Thank you to everyone for their inputs into this matter.
After reading through the comments, I realize that while the intent was good, my methods may not have been. I am human, and this will not be the last mistake I ever make.
I sure have created a bit of a storm here, huh?
While I never intended this thread to become a discussion thread, and posted the link to Darkcointalk, I realize now that it was inevitable for chatter to happen here as well.
I would like to respond to the various comments that I have come across here.
Ruffles feathers, perhaps, but the average person struggling to understand bitcoin will be far less likely to want to adopt something named Darkcoin. By all means, I am 100% content with the name and leaving it as is... if everyone realizes any chance of mainstream adoption is off the table. Regulations aside (which will already be a hurdle due to the privacy-centric nature of the coin), there is far more perceived negativeness to the name as it stands. If it's agreed to stay the same, then wasting resources on mainstream adoption seems fruitless, and any large scale marketing firm should be able to further reiterate that fact. If the name stays, then market towards the neglected undergrounds markets--black market, gambling, and porn. The biggest problem I see right now with Darkcoin is the fact that it is trying to do too much with no clear direction. If you are pitching mainstream adoption, really, the name has to be changed. Mom and pop shops, grandmas, etc, just aren't going to understand it--even after the learning curve to understand crypto. If you are keeping it the same, then the push should be towards underground trade that is going to continue to happen regardless and gambling (large enough markets in their own right).
It's the stubbornness right now and the fanboyism in not seeing the forest through the trees to only look at the crypto market as the sole influence for branding.
This is the driving thrust of the message that we in the pro-name change camp are trying to get across. Understand, I didn't start this discussion, it was being talked about long before I created this poll. I simply felt this community needed to get on the same page, and one side had to put up or shut up. From the early poll results, that side is the one I support. I am a Darkcoiner forever, and I will still devote 100% of my efforts to this coin, as I believe in the tech. Evan knows this, as I have brought up suggestions that have been rejected before (i.e. DarkMix)
There is no need to go into this deeply.
I disagree, I think that it is a valuable discussion we need to have. Judging by the poll results, there are many people who feel the same as I do. However, this was not the place to host such a poll, and I admit that and apologize.
voted for keeping the name darkcoin and seriously hope this will put an end to this discussion once and for all
as this is dragging on way too long.
These exactly, were my thoughts in creating this poll. Putting this to bed, once and for all. The sentiment is there to go in either direction, so to be on the same page is key.
How many people have you talked to in person that found the same appeal in the name as you? How many merchants have you brought on to accept Darkcoin as is? You preach that it's well known, but you're losing focus on how large a market there is out there. Just because it has recognition in crypto realms doesn't mean it has any recognition for mass adoption. Simply put, I'd wager there will be significant hurdles in finding venture capital willing to invest in the coin as is. I'd wager trying to sell the technology and brand as is to Joe Smith down the street is going to be an uphill battle, one that very well could be achievable but most definitely difficult.
I like the Darkcoin name, but Mary down the street thinks it's all about illegal activities and nefarious acts. There is nothing inherently illegal about maintaining privacy, but privacy is just one aspect of the coin now--InstantX when completed will be the other side of the coin.
Oblox once again peers into our souls and articulates the position for changing the name. This is the place myself and others are coming from. We care deeply about this coin, and want to see it succeed, and we think that the best Darkcoin or DASH is one that the mainstream public can relate to.
All i see in here is a couple of people who are really really trying to press this matter no matter what (and its pretty much the same people on BCT, Darkcointalk and now this seperate BTC talk topic). The reason i voted in the first place is to not let my vote get lost, tbh i find the whole voting nonsense right now.
Furthermore putting this topic up in the altcoin section will probly end up doing more damage as it sends out an wrong signal to everyone in the altcoin community, that the Darkcoin community is deeply devided about this while we are most certainly not. Great marketing strategy guys.. well done.
We should have kept this internal, on our own forums.
Judging by the poll results, Qwizzie's first statement is incorrect. There are a lot of people who feel this way. Your second point, I agree with 100%, and it is my only regret in this matter.
This was not the place for this poll, admittedly.Might as well compare apples to oranges then. No one is saying a name change will happen, but it's worth discussing as adults vs just blindly following the herd.
This comment may be a little condescending, but the idea is there that we could be so much better with proper branding. With that said, I reiterate, I will respect whatever decision is made, and devote 100% of my efforts to this cause. I love the tech, and want to see what we can do with it.
Agreed, "Dark" is marketing nirvana, it provides a blank canvass for people to see what they want to see when they think of the brand...
An opposing view to my own, but a respected one. I love this comment, Cheers Ignition75!
This does not need to be fought out in the altcoin section either, it was never necessary before so why start it now ? This is degrading Darkcoin and the community
it stands for. And by the way this is not a discussion, this is a select group of people rejecting everything thats being said about keeping the name Darkcoin, there is a difference.
I'm done with this topic and i'm deeply displeased with how you handled this Tao ! Good luck with those opinions of the outsiders ..
Again, qwizzie is wrong and right at the same time. This conversation IS necessary, due to the amount of times this has been brought up, and the amount of people who support this idea (more than a "select" group of people). We are a minority, it seems, but not by much...
Yes, I didn't handle this right, and I apologize again! With that being said, I am not the catalyst for this discussion, it should be clarified.
Qwizzie, while I do not feel as you, that Tao is out of line, I agree that DCT is the more appropriate place for these discussions. At this point we are well into the fourth page of a generally reasoned discussion. You might be surprised to find that the pro-name-change side seems to have the upper-hand (both numerically and, I think logically (but I am admittedly prejudiced)) I for one would appreciate it if you would present your views there, and rebut some of the ideas that I and others have presented.
For all those serious about the future of Darkcoin, please go ahead and make your opinion known by voting here, but leave the name-calling and rancor, and have a reasoned discussion with us at DCT. It is especially important that those opposed to changing the name, and who can reasonably present their position and rebut the logic presented by the other side, let their voice be heard.
Peace to you all...
This statement by Strix, I agree with and echo completely.
Yes, this was only meant to be the poll location...
Who was I kidding?
1. Its coming off as a form of trolling to me at least in effect and that is what counts.
2. If a name change is proposed it should be the development team that initiates the discussion. I don't even see this as a legitimate question or issue and will no longer entertain. If the development team initiates a vote I will participate.
3. The only real conclusion I have developed from this discussing is that some people like the name and model and some people don't and this will never change whatever the name is. Same as everything else in this world…
4. Maybe the name should be changed one day, but there is a way to do things like that and such a process requires initiation and oversight by the core development team, we are still at development stage for now and we don't even really know what else Evan is reserving as a surprise for Darkcoin… I think such a change would necessitate strategy and thinking beyond what has been provided so far in this discussion for a rebranding. I haven't even seen a properly established reformulated business plan, much less anything outlying the positive changes that plan would have compared to the existing plan. I've rarely heard a supposed perfect marketing strategy or rebranding suggestion so seemingly single-minded and so lacking in real substance or planning. Whats also funny is they call the current supporters of Darkcoin single-minded for supporting the actual name of the coin we are invested in, its current direction, creating services for and trying to promote, right now…
1. While I don't share this view, I can respect that it may appear like that to some.
2. Agreed, 100%. Like I said in the original post, my only intention here was to get the lay of the land as far as the wishes of the community at large; the results are here for all to see, we need this discussion, and I look forward to the Foundation's and Dev teams response to this.
We can finally put this thing to rest. If that's the only thing that comes out of this, I and others will be happy.
3. Once again, agreed.
4. I look forward to more structured discussion into this matter, and actions to follow.
Again, I didn't start this discussion, I am just tired of seeing this debate.The name is only one of many very important items that should be visited and planned out, and I'm very confident that Evan has this planned out far more then many here realize.
I also would agree with r-ando. As the very first brick and mortar business to accept Darkcoin back in February/March, I would say I have one of the best insights to "public" response or lack of and customer feedback(that is a topic for another day). As a business owner...and not a techie I have a very different perspective. The problem I see is we have many people in here that have NO CONCEPT of financial systems, marketing and just general business acumen. This is a big problem when one is trying to promote a financial instrument.
For perspective...My company is nearly worth the market cap of this coin! and I'm one of the smallest wineries in my region...a tiny player. What we have are many people here have no business or financial systems knowledge. What is needed is a board of professionals from multiple areas, Financial, Business, Software Developers and Marketers. We need a "business plan" in essence...this is BUSINESS 101! If I were asked I would certainly be interested in sitting on said board.
Rich
An eloquent response, I am glad to see you back, bigrcanada! As with some other comments on here, I agree with this as well. We would be better served to have a professional team to guide us. It would be a strong asset to have. I don't know if it would be in the cards, though, we will have to see what the team says.
And I agree with oblox that 10 m market cap is a stepping stone in Darkcoin's history and rise to fame. I can't wait to discuss this with you oblox in X years when it is worth closer to 1 b market cap, whichever name people will be using then, maybe I'll be cheering good job oblox back in december 2014... or you will be saying good job!
I would also love to meet you guys to discuss Darkcoin, or whatever it may be called... We have so much potential for growth, it is very exciting! We need to see where we are going with this coin, and then follow it and "put up or shut up".
I would also like to take this time to wish Darkcoiners everywhere Happy Holidays, and all the best to you this season.
Thanks for reading,
Tao Of Satoshi
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