I just feel that the purpose of "getting in early" is pretty pointless to me, IMO. The whole purpose of mining a limited currency like Bitcoin or monero is to ensure the safety of the network by confirming the transactions. If you give early miners a lot of XMR in the early phases, in this case, wouldn't this mean that network security will be really secure during the first couple of years, and then over time miners will start flaking out when halving takes place because they consider it not "worth it" anymore?

Sorry if it's a stupid question, I've never really take the time to mine or try to learn about it that much, but to me this seems like it would be the case.

Honestly I think in the future when/if the fiat system in every nation starts totally collapsing, there will be a need for a new currency that is digitalized, which of course Bitcoin will step in. But then you have to think, we'll wait, what will Bitcoin be priced in and what will each Bitcoin represent monetary wise? And I think it will go back to how it should be in the fiat system in the first place, be back totally by gold and silver.

So I think both will go up in the future accordingly with each other, because they are the easiest ways to transact/exchange goods and services without the need for a central banks printing scheme.

The only thing one would hope right now to ensure growth up past the $10,000 mark, is for no foolish bubbles created by some exchange or more bad reputation associated with bitcoins in general. The more legit and established Bitcoin makes itself with world governments as a means to trade (export/imports) the higher the prices will become. If it gets to that point where there is steady healthy growth, we will eventually get there.

As for what I would do with it when that time comes, it will be more of a security measure of finance for me. I will still work and continue what I'm doing... But if times get tough, I know I have a couple bitcoins in my cold storage that I can tap into to help pay for bills and that sort of thing.

I guess there could be two sides to this argument. If Bitcoin becomes the main currency for everyone and there are "Bitcoin banks" popping up, there would be a need for people to take out loans of some sort to start up businesses and that sort of thing. There is always sims type of need for loans, and therefore a market to make you and the bank that 10%.
Then you also have to look at the purpose of why Bitcoin was created. To stay away from the banks and become your own bank. Central banks can't just print away bitcoins which makes them valuable. So in order for someone to take out a loan, there would need to be a very direct plan of making substantial amount of profits.

Hard decision, but I know if the opportunity presented itself in the future my answer will still be no.

I've never quite understood the mining emission of monero to its full extent. So if there are dynamic blocks that keep readjusting to the needs at that specific time (or atleast that's my understanding) then, does that mean there are limits that monero sets? Is there a pretty laid out set of information about moneros emission curve in general out there that I could read more on the matter?

Are you really that concerned that you can't keep your private keys to your self in a safe somewhere? If I were you I would consider looking into creating a cold/paper wallet to ensure you have no worries about being hacked. Also the main selling point for Bitcoin is the "decentralization" factor, they want to have a currency backed by something other than trust in the government/central banks.

My big problem is its pseudonymity features, and doesn't really act as s digital "cash". Most people who first get into Bitcoin believe that if they use them, for whatever purpose, that they would become completely anonymous in their transactions, which is not always the case.

A lot of people here are telling you to use web wallets to send bitcoins some were without fees... While this is true, I wouldn't make this your primary reason to use web wallets all the time for every transaction. I mean if you think about it, the transaction fees are like $.03-$.07 at the max for most wallets; so you have to think are you really that stingy to save a couple bits and not be in full control of your coins all the time? I'd personally rather be in control IMO.

Hmm, I have been thinking recently (and please tell me if this is nonsense) about the possibilities in starting a "charity" type of program for places like India. My SO travels out there a lot for programs that help the poorer areas of places like in India and Africa, and she keeps telling me how talented they are in producing goods such as clothes, baskets, etc for extremely cheap. I was thinking that maybe if someone were to introduce them to the Internet in general and find some way/someone to market the villages goods they produce, then it would help them earn more revenue and prosper just a little bit more in their life. This could be paid in Bitcoin which could be easily converted to their currency, but they would need to tell them how much of an investment Bitcoin is.

I know it's a real long shot, but I think they would be for it if it broadens their market to sell to more people. Even though poor countries hardly have electricity, Kenya is making big strides with mobile payments like m-pesa to help business move forward, so why not make it global for people in those areas which could let them earn more money by using Bitcoin?

What I would suggest is to get one of the light wallets and just not save it to your desktop. I'm kind of assuming you have a family computer or something where you don't want it to be known you have downloaded this thing that contains bitcoins. So, create a folder that you name something completely random and misleading, and then when you go to download your wallet, save it in that folder. Then that way it won't necessarily be on your desktop and have an icon that you'll be able to see.

If it's more of a memory issue, don't worry about that... These light weight wallets don't take up much memory on your hard drive as it would with Bitcoin core.

Hope this helps.

Well the counter argument would be to have the seller go through an escrow service that they would want to go through as well. I know it's more prevalent here on this forum, but there are other ways to get a reputable escrow. It's just a shame that people that sell items on eBay can't see that they are being suckered out of somewhere in the ball park of 30% of what they should make from eBay's fees and paypal's fees.

Though what was really dissapointing was the other night I was out with my SO and her friends at a bar, and they were using venmo to pay each other back for a cab ride home. I didn't want to be the dorky guy that starts campaigning for Bitcoin, so I just kept my mouth shut and focused more on not throwing up in the cab...

Anyways after that night I looked up venmo and essentially it's another PayPal app since they run through them, so I have no idea why so many people think it's awesome and a new revolutionary way to pay people through their phone for "free". Any one else look into this already?

Ahh, that's a shame. I thought there was a card that does hold the actual bitcoins on your card and when you use it, then it would be converted... I think it might be bit-x?

Anyway, hopefully the asset backed debit system will continue to get better. For one, I personally don't trust coinbase, so I don't think I would even consider getting a card from them. Still though, I'm not in a rush getting a card, just think the concept of backing a debit card with assets is a pretty cool concept.

While I completely relate to what you are saying about coinbase, and that's what I was in a way referring too; I don't think what I underlined in your comment is necessarily true.

Of course the average gambler might not care too much about economics in general, and just wants bitcoins to play dice or whatever, I think if you tell someone in a very plain way the economic benefits that Bitcoin gives each of its users in layman's terms; they would get the reason why it would matter. It's not like people who gamble online are very poor people with low IQ's who are drinking 40's and scratching off lottery tickets on the curb... Anyone with a mild understanding of how the world works can see that being your own bank of a currency that's finite, such as gold, that can't be printed by the government, and can send instantaneously anywhere in the world would see the benefits.

I mean that's great and all to try and promote Bitcoin that way, I mean I'm still working through an internship program at the moment and work in the food/service industry still and would love to get a tip and talk about Bitcoin with someone like yourself, but fuck... Just because they don't feel like learning something when they are probably extremely busy and just want the convenience in receiving a normal tip is to be expected, shouldn't be considered "rude". They work hard, and litterally served you.. Why should you deny them tip when they are probably working for way under minimum wage?

If I were you I would still offer the Bitcoin tips and promote them to getting a wallet, but if they don't want it, just say ok and move on to giving them that dirty fiat. You're essentially trying to tell them that fiat is no good and they should accept your digital gold, and it would make more of a statement if you tipped them more in fiat than you would have in Bitcoin.

I would also suggest making a little business card or flyer to leave business or people who serve you, so when they do have a chance to sit down and relax after a hard days work, they might get really interested in what you had to say after all, and start reading what you left them. You don't have to completely stiff them a tip, now that's "rude".

I mean, if you are considering buying both bitcoins and gold for investment purposes, then obviously your best choice will be cold storage/paper wallets for your bitcoins and maybe a safe for your gold... But if you're asking everyone in general where they keep their wealth, I just mainly use regular wallets because I like investing in other things at times, and to maybe but some stuff with bitcoins. Right now, I don't own any gold, but I am really looking into getting some right now since the price is so low. Just been looking around to see the best website to buy gold with bitcoins at the moment.

Very true in this regard. But here's where it gets tricky though... If someone buys Bitcoin through an online exchange, let's say from the U.S., and the exchange starts to notice that these bitcoins are being funneled into a gambling site illegally, then they technically have the right to freeze your account. That's one of the problems when gambling with Bitcoin, but if you can find some way to buy bitcoins locally with cash, then that's the best way to gamble without frozen accounts and the possible legal trouble with the government.

No real use for me right at this moment, just more of a curiosity/potential future use if a situation comes where I needed too verify something and I was away from my computer, so I could on my phone using bread.

Even if they try and audit a site, if they have the malicious attempt to run away with bitcoins, they will find a way in some way if a lot of people start investing there and trusting the site. It's more prevalent with investing sites, but can be done by anyone else easily if they really feel they want too. Though I think if you get that much traffic into your site by being trustworthy, the person will probably be able to make more money in the long run of things if they run things smoothly and have house edge on their side.

I'm not sure if the question has been asked here or on the other thread, but is there any way/any plan to allow the ability to sign/verify addresses using bread? I feel like I might have asked this question before somewhere, but I can seem to find where I asked, so forgive me if I have asked this question before or some one else already has.

Ok thanks for the quick response! One more question though... If I want to register my account on there since I plan on trying my luck each couple of weeks, do we need to sign a message from our wallet? I was kind of confused what to do when it says to sign the message.

Thanks again, and good luck to everyone.

So I'm sorry if this has already been stated before, but how do you know what ticket numbers you have when you deposit money in? After you send in bitcoins, does it register the Bitcoin address that sent it and give you a list of numbers that are your "tickets"?