I've been having a rough week. I could use a hug. (and a tug wouldn't hurt!)

Thanks for the comments.

Makes me wonder: "Is there a sticky for 'how to provide escrow services'"?

Master P, has your name all over it!

Oh, and I have no need for trading or loaning. I have what I need right now. Unless I were purposefully taking out short loans to repay quickly just to build trust, which is a bit... well, untrustworthy, that is.

Can anyone explain how this could be profitable to them?

My bet's on about 3-5 years before it goes much above $300. By that time there may be a replacement, but BTC will be the first, and humans are very nostalgic.

This is awesome. BOOKMARKED!

Are you referring to a specific exchange that provides leverage as a service to account holders?

If that's the case, it works the same as an ordinary brokerage house: They charge you interest on the leverage, like a loan. They also get their standard fee from each trade. More trades = more fees.

For the record: don't use leverage. You'll just dig a deeper hole. It's addicting.

I've had issues in the past using PayPal, but they do have some level of verification. Specifically name, address, tel, bank or CC, etc. The risk here is the chargeback. I suppose if you trust the person you're trading with you're OK.

This is the section where people are looking for loans, so I thought this the right place. Mods, please go ahead and move to correct section.

Fair question. I only have one trade for alt coins with a member under my belt. My account has been open a few years, if that's anything. I suppose you'd have to trust me. Even the "free and trusted providers" started somewhere, right? This is an opportunity for me to get involved with my research first-hand. While not an objective position, I am the one writing the paper, so I don't believe it adds any further bias.

Hi, All!

I'm a comp sci PhD student who got started with BTC a few years ago. I'm looking for topics for a thesis and believe BitCoins and the system of trust and anonymity are rather intriguing. I've read a few papers and countless threads on the topic, but nothing like what I'm thinking about.

I'm offering my services as an escrow agent to see first-hand how sales and trades are accomplished. If anyone is in need of a free escrow service please PM me and drop a note on this thread. I'll be checking messages daily. As university isn't free, tips are appreciated but by no means required.

Thanks!

Love the idea. I'm in!

It's not about size, but how you use it. Or so my wife says... 

If nothing else, this game me a smile. Who doesn't love TITTIES!?!?

Still waiting for proof, case studies, referrals, etc.

Nice look for the demo site. Sent PM.

I'd cash it out for USD. If you're really anxious to "do something" with it, don't risk it all. Take 1/2 and "invest" it as you see fit, whether in shares of 10 different companies or your own pet projects. The other keep in BTC so you can take advantage of other opportunities as they arise.

And his avatar is Eminem Slim SHADY!

CLOSED

Transaction completed with jailee. Thanks!

I have an offer out already, but if it falls through...

Based on the (relatively cheap) market price now of .0132 XRP/USD, that's $13.20 USD, which is 0.05 BTC. It's a small amount in my eyes, but if you would like to pay for escrow I have no problem with that. I would appreciate positive trust after the trade and I can do that same for you. Thanks!

Any interest?

I've been eyeing an S5 and it's nice to know the company is trying to improve its service and not just its product.