Recently I've been browsing the French subforum of BitcoinTalk - I'm a Canadian who frequently visits Quebec every once in a while - as such my French is rusty but I can understand the basic premise of what's being discussed.

Not sure there's many reading this from those subforums, but actually genuinely curious if anyone else does this to perhaps improve their fluency in other languages. I have tried to post in the past, usually erasing my response due to anxiety of getting sentences wrong - honestly curious if anyone in those subforums would care or mind?

I know this is BitcoinTalk, but I know there's quite a few developers (potentially web developers) on this forum. After working with React / Ember professionally for the last 7 years, I started to recall the days of vanilla JS. The old approaches to developing websites without massive frameworks/guidelines. Using python/PHP for templating and jQuery or Vanilla JS for simple functionality. Granted, this had a downside: a simple Github search by browser will give you PTSD like no tomorrow with all of the "bugs" associated to certain browsers.

We all had our approaches, but seemingly after working with frameworks, I'm starting to miss the simplicity of a single javascript file per page, loading in functionality where I needed it, and not this over-arching dependency on frontend frameworks.

Then you have the employment culture where companies mandate you use a framework for something as simple as a landing page w/ newsletter entry because they heard of this magical framework called "React"

I know I'm not alone: https://medium.com/codex/youre-missing-out-on-vanilla-js-91aceec917d6

Figured I'd ask: am I insane, or for the web developers here on the forum, is this something you miss too.

[1. Find another career to pay the bills, while maintaining your "hobby-career" on a freelance basis - or just freelance all together]

I was reading the following thread, and I ended up responding as well. See my response quoted below:

I had a great job computer programming full-time. Great pay & benefits, drive was a bit of a pain but I got used to it. The problem was that over time coding all day long *for someone else* started to get on my nerves, and destroy the love I had for programming which I had garnered up by it being a hobby. There's a good explanation on this by Michael Reeves on his Patreon page (and I'm sure on one of his videos I just can't find it):

_{Quoted below, please see source below}

Somehow, after all the, tedious work and painful debugging sessions, I still love to program. A lot of software developers experience something called the Overjustification Effect. Programmers start out just coding for fun, but as soon as they get a job programming, they experience a huge drop in passion for the craft, and I'm no different. To regain my enjoyment for programming, I started taking on stupid, personal projects. It worked amazingly well, I wasn't trying to make anything useful, or appease any managers, I just made things. Eventually, I wanted to share my creations, so (in combination with crushing boredom), I started my YouTube channel.

Source: https://www.patreon.com/michaelreeves

I decided to switch careers, and do something which takes me off the computer (for the most part). I still computer program as a freelancer, but I find it a lot more enjoyable to be able to choose the jobs I wish to entertain/work on. It gives me the freedom to code things I'm genuinely interested in instead of being forced to by the big man above me.

Essentially, I took a massive pay cut to do something I found a tad bit more enjoyable and I now enjoy programming as a hobby once again.

As mentioned within the quote, I myself, became effected by the "Overjustification Effect" and I'm sure many on this forum probably have as well. It's something that honestly tears away at your love for a hobby and can be really detrimental towards your life, career, family, etc.

If you don't know what the Overjustification Effect is, there is a really good video explaining it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJfqaMOBGso
You can also read up on the Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overjustification_effect

Essentially, in simple terms, when you start something off as a hobby, you find it enjoyable and rewarding simply by completing tasks even with no extrinsic financial motivators at all. Once you convert this hobby into a career and get paid to do so (which many self-taught computer programmers do like myself), you find the actual hobby itself less enjoyable all-together. Over time it can destroy your love for the craft.

I, myself, have noticed this effect on friends of mine within the field. Even so, for people who have participated in the field much longer than I have. Eventually, they ended up breaking and stopped computer programming all-together - one actually moving across the world to become a bartender (true story)

The tips below have helped me avoid losing my love for computer programming, and may be applicable to other fields as well:

1. Find another career to pay the bills, while maintaining your "hobby-career" on a freelance basis - or just freelance all together

For many, this may not be possible. For others, some may not want to completely destroy the career/reputation they have garnered over the years. For myself, I found that finding a polar opposite career helped to prevent against the effect. It felt almost like a Ying-Yang situation. One career paid the bills, while the other (computer programming) I was able to manage on a freelance capacity. I was able to chose the jobs I wanted and was interested in, which went more inline with my hobby approach I originally started off with when I first started computer programming.

You can even go to become a freelancer all together. Just be careful not to spread yourself too thin that you have no time to work on your hobby projects. The effect, IMO, can actually become worse as a freelancer due to this.

2. Force yourself to create projects, etc

When I got off work, the last thing I wanted to touch was another line of code. But, although sometimes it was tough, I started forcing myself to put a small amount of effort into my own project when I got home. What started with simply 10 minutes grew to 30 and hours over time. The main premise was that the project couldn't be something that another person had control over. It had to be 100% within my control. I could have partners, but it had to be something I technically had control over/was able to make decisions on. No deadlines. The project could gather financial incentives, but that shouldn't be the main purpose for the project.

3. At work, if possible, take initiative: Vouch for your own projects

For many people in the tech field (and creative field as well), simply going to work and working on the project you are designated to work on becomes tedious and a bore. There's no motivation, and you feel as if you're just clearing a todo-list/checklist every day. This aids in the effect.

The company I worked with had many problems which easily could have been aided by a programmatic solution. I started finding myself creating my own projects within the company (with managerial approval). Projects that I, myself, was interested in yet still were beneficial for the company and their bottom line.

Many programmer hobbyists start by fixing problems. It's sort of in our blood, sort to speak. See if there are any problems to be fixed.

I know this isn't always possible for every career path, so take it with a grain of salt. Also, if possible, try to keep the project within the realms of your control. Many projects I would start eventually garnered interest from company stakeholders, and before I knew it, it was no longer my project anymore. Yet again, I had a todolist and I was no longer "as" motivated to work on the project as I was when I considered it an initiative on my own accord.


These are just some of the tips that helped me. I didn't see a thread on BitcoinTalk discussing this, and as Bitcoin, for many people, is a hobby - I assume this is something that does affect forum members to different extents.

Do you believe in the over-jusitication effect? Has it affected you, and if so, what tips have helped you in the past or present?

_{Also, I definitely recommend Michael Reeves YT channel here. He's the programmer I quoted above. To fix this, he started creating fun side-projects which he posts on his YT channel. Just don't play with tasers}

This has been on my mind for a while, and I know it probably may not be entertained but I figured it's worth a shot.

There seems to be quite a few people popping up on the forums now-a-days with questions about concepts such as web design, programming, etc w/ regards to the projects they are working on.

Currently, a lot of these threads simply filter into the Project Development section, but it is kind of a weird edge-case considering a lot of those threads in that Project have nothing to do with technology/coding at all. Sometimes they even end up in other sections like Bitcoin Technical Support (which is obviously more related to clients)

Would a child category under Project Development, perhaps named "Project Programming and Development" serve a purpose at all, or is it moot/pointless?

Just wanting to gather opinions.

Despite what you believe politically, President Trump made a statement "showing hope" to have the USA "open by easter".

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/24/politics/trump-easter-economy-coronavirus/index.html

Do you think this is possible? What do you think the impact of this will be if this is forced ahead (companies allowed to re-open up, etc). Do you think it'll make the health and/or economic problem better or worse?

I know everyone has Netflix, but I'm among the fold trying Amazon Prime Video. I've been trying to find more shows to get into on the site. Thought I'd reach out to see if anyone had any recommendations.

So far, I've watched the following which are pretty good:

Patriot
Informer
Bosch
Goliath
Jack Ryan
The Boys

Anyone else have any recommendations on the platform?

[written contract]

I just wanted to make this quick thread as a PSA for anyone honestly considering giving money in exchange for his services, and simply hasn't had the time to read through the thousands of messages from GP to and from members of BitcoinTalk.

I'll make this simple: http://archive.is/JY64i

https://parissmith.co.uk/blog/even-emails-text-messaging-can-constitute-legally-binding-agreement/
https://www.icaew.com/archive/library/subject-gateways/law/legal-alert/2018-02/case-law-court-confirms-emails-can-create-legally-binding-contracts

The following obligations in EU law have to be met:

An intention by both parties to enter into legal relations

An offer by one of the parties which is capable of being accepted by the other
Acceptance of that offer by the other, and
A mutual promise by each to provide something of value to the other (known in law as 'consideration')

ALL of which are applicable to your email exchange with h4ns.

The theme is written contract and not binding agreements, but thank you for confrming that a legally binding agreement does not exist!

1) I never had the intention to enter into legal relations.

Despite of this, donations exclude legal relations by default.

Real world legal aspects: Donations are given without return consideration.

2) I never promised anything

Game-Protect does not consider ANY transaction sent to him which he calls a donation to offer return consideration. Which means, in his eyes, if you send him money and he includes the word "donation" in any of his exchanges with you, GP feels as if there is no obligation to complete the services he may have offered.

Period.

Take that for what you will.

PS: I understand there are many threads about GP, but I want anyone (even outside of BitcoinTalk) to be able to Google Game-Protect and have the words "Do not Donate" come up. It's a sly move he makes in order to protect himself, but folks need to be aware, and I felt as if a 1 post thread would do just that.

I'll be locking this thread in order to promote further debate to be posted on the other existing GP threads.

I remember back in 2013/2014 the site had huge popularity (including being sold for a large sum) , and may have been one of the top dice sites. Bets would be flowing in a mile a minute. I just went on the site now and in the last 4 hours, maybe 4 bets have been made in total.

Their copyright hasn't even been updated since 2018.

Did something happen, or did the site just generally lose popularity?

I'm honestly just curious if someone/anyone knows something I don't.

I'm a huge fan of the Joe Rogan podcasts, and recently he had a guest on by the name of Bob Lazar. Depending on your age, you may or may not be aware of the gentleman. But essentially, he's involved with the whole Area 51 conspiracy, and he's probably one of the more reputable members of society to come out and make claims against the airbase (see the last part of the podcast where he talks about the "conspiracy" community at large).

I honestly don't want to paraphrase his story, as I'd probably miss many details & not do it justice, so I'd completely recommend you take the time and listen to the podcast yourself.

You can listen to the whole Joe Rogan podcast on your favourite podcast app, or on YouTube (which I would recommend) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEWz4SXfyCQ

I'm not a huge fan of conspiracy theories, but there is something about his story that does seem to ring true to myself. I'm sort of inclined to believe the guy.

What's your opinion on it? Do you believe in his story? Do you believe him 100%, or do you think it's a load of BS?

With recent news about Area 51 popping up, and becoming more and more mainstream, I though it'd be a good time to get opinions on his story; and for those who haven't had an opportunity to listen to it, I though I'd share.

Opinions?

Hey everyone,

I'm a web developer with more than 8 years experience. I've been looking to start making some BBCode signatures, Forum AdSpace ads, etc for some extra money.

OFC, since I have no portfolio items specifically on BitcoinTalk, I'm looking to find some first clients.

I'd be willing to work for a lower(ish) amount in order to get some portfolio items under my belt.

Feel free to post in the thread, or shoot me a PM with your requirements, and tell me what you're willing to pay (BTC wise)

Cheers!

After looking through the extension list here, along with creating a few extensions/scripts of my own, I'm more or less curious to see what the community actually wants in terms of scripts/extensions.

I thought I'd open up a thread to gauge interest, and see if anyone who doesn't code may have ideas regarding extensions/scripts.

If you have a script idea you'd like to see, post it below, and maybe I or another programmer will pick it up.

Provide as much detail/examples as you can to explain you idea!

Cheers!


Reserved, will attempt to organize links to ideas here...

I have some Amazon.com credit I'm trying to convert to BTC.

Therefore looking to sell Starbucks Giftcards, either in $25 or $50 amount. I can simply forward the email.

I can discuss discounts, but most likely wanting to stay within the you pay 80-90% range.

I have some Amazon.com credit I'd like to get converted to Bitcoin (since I'm not from the states, it's not exactly worth it for me to keep it on Amazon.com)

I can do GC, or I can simply buy items for people & have it shipped to their house. Entirely up to you.

I am able to do a discount, around 80-85% depending on your account/trust. (ie: 15-20% off)

User: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=389395

Posting this as to keep the community informed, not that someone falls for this since this is a tad bit sketchy behaviour.

After review, it seems most of the people posting in the following topic are alts of the OP. Most of the accounts are newbie, and have a small amount of posts. The last post for many of these users seems to be on the topic.

Topic: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5113684.20

After posting a response questioning this, OP removed my post in order to not be detected, and did not provide a response.

http://archive.is/YK6e9

I'm not putting this in Scam Accusations as I have no proof this is a scam. But this does seem as if this user is either utilizing alt accounts to post positive reviews, or is telling his friends to do so.

I know the new forum is on it's way, but this could be applied to both this forum and the new.

Sort of like the ability to post a response/comment to trust feedbacks on your profile whether it be negative/positive. It provides the ability to give context/your side of the story.

I tried doing a quick search to see if anyone else recommended something similar, and besides new forum requests, I haven't found much. Is this something other's might be interested in?

Edit: To clarify, I was more or less thinking of just 1 response from the user receiving the feedback (not a thread/convo). Sort of like as a business, when you receive a review on Google, you can provide a text response.

I have a script which I produced in the past which can export posts on Instagram using a specific hashtag (or location, etc) in formats like JSON or CSV.

If you have a requirement for this, send me a PM or post here. I can run it for you and export in JSON, CSV, Excel (or any other requested format) for a low rate.

You can use it for anything you require (market data, research, etc)

Cheers,

[Stock Symbol]

Hey all,

After previously posting this topic here and being interested in the current events which affected Nvidia (which are somewhat bitcoin/blockchain related), I began gathering a list of stocks available on public stock markets which have even a minimal tie to the blockchain economy/sector (some more than others).

I simply copied the stock symbol, name, and a small excerpt as to how the stock is connected. I made this list over time, and I plan to add many more stocks (which I'll be keeping this updated). I figured I'd share it to the community to help others out as well as to gain ideas for other stocks which should be added to the list.

If anyone has any ideas for other stocks or disagree with any of the stocks posted, by all means, post a comment on this thread to discuss.

Cheers!  

Stock Symbol	Stock Name	Cryptocurrency Relation	Links (Coming Soon)
NVDA	Nvidia Corporation	"This is because Nvidia makes high-performance graphics processors. These computer hardware pieces were originally designed for use with complicated video game rigs but they have been co-opted by mining operations that generate bitcoin and other digital currencies."
AMD	Advanced Micro Devices	"AMD has quickly earned a spot in the cryptocurrency hall of fame because of its graphics processors."
NETE	Net Element	"announced that it was starting a blockchain-related business and the stock rocketed. The company plans to connect merchants and consumers with blockchain technology."
OTIV	On Track Innovations	"plans to integrate bitcoin acceptance in ATM and secure cashless vending products."
SIEB	Siebert Financial	"apparently planning to enter the crypto-brokerage business. Overstock’s blockchain subsidiary tZERO has taken a 1% stake in Siebert’s parent."
SRAX	Social Reality	"appears to be planning a blockchain-based system to enable people to sell their own data."
HIVE	HIVE Blockchain Technologies	"publicly traded cryptocurrency mining company"
OSTK	Overstock.com	"Overstock made headlines by being the first to really embrace a smorgasbord of altcoin payment options at checkout."
LFIN	Longfin	"The company acquired Ziddu.com a purported blockchain-solutions provider to offer microfinance lending against collateralized warehouse receipts in the form of Ziddu Coins."
MSFT	Microsoft	"Microsoft is building Blockchain as a Service on its Azure cloud the biggest rival to Amazon in hosting cloud applications. Since launching its first Ethereum Blockchain as a Service in November 2015 Microsoft has been moving as quickly as it can in the space."
NDAQ	Nasdaq	"It also was one of the first to explore and incorporate the use of blockchain technology into its applications. The Nasdaq Private Market was first launched in 2013 to facilitate secondary transactions for private corporations and two years later Nasdaq announced its first private securities transactions using blockchain technology."
IBM	IBM	"The company behind Watson and developments in cloud technology is already harnessing a blockchain service for over 400 clients in multiple industries."
HTHIY	Hitachi	"The conglomerate has been researching blockchain technology since the early 2000s before even the invention of Bitcoin. Hitachi obtained its first blockchain-related Japanese patent in 2003."
ETR:DAI	Daimler AG	"In partnership with LBBW Daimler launched a €100 million 1-year corporate loan instrument known as a Schuldschein using blockchain technology."
AMZN	Amazon	https://www.coindesk.com/amazon-announces-blockchain-builder-service
NASDAQ:RIOT	Riot Blockchain	Targeted Investments along w/ mining operations
OTCMKTS:GBTC	Grayscale Bitcoin Trust *	"Bitcoin Investment Trust is a private, open-ended trust that is invested exclusively in bitcoin and derives its value solely from the price of bitcoin" (src)
BTCS (OTCMKTS)	BTCS Inc.	BTCS Inc. ("BTCS") is an early mover in the blockchain and digital currency ecosystems and the first "Pure Play" U.S. public company focused on blockchain technologies. (src)

<sub>Sources:
https://www.investopedia.com/news/bitcoinrelated-stocks-aim-capitalize-cryptocurrency-craze/               
https://investorplace.com/2018/04/bitcoin-stocks-to-buy-for-cryptocurrency-profits/               
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/here-are-seven-new-bitcoin-related-stocks-most-are-bonkers-2017-12-21               
https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/03/15/3-stocks-with-high-exposure-to-cryptocurrencies.aspx               
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ericervin/2018/02/08/top-5-blockchain-related-stocks-for-2018-and-a-few-to-avoid/#271d242d6ce2   

Notes:
* This technically isn't a stock, but I thought I'd add it as a way to invest in Bitcoin through conventional market means. I, personally, wouldn't recommend using this stock as a means of holding Bitcoin. But, for transparency, I have added it to the list.

Changelog:
[1] Added initial list
[2] Adding amazon
[3] Adding riot blockchain</sub>
   

[Are there any other publicly traded stocks that rely either partially, or fully on Crypto? And do you think these stocks are going to be having a troubling time going forward, or otherwise?]

Recently, I received the following email in my inbox from Angel.co discussing the fall of Nvidia stock partially as a effect of lower crypto prices & crypto companies starting to implement a process where-by they create their own chips in-house:


_{Apologies for the image instead of a URL, I have a link to the newsletter but I'm unsure if the URL is connected to my email or not so an image was easier to share}

I wanted to share this news as I thought it would be insightful & relevant to the current state of Bitcoin price-wise; but also to gather the communities ideas/inputs regarding this, and primarily: Are there any other publicly traded stocks that rely either partially, or fully on Crypto? And do you think these stocks are going to be having a troubling time going forward, or otherwise? Basically, which stocks & are you bullish or bearish?

[Update: November 2018: The extension is now live on the Google app store.Like I said, I did this quickly, so if anyone has any reco's, let me know!Updates Planned:- Firefox extension rewrite / installation to app store- Adding link to profile pages.- Getting this on Chrome app store- URL encoding usernames (to support weird characters like #)Cheers!]

Hey all,

Vod mentioned it, and I saw the need for a chrome extension for BPIP.org when I had the time. I quickly wrote this up. I'm releasing this as a developer version for now. If there's enough popularity for this, I'll throw it up on the chrome web store.

Essentially, this plugin adds a link to the BPIP.org profile on every user's post:



Download Here
Source

Firefox users click here

Once you download, simply follow a guide like this to get it setup (it shouldn't take longer than a few minutes):
https://a9t9.com/howto/install-chrome-extension-from-file
Update: November 2018: The extension is now live on the Google app store.

Like I said, I did this quickly, so if anyone has any reco's, let me know!

Updates Planned:
- Firefox extension rewrite / installation to app store
- Adding link to profile pages.
- Getting this on Chrome app store
- URL encoding usernames (to support weird characters like #)

Cheers!

[I noticed the mention of the idea of buying Junior membership. There's only 1 way I like that idea:]

In Theymos' announcement on the 17th, I noticed throughout the thread that many people were recommending the idea of allowing people to "purchase" Junior membership. I know Theymos implemented the ability to purchase Copper membership.

I thought a little further into it. Normally, I don't see much gain from that idea. As the funds would just be counted as donations and I don't know if they would actually go towards the prevention of spam (instead of other operating costs OFC). While I do agree the mods do a great job (and do deserve compensation), I think there's a possibility here for a bit more of a targeted response:

I posted this in the following thread, and I apologize if re-copying it here is a mistake. I just know that the thread is probably going to sway away from my response, or my response may get lost in the thread. I wanted to sort of discuss the idea further in it's own thread.
If the idea is completely useless, I understand. If mod's think I shouldn't have made a new thread to discuss, by all means let me know and I can delete the thread...:

...

I've been working and I'm going to be working on scripts/bots to detect spam, I would be able to pickup abuse of 3 merits easier than 1 merit.

I noticed the mention of the idea of buying Junior membership. There's only 1 way I like that idea:
If the funds collected from the purchasing of junior membership is funnelled into the mods and developers contracted on behalf of BitcoinTalk to create scripts/bots which detect spam and try to prevent future spam. I'm currently working on some bots/scripts on my own time volunteer wise, but if BitcoinTalk was able to hire developers to create these spam prevention methods, I know a lot of good developers would join in and help (myself included, I'd be able to put a lot more time towards it). Doesn't have to be a hiring procedure, could be a bounty ("First developer to create a way to prevent xyz gets X.XX BTC)

This almost creates sort of a task force against spam, through advanced detection. It would make it easier on moderators, and make it less worth creating spam accounts.

And believe me, I'm not just saying this because I'm a developer. While I'd definitely bid to help, I'm going to be creating scripts/bots to detect against this regardless. I just think the motivation of developers to help out would be greatly increased. Sort of like the BountySource effect.

The nice thing about bots/scripts that scrape BitcoinTalk is that they don't require admin access. And it could be a really cool system. For example: BitcoinTalk could give out a API for reporting of spam (obviously to only select contractors). The amount collected by Junior memberships would be divided by this project/mods. The amount (hereby called "the pot") would be up for grabs by the developers creating these scripts. The amount of successful spam reports by these bots/scripts would give them a stake of "the pot" on a per weekly basis (or other timeframe)

IDK, just a thought. I think it'd be a cool way to promote developers to fight the spam on BitcoinTalk using computing power, even if it is a minimal amount.

Now I know people may suggest that I'm only recommending this because I'm a developer. That's not the case, but if there is a conflict of interest, I'm more than willing to sacrifice my ability to "make a bid" on these contract positions.

I just think it's an interesting idea to promote developers to create anti-spam scripts.

Let me know what you think?