We've been working on a program called The Bitcoin Phenomenon for SQ1.tv.
In my view, the closest analogue to bitcoin as an asset is .com domain names, not a currency. Let me explain:
...
Similar to the supply constraint of 21 million, the number of memorable, pronounceable dot-com domains is limited. To find an unregistered .com of any commercial value is difficult, but not impossible; this is similar to mining today. And to those that suggest the supply constraint of bitcoin will hold back its commercial adoption, it should be noted that the scarcity of viable .com domains did not inhibit the growth of the commercial web.
imho this is an invalid 'analogue' for many reasons (economic, mathematical, technological, etc.) let alone the literal:
You can invent new, memorable, easy to pronounce words. (eg bitcoin)
You can use disused words (eg [Shakespearean] thoujarringfensuckedpignut.com)
You can change the meaning of existing words. (twitter)
You can change da spellin of existing werds.
You can combine languages, hellobonjour.com
The words we have canbeusedintrillionsoftrillionsofcombinations.com