Do you have a feeling BTC has slowed down a bit?

[crazyivan]

Yes, BTC should definitely change and offer some kind of protection for both buyers and sellers.

I don't think that is going to happen anytime soon. Something like this is against the most important concepts of Bitcoin, which is designated to be a decentralized currency.

Providing protection for both buyers and sellers is not the responsibility of Bitcoin. The marketplaces should do that.

Well, then I think we have a major issue cause the number of scammers will be growing and the number of honest people will be reducing. This is exactly what s going on right now. Take a look at cloud mining for example. On every legit cloud mining operation, there s at least 20 ponzies and the new ones keep on emerging every day. Is this decentralization we want? Scammers at every corner? No, thank you, I didn't sigh up for this.

Also, you cannot teach people to select the good ones only. I ve been reading about people who got scammed once and they keep investing into another potential scammy operations. Until one day they say, fck this, I am out.

[bryant.coleman]

Well, then I think we have a major issue cause the number of scammers will be growing and the number of honest people will be reducing. This is exactly what s going on right now. Take a look at cloud mining for example. On every legit cloud mining operation, there s at least 20 ponzies and the new ones keep on emerging every day. Is this decentralization we want? Scammers at every corner? No, thank you, I didn't sigh up for this.

I agree with many of your observations. Scammers and conmen have been flocking to the bitcoin sector ever since 2013. They are using some of the disadvantages of Bitcoins to their own advantage. Right now, there is very little which we could do about it. But I hope that things will change pretty soon.

[calaber24p]

So what do you guys see as the greatest obstacles in the future?

fighting a possible new coin, that can surpass bitcoin in technology, and the early adopters problem, which lead to high instability in price, and heavy manipulation

I agree with Amph mostly because I think billion dollar companies and organizations will now start to create things that will use blockchain technology in a new form and ditch bitcoin all together. Whether or not they will be successful is unknown but wont stop them from trying.

[Hazir]

So what do you guys see as the greatest obstacles in the future?

fighting a possible new coin, that can surpass bitcoin in technology, and the early adopters problem, which lead to high instability in price, and heavy manipulation

I agree with Amph mostly because I think billion dollar companies and organizations will now start to create things that will use blockchain technology in a new form and ditch bitcoin all together. Whether or not they will be successful is unknown but wont stop them from trying.

There are already altcoins which surpass bitcoin in the technology department. But that is not the case here. People seem to not get that there will be always something what can be done better. There will be something to upgrade and advance even further. But we DON'T NEED IT NOW. All we need is one strong cryptocurrency and not distraction in the form of various other altcoin projects.

[mercistheman]

It seems like this train is doing anything but slowing down... we're on the cusp of some major players that are not only intrigued by the technology but willing to  recommend btc as a viable addition to their clients portfolio... I'm not sure this has fully registered with most members of the community... the future is indeed very bright [reaches for shades] 

[Miracal]

Due to the imposed regulation, Bitcoin price plummeted from the peak of $1200. A lot of traders or speculators are swiped out from the market. But it doesn't matter they are just for the quick profit. We need the true believer, who will buy and spend it. They are truely support the ecosystem of it.

[rokkyroad]

It has slowed down all right.

Well, then I think we have a major issue cause the number of scammers will be growing and the number of honest people will be reducing. This is exactly what s going on right now.

This quote from crazyivan explains one of the major reasons why. Anyone who gets fleeced on a scam or theft leaves the scene and does not go around promoting the virtues of btc afterwards.

[bryant.coleman]

It has slowed down all right.

Well, then I think we have a major issue cause the number of scammers will be growing and the number of honest people will be reducing. This is exactly what s going on right now.

This quote from crazyivan explains one of the major reasons why. Anyone who gets fleeced on a scam or theft leaves the scene and does not go around promoting the virtues of btc afterwards.

Personally, I know a few people (some of the earliest adapters of BTC), who gave up on Bitcoin after their life savings were stolen by Mark Karpeles in the Mt Gox scandal. So... yes.... I agree with you. 

[Powerpuff]

IMO Bitcoin would be much higher if a few top exchanges haven't scammed people millions of dollars. Of course so many people has lost interest and trust in bitcoin and it will take a while to gain it back.

[crazyivan]

IMO Bitcoin would be much higher if a few top exchanges haven't scammed people millions of dollars. Of course so many people has lost interest and trust in bitcoin and it will take a while to gain it back.

Its not exchanges only, it s small projects as well. Just go take a look marketplace part of this forum. At least 8 out of 10 projects listed there are in the lack of better word, fishy. What other industry s got that kind of ration. Sometimes I read about these project I feel like being on those HYIP monitor websites, I can back in a week and bunch of projects being advertised last week get that "scam" tag.

[bryant.coleman]

Its not exchanges only, it s small projects as well.

Absolutely. Check this thread:

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=576337

Most important of them:

1. Mt Gox: BTC850,000
2. Bitcoin Savings and Trust: BTC263,024
3. Silk Road Seizure: BTC171,955
4. Sheep Marketplace: BTC220,000
5. Evolution: BTC130,000