I don’t have much Merit to give but I’m going to give it up until it’s all gone. I’m not sure if this is the right section for this thread because I’m not really selling anything. It’s about accounts so I’ll just leave it here until someone decides to move it. I don’t know if this is wrong to do. I don’t care if I get negative trust for doing this because I don’t buy anything here, sell anything here, join signature campaigns or post routinely in threads that even show the trust rating. Essentially I don’t make money here so I don’t use trust anyway.

I felt sorry for SOME of the members that posted in the merit thread. They seemed to be fairly articulate, fairly knowledgeable, rational and really trying to be members of this group of dreamers (community).

Here’s how it’s going to work. You’re not just going to beg for merit and I give it. Do not PM me and offer to pay me for merit points. Your money means nothing to me. I have given away more bitcoin than you will likely earn while on this forum (just ask Gleb Gamow if you don’t believe me). I will report you to a mod that will give you negative trust for being a potential scammer. You will ask me to research your post history and direct me to 10-20 posts that you believe show you have a deep desire to learn about, use, and support bitcoin. I will then ask you a couple of questions about how bitcoin works and you will answer them. I don’t care if you take some time to research the answer if you come up with the correct answer. That just means I’ve made you learn more about bitcoin than you knew previously.

Bitcoin does not mean altcoin. I know altcoins are more popular on this forum than bitcoin. I don’t care. I will only help bitcoiners level up. If most of your post history is in altcoin threads I won’t help you. I do not consider Bitcoin Cash to be bitcoin. If you don’t know what the real bitcoin is then you haven’t been here long enough for me to help you. Which leads me to the group I’m willing to help.


Rank                  Required activity            Required merit
Brand new                    0                            0
Newbie                         1                            0
Jr Member                   30                            0
Member                       60                           10
Full Member                120                           100
Sr. Member                 240                           250
Hero Member              480                           500


New members, Newbies, Jr Members and Members don’t need any merit. They don’t have enough post history to judge so I won’t be helping them.

Full members, Sr. Members and Hero Members really got screwed with the merit system. Some of them were really close to leveling up and now have to wait until they’ve impressed the right person to probably get only one merit point from them. The most extreme case of this is Hero Member. They may need hundreds of merit points to level up which could take a very long time to get.

You will be working for 20 merit points. Good luck to all. I will announce when they’re gone and lock the thread.

I will no longer be responding to off-topic posts in this thread. If you fail to get a response from me you can reread this post to find out why.

Here is the link to a thread where you can earn merit while you learn about bitcoin. Many thanks to pugman and bill gator for their hard work and generosity. https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2968050.0

Here is the link to a thread where altcoin miners can earn merit. Many thanks to philipma1957 for helping out people in the altcoin section. https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2970278.0

“As an asset, we valued Bitcoin using a cost of production approach and a store of value approach, resulting in values of $2,161 and $687 respectively. To value BTC as a currency, we estimated its utilisation for both legal, retail transaction payments, as well as payments in the black market. After significant testing, we calculated the price of BTC to be $1,780.”

‘In the short term, Quinlan Associates sees nothing but a period of a critical bloodbath for bitcoin and the crypto ecosystem as a whole. However, the firm opined that the market would be rebound after the crash to experience another period of growth triggered by cryptocurrencies with strong foundations and a clear utility

https://btcmanager.com/quinlan-associates-bitcoin-price-will-crash-1800-2018/



Who are these people? I’ve never heard of them before.

”Bitcoin is heading towards a dot.com crash and is being driven by a “mania” and “market manipulation”, says Bitcoin Foundation executive director Llew Claasen.

“The fact that you have a 30% in value of Bitcoin in one day is dangerous,” said Claasen yesterday, commenting on the rise of the price in Bitcoin yesterday (7 December).

Speaking at Startup Grind event at Workshop 17 in Cape Town, he said there is strong evidence to suggest that some traders are using what he referred to as “tethers” — a digital representation of the US dollar — to push up the price of Bitcoin.

Tethers were created by a company affiliated with Bitfinex, to move into and out of market positions, he said.”

http://ventureburn.com/2017/12/bitcoin-market-manipulation/

If this is true, is it helping or hurting bitcoin?

”Bitcoin is heading towards a dot.com crash and is being driven by a “mania” and “market manipulation”, says Bitcoin Foundation executive director Llew Claasen.

“The fact that you have a 30% in value of Bitcoin in one day is dangerous,” said Claasen yesterday, commenting on the rise of the price in Bitcoin yesterday (7 December).

Speaking at Startup Grind event at Workshop 17 in Cape Town, he said there is strong evidence to suggest that some traders are using what he referred to as “tethers” — a digital representation of the US dollar — to push up the price of Bitcoin.

Tethers were created by a company affiliated with Bitfinex, to move into and out of market positions, he said.”

http://ventureburn.com/2017/12/bitcoin-market-manipulation/

If this is true, is it helping or hurting bitcoin?

The United States Federal Communications Commission voted Thursday to repeal rules designed to protect net neutrality.

“Priyabrata Dash, editor of Crypt Bytes Tech, wrote earlier this year that the biggest threat to cryptocurrency markets is the repeal of net neutrality.”

http://www.ibtimes.com/how-net-neutrality-vote-may-block-bitcoin-cryptocurrency-trading-2628175

How important is the U.S. for bitcoin? Will the U.S. devs working on bitcoin need to move or stop working on bitcoin?

[We will aggressively pursue those who would coopt new forms of currency for illicit purposes]

For those of you that don't know or remember Charlie Shrem, he was the founder of a New York Bitcoin exchange called BitInstant and a devoted advocate of Bitcoin. Charlie started his career as a modest retailer of fine collectibles and cutlery in the marketplace of this forum. With great entrepreneurial spirit he secured the support of investors (the Winklevoss twins) and opened a bitcoin exchange in the economic power capital of New York. He also was co-owner of the only bar in New York to accept Bitcoin and one of the stars of the first bitcoin documentary film.

Unfortunately, our hero Charlie was placed under the microscope of an up and coming new U.S. District Attorney named Preet Bharara. Bharara's career in that office began about the same time our beloved Satoshi was inventing the world changing currency we all love (2009). Bharara was desperate to make a name for himself and further his career. No one was safe from his greedy pursuit of career making attacks. Under Bharara, federal prosecutors conducted public corruption investigations against Democratic and Republican officials, securing convictions against the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, Sheldon Silver and the Majority Leader of State Senate, Dean Skelos. One of Bharara's chief adversaries was Governor Andrew Cuomo, whom Bharara's office investigated. Under Bharara, the U.S. Attorney's office was also known for its terrorism prosecutions. Bharara's office had international reach, pursuing defendants located in many countries outside the United States.

Bharara prosecuted and attacked poor Charlie Shrem, not because it was the right thing to do, not because there were no others laundering money on Wall Street worthy of attack, but simply because it would give him the nationwide media attention he so desperately wanted to further his career. Bharara stated in an interview: "As alleged, Robert Faiella and Charlie Shrem schemed to sell over $1 million in Bitcoins to criminals bent on trafficking narcotics on the dark web drug site, Silk Road. Truly innovative business models don’t need to resort to old-fashioned law-breaking, and when Bitcoins, like any traditional currency, are laundered and used to fuel criminal activity, law enforcement has no choice but to act. We will aggressively pursue those who would coopt new forms of currency for illicit purposes." Interesting that all around him in New York City the HSBC's and Wachovia's were laundering at least 1000 times the drug money that supposedly poor Charlie was laundering. But HSBC had clout and money to fight back, attacking them was not a good easy career move. 

Fast forward to the present, Preet Brahara was just fired from office by Donald Trump's administration. On March 11, 2017, he was fired, after refusing to resign like the pussy that he is, as a result of Attorney General Jeff Sessions' request for all remaining 46 US Attorneys appointed during President Obama's administration to resign.

Does this make New York a more "Bitcoin friendly" place to do business? Does this mean Trump's administration is Bitcoin friendly? Will it have no impact on Bitcoin commerce in New York? Since he's out of work now, will Preet Brahara open a gay nightclub in Manhattan?

Dakota Pipeline: Protesters Soaked With Water in Freezing Temperatures

Tear gas, freezing cold water and rubber bullets were used to disperse a crowd of 400 protesters at the Dakota Access Pipeline in clashes late Sunday and early Monday that left more than 150 activists and one law enforcement officer injured.

Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault II told NBC News that between 200-300 people were transported late Sunday night to a gymnasium on the Standing Rock Sioux reservation for treatment for hypothermia, facial and hand wounds, and other minor injuries. Approximately seven people with more serious injuries — including two elders who were tear gassed and who suffered near cardiac arrest — were sent to a hospital in Bismarck for emergency treatment, said Archambault.

He said the tribe was reaching out to the White House Monday with a request that the Obama administration intervene "due to the threat to public safety at Standing Rock."

"From the beginning, we've had water protectors attacked by guard dogs, rubber bullets and mace. Last night, law enforcement upped the ante by using exploding tear gas canisters and water cannons in sub-freezing temperatures," said Archambault. "There's no telling what law enforcement will do next."

For those not aware of the issue, read: http://www.vox.com/2016/9/9/12862958/dakota-access-pipeline-fight

President Obama is refusing to help. Native Americans and sympathetic protesters are being injured by law enforcement armed with military grade assault weapons, armored clothing, helmets, assault rifles and riot water cannons.

Do you believe the U.S. Government is incapable of protecting its citizens from harm in this case due to bias over the desire to complete the pipeline? Is that bias placing its citizens at deadly risk? Do you agree with the governments stance and actions toward the protesters? Should the United Nations send independent inspectors and arbiters to investigate and attempt to assist with protecting the safety of those involved?

When the new POTUS is elected they decide to abuse their power (which isn't that big a stretch of the imagination). They are looking out the window and see you walking by the Whitehouse. They tell the Secret Police to go out, grab you and put you in the basement. Who would you rather be president in this situation, Hillery or "the Donald"? Who's the star of your POTUS rape fantasy?

I watched this series called Californication and the main character (Hank Moody) has a recurring dream about fucking a nun. I was wondering how common that fantasy is.





Edit: I reclassed this thread NSFW (it's isn't yet) just in case someone goes too far and I'm not around to catch it. I hate to see people get banned for having a little fun.

The recent arrest of BurtW, the previous arrests and my own use of LBC made me start thinking about safety. How can we exchange bitcoins between individuals safely if trading them is illegal? Are there legal ways to trade btc for dollars? Are the arrests simply because the seller knew the illegal intent of the buyer? Are the arrests because btc can't be sold for fiat without an expensive license? Is their a limit to the dollar amount that can be traded legally without a license? I want to use Bitcoin but I don't want to go to jail what can I do?

It seems to me that all of the problems stem from trading bitcoins for dollars and prior knowledge of the illegal use of the btc after the sale. This seems easy to fix. Ensure that when you first introduce yourself during the trade the first thing you say is this:

Hello, pleased to meet you.

Because of the recent problems with LBC, I need to tell you something before we begin and I need you to wait until I finish speaking before you respond.

I am recording this conversation remotely.

Anything you say about illegal activity will be reported to the proper authorities and stop the sale so please do not talk about any illegal activity.

I do not sell bitcoins for dollars. I trade bitcoins for apples. I brought a sample of my favorite apple with me. (Point to apple)

I would appreciate a donation to my favorite charity as a reward for my time.

You can bring the apples to me later don't worry about having them now.

How many bitcoins would you like? He tells you the amount (let's say one btc) and you tell him with a $237 donation to your favorate charity presented to you now to deliver to the charity that will be 2 apples.

If he agrees, he hands you the "donation" and you transfer the btc.

Does anyone see a problem with this? Would this work? It's very sad that we have come to the point of camouflaging our trades but I see no other way.

Have you all seen this: http://www.coindesk.com/roger-ver-denied-us-visa-attend-miami-bitcoin-conference/

Why would the government do this other than to mess with him? Is it because of his connection to Bitcoin or because he renounced his citizenship? If you renounce your citizenship you can't go to the U.S. anymore? I suggest we all mail a cup of fresh urine to the U.S. senate in protest with a label that says, "piss off".

Listen to this video of Sen. Elizabeth Warren blasting Citigroup for controlling the U.S. government and you'll realize why we need something else.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=DJpTxONxvoo

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http://www.coinfinance.com/news/charlie-shrem-pleads-guilty

I know all of you are aware of this news already. I'm interested in what you think about it.

Should he have plead guilty? Fight for Bitcoin rights and become a martyr in prison or save himself?
Was a crime really committed or is this just a government attack on Bitcoin?
Was this a "scare" prosecution to make the rest of us "behave"?
Do you believe if he is guilty of the crimes accused he should pay for his actions? (the govt is right)
Do you think part of his "deal" includes selling out his friends, partners and clients?
Was this because there was already an ongoing investigation of Silk Road and he was unlucky enough to be dealing with them?
Do you know any insider info about what's really happening?

Here's my take on it. I like Charlie. I bought some stuff from him when he was selling in the marketplace on this forum. I had a problem with my order and he quickly made it right. I think he's a cool guy that fucked up. I don't think he sold anyone out. I think prosecutors like to put things to bed quickly so they make offers that are too good to be true that way they don't have to go to court. I think they had been looking at Silk Road for a long time and he was just a small part of that investigation.

I know people hate self moderated threads so I purposely didn't make this one. However, this isn't meant to be Charlie's public crucifixion so please be civil. You don't have to slander the man to state your opinion, he's been through enough.

Inquiring minds want to know.

http://www.secvshavers.com/blog.html

Would YOU donate money to help the Bastard of Bitcoin?

Here's the hook they are using to scare you into donating:

​The case the SEC is bringing forward – if won- would establish a very dangerous precedent that says anyone exchanging bitcoin could be SELLING SECURITIES, thus subject to SEC regulation, SEC scrutiny, SEC investigation, and SEC legal action. This would include peer-to-peer bitcoin exchanging, all trades at Shotoshi Square in NYC, miners selling bitcoin, basically anyone that touches bitcoin and later trades or sells it would be under the scrutiny of the SEC. If you’re not registered with the SEC – or if you have engaged in these types of activities in the past without being registered - you could be fined tens of thousands of dollars per transaction, or worse, jail.

Do you believe the hook?

So what happened to Goat (His Most Eminent Highness Grand Caesar Imperator Goat)? I figure he just pussed out and left, he is being chased by the authorities and wanted to delete any evidence or someone pissed him off so he left. Which is it?

I just read this Timothy Lavin Bloomberg story and wondered if it's been discussed yet. I can't seem to find anything on it. If it has please direct me to the thread. The comments at the bottom are as interesting as the article. He raises some interesting points considering all the recent action from government agencies lately (like Mike Caldwell's recent letter forcing him to close up shop). Will governments simply regulate Bitcoin to death like so many good ideas of the past? Will business competition cease to make Bitcoin a worthwhile alternative? Is this just another naysayer that is missing the "point" of Bitcoin? Is the "point" to provide an outlet for crime or does Bitcoin have a place alongside other payment systems and is simply waiting to claim its market share?

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-08-08/did-the-sec-just-validate-bitcoin-no-.html

I am a bit short of btc for a major purchase and don't know what else to do. If your interested PM me and let me know what its worth to you. Thanks

I started thinking about the true differences between a closed source centrally controlled financial network and Bitcoin. To me, Bitcoin is superior in almost every way that I can think of except one. Having no single entity or board of directors in charge prohibits certain corporate departments that most businesses rely on to increase market share. The Bitcoin Foundation attempts to fill the gap between decentralization and corporate enterprise but falls far short of the mark. Even within the collective group of Bitcoin supporters their is no consensus of exactly what actions should be performed by TBF. Democracy is no way to run a business.

Main stream advertising is the big thing that I see naturally missing from the Bitcoin equation. All businesses have failures. All businesses lose money, have employee fraud, are robbed, lose product or fail to deliver on time occasionally. The difference is when that happens they advertise the problem away and bombard the public with positives about the product or service in an attempt to erase the recent negatives.

My questions are:

Can we come up with the funding for a real ad campaign using national media in key countries through donations alone?

If it's possible to fund the ad campaign would it also be possible to debate the content of an ad campaign in a democratic system and successfully pick something to present in a 30 second ad?

Do you think presenting the positives in a prime time TV sound bite on national media would make a difference in the user base?

Should TBF be the organization that communicates with the media networks or should it be an independent elected council devoted to advertising?

What should be the primary media focus? Television commercials? Movie theater previews? Billboards?

Which country to start advertising in (which one will have the most impact compared to the costs of advertising)?

What is our target audience (the time you send a message, and the channel you transmit on matter with price and target audience)?

What is the real cost of advertising?

What will we say in the advertisements to draw attention to people, dispel myths and change opinions?

Can we use the existing websites or do we need something new based on the ad campaign? More simplistic? Aimed at a group of users?