2013-04-05 Al Jazeera English - Inside Story : Cashing in on the Bitcoin boom

[molecular]

I don't really want to go into that, but saying Amir caused the loss of BTC 60,000 is probably not correct. If shit went like I think it went (I didn't get into the details too deeply back then so please correct me if I'm wrong), then the main mistake was not with Amir but with the guy(s) who thought it was a good idea to misuse a mtgox API key (which was intended to be stored on a publicly accessible server) as password for a lastpass account which contained the mtgox credentials and to the guy(s) who decided it wasn't necessary to use 2nd-factor authentication on such a valuable account. Just because "if he hadn't released the source code, the theft wouldn't have happened" doesn't mean there aren't a lot of other things that could've led to the prevention of the theft (a crass and probably controversy-provoking example: users not putting money onto bitcoinica, a platform known to have bad security)

It's quite interesting he even kind-of brought this up (not as though anyone in the round made the connection).

Amir doesn't represent the whole of the Bitcoin community. Neither does Gavin. Neither does Satoshi. He represents a part of it and I think an important part of it. Incidentally I think the ideas he argues for are what kept bitcoin growing in the early days when probably most of the people complaining about him now thought of bitcoin as some penny-stock or crypto-brain-fart that would never work.

Now that it works and bitcoin indeed supports a thriving global "economy of the people", these kinds of views are still held by a large portion of the Bitcoin community and they will not go away.

I also think there's nothing wrong with "declaring war" on the current fiat regime and (to a degree) the nationstates feeding off it. That's just being honest, because frankly what will the result of widespread use of bitcoin be? Of course: bankers can't print money and governments can only spend what they receive in taxes. What's not to like about that?

I think all of the guests made good comments and raised important issues. I loved the indian guy, not only for his accent but also for saying stuff like "There are a thousand problems yet to be solved" and "We're only at chapter 1/10 in the bitcoin book".

None of the guests was really opposed to bitcoin. Amir answered to most of their concerns... not necessarily to their satisfaction, though.

In all: A good discussion.

I agree it wouldn't hurt his image and effectiveness if Amir acted a little less like Max Keiser and a little more like Trace Mayer. I think it's just a result of the fact that he speaks from his heart and burns inside for the freedom of the people.

[mai77]

guy looks as if he got a haircut in Cyprus 

[xcsler]

I appreciated Amir's passion. People who truly understand how f'd up the world financial situation is and how fiat currencies have empowered kleptocrats should be mad as heck. Bitcoin is a game changer; a tool that the disenfranchised can use to even the playing field. Everyone should be as angry as Amir, at least on the inside.

I also love Bitcoin's "big tent". The fact that the supporters span from guys like Trace Mayer, a Caucasian American from the Midwest with his neatly coiffured hair, tailored suits, and calm demeanor to Amir Taaki, an outspoken no holds barred Brit of Iranian ancestry with a mohawk, is a beautiful thing!

Bitcoin-- If you can't beat 'em, change the rules!

[mai77]

ya bitcoin: where Iranians and jews are united! LOL

[xcsler]

ya bitcoin: where Iranians and jews are united! LOL

Ever hear of these guys?

[mai77]

left guy being equipped with Arafat sunglasses 

[xcsler]

left guy being equipped with Arafat sunglasses 

Yeah, that's the Jewish guy though. 

From their Wikipedia page:
Chromeo is composed of P-Thugg (real name Patrick Gemayel, born in Lebanon, July 31, 1979) on keyboards, synthesizers, and talk box, and Dave 1 (real name David Macklovitch, b. June 7, 1978) on guitar and lead vocals. The two childhood friends jokingly describe themselves as "the only successful Arab/Jewish partnership since the dawn of human culture."

Great music BTW

[mai77]

seemingly unaware of reality though 

[Kazu]

bitcoin: where Iranians and jews are united!

New catchphrase.

[jbreher]

I dunno... I'm new to spending effort looking into news characterizations of this movement. But while I really appreciate the buttoned down approach of a Trace Mayer, I think Amir comported himself well here. The 'talking over' was kind of jarring, but he came of as knowledgeable, articulate, and concerned about what he convincingly put forth as the evil of central banks.

The first time I've seen him in a long format, and the first time he didn't come of as vacuous. Indeed, it changed my impression of him to the better.

I don't know why the news agencies are coalescing around a handful of go-to bitcoin peeps. But in all honesty we cold do worse.

[simplydt]

Amir should really tone it down a couple of notches. He is making Bitcoin look like some kindergarden plan to overtake the world.

I stopped watching after 7 minutes, I thought he was way over the top with his bitcoin enthusiasm. Whenever asked a question he would not even answer, just ramble on again. :S

[cypherdoc]

Amir should really tone it down a couple of notches. He is making Bitcoin look like some kindergarden plan to overtake the world.

I stopped watching after 7 minutes, I thought he was way over the top with his bitcoin enthusiasm. Whenever asked a question he would not even answer, just ramble on again. :S

you should watch it again.  this time the whole thing.

[simplydt]

Amir should really tone it down a couple of notches. He is making Bitcoin look like some kindergarden plan to overtake the world.

I stopped watching after 7 minutes, I thought he was way over the top with his bitcoin enthusiasm. Whenever asked a question he would not even answer, just ramble on again. :S

you should watch it again.  this time the whole thing.

A state of anarchy that's gonna happen? I don't get it, I don't think bitcoin is gonna help cause Anarchy... he kind of contradicts himself, because he says technology empowers good people, why would good people cause Anarchy? Good people would declare their bitcoins and pay taxes on it.

Anyway, watched it all as per your recommendation. Not too bad.

[jbreher]

why would good people cause Anarchy?

I think you share a popular misconception regarding what anarchy actually _is_. Most anarchists I know (and I do know a few - or at least a few that advocate anarchy as a societal organization) don't think it's a good thing to run around throwing molotov cocktails. Most seem to be firmly wedded to the principles of voluntaryism and non-aggression.

[simplydt]

why would good people cause Anarchy?

I think you share a popular misconception regarding what anarchy actually _is_. Most anarchists I know (and I do know a few - or at least a few that advocate anarchy as a societal organization) don't think it's a good thing to run around throwing molotov cocktails. Most seem to be firmly wedded to the principles of voluntaryism and non-aggression.

Good point. Thanks.

[Cubic Earth]

guy looks as if he got a haircut in Cyprus 

Cause he lost 70%?