Man I thought I'd be out of here by now. I'd really like to post in some of the discussions in the economics section. Mod-please have mercy on me.

Thanks for sharing everyone. I agree in a diverse portfolio, too. Why is it so important for bitcoins to be physical? I know there are some services that send your coins to "cold storage" and effectively put them on paper. I think as long as you have a good wallet there is no need for BTC to become physical. The only benefit to them becoming physical (I'm assuming in addition to digital) is that it would facilitate face to face transactions. But in a world of smartphones and other capable devices, I don't think its really practical or necessary to have bitcoins be a physical entity.
I also wanted to point out that bitcoins are similar to precious methods when you think about it. I think merely making money and keeping it in the bank is a terrible idea of investing. Our money supply (thanks to the Fed) has the potential to be infinite, leading to deflation, making your hard-earned dollars constantly worth less. Did you know the Fed plan to eliminate the penny nickel and dime? That should say something. Our money isn't even worth the cheap metal alloys its minted on. I like BTC because their supply is finite. I understand that not all BTC in existence have been "mined", and thus there might be temporary lapses in their value. But, once all bitcoins are mined, no more are going to be produced. This is just like precious metals. Supply remains constant, while demand does not-that is the essence of an investment. I just think its really something to be impressed about that people are trading precious metals for Bitcoins. My portfolio will remain diversified-I have bitcoins and I have Silver. Money in the bank-of course some, but I have very little faith in the dollar. My portfolio contains lots of real estate, stock, precious metals and now...Bitcoins.

I see a lot of posts that generate a number of responses in the marketplace offering silver for sale. Its quite amazing that people are wiling to sell things like precious metals for Bitcoins. It makes sense, I just can't believe the world we live in. I have some silver-not a lot, some to "diversify my portfolio". What do you guys think? Would you rather have (if you can figure an equivelant amount) x amount of Silver or x amount of Bitcoins?

Truth be told, when it comes to mining I am a total n00b. I know some people make it like a full-time thing, and even build supercomputers to mine. Is it really worth all the time, money and effort? What kind of yield can you expect in say-a week?
Also, is it possible to mine without building a rig/dedicating all your computer's CPU to it?
Like a mining program that could run in the background?
Or is there a program I could download and run at night while I'm sleeping (I imagine it takes up A LOT of CPU).
These are questions I've had for the longest time. I just figured the mining game I would stay away from. But if anyone can answer my questions I would really appreciate it. Maybe theres some bitcoins out there waiting for me to mine.

Hi,
I've often browsed this site (just as a guest) but want to be a full-fledged member now that BTC are at about $13.5. I have been involved with bitcoin transactions since the day they were about $5/ea (year and a half ago or so)-those were the days. I have a stacked wallet (not to brag-seriously) so I look forward to being active in the marketplace. Like I said I signed up because bitcoins are at where they are at. I have silver, gift cards and more to offer for sale. I'd really appreciate getting over there as fast as possible. Thanks!

sadly, words to live by