Let it run.

If one remembers that the universe is inherently ironic, the explanation is obvious: being "Fixed" broke it.

What is it again?

There's also Seals With Clubs.

This is the type of forum contribution I focus on. Yes, there are plenty of trolls and malcontents happy to bash any and every idea with no sign of empathy or civility, but the few like Jonathan more than make up for them.

logansryche, it's hard admitting defeat in a business venture that you've invested in financially and emotionally, but it is a very common occurrence and can't be blamed on bitcoin or this forum. I ran a retail dry cleaning store for ten years and almost went bankrupt because I didn't want to admit that I couldn't pull it out of the black hole of debt it started to slowly sink into after 9/11. Heck, BitBrew has been successful beyond my expectations but I still haven't earned back the money I've spent on advertising, yet!

Take Jonathan up on his offer and focus on something that's a better fit for you. Personally, I think your virtual marketplace idea has some potential.

Oh, I wasn't referring to the image; I knew that was photoshopped. I was referring to Bruce's exclamation:

Well, that depends. Do I factor in advertising and giveaways (which I do impulsively)? Should I take an average starting from day one when I was getting product at almost retail prices and shipping costs very nearly dissuaded me, before a salesperson from FedEx was kind enough to finally return my phone calls? (BTW, FedEx was the only carrier that I was able to establish some personal contact with, which won them my business.)

Honestly, if I was determined to become profitable ASAP, I'd double my BTC prices.

My primary motivation in starting BitBrew was to stimulate and encourage the bitcoin economy, which is why I have avoided raising or lowering my prices as much as possible. I've exchanged some for USD but I've also used them for advertising and other online related expenses. If I traded every bitcoin in my possession for dollars right now, BitBrew would not in any way be considered profitable - but what small business is in their first few months?

I believe that. Got my original 5 BTC paid out and just reinvested it!

I'm confused. This restaurant says "we now accept bitcoins" but also wants Bruce's help "setting them up to accept Bitcoin ASAP"?

This game obviously has a lot of potential, so I'm in for another 5!

Sorry, I got held up. 5 BTC contribution in and jackpot now greater than 5.5 bitcoins! Better late than never!

I'm game.

Of course!

Actually, I just got the proposal from the hotel and convention center earlier today and haven't had a chance to go over it yet. Once I have a solid figure as to what it's going to cost to pull this thing off, I'll start soliciting from likely sponsors and exhibitors. I'd like to give sponsors credit in relationship to the share of the expenses they cover. Every expense I cover, will be on behalf of BitBrew, including my time and effort.

If you have a set amount you would like to send right now, send me a PM. I should have the website up in a few days and it would be great to already have some "official" sponsors.

BTW, is there anyone in the San Antonio or Austin area who would like to help? There is a 24 hour restaurant downtown about 8 blocks from the convention center that I would like to convince to accept bitcoins before March comes around. If you have an opportunity, stop by Mi Tierra and encourage them to accept BTC.

Any suggestions for a theme?

I was thinking of something like "The Bitcoin Paradigm". Discussions could center on how bitcoins are changing the way we think of money, the internet, computing, government, etc.

Okay, here's what I'm planning:

Where: San Antonio, Texas, USA

San Antonio is a very popular convention and conference destination. It's roughly equidistant from the east and west coasts, has pleasant weather most of the year, and has attractions and accommodations to appeal to just about any traveler. I also happen to live here and, considering the amount of work I have cut out for me, this was definitely something I had to take into consideration. For more info see: http://www.visitsanantonio.com/index.aspx

Space is available at the dowtown convention center. They're holding 80,000 square feet of exhibit space and two large meeting rooms for panels and discussions. For those of you concerned about internet capabilities, I took the liberty of copying the following from their website -



When: 2012 - March 16th, 17th, and 18th

March seventeenth is St. Patrick's Day and Spring is the best time of year to visit Central Texas.


Lodging:

I'm in the process of locking in a rate of $199/night at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio for the above dates for 200 rooms. This price will include High Speed Internet access in guest rooms. No one will be under any obligation to stay here, but this hotel is right next door to the convention center.


Cost of admission: Free

Sponsors and vendors will need to step up and cover the cost of this event. I'm convinced that one of the things bitcoin needs to grow is more exposure, and what better way than to invite anyone and everyone who can make their way to San Antonio and find a couch to crash on?


Who: Almost everyone I've corresponded with has been very enthusiastic about attending but couldn't commit without knowing the dates. I've finally been able to get firm rates for lodging and convention center space, so I should have some names to post soon.

I'll be putting up a website soon with all of this information and updating it as things coalesce. I'll also be relying on all of you to suggest topics for panels and other discussion groups.

I'd rent space for a BitBrew Café.

I'll gladly endorse these (with some cosmetic improvements, of course). Heck, I might even order some.

Littleshop,

I was a little behind in getting the last few codes entered. I usually wait until the bitcoins show up in my wallet before updating everything and sometimes that happens while I'm sleeping or at my day job.

PM me and we'll straighten this out. 

Thank you for the referral! Your 15% coupon code has been emailed to you.


I was planning on setting the coupons to expire at the end of October, but there might be some wiggle room for the temporally challenged.