All I can say is:     "kiba, Hero Member"

Oh, and....  I'm calling my media contacts at PC World and such...

We'll see what happens.     

Money is money.  It's not "fair".   


I think you're catching on....    :-)

Bitcoin is not a game.   

Bitcoin is a game changer.

It's not about necessary to "start out" with with some...   ( Although, The Faucet does exactly that... what you were wishing for. Thanks, so much, Gavin Andresen! )

After all, when you were born, did your government give you some Starter Money...?    I doubt it.   Unless you are a citizen of UAE.

The way most people get more Money.... is to earn it.     

So SELL something!        ......and accept Bitcoin!

People get all hung up on the "game" of creating bitcoin.   It's not about that at all.   That's just a semi-cool sidebar.    Invest in a powerful computer.   At the same time, help the strength of the Bitcoin network.    And you are rewarded.    it is TOTALLY democratic...  because ANYONE can do it.     It IS, however, an investment.    Just like a business.

But the POINT of Bitcoin, from my view, is....   as you said....   "Bye Bye PayPal!"          YES!!!!

Yep.  There are some differences between those industries in different countries....  That's for sure.  

No one inside the USA has ever heard of Jabber (except me).     (Only hardcore geeks would even know what it is.)

Meanwhile, EVERYONE uses text messaging (sms).   Everyone knows what it is.   Even people with the oldest NON-smart phones can use text messaging.   (Like, my grandma, for example.)    And pretty much everyone who USES text messaging here... already HAS an unlimited plan.   (for the most part)

Actually, we CAN participate online....  (I do!)   ...using Google Voice.   Google Voice lets you SMS online.... and it's also totally free.     http://google.com/voice

Plus....  even when I am in front of my computer...  I still use my Android mobile phone.   Believe it or not, the Android phone does several things that my desktop computer CANNOT YET DO!

Following is an email I just sent to my friends who created a charity / aid organization that's making a TREMENDOUS difference in the lives of Tanzanian (African) orphan children who have no other access to education.   They have built an INCREDIBLE school for these children...  Personally, making trips to Tanzania to build it with their own hands, getting the school internet access, donating laptops...  It's unbelievable what a few dedicated people can do!

Anyway, here is my email to them, just now:

_____________________________

Subject:  HUGE Donation Opportunity for Epic Change


Hello, Stacey and Sanjay!

Long time no chat....

Hey, I wanna tell you about something very new and very cool.  

It's a brand new technology....  It's a cryptocurrency.  

The short version of the story is:    It is electronic money.    As easy to send as an email.    Costs the same as sending an email.    Basically, Free.

It doesn't matter if you send US$0.01 ......or US$1,000,000.00  .....the transaction cost is the same:   Zero.    (...or LESS THAN $0.01 for very large amounts, sometimes)

It's Absolutely Perfect for charitable organizations like  http://EpicChange.org  because people can donate with one click....  Many many small amounts REALLY add up!

I thought of you guys, as I was writing this forum post, and I mentioned your work there:   http://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=369.msg22087#msg22087  

To begin receiving monetary donations via Bitcoin, here's all you have to do:

(1)   Either:

      (a)     Go to http://MyBitcoin.com and get a free account there.   You will be given your own Bitcoin address for RECEIVING.  It takes 4-5 seconds to do this.   ~~ or ~~

      (b)     Go to http://Bitcoin.org and download the app.  Upon launching it, you will be given your own Bitcoin address for RECEIVING.  It takes 1-2 minutes to do this...

      (c)     Or you can do both of these things.  

(2)  List on your "Donate" web page, something to this affect:    "We also accept donations via Bitcoin.   Our Bitcoin address is:  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx "

     For an example of another organization already accepting donations this way, see:   "Ways You Can Help EFF | Electronic Frontier Foundation"  http://www.eff.org/helpout
     ( look for the word "Bitcoin" on this page )

That's it.   You're done.

Later, you can keep an eye on your growing balances within your MyBitcoin.com account online and/or within your Bitcoin application.

If and when you decide to convert your Bitcoin balance(s) into US Dollars, simply go to any of the Exchange Sites, like http://mtgox.com and instantly convert them into US$, then transfer them out and back into your own bank account if/when you want to.  MtGox can even send it to you by ACH (direct deposit) into your bank account, if you want.

For loads more information, and helpful folks who are very happy to answer your questions, visit the Forum at http://Bitcoin.org

Bruce Wagner

646-580-0022  ●  bruce@brucewagner.com  

_____________________________

WHY am I telling you all this?

I CHALLENGE YOU to send a similar email  ( totally copy my verbiage if you like ) to YOUR favorite charitable organization.

Then, come back here and post a copy for us all to see.    

( I have a feeling that a few of us will be motivated to go visit that organization's web site and donate some Bitcoin too...     Or nudge them a tiny bit more, if they fail to start accepting Bitcoin donations on their web site... )

So....   Go write such an email letter to YOUR favorite charity right now!    And before you click Send, copy and paste it into this thread.   Don't think about it...  Go and do it right now!

For use in ASCII text copy.... (when the png logo is not appropriate)....  I vote for using    ฿

As in...

฿25.50

or....

BC฿25.50


If you notice on this page, http://www.xe.com/symbols.php ....the $ and the € and the £ and the ¥ ....are all used many times... by many DIFFERENT countries' currencies.   If there is any potential for confusion between the US $ and the Canadian $, we simply say, US$ or CA$.   It's simple.

Why not just reuse:    ฿   

This way we won't need to add an entirely new unicode character to every font type existing inside every computer on the planet!

I propose we agree to use   ฿      .....or its more specific version....   BC฿     

....until such time as we DO GET an entirely new unicode character added to every font type existing inside every computer on the planet.   

Like, why reinvent the wheel?    Especially when everyone on Earth already has two cars and five bicycles.         It's like reinventing the primary "smiley face" symbol.   

It seems like a fun project for a character-geek to take on....

But, in the meantime, what's really important is that we all agree on a STANDARD way to type it, and express it in print, for NOW...   so we don't confuse new people.

( I think the Thai people will be very gracious about sharing their currency symbol anyway.  The average income of an ENTIRE FAMILY is about US$20 per month.  I, for one, would LOVE to see some very DIRECT aid organizations --- I mean really grass-roots change-makers on the ground in places like this, and Tanzania, etc., etc., etc. --- able to accept donations by Bitcoin!  WAIT!  This totally reminded me...  A friend of my started http://EpicChange.org   I am so calling her RIGHT NOW.  You email her too.  Tell her you wanna make a donation via Bitcoin.   All they need to do is create an account a http://MyBitcoin.com or download the app at http://Bitcoin.org )

Bank wire transfers are just as "international" as PayPal and credit cards.  Bank wire transfers have been around long before those were even invented.

Exchange sites DO, in fact, accept bank wire transfers. See http://bitcoinexchange.com

As to why MtGox, specifically, doesn't accept bank wire transfers to buy Bitcoin, I really don't know.  But email him and ask him.  I suspect he's just too busy to take that on.  He's not Bank of America,  remember.  He's one guy.  One cool guy.   

I'll sell bitcoin for bank wire transfer,  and I'm within the US,  in New York City.  Contact me if you're interested.   bruce@brucewagner.com 646-580-0022. http://bitcoinshop.com ( But I prefer to remain anonymous,  so please don't tell anyone my name.     )

There is "the Faucet" - where new users can go and receive bitcoin for free just to play with.

Also, when I first discovered bitcoin and started tweeting about it on twitter...  some really cool people ( like noagendamarket, bitcoinmedia) asked me for my bitcoin address.   I wasn't really sure why.  But then proceeded to send me 10 BTC one day...   10 BTC the next day... and 50 BTC a few days later...    Sort of like an anonymous benefactor.    It sounds silly....  because no one else had my address....  ( or did they??  )     But it was such an intriguing way to become fascinated by the whole thing!  

So, finding someone brand new to bitcoin who's just discovered it, and is tweeting about it somewhere .... and sending them little spurts of bitcoin... is a VERY effective way to get people hooked on it.    It's like a real demo + "paying it forward", all in one.  (In fact, he's also the one who told me about "the Faucet" too.  

The next thing to remind new users (and ourselves), is that the number one best way to get bitcoin is to Earn Bitcoin - to add Bitcoin as a payment option on your own web site.  This can be as simple as saying,  "We accept Bitcoin. Email us for details." and/or adding the "We accept Bitcoin logo" to your site.  Then, getting Your Own Business listed on the Trade page at Bitcoin.org and BitcoinShop.com

They also need to be reminded that the easiest way to Buy Bitcoin is with cash -- either through a local dealer, or a reputable trusted Bitcoin-for-Cash-by-Mail dealer.   Point them to the growing list of Bitcoin-for-Cash Dealers, listed by area, and by mail, on BitcoinShop.com

I've now mentioned that my new site, BitcoinShop.com will act as three things:

(1)  a super simple primer for the bitcoin newbie
(2)  a master directory of local bitcoin-for-cash dealers, and by-mail dealers
(3)  a master directory of local and web merchants who accept bitcoin

Ok.    I have to go now.....   and create this site.   I'll report back soon.

As far as I can tell, BitcoinExchange doesn't seem to offer "accounts" of any kind.   They simply allow you to initiate a Sell Bitcoins transaction, and ask you for your banking details to wire money to you....  not to pay someone else.


I keep going to FiveGrinder, and I must be slow...   I still cannot figure out WHAT that site is....   What is it?   What is it about?   for?

That's one site that really really needs an "About" or "FAQ".

Ummmm.   Everything?

Basically, EVERYTHING you now use cash for....

My buddy owns a convenience store.  He already has an Android phone.  I guarantee you that if this app were available, I could easily talk him into accepting Bitcoin for all purchases in his store.   What does he sell?   Milk, eggs, soda, cookies, candy, bread, newspapers, batteries, and on and on...

Someone owns a coffee shop.   In Manhattan, some of the coffee shops are sort of "bohemian meccas of geek culture".  They would LOVE to try something like this!   And the geekazoid technoweenie customers would take to it instantly!

Ironically, at the other end of the political spectrum, in the Libertarian mecca states where militias live, and the Liberty Dollar is still promoted...  Those guys would LOVE the opportunity to get an anonymous private currency into their hands!   One that they can use for buying everything from milk and bread to grain and farming supplies.   Anything to get the government OUT of their wallets.

Another friend of mine owns a Chinese restaurant.    I know for certain that she would love to use something like this.

My friend in Columbus, Ohio owns the largest dance instruction studio in the Midwest.   He wants his studio to accept Bitcoin.  He's now asking me to help him get set up to do so.

It's really no different than setting up a private "barter club" for a local business networking group.   What would the participants have to lose?   Nothing.   They'd have everything to gain!

I think that even the pot delivery man would take to something like this...  if only to avoid walking around with loads of cash on their person!

There really is NO limit to what this could and would be used for.

And that means, more and more and more opportunities to use Bitcoin, and to earn Bitcoin....  due to an ever increasing online DIRECTORY of places that ACCEPT Bitcoin.... and places that SELL Bitcoin for cash....

Basically, everyone with an Android phone would pretty much become a "store" of one sort or another...   and a customer too.

THE Ultimate Killer App for Bitcoin

I can say it in 4 words:     Bitcoin App for Android

Here it is.

The Bitcoin App for Android is free in the Android Market.  

It works exactly like the desktop Bitcoin app, with a few differences:

  - It's interface is optimized for mobile Android touchscreens
  - It maintains its own Bitcoin wallet, separately from your desktop wallet
  - It's capable of quickly sending and receiving payments of any size
  - Transactions can (optionally) be designated for super-fast processing for a very small fee
  - Recipients Bitcoin address can be scanned from a QR code, or exchanged via Bluetooth, or via SMS, or
  - Recipients Bitcoin address can automatically be exchanged via email with one button tap
  - Transactions are presented with full details for final confirmation before being sent
  - Every user can act as both as "Merchant" (recipient) and/or a "Customer" (sender)
  - Transaction Logs can be exported and emailed with one button tap for external record-keeping
  - The app does Not need to be running to receive funds
  - Bitcoin Address Book is fully integrated into the standard Android Contacts address book -- using two new fields:
          "Bitcoin Address - Sending" and
          "Bitcoin Address - Receiving"... for each contact.  
  - Free Open Source Software

Perfect for both, Merchants, selling goods and services, and Customers, buying goods and services, all on the fly --- totally mobile.

Virtually free of transaction costs.

As anonymous as you want to be.

______

The attached image file is the QR Code of my Bitcoin address: 1LJZ3y3BpwM6X2doy21AGnpdXE78sYqy3s

That is an example of what would display on the screen of my phone, for the other party to "scan" with their phone's camera... to send me bitcoin.

The QR Code could also be prominently displayed on a decal on the cash register, the menu, and/or the bill.


Now....     Who wants to develop it and make it real?

This would revolutionize bitcoin the way smartphones have revolutionized the internet, email, etc.

Every human would automatically have their own "Merchant Account" --- no credit approval required.    In fact, no name or address required!

True Digital Cash

Normally, bank wire transfers do NOT allow chargbacks. 

Credit Card purchases,  PayPal, and Moneybookers are what are NOTORIOUS for chargebacks -- even more than 6 months later, according to someone here.

You pretty much cannot do a chargeback on a cash transaction either. 

This is why the best / safest way to accept payments for bitcoin is either:

 -- bank wire transfers (not anonymous at all, and totally paper trail generating) ,... or

 -- cash, either in person or via mail or fedex (about as anonymous as you can get).

Someone mentioned "trust" in reference to face-to-face cash sale of bitcoins.   No.   You forget:    Trust is not an issue if a warm body (or mailman) is handing you CASH.    You simply count the cash and say "What Bitcoin address would you like them sent to?"

I really think that a network of local dealers who sell Bitcoins for Cash, locally, is the best solution.

Like "the local pot dealer", every town has a few.  They're convenient.   They take cash.  They compete with each other.  Since every sale is a nonrefundable cash sale, trust is not an issue (regarding payments).  Heck, in Manhattan they even deliver!  (Everything delivers in Manhattan. -- EVERYTHING) 

The main benefits are:

(1)  It's mobile.  It works no matter where I am -- on my smartphone.

(2)  It's totally free (assuming you have an unlimited text messaging plan -- which nearly everyone in the US with a smartphone has).   On Android phones, on Verizon, for example,  unlimited texting and unlimited data are not even optional.   They're included -- even in the lowest Android rate plans, as far as I know.   

This means, in effect, it's completely free and completely mobile. 

Anyone in the US who has unlimited texting wanna give it a try?

Also, the voice conference calling is very cool too.  And, unlike jabber, skype,  oovoo, etc., it works on your mobile phone too.  You don't have to be sitting at your computer. 

We're now discussing ways to integrate Bitcoin payments into the existing Flattr system, in another thread.  

However,  there's no reason that Bitcoin couldn't have its own micropayment donation widget system too.  

MtGox already has all the infrastructure set up.   Anyone with a MtGox account can already add a little snippet of code to their site to add a Donation widget.  

As I see it, the MtGox Donation widget needs to be cleaned up a bit.  It should have a very sleek modern appearance -- nearly identical to the Flattr widgets -- except with the Bitcoin logo, of course.  

The widget creator (who is the content creator), should specify the size of the widget, a hidden description field, and whether the widget is for a fixed amount and currency, or whether it will allow the Donor to select the amount and currency.  It'd also be nice if there were a field for including a brief message too.

( Can't all This be done with the "Send Bitcoin by Email" form on MtGox already!!? )

Then, part two of this campaign would be to contact EVERY web site on Flattr .... and convince them that they really want to add a Bitcoin Donation widget too.  

A very cute name wouldn't hurt....    I suggest:    Appreciat.com

Call it:     the Appreciat widget

( Yes, the domain is available. )

And of course, any site that doesn't yet have an Appreciat widget, could be gently encouraged to get one....  by simply making a Bitcoin-by-Email donation to them....    via MtGox, of course.  

I suggest calling the Bitcoin-by-Email feature, an:    Appreciat Email

One final note:   The reason I'm more inclined to recommend MtGox for their Bitcoin - by - Email feature is (1) I'm told that BitcoinMail simply keeps all funds not collected within 14 days.  On the other hand, MtGox returns the funds to the sender if they are not collected after a certain period of time.  That seems much more fair.  And (2) MtGox has the entire accounts, currencies, trading system functionality already all there -- integrated.  It really already almost IS "the PayPal of bitcoin".

I think, by putting all of our collective heads together here, we're getting closer and closer to a brilliant idea.    

Flattr wants Euros in, and Euros out.  

PayPal provides that service for them just fine right now.

Moneybookers does too.

From what the admin of the Flattr forum seems to be saying is:

If there were a "payment processor" who accepted Bitcoin, yet provided Euros to us,... we could pretty easily ADD ONE MORE PAYMENT PROCESSOR.  

I just today contacted the founder of MtGox.    I told him:  

MtGox could be "the PayPal of Bitcoin"....

If MtGox could add a Bitcoin --> Euro trading capabilities,  AND

Flattr could be convinced to add MtGox as another "payment processor"...

You could "charge up" your Flattr account with:

  - PayPal
  - Moneybookers   or
  - MtGox

.....paying in Bitcoin, but Flattr receiving it in Euros (if they select MtGox).

Meanwhile,  the recipient of donations could also select TO BE PAID through:

  - PayPal
  - Moneybookers   or
  - MtGox

......being paid in Bitcoin (if they select MtGox).   Or in MtGox-Euros if they prefer.

Actually, from my readings, my understanding is that SOMEDAY, once most of the Bitcoins have already been created, a new incentive comes from staying online with bitcoin.  

At that time.... A tiny <0.01 transaction fee could be paid for expedited processing.  

It is my understanding that such a -- they call it a "transaction fee" -- is and ALWAYS WILL BE optional.  

Because it's optional, I would not even Call it a transaction fee.  I'd call that an OPTIONAL RUSH PROCESSING fee.

If it works the way I understand it to work.   I still would describe that as ZERO transaction fees.

Describing what will happen after 2033, when all 21 million bitcoins are in circulation and bitcoin generating has ceased,

"There will likely ALWAYS be nodes willing to process transactions for free." ---Satoshi, in his description of the design of the system

In my book -- even as technical as you wanna get -- that's called:   "Zero Transaction Fees"

( By definition, real transaction fees are not optional.  And they don't buy faster processing speed. )

To be 100% accurate,  we should NEVER call it a "transaction fee".   We should call it an "OPTIONAL highest priority processing fee".    After all, That's what it is.

And if you're going to tell people about it, please explain to them that it's totally unnecessary -- especially before 2033, and that none of us have ever paid it.

Great one.    Do we have a known working email address for him, or for his staff...?

I Just got This feedback via Twitter:

inertia186 @brucewagner Why don't you just use BitCoinMail.com to cold sell people on the idea of bitcoin? I get around 80% acceptance.

My Reply:

Really? Just mailing them cold thru that? What happens to the money if they don't claim it? MtGox.com has the same ability - to email bitcoin or USD to anyone.

It sure is easy!   You can easily go down a list and email EVERY blogger, EVERY YouTube show, etc.  Sending each one a few coins...  or sending each one as few as one bitcoin!

That might be an even more efficient way to do it.

I like MtGox.com ability to "Send Bitcoin by Email".

So let's make a list of content creators to target!

I'll start:   Send Bitcoin to Leo Laporte at leo@leoville.com

It's much easier than you think....

Yesterday, I decided that since Bitcoin is good enough for EFF donations ...  It should be good enough for my technology mentor hero --- and super influential tech icon --- Leo Laporte. 

I happened to know that he accepts "Tips" in his "Tip Jar" on his web site.   He says that that money is the only money he takes out of the business for himself personally. 

So.......

I sent him this little email:

_______

Subject:  Tip Jar

I would like to donate $100 to Leo for his "Tip Jar". Could I please have your Bitcoin address to send payments to? Thanks, Bruce Wagner New York City 646-580-0022

_______

Well, I got this reply PERSONALLY from Leo himself...

_______

Hmm. You mean bitcoin.org or bitcoin.com? Leo --Leo Laporte <http://twit.tv/leo>

_______

So I responded today.....

_______

Sorry. I should have said.... It's http://bitcoin.org That's the official site of the digital currency.... All you have to do is download and launch the free open source app. It instantly gives you your own Bitcoin address, which you can publish on your site, for tips. ( FYI, it's catching on like wildfire. Even the EFF now accepts donations by Bitcoin. ) More info, see: Value: http://mtgox.com/trade/history Discussion Forum: http://bitcointalk.org/ A very Interesting Read about Bitcoin: http:// www.lewrockwell.com/orig6/luongo7.1.1.html

Bruce

_______

I think you get the idea. 

All you have to do is contact all your favorite bloggers...... youtubers....  musicians....  charities....  causes....   open source projects....   content creators....  etc
. And say:

"Hello.   I'd like to donate $xxx to you via Bitcoin.   Could I please have Your Bitcoin address for donations? "

In a jiffy, I think you'll see a Bitcoin address show up on their web site (spreading the word and the credibility of bitcoin enormously)....  AND if they're tech bloggers too, you very likely might see them write a news story about Bitcoin too!    Imagine all that free Press. 

Imagine if Leo Laporte gets intrigued, fascinated, and hooked on Bitcoin fun.....  He'll be mentioning it as TEXH NEWS on all his shows!!!    Millions of tech fans will instantly be checking it out!   

I am good at marketing and PR, I've been told. 

Now, my challenge to YOU.  Yes, you.   

Name one semi-famous content creator.   Here in This thread, post his/her Name, Web Site, and Contact Email Address (or contact form page).

Then, each of us will write to him and say we want to make a donation.  "What is your bitcoin address?"

( Just ask as if you TOTALLY ASSUME that he has a bitcoin address!)

If we all ask him for it......  He'll get one. 

Of course, be prepared to actually donate at least one bitcoin to the guy, if he gets a bitcoin address set up....  He's gotta know we're serious...   and that it instantly showed some results!   That'll excite him!   Receiving his first few coins!   

Who's YOUR favorite blogger or content creator?

Ok.  I just posted my piece on the Flattr forum......

Here:   http://forum.flattr.net/showthread.php?tid=550&pid=3489#pid3489

Get over there, Register, and Reply to that thread. 

We MUST make our voices heard over there!

I know from experience, companies recognize that, "For every one person who speaks up about something, there are at least 200 more who said nothing."

We need to be 200 who SPOKE UP and demanded Bitcoin at Flattr.

They know that 200 mouths asking for Bitcoin, represents 200 times 200....  That's 40,000 Bitcoin users.

GET OVER THERE AND POST NOW.

Using a cool new free service called GroupMe, I've just created a new "Bitcoin Discussion SMS Chatroom / Conference Call".

Unfortunately, it currently only works in the US,  but they say they are working on expanding it to other countries as well.  See http://groupme.com/help

So, for any of you within the USA, Puerto Rico, and (maybe?) Canada,  if you'd like to join our live "Chatroom" via SMS,  let me know.   Email me your name (or pseudonym) and your cell phone number.  (Note that it's not anonymous.  Any member can get the list of other members numbers.)

The SMS Chatroom works similar to an IRC Chatroom.   But it's on your phone.  All via SMS.    You can send #mute if you need to turn it off while in a meeting or something, and send #unmute to turn it back on.

Also, anyone who calls the Chatroom's number automatically initiates a voice Conference Call -- which you can join in with, if / when it's convenient.  

Note:  If you have a US telephone number -- like thru Google Voice, Skype In, Vonage, MagicJack, or ant other means --- you can Still participate!    Even if that number doesn't handle SMS, You Can still participate in the Voice Conference Calling capabilities.  

Cool, eh!?    

What will they think of next!?

If You want to join, email me or PM me, your handle or name & your USA / PR / Canada phone number.  

bruce@brucewagner.com
646-580-0022