

There is hope for Bitcoin then.   ;)