BitCoin Explanation Practice (Skype?)

[sortedmush]

Hi,

This is my first topic. Been reading the forums for a while.

Hope someone thinks this is a good idea.

I understand how bitcoin works but I'm finding it very hard to explain. It's so frustrating because when you mention "Digital Currency" to someone, you've got about 3 minutes to convince them it's not mickey mouse before they start wishing they were dead.

I'm getting better at it though, but would definitely like to bounce some ideas off people on Skype.

If anyone's interested my Skype name is .. sortedmush.

If you add me as a contact, let me know it's from this forum.

[deadlizard]

This works if you can show it to them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um63OQz3bjo

[Stephen Gornick]

I understand how bitcoin works but I'm finding it very hard to explain. It's so frustrating because when you mention "Digital Currency" to someone, you've got about 3 minutes to convince them it's not mickey mouse before they start wishing they were dead.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disney_dollar

Maybe Mickey Mouse is an approach to start with.  Here you have a piece of paper marked with ink and sprinkled with glitter.  If you take these to a Disney Theme Park in the U.S. you can use them to make purchases or to convert them at 1:1 of the denomination's face value for U.S. dollars.

These Disney Dollars are not representative currency.  This is a private currency, backed by the trust that Walt Disney Company will accept them.

However, these bills are used as novelty gifts or collectors items, and will often trade (on eBay, for example) over face value.  The true worth of these then is simply the amount that someone else is willing to pay to buy them.

Maybe that's a good way to start your explanation?

[genjix]

You might find this interesting,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Genjix/Bitcoin

[sortedmush]

This works if you can show it to them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um63OQz3bjo

I've seen that video and I think it's excellent. I'm thinking more along the lines of developing better communication skills for face to face explanations.

Maybe playing Devils Advocate for eachother?

[Jered Kenna (TradeHill)]

Good thread, you really have to understand something to teach it.

I'd start with the most interesting parts to get their interest.

Quickly transfer unlimited amounts of cash anywhere in the world semi anonymously (that gets my interest)
Speed it's growing.
Unhackable (got the titanic fame!)

There's a lot of other really cool things that you could start with and go from there.

Also look at who you're talking to. I wouldn't begin to try and explain hashing to my mom.
With my grandfather I would start with how it cuts out the fed / government 

[Jered Kenna (TradeHill)]

Oh and let them ask questions / talk.
People love to talk or hear about what they asked.
That will keep them interested much longer / better informed.

[FreeMoney]

This seems like a great idea to me.