I am not an economist and I sometimes find the study of economics to be boring as many of the concepts many are still believing did falter in real life especially when we talk about complicated ecosystems where many laws (sometimes opposing each other) are applied or at play. I also do not agree with the Zero Sum Economy concept all because the bottomline in that is a win-loss equation can be okay when in fact we can have a win-win formula where both sides of the transactions can be receiving and adding real value. In real life, when an employee is receiving his salary it does not mean that the employer has lost any value at all because both sides are actually receiving something of value in return for something contributed.

In the past, money was mostly equated with gold or maybe even silver which means that money got the value that it is carrying but as time goes on greed entered into the picture and so the value backing money in circulation became diluted which eventually lead us to the current fiat money we are using...and many of these are not backed by anything but by the promises of the government.

With the coming of cryptocurrency, there are those who see a good opportunity to create value out of nothing and we saw this with many forks and of course introduction of different versions of Bitcoin. Can we say that they are created out of thin air? I think only time can tell with that as adoption can be a big factor that can also be putting value into something meaning that we can ascribe value into something we feel has many use-cases and a bright future ahead.

Generally speaking, whenever and wherever there can be chaos, turmoil or just any economic and political uncertainties, there is a chance that Bitcoin can be playing like a wealth protector to those who are willing to convert some of their money into cryptocurrency. We have witnessed this in Venezuela, in Zimbabwe and with what you mentioned here, in Ghana. The reason is, of course, the problem of hyperactive or running inflation rate which the government find it hard to control and given solutions with. We know that in times of great inflation, Bitcoin can be a good rescuer though at the same time its volatility can also be an issue on the other hand. The impact is of course there but if the situation could not convert into higher-than-usual demand then it will just be a minuscule factor for the price movement of Bitcoin. I am not well-versed on the gold market but I think I have to search for its "pop the bubble soon" claim of yours.

I have a friend requested me to look for a good Bitcoin mixing/tumbling platform he can use and I am aware that ChipMixer is active in this forum with its ongoing signature campaign so I thought that maybe I can recommend this to him. When I entered the site it is offline and I thought what can be wrong? So it is having its share of  DDoS attacks right now and in this case we just have to wait for some hours. Reading all the comments here, it seems that ChipMixer continues to be the most reliable among its competitors and that it is very responsive to the needs of its customers.

Mixing or tumbling service platforms are serving a segment of the cryptocurrency market and these people/customers are usually availing of the service because they don't want their transactions to be traced for different reasons. Yes, they can be used to hide the origin of Bitcoin which can be shady sometimes or just that they love to be anonymous at all times. Based on what I know, this niche of an industry is doing good business though it has come into greater scrutiny by authorities in the recent months due to concerns on money laundering.

I am not a big user of Bitcoin mixing service but in 2017, if my memory is serving me well, I think I tried using ChipMixer and things just went fine without any hassle whatsoever. ChipMixer has active campaign on this forum so that probably can be the most famous one here. Now, I also made some Google search and here is a good list of Bitcoin tumbling service, just take a good look and see which can be suited to your preferences; some of the list can already be deactivated though.

In my view, the court allowed that cryptocurrency exchange to be sued all because it failed big time in terms of security measures. There should have been a way that can alert the account owner of anything going in with his account like 2FA or requiring a confirmation code which is to be sent either to the email address or the smartphone number or maybe even both -- and then the system should not allow any changes to the email address and the number without another confirmation code send to both devices. Hacking can happen to anyone though but the message is quite clear here: the cryptocurrency exchange has the full responsibility and obligation to their users in making sure that digital assets are secured and not compromise and failure to do so can mean that users can take legal actions if they wanted to.

Hopefully, this can mean that from now on cryptocurrency exchanges operating in South Korea will be doing everything they can to safeguard their whole business - which is actually to work for their best interest in the first place -- and maybe if they can find an insurance carrier for their business it would also be great. Another good option is to establish a fund similar to what Binance did so that in times of emergency things will not spiral into chaos and loss of trust and confidence on the platform.

I think the ongoing pullback has been the reason why some are questioning the future of Bitcoin and there are those who are even entertaining the idea that it can be collapsing soon! How sad...but anyway this is an open market so anyone can announce anything negative or positive on Bitcoin. At least, it can also be entertaining complete with fear and thrill while holding on to our Bitcoin and any cryptocurrency for that matter.

First, I think the idea of collapse is already beyond question after the colorful 10-year history of Bitcoin. This recent dip is nothing compared to the many "crashes" that Bitcoin encountered. Bitcoin in the past has had been issued the death certificate many times over but here we are still seeing it and enjoying the many benefits as traders, holders and just enthusiasts of the prime coin.

Second, the adoption of Bitcoin should not be based on the price or value alone and this is where we need to educate the people. Bitcoin is much more than its current dollar value as it is representing the paradigm shift especially in the world of finance and banking. When people will begin to broaden their perceptions on Bitcoin, there is the big chance that adoption by the general population can be a lot easier.

When you said that "someone will attempt to take advantage of people's ignorance of the true nature of bitcoin" are you perhaps referring to the many ponzi scams which are perpetrated by genius but evil people just using the name of Bitcoin for their own gains? I think this is a big problem in this industry but if we look closely Bitcoin has nothing to do with them, actually, otherwise it can like saying that US Dollar is also a scam just because a scam program is accepting the dollar as the medium of exchange, right?

Right now, there is no basis to question the future of Bitcoin. The dip is a normal occurrence as reflection of its volatile nature; am sure this is not the first nor the last for that matter so just be ready for the roller-coaster ride with Bitcoin.

I would consider 2017 as the year that many hardworking bounty hunters made their big money despite all the scams that perpetrated the cryptocurrency marketplace. Yes, there were many frauds and failures too but those who made it to the exchanges got the best reception in terms of prices, consequently bounty hunters were having a fiesta.

Now, the situation is direly different as many of the projects can fail to get into good exchanges and if they do there is no more big demand waiting at the helm making trading anemic or lacking the energy needed. Of course, there are a few exemptions and lucky are those that got into those projects (example is the project Harmony which did its IEO in Binance).

Still, when we look at the bounty threads, participants are having a good time and seems to be enjoying their time, sharing and posting about the projects they hope will give them some income they need. Sadly, many hopes will just vanish into thin air months after the crowdfunding activities are gone.

I have some Eth in my wallets and I do not believe that it can one day reach the $1000 level (though of course I would be happy to be proven wrong by Vitalik Buterin haha)...as that is already impossible with the current situation, challenges and pressures that the coin is facing. I would say that the safe estimate for Eth is reaching the vicinity of around $400 in case there will be a good cryptocurrency bull run next year...this year is already tight so I already discounted the possibility for that to happen.

As to XRP it can be back at the $2 level but never again at the ATH of around $3 which was the level where I bought some of my XRP holdings (am ashamed to admit this). Litecoin also has a good potential but I don't think it can be reaching more than $400...maybe $250-$300 would be fine with me. Since I hate BCH (please forgive me, Roger Ver), I am leaving that to you guys!

Kung nasa kalakhang Maynila lang sana ako naka-base eh sasali ako sa training na to sponsored by not other than UnionBank eh napakamura na ang P3,000 na bayad sa ganitong pagsasanay. Malaking oportunidad ito lalo na sa nagpaplano na maging blockchain developers o programmers dyan na siguradong maging in-demand sa mga susunod na mga taon.

Bilib ako sa nag-sponsor na to which is the UnionBank at talagang pinangatawanan na nga nila na maging leading financial institution involved with and promoting the adoption of the blockchain technology here in the Philippines. Nakakalungkot nga lang na sa pinaka-malapit na syudad sa akin ay walang branch ang banko na to. I believe that all who are into the blockchain and cryptocurrency should be patronizing this bank.

Good luck to all participants.

So the exodus has already started for Libra and the first gunfire is coming from PayPal which has a name to protect and also does not like to be on the limelight created by many regulators and politicians. After PayPal officially left the Libra Association, we can expect the others to do the same exit announcements.

In my own humble opinion, the main problem of Libra is Facebook. Well, everybody knows the reputation of Facebook when we talk about how it is managing the data it gathered from its millions of users and how the company is monetizing the data without even sharing something to the real owners of data. Many considered Facebook as a detached conglomerate which is almost a personification of the "devil" which is kinda bad in today's global economy. Then of course, regulators have many other concerns as well. I am not so sure but as of now, we can already considered Libra to be in a dying state. So the bottom line here is that Libra is needing a big miracle for it to be resuscitated to life...and I don't know where that miracle can be coming from.

Soon Facebook will realize that to avoid further scrutiny from regulators the best thing to do is to shelved Libra and wait for the right time for its reintroduction.

Sa nakaraang araw ay nag-register ako sa forum at nagsimula akong mag-post dun. Mukhang okay naman pero pang newbies pa lang talaga ang dating ng forum which is okay with me naman madali nga mag-share doon hehe kasi mga basic topics pa lang ang napag-uusapan. At since Pay-Per-Post sya ay may rewards din bawat post kung sa pesos nasa mga 4 pesos each ang bayad dun which is not really that bad pwede na pang-load maka 5 man lang o kung maka 10 ka isang araw eh may pang-bayad na sa internet connection. Syrempre wag lang tayo magkalat at maging seryoso din na wag maging isa na namang spammer o copy paster.

Nagtataka nga rin ako bakit nasa sobra lang isang libo ang myembro at kunti lang talaga yung active na nag-post. Siguro din kasi bago pa lang ang campaign na to...malay natin sa sunod na mga buwan eh biglang lolobo ang membership base ng forum. Active din doon ang mga spam police may banning din sa mga gago na ayaw makinig sa guidelines at rewards lang ang nasa isip. Kaya kung may time din kayo pasyal kayo, mag-register at makisali sa saya...

I am sure that Malta will not be taking this news without doing something to further strengthen its brand as the blockchain and cryptocurrency destination in that part of the world. One thing that is good with this news is that there seems to be a healthy competition in these countries (no matter if they are just small ones) to provide the best business environment for fintech companies to based on these locations.

I am applauding the Liechtenstein for its pioneering act with its Blockchain Law approved by its parliament. Let's see if this can have a domino effect with other countries to follow the same. Maybe when other countries and their leaders can be seeing that Liechtenstein is getting a good chunk of new business and investments all because it officially opened its doors to crypto-related business then maybe other countries can be encouraged to do a similar act.

I just look at the facts on the Principality of Liechtenstein and this is an interesting place with a very small population. Seems to me that smaller or microstates are getting to be interested with the blockchain and cryptocurrency...this can be because they are not afraid of anything to be disrupted as they can easily cope with innovations and the changes they are bringing.

I was working with a non-governmental organization in my younger days and we were supported by funding agencies based in the USA and Canada. I know how NGOs can be making a good impact direct with the people and how they are using a much better approach to development as compared to that implemented by the government.

The NGO sector can do well to be working with and using cryptocurrency as they can be accepting funds or assets coming from anywhere in the globe without the usual hindrances in the international transfer of money and resources. While the volume of transactions with NGOs can be insignificant for now I am sure that there is a good potential here.

Now, whether the receiving NGOs converted the cryptocurrency to cash or use them to buy good/services, it does not matter to me. What is important is that we now have a good option and let's hope that a growing number of charities and developmental organizations will continue and even expand their cryptocurrency exposure.

There is no question that there are a lot of people who are looking for another option for their saved money maybe giving them a little more than what traditional banks can offer. Hence, what Robinhood is offering may eventually a big hit and will of course encourage other entities to offer similar programs. But these people failed to get it that Bitcoin can be offering the best and most profitable way to grow their assets and at the same time being a part of the digital and financial revolution. As far as Bitcoin is concern, I think what we really need is a good campaign for this cryptocurrency the only problem is that Bitcoin is decentralized hence it has no marketing team that can help spread more about facts and the potential that Bitcoin has. So far, we are relying on sporadic mainstream media mentions and of course the word-of-mouth people are doing especially in social media platforms. But why there can be people who are afraid to take Bitcoin? In my view, it can primarily be because of its volatility which new entrants may find beyond their taste to accept and manage with.

I fully agree on the potential of smartphones towards widespread use and acceptance of Bitcoin, cryptocurrency in general and the blockchain technology. Tied to the popularity of smartphones is the coming revolution of the Internet-of-Things (IoT) which can be synergistically working with the blockchain and cryptocurrency as well. In short, the smartphone can be acting like a hub for the user to access all of these technologies and developments.

And when we are talking about education, things can now be simplified as more and more people are carrying smartphones. Now, we actually don't need (though it can be a good advantage) for people to fully understand cryptocurrency beyond the basics or the "what's-in-it-for-me" level what is important is that people understand how they can participate in cryptocurrency and how they can claim their stake on it.

Any new technology that can game-changing will always have a learning curve and can face resistance on the market but after getting around the critical mass level things will be changing. I am expecting the same thing can happen with the blockchain and cryptocurrency especially with Bitcoin.

Diversification is one important strategy one should be using and by that I mean not investing everything with cryptocurrency...spread your money with other investment vehicles available in the marketplace. These days, there are now many good platforms one can use anytime anywhere for this purpose.

Now, as to cryptocurrency, we should not allow emotions to be the prime force when selecting  digital assets, in keeping them and in trading them. When it is time to let an asset go, it must be done as fast as possible as time can be an enemy if not tamed well. Holding on can be a good strategy but sometimes can also be a bad one depending on the asset one is getting into...in the world of cryptocurrency we know that volatility is one of its major feature and this can present a big problem from time to time and that is why it is good if you know a lot about a certain coin or token you are getting into especially if you are thinking about holding it on the long-term.

I understand that there is a bigger money that can be made while on trading rather than holding but at the same time more risks can be involved here and that is why we have to make sure that our emotions and preconceived notions are not getting in the way. As always, education is the key never stop learning new things and discovering new angles even with things you are already an expert of.

We are now in the era where data is considered as the new oil and anybody on the control of data can make good money out of them. No wonder why data is becoming a highly regulated commodity as the government is stepping in to the game making sure that rules are being followed in the gathering and utilization of data. Now, blockchain technology is coming at just the opportune time as this technology can be revolutionizing everything on data and the way we are using them.

Things are falling into right places. The revolution of the internet starting the spark of the 4th revolution as this is paving the way for new technologies to be developed and be implemented. This can be the reason why the internet was called as the information super highway. Now, we are on the verge of another big revolution with the blockchain technology at the helm. It would not be a big surprise why big and famous companies are now staking their future with the use of the blockchain and even with cryptocurrency because they already have a clear vision of the future that we are now creating.

I am a user of this cryptocurrency exchange I think a month after they opened their doors I think back in 2004 if I am not mistaken. The reason cited is economic so this means they are not doing enough in terms of transaction volume and hence profit. The reason I got into this exchange is that I find their interface actually good. Now that it is shutting down, I am just wondering why they did not choose to maybe sell the whole platform and let another group take over the business or had they tried this strategy but maybe there is no taker which can be telling us that even crypto exchange business is getting affected by the recent and still ongoing dip in the market. Let's hope that there will be no next in line to  shut their doors to the public. I just checked my account in CoinExchange and I see that I still have around $40 worth of Bitcoin left...well nice to be informed.

I am considering Bernie Sanders as a spent force in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination which is fast approaching. There is a big possibility that soon he might choose to just endorse somebody among his peers to carry maybe his ideas and plans as well as grab an opportunity to be a political king-maker instead. Bernie's supporters should now start choosing which among the other candidates should they support all the way to the election next year. I am always excited when political circus is getting upon us as we can clearly see who among our self-professing leaders are really for the good of the country and who are here just for their own personal ambitions.

Well, as they are saying, the more the merrier and in the case of Bitcoin the more users there are the better it would be as far as adoption is concerned. One thing for sure is the significant growth in Bitcoin addresses taking into consideration its limitations can mean a lot and can be used as a signal for something that can be happening soon. This can be real growth that we are all dreaming about. How this can be influencing and translating into numbers in the price of Bitcoin is something worth looking forward to.