Just saw your invitation at my DMs and I am happy to take part!
So, Let's go!
1. When and why did you become interested in cryptocurrencies?I started being involved in crypto at the mid 2016 when I was a student in the university and trying to find ways to make money with a friend. If I am not mistaken the price of Bitcoin was around $100 but still I was thinking that it was too expensive to buy. Additionally, I was finding very difficult the whole process of buying crypto - now I have changed my mind - and I bought my first Bitcoin at the end of 2017.
2. When and why did you buy your first bitcoin?I was first fast that I answered that in the previous question!
I bought my first Bitcoin at the end of 2017 after a lot of research on how I can make the whole process from the beginning till the end successfully. It was very hard for me at that time to understand it.
3. How did you get on the forum?A friend of mine introduced me in the forum. It was that time that we were trying to find work in the crypto space and introduced me the "Services" board. For a lot of period it was the only board that I was reading - noticing closely due tot he fact that I was waiting for a job post that would match my skills and abilities.
4.1. What prevents mass adoption of cryptocurrencies?In my opinion, mass adoption is prevented by two factors. The first is the volatility of the market which makes people being afraid to buy - get involved in crypto - because they are going to lose their money. The second factor is the whole process of buying bitcoin. It was harder in the past, now we have easy funnels to buy in even like making a purchase from your credit card. The fees are still high however...
4.2. How do you think mass advertising of gambling projects has a positive effect on the development of the forum or harms the community?The gambling industry is one of the strongest in the cryptocurrency space. Due to the fact that many people feel guilty when gambling in traditional casinos, blockchain has helped a lot in this part of the society making gambling an anonymous activity. The best advertising that I have seen is this one of Sportbet.io which is advertised on the jersey of a football team in one of the most competitive European Leagues.
4.3. How do you consider whether 2-3 years of experience in cryptocurrency is enough to successfully invest or does an investor need to receive special education?This actually depends on the kind of investment we are talking about.
There are a lot of risk free investments out there where people are able to invest from the first week of their involvement. If they want to start day trading for example then of course they will need more education to do that.
5. What do you think of the current Merit system and signature campaigns? Do they harm the forum?I don't think that the forum is harmed by them. Actually, those two are weapons that made the forum well known and used by people.
People are getting incentivized to help others and provide help, thus merit system is a part of spreading knowledge in the crypto community.
6. The most useful forum topic? Most helpful users?Personally, I like the Bitcoin Discussion Board... As far as the most helpful users, it is hard to say. There are a lot of honorable people - in every board that help and educate others or protect people from getting scammed (i.e. fillippone, Loycev, Marlboroza, suchmoon, OgNasty, etc.)
7. 3 things you would implement on the forum?Chat room
Way to block users who try to scam - negative trust is not enough for me
Marketplace
8. Do you trade on exchanges or invest in projects?Yes, I am investing in projects mostly. I used to be trading but they need a lot of time which I do not acquire right now.
9. Tell a story about your big profit or big loss?It was that time when I first started trading futures. After a lot of days of reading and watching videos I started trading futures.
During the first days I made a significant profit of around 500%. I thought that I am going to make "easy" and "fast" money with futures, but then the day came which I lost all my profit and my initial investment in just two hours because I was emotionally attached to my decisions.
10. What do you think about the DEFI ecosystem?It is one step ahead to bring adoption but still there is a lot of risk of losing money or getting scammed as scammers have found a new way to steal money.
11. Is your anonymity a vital necessity or precaution?Anonymity is a necessity for me and for everyone in here, I believe.
It is part of our freedom and a basic characteristic of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
12. The last cryptocurrency book you read?I used to read articles on the web and whitepapers of projects.
13. Advise 3 cryptocurrencies/tokens for investment in the next 1-2 years?Apart from Bitcoin?
ETH, LINK, BNB
14. How much will Bitcoin cost at the end of 2020?My speculation is that it is going to hit 13k till the end of 2020.
15. P.S. (Optional)This is my chance to make you a question! How did you choose me among all those reputable members of the forum?
Thank you very much in advance for this interesting interview!