A couple of intro's here: https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Bitcoin_Newbie_Guide and here: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=7269.0
I see this as a threat to consumerist society. There is no way easy credit could be lent if Bitcoin is really this rigid in its supply and becomes the de facto global currency.
How will the masses purchase massive amounts of clothes, toys, foodstuffs and cars?