2013-08-22 SmartPlanet: Bitcoin takes off in Berlin

[BitGo]

http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/global-observer/bitcoin-takes-off-in-berlin/13680

"Platzer began accepting Bitcoin at Room 77 in his heavily gentrified Graefekiez neighborhood two years ago as a sociopolitical critique of government and the banking industry. It wasn’t long before word spread, and other bars, shops, cafes and restaurants on the block followed suit. Today, some 25 to 30 participating businesses in the area accept the digital currency, constituting the largest local Bitcoin economy in the world — and even attracting Bitcoin tourism."

"“To show most people that Bitcoin is a valid alternative, you need projects that demonstrate how you can pay for dinner, how this works person-to-person,”"

"“Through this value creation chain people suddenly realize, ‘aha, no fees’, ‘aha, no administrative costs!’ These are the kinds of things we’re trying to bring to the forefront.”"

[TraderTimm]

I love the fact they are doing this.

This is precisely how supply-chains denominated in BTC start to form. I'm glad that the German government has too many fires to put out right now to focus any effort on stopping it. Naturally, when they get around to it, it will be far too late.

[Carlton Banks]

I'm glad that the German government has too many fires to put out right now to focus any effort on stopping it. Naturally, when they get around to it, it will be far too late.

The situation looks even more positive than that when you compare Germany's to other government office responses. Most other governments have elicited either muted neutrality or reticent bureaucratic can kicking. I'm still not planning on emigrating to Deutschland any time soon, but you could have expected a more hostile response from a country that has alot of political capital to loose through falling out with the US... interesting re: NSA fallout

[TraderTimm]

Good point carlton, I also think Bitcoin is rapidly becoming the number one way to give the USA a nice big "middle finger". I look to China as well as evidence of that.

[p2pbucks]

why Iceland Sweden & Finland have more btc nodes than germany ?

btw:translated into chinese
http://p2pbucks.com/?p=6764

[Dropthebass]

Good point carlton, I also think Bitcoin is rapidly becoming the number one way to give the USA a nice big "middle finger". I look to China as well as evidence of that.

As long as BTC flies low in China it's gonna be fine but as it escapes all kinds of controle, the government won't like it. Other Chinese citizen most likely agree with that I assume.

Besides, the positives news about biitcoin beeng accepted in Germany resides in the income opportunity taxing BTC is. I won't put high hopes in Germany so far. HK seems to be one of the place taking bitcoin on the good side as the local community works wiith autoroties to create a btcfriendly environment.

[seldon]

why Iceland Sweden & Finland have more btc nodes than germany ?

Cheap energy, low temperatures --> Miners

[Dropthebass]

Very pertinent reply 

[seldon]

Although in honesty (being from Berlin) it has far from taken off..there's some stores in one neighborhood, where you can use them. But maybe that is the way to start for brick&mortar?

[Carlton Banks]

Good point carlton, I also think Bitcoin is rapidly becoming the number one way to give the USA a nice big "middle finger". I look to China as well as evidence of that.

As long as BTC flies low in China it's gonna be fine but as it escapes all kinds of controle, the government won't like it. Other Chinese citizen most likely agree with that I assume.

Besides, the positives news about biitcoin beeng accepted in Germany resides in the income opportunity taxing BTC is. I won't put high hopes in Germany so far. HK seems to be one of the place taking bitcoin on the good side as the local community works wiith autoroties to create a btcfriendly environment.

The German authorities have held the floodgates open with these rulings. It makes little sense to cause problems for exchanges now that they have legitimised/enfranchised the mining community. What are they gonna do, accept miners paying their income tax via IRL cash exchange instead? Bitcoin has it's foot in the door in Germany right now, but the door does still have someone on the other side gently pushing back, but only symbolically really. USA tactic is multiple different authority figures in front of the half open door, shouting various intimidatory or defamatory slogans like they're at an anti-Bitcoin demonstration.

[18RATTT]

hopefully other countries catch on with Germany, thank you for leading the way.

“I believe in honest money — gold, silver and Bitcoin,” reads a sign behind Joerg Platzer’s bar.

[Dropthebass]

Don't get me wrong Carlton, this is way better than nothing. However, we have to keep in mind that the effective tax rate for bonds / shares / dividends in Germany is pretty high => 28% I believe plus - but I'm not sure - it also scales on the income tax just like in most of Western European countries.

EDIT : We should soon integrate a BTC tax law / tax system section :p

[2weiX]

One more reason Joerg Platzer needs to be on the board of the Bitcoin Foundation (yes, if you're a member, you can vote for him!), to show these guys how this is an actual factual thing that happens ON THE STREETS.

Nothing for 'sters and guys in suits.


"This guy is in finance..."

Well THIS guy is ON THE STREET actually WORKING with Bitcoin.

/spamrant