Do you think that Bitcoin websites are too complicated?

[koolex]

Hi, my name is Alex.

I am a computer science major, and I am doing a project involving the Bitcoin client. I am just trying to see if the community thinks that the Bitcoin websites (Bitcoin trading, banking, and merchant websites) are annoying for an average user just getting into Bitcoin. It may be the case that you think it is a necessary evil to go through all the websites and transfers, but none-the-less, if you think the process probably discouraging new users from using Bitcoins then please click, "I agree". Of course if you think this isn't a bother for the average user then please click, "I disagree."

Thanks for the help, and I would appreciate any feedback especially if the question doesn't make sense.

Edit1: for clairty's sake

Edit2: I feel like there is still some confusion on what I am trying to do. I made a survey, and maybe that will be more straightforward: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/G2CH6ZC

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[nmat]

I don't understand the question. How can a website be annoying?

[Gabi]

I disagree, websites are GREATLY helping bitcoins. Sure, some are scams, but everywhere there are scams, not only with bitcoin.

[koolex]

I don't understand the question. How can a website be annoying?

The fact that you have to wire money onto a banking account, and then send that money to a trade account. Then buy the bitcoins, and transfer those to your bitcoin client. Then if you want to buy something with Bitcoins you need to send your bitcoins to the merchant website. It can require 3-4 accounts, and a lot of tedious sending back and forth. Do you think this is going to bother an average person who is just getting into Bitcoin?

I disagree, websites are GREATLY helping bitcoins. Sure, some are scams, but everywhere there are scams, not only with bitcoin.

That's not the point though. I am not asking if we need websites (of course we do need websites and the services they provide), I am just asking if the processes is tedious because my project is about trying to simplify and centralize the process so that the average user can more easily take care of all these services. You're allowed to change your answer, so if you think the process is simple enough, and wouldn't discourage a new user then click, "I disagree". If you think that the process would be annoying for the average user just getting into Bitcoins, then click the, "I agree".

[nmat]

I don't understand the question. How can a website be annoying?

The fact that you have to wire money onto a banking account, and then send that money to a trade account. Then buy the bitcoins, and transfer those to your bitcoin client. Then if you want to buy something with Bitcoins you need to send your bitcoins to the merchant website. It can require 3-4 accounts, and a lot of tedious sending back and forth. Do you think this is going to bother an average person who is just getting into Bitcoin?

I disagree, websites are GREATLY helping bitcoins. Sure, some are scams, but everywhere there are scams, not only with bitcoin.

That's not the point though. I am not asking if we need websites (of course we do need websites and the services they provide), I am just asking if the processes is tedious because my project is about trying to simplify and centralize the process so that the average user can more easily take care of all these services. You're allowed to change your answer, so if you think the process is simple enough, and wouldn't discourage a new user then click, "I disagree". If you think that the process would be annoying for the average user just getting into Bitcoins, then click the, "I agree".

The poll title is completely misleading. So is the question "Do you think that the process of buying bitcoins to purchase goods and services is too complicated?" ?

If so, then yes, it is not easy. A better solution would be to allow people to buy bitcoins with a credit card for example.

[edd]

The question is confusing. Once the average user has bitcoins, they are usually much easier to use than any other type of online payment.

If you think about it, what's required to use USD online? You have to first obtain some in RL, either from an employer or some other source, then you have to open a bank account, deposit your funds, wait for them to clear, apply for credit with a credit card company, wait to be approved, etc. Using bitcoins requires one to go through many of the same steps, the information about how to do it is just not as widely distibuted in our society.

[Gabi]

Websites are easier than using the bitcoin client and having to backup the wallet etc... so no they aren't discouraging users. Sure they could be better but this is nonsense, EVERYTHING can be better!

[koolex]

The question is confusing. Once the average user has bitcoins, they are usually much easier to use than any other type of online payment.

If you think about it, what's required to use USD online? You have to first obtain some in RL, either from an employer or some other source, then you have to open a bank account, deposit your funds, wait for them to clear, apply for credit with a credit card company, wait to be approved, etc. Using bitcoins requires one to go through many of the same steps, the information about how to do it is just not as widely distibuted in our society.

I see your point, but still 1) in America we virtually all have dollar paying jobs, credit cards, and bank accounts. Using them is easy and familiar. With Bitcoin sites though you have to have Bitcoins sent to your client from one website, then resent to the next website with the appropriate tags. It can definitely get confusing. 2) I wouldn't say easier considering how easy it is use to use a credit card versus using the Bitcoin Client. 3) In order to get Bitcoins at all it presupposes we have money from somewhere, which requires some sort of credit somewhere just to get Bitcoins in the first place. Bitcoins are inherently more cumbersome to attain then dollars in America.

Websites are easier than using the bitcoin client and having to backup the wallet etc... so no they aren't discouraging users. Sure they could be better but this is nonsense, EVERYTHING can be better!

I suppose this question is in reference to normal dollar websites. They are generally fairly easy to use, and most transfers are easy and simple. Also, please try and keep in mind the whole point of this poll is so that I can show that there are definitely improvements that can be made to make things easier. Perhaps it's a trivial point, but it will help me for my project.

[nmat]

You can use bitcoins without ever installing the client.

[edd]

You can use bitcoins without ever installing the client.

I'm hardly ever at home. I've conducted many bitcoin transactions simply by accessing one of my accounts on an exchange or some other site I happen to have some coins temporarily stored, often using my phone. If I ever convince my mom to use BTC, I won't even try to explain the client to her, I'll just open an account for her and send her some.

[tinman951]

I don't understand the question. How can a website be annoying?

http://www.lingscars.com/

Actually some sites like slush's page are really well maintained.  Slush (mining.bitcoin.cz) manages the website and servers full time.  Other smaller pools are only managed part time.  With the creator leaving after setting it up to reap profits.  I think many of the general pages on bitcoin have some issues.  with only the first (real) ones with the correct amount of information.

[mafiax617]

Yes it's too complicated. The average user isn't going to go through all this trouble.

[Atheros]

The more difficult it was transferring dollars to an exchange, the more sold I was on Bitcoin.

[casascius]

I think the poll question is worded wrong.  "Disparaged"... look this word up in a dictionary.  This word has nothing to do with what you're trying to ask.

Your poll essentially asks: "Do you think Bitcoin web sites are saying negative things about new users?"

[payb.tc]

Once the average user has bitcoins, they are usually much easier to use than any other type of online payment.

+1

so convenient.

but unfortunately people are often confusing the difficulty in purchasing bitcoins with their subsequent ease-of-use.

they are two completely separate issues.

[GoldenBoar]

The most annoying part of the process you listed is transferring funds between banks and exchanges because of the wait. I don't see what you can do to make that any less annoying. The exchange websites are pretty simple to use as is sending BTC to someone.

[Nyaaan]

Yes, everything related to Bitcoin is complicated, and long, and boring. Money is boring.

[koolex]

@OP: What state do you live in if you don't mind me asking?

California.