The bitcoin rush was a one-time fluke. There's not likely to be another influx of new investors after the price jump, especially with the market fluctuating so wildly. Investors are getting burned on its volatility.

Price fluctuates wildly every weekend because wire transfers are disabled. You can't withdraw or add money by bank funds during Sat-Sun.

Take a look at historical data to back it up.
[/quote]A viable currency shouldn't fluctuate so much when it first takes off. People who bought at 30+ BTC took a huge bath and probably have no confidence in the Bitcoin market now.

I've never trusted their so-called "Dark Pools" that don't match real world dark pools. Dark Pools in the real market allow people to trade anonymously, Mt Gox Dark Pools allow someone to rush the price up or down (buy regularly and then sell dark or vice versa).

It was back down to 22.8, then I refreshed and got 22.5. It seems that the limited demand for coins by actual merchants and the potential shutdown by the US government are starting to scare people away.

By scaling up the value between lines like that, you're posting a deliberately misleading graph.

I was wondering how they can get away with operating them, wouldn't such trading get them shut down if a government took a hard look at it?

I wouldn't mind doing that.

Don't be rude, please.

I will think good thoughts about you for the low price of 1 btc (I don't believe in slicing up poor defenseless bitcoins). Consider the karmic benefits of this, not only will you be helping a poor, struggling college student who can't find work in this economy driven by "government money", you'll also have the benefit of being well-regarded by someone in the world. Address is in my signature. Thanks in advance.