[Interviews] with Bitcointalk members

[JayJuanGee]

Anyone that got it right?

My prediction wasn't bad:

LoyceV (Legendary)
~
14. How much will Bitcoin cost at the end of 2020?

"I'll tell you in January No really, I'm terrible at predictions. If I'd know, I'd be rich! I still have high hopes for the coming months (after the last block reward halving)."

I know I said I have high hopes, but damn The current price is higher than I dared hope for.

Personally, I believe that my prediction of sub $17,250 was more than reasonable.. because I did not expect that BTC prices would break into no man's land of $17,250 to $23,500 and then subsequently to pass through such no man's land.. but in the end, these greater than expected can happen in bitcoin in either direction and go higher or last longer than any of us had expected, and surely feels good when such BTC price moves are to the upside rather than to the downside... especially if you happen to be prepared for such UPpity - and likely a lot of us longer term bitcoiners have been prepared for UP - including that we had nearly 3 years of this last correction and slowly moving back up to actually prepare for UP.. if any of us has been in bitcoin through that 2018 to 2020 period.  

Along with a few of the phenomenons about the trend being your friend and also that there might be a bit of both FOMO and punishing going on.. so all those folks who had either been waiting to buy BTC because of a expected dip or NOT really buying enough BTC on a regular basis.. are wondering what the fuck to do at this point.. to buy now or continue to wait for possible BTC price dips that are even less likely to happen now.. - especially to the level that they would have been able to buy just a few short months ago..  so when we were making a lot of these BTC price predictions in the mid 2020 time frame, $10k was feeling kind of expensive for some of us.. and how are you feeling now if you had not stocked up enough, when you failed/refused to adequately prepare for UPpity that ends up happening.,. as we had seen such a thing take place in the past few (3-4) months?  

So in some sense, I guess I am saying that it does not really matter so much what any of us are predicting or anticipating so long as we are prepared for either BTC price direction (and UPpity seemed to have been the more important one this time around - which has mostly been the case in bitcoin anyhow), so personally, I hardly have any sympathies for anyone who actually knew about bitcoin and had capabilities of better preparing for UPpity, but failed/refused to do so.  Call me a hardass, if you must...     .,. but even if you have not adequately prepared for UP or bought, if you know about bitcoin, you are likely still in position to prepare for more UP by continuing to buy BTC on a regular basis and continue to have a long term plan that includes BTC accumulation for 4-10 years or more... we are still in the early days in that regard, and bitcoin remains a good investment in spite a nearly tripling of the price in the past few months.

I'm just revisiting this thread, as I said. Damn, what a terrible prediction. Anyone that got it right?

Damn it!

I feel that whales are watching the interview series and they manipulate the market different than what all interviewers thought. It is basic characteristic of any market. Whales have their power and when they know most of traders are thinking of the market, they will play their games.

Happy new year everyone. The year 2021 begins with a bitcoin fever and I wish all you a prosperous year. 

I don't think so.

You can look back at BTC history and see all kinds of bullshit under performance predictions of past cycles.

There were all kinds of threads in 2015/2016 of all the people with bullshit theories about BTC prices not being able to get above $1,000 because of all the people wanting to sell to get their money back.. blah blah blah..

Same thing this time around.. what happened to all of those sellers in the $20k range.. bunch of bullshit that causes some people to underprepare their lil selfies for UPpity.. which ended up happening.   

Again, I hardly attribute any kinds of significance to one prediction or another, so long as you are preparing also for the more outrageous scenarios that could end up happening.. and in bitcoin, historically you would not even have to put a whole hell of a lot of value into bitcoin in order to highly benefit from the UPpity that ends up happening.. no need to be greedy, and when the UPpity ends up happening, even if outside of the range of expectations, you profit so long as you do not do stupid things like either failing to buy any or hardly any or selling too much too early.,. and both of those things happen with peeps having regrets.. or some of the dumb shits are distracted into investing into various shitcoins, which surely are not doing too well relative to bitcoin either.. good luck with timing your entrance and exits from shitcoin bags.

[fillippone]

Anyone that got it right?

My prediction wasn't bad:

LoyceV (Legendary)
~
14. How much will Bitcoin cost at the end of 2020?

"I'll tell you in January No really, I'm terrible at predictions. If I'd know, I'd be rich! I still have high hopes for the coming months (after the last block reward halving)."

I know I said I have high hopes, but damn The current price is higher than I dared hope for.

Really?
I hardly understand why everybody is surprised by the price:

14. How much will Bitcoin cost at the end of 2020?

"I wouldn't be a PlanB Zealot, if I didn’t take the Stock to Flow seriously. So I take this answer from digitalik.net: 25,500 USD.
Also be warned I wouldn’t be a PlanB zealot if I take the model as a literal future prediction tool. "

That model has been working since 2010: why should have it been broken on Dec, 31?
The model will eventually break, probably because the dollar itself will, but this is another story...

[Dragonfund]

Thank you @zasad@ for permitting me and starting 2021 interviews session


QUESTIONS:
1. When and why did you become interested in cryptocurrencies?

It all began as a joke in my year 3 in university, I was searching for side income where I could earn since Fiver platform wasn't friendly for me with their policy and harsh customer reviews. A friend introduced me to a  Telegram group where they hold this new and confusing topic about bitcoin, the terms and words were so complex but with help of some material and consistency, I grew to understand some terms like HODL, Bull and BEER, SHITCOINs ( I came in during ICO collapse of the market ), PUMP and DUMP with other popular terms.
What picks my curiosity was how some mate made some $$dollars during the ICO year was motivating, I had to step up the game too, I went through some papers and blog to understand the basic things I had to learn by that time.

2. When and why did you buy your first bitcoin?
I was pondering to buy bitcoin during the ICO period when the whole market became scary, the Chinese ban was frightening the whole market.
I bought my first bitcoin in 2019 when the whole thing became stabilize.

3. How did you get on the forum?
That was back in 2018 with my Alt account, there were so many airdrops back in the days and I was so lucky to Participated in Revain and I was among the selected participants.
One of the criteria to be eligible for the reward was to comment on their announcement thread, that was how I got to know this wonderful forum.

4.1. What prevents mass adoption of cryptocurrencies?
The answer to this question is obvious, of course, it's the Government in my opinion. Seeing how China and their government were playing cards before institutional investors took over the game was obvious and disappointing. They play a major role in this asset since most of the bitcoin Miners come from China and lots of investors.
I  could recall when they removed the ban on cryptocurrency in 2019, Bitcoin pump 17% in just an hour. They control the people and since we have been used to a centralized system, we fear worst that will happen to our funds when the government likely take an action.
We also observe an increase in market cap when the Indian Government lifted their ban on cryptocurrency in 2020, this is why I hate the government in this system though little regulation is important because of selfish interest by a group of people.

4.2 Tell us about your experience on bitcointalk?
It has been great and tremendous so far, the experience is amazing and I grow to learn every day since I wasn't fortunate to be among the early members of the forum. It's such a pioneering environment guide to knowledge.

4.3. Why do you need multiple accounts on this forum? Do you have a commercial interest or other reasons?
The more you look at Bitcointalk, the less you see. It's a large forum with so many sub-board and interesting topics. I'm using two accounts because I feel my main account shouldn't just be about bounty and earning but to learn from others and impact my knowledge on others.
I have also observed other members especially the higher rank don't value account once they see social links on your profile. So, I needed something that can add value to other people.

5. What do you think of the current Merit system and signature campaigns?  Do they harm the forum?

It has prevented lots of users from writing jargons and improving quality content in the forum, It has also helped to reduce plagiarism and copy-paste.
On the aspect of signature campaigns, it easily differentiates users and how they earn and encourage users with low rank to improve on there self.

6. The most useful forum topic? Most helpful users?
The practical and interesting topics I have found include:
[Tutorial] How to create Lightning Network Channel (Testnet BTC)
Newbies - Read before posting
Unofficial list of (official) Bitcointalk.org rules, guidelines, FAQ
How to sign a message?

Users that have been helpful include:
Ratimov
OgNasty
DmrDmr
LoyceV
RapTarX


7. 3 things you would implement on the forum?
First, the forum should be customized and adjustable to mobile view when interacting with the phone, it's kind of eye disturbing when you have to keep zooming at every loaded page.
Secondly, the account security system should be improved. There have been many cases of account stolen and hack, it will be a good move if he implements Authentication/2FA in every account with a unique password. I have seen on Facebook and other huge fan base web community, I believe the system will work here too.
Last but not the list, alternative way to deal with newbies that abuse an IP address.
Over the last 3 weeks, I notify my account to some board for quick updates about posts and I have noticed how some users open new accounts with unnecessary topics that are filled with crazy spams and dangerous links.
These topics are usually deleted by mods and such account become permanently banned but my issue is how this account poison others from having free registration on the forum. It's unfair since they have abused the system and hence new users from that particular location/region have to pay some fee before they can post on the forum. It isn't their fault.

8. Do you trade on exchanges or invest in projects?
I have both experiences but investing has been easier for me, trading requires skill, consistency, patience and time. I can't give all to trading, most of the time investment.

9. Tell a story about your big profit or big loss?
Early January 2020, I sold all my KCS( kucoin shares ) as I no longer see much progress in their token, with the little profits I made collectively, was $1400.
I used all my fund to purchased BNB each at $17, luckily for me, Iran and US mini-war began which trigger some market pump including crypto. My BNB was heavily pumped to $26 and I had sweet profits as that was my first time of making such profit but did I sold? No!, that was my first mistake.
I was busy with my final year project as I was hoping BNB will break ATH and pump heavily since Binance chain was making waves and whales were shilling.
It all became another story on the March 12 black Friday when my portfolio became $350, I panic and sold. That's how I lost to the market.
10. What do you think about the DEFI ecosystem?
It's has become crystal clear that most projects with suffix FINANCE have nothing to offer, only a few with the real user case and products are still fit, though almost all are still down from the all-time high.
The frenzy has cool off, is that the end? I don't know but I believe in some.

11. Is your anonymity a vital necessity or precaution?
Privacy is essential but can we hide everything from the rest of the world?
In some aspects I love privacy but it should be a pseudonym.
Anonymity demerit out wages it Merits in my opinion.


12. The last cryptocurrency book you read?
The DeFi, its an embodiment of decentralized ecosystem and previous knowledge about cryptocurrency by Coingecko.
13. Advise 3 cryptocurrencies/tokens for investment in the next 1-2 years?
BNB has failed in the past due to an ill-fated market situation, but I love everything about Binance chain and utility behind BNB.
Keep eyes on Bitcoin, Ethereum and Polkadot
14. How much will Bitcoin cost at the end of 2021?
It's very difficult to predict bitcoin direction ever since all-time high price became broken, though if the steam continues, $50k is imminent before the end of the year.


 Invest in what you can afford to lose doesn't equate you to be a careless person

[niloy111]

Thanks zasad@ for giving me chance for an interview. 


1. When and why did you become interested in cryptocurrencies?
It was 2017 I got inquisitive about the substance and discovered the bitcoin is one of the money use to execute, wondering for no specific reason I research the bitcoins and discover some data's on what sort of cash is this and how this thing work since the innovation truly got my premium. I get some data from one of my senior siblings and I googled about bitcoin. Then I gradually found out about it and engage in crypto.


2. When and why did you buy your first bitcoin?
Most of my pay were changed over into books that I have been using starting as of late so I can at any rate help my dad in directing his expenses. Maybe than using the money he gets from his business to buy my materials, he can distribute it to my more young kin and for our consistently needs. I was conceded a credit here and in a bid to abstain from defaulting I picked to purchasing of bitcoin to settle my obligation. it was a significant intriguing exchange quick and straightforward on account of blockchain innovation.


3. How did you get on the forum?
I decided to enroll since, this spot was not typical for most get-togethers. Business focus items and adventures including bitcoin are enabled here, basically all bitcoin organizations on the web root from assertions on Bitcointalk. I research a specific data and bitcointalk gathering is continually springing up on determination, that is the point at which my excursion begins here and I never lament to discover this discussion.


4.1. What prevents mass adoption of cryptocurrencies?
I fathom their perspective that they would not want to get a decentralized kind of money which is freed from control yet serious prohibitions will overall annihilate this potential. Many would like to move toward the banks to submit question of their lost cash and made to fill a structure, and being cheerful to get the cash back or discount. They need to see a face to make such gripe as well.


4.2. How do you think mass advertising of gambling projects has a positive effect on the development of the forum or harms the community?
I think it two points of view, positive and negative. They offer for it. If you are examining the people, there might be a couple of individuals who are subject to wagering. Advancing wagering adventures will overall be priceless as it gives show and a kind of redirection to customers who search for wagering. Assuming the entire world has a similar cash, as far as I might be concerned, there is no extraordinary character that a nation has. What's more, eventually, individuals will in general fail to remember the historical backdrop of their country.


4.3. How do you consider whether 2-3 years of experience in cryptocurrency is enough to successfully invest or does an investor need to receive special education?
In case anyone troublesome work this spot I think they get their chance after a half year included anyway for the some even the whole life would be inadequate to sort out some way to make productive endeavor. What one individual can understand in one month, another person will not have the alternative to learn in one year. I think it relies upon the individual to individual and how much everybody is able to actually put their time and exertion in investigating the market and learning.


5. What do you think of the current Merit system and signature campaigns?  Do they harm the forum?
Authenticity pay can empower a business to isolate between the show of high and low performing agents and prize the introduction of the better specialists. Imprint campaign it is a good headway where this social affair is useful for customers just as various stages that advance through mark missions and I see an extensive part of them use marks with progress on that stage.


6. The most useful forum topic? Most helpful users?
Topics are needed inside Forums all together for site individuals to have the choice to post, scrutinized, and answer to messages. I took in a huge segment of the data there on advanced monetary forms under that board. So this thing ought to be taken out and with the exception of those I discover everything okay.


7. 3 things you would implement on the forum?
I'm happy with the frameworks that are right now in activity. I think we need to change the models for permaban on the discussion and unban. Nearby people group ought to have more impact and the chance to change things inside their neighborhood areas.


8. Do you trade on exchanges or invest in projects?
I generally prefer to purchase Cryptocurrency exchanging on a trade and hold them for what's to come. I exchange significantly less and I am more centered around bitcoin now.


9. Tell a story about your big profit or big loss?
On the lookout, every one should cost about a dollar. I think the bull run will proceed and contemplating to bring in more cash for the current siphoning occurring yet turns out the value dump and as yet accepting at the cost ascend to rebound and lose more for that is important.


10. What do you think about the DEFI ecosystem?
I'm not that cultivated or especially communicated in the DEFI climate so I will not comment on this one anyway I was unable to envision anything better than to get some answers concerning this organic framework.


11. Is your anonymity a vital necessity or precaution?
I consider this to be a safeguard on the grounds that my administration has not yet endorsed Bitcoin. Bitcoin has been proclaimed illicit here. In the event that this wasn't unknown they could've confronted outcomes, so being obscurity is acceptable perpetually and required one for digital currency.


12. The last cryptocurrency book you read?
I typically attempt to discover the answer for any issue from the web. I get all the data through Google. I can't suggest you any book since I haven't read any, yet certainly, I will advise you to hit search on Google for cryptographic money books.


13. Advise 3 cryptocurrencies/tokens for investment in the next 1-2 years?
I think BTC will consistently raising.

1. Ethereum
2. Bitcoin
3. Ksm


14. How much will Bitcoin cost at the end of 2020?
End of this year Can go at $75000

[LoyceV]

Thx zasad@ Give me chance for this exam

Thanks zasad@ for giving me chance for an interview.

Dear low-ranked accounts
If you're posting here hoping to earn Merit, at least answer the questions by yourself, and don't use text spinner plagiarism. This gets you banned!

[tvbcof]

Thx zasad@ Give me chance for this exam

Thanks zasad@ for giving me chance for an interview.

Dear low-ranked accounts
If you're posting here hoping to earn Merit, at least answer the questions by yourself, and don't use text spinner plagiarism. This gets you banned!

Who gives two fucks about 'merit'?  It's an obviously gamed-by-losers shit-show (and you guys in the 'merit cycling club' are a poster-children for the phenomenon.)  An 8000 'merit score' tells at a glance who the 'social media influencers' are.  Don't need to even read the posts because it is entirely predictable what social media inflencers are going to say.  Also the attitude of 'Ban!', 'Delete!', 'Cancel!' fits the mold perfectly.

A 'activity score' (and decade of posting history) tend to be a lot more meaningful.  To me at least.

[odolvlobo]

Thx zasad@ Give me chance for this exam

Thanks zasad@ for giving me chance for an interview.

Dear low-ranked accounts
If you're posting here hoping to earn Merit, at least answer the questions by yourself, and don't use text spinner plagiarism. This gets you banned!

Who gives two fucks about 'merit'?

Plenty of people care about merit. People come to this site specifically to make money by posting. They need the merits in order to get a better price for their spam.

[1miau]

Thx zasad@ Give me chance for this exam

Thanks zasad@ for giving me chance for an interview.

Dear low-ranked accounts
If you're posting here hoping to earn Merit, at least answer the questions by yourself, and don't use text spinner plagiarism. This gets you banned!

Who gives two fucks about 'merit'?  It's an obviously gamed-by-losers shit-show (and you guys in the 'merit cycling club' are a poster-children for the phenomenon.)  An 8000 'merit score' tells at a glance who the 'social media influencers' are.  Don't need to even read the posts because it is entirely predictable what social media inflencers are going to say.  Also the attitude of 'Ban!', 'Delete!', 'Cancel!' fits the mold perfectly.

A 'activity score' (and decade of posting history) tend to be a lot more meaningful.  To me at least.

That's how the forum works, contribute good content = get Merit, keep shitposting = no rewards for you here. In addition, I think at least a good part of content wouldn't be here if we had no Merit. 
Activity is a rather meaningless metric since it can be abused by one-liner shitposts. There are tons of pre-Merit era "Legendaries" still posting "Nice project, Sir! Great team and idea. I see a very great potential in your project, SIR" 

Aside from it, this topic is about Bitcointalk Members interviews, not rants about Merit or other personal feelings.

[tvbcof]

Who gives two fucks about 'merit'?  It's an obviously gamed-by-losers shit-show (and you guys in the 'merit cycling club' are a poster-children for the phenomenon.)  An 8000 'merit score' tells at a glance who the 'social media influencers' are.  Don't need to even read the posts because it is entirely predictable what social media inflencers are going to say.  Also the attitude of 'Ban!', 'Delete!', 'Cancel!' fits the mold perfectly.

...

That's how the forum works, contribute good content = get Merit, keep shitposting = no rewards for you here. In addition, I think at least a good part of content wouldn't be here if we had no Merit. 
Activity is a rather meaningless metric since it can be abused by one-liner shitposts. There are tons of pre-Merit era "Legendaries" still posting "Nice project, Sir! Great team and idea. I see a very great potential in your project, SIR" 

...

I think you are mixing up 'contribute good content' with 'form a circle-jerk with a clique of sad-ass wankers.'  I didn't realize until oldovlobo's comment that high 'merit' nets you footer-spammers extra $$$ on your wares.  That makes participation in mutual merit-pumping schemes even more pathetic.

[The Sceptical Chymist]

Dear low-ranked accounts
If you're posting here hoping to earn Merit, at least answer the questions by yourself, and don't use text spinner plagiarism. This gets you banned!

Indeed.  Look at this nonsense:

Maybe than using the money he gets from his business to buy my materials, he can distribute it to my more young kin and for our consistently needs. I was conceded a credit here and in a bid to abstain from defaulting I picked to purchasing of bitcoin to settle my obligation. it was a significant intriguing exchange quick and straightforward on account of blockchain innovation.

Though the post is written in English, I have no fucking idea what he's trying to say.  The post makes absolutely no sense.  This thread didn't need to get bumped unless someone with something significant to contribute felt like telling their story.  Seems obvious that the two members you mentioned are alt accounts, since they wrote the same "Thanks zasad@ for giving me chance for an interview" thing.  Jesus.

(and you guys in the 'merit cycling club' are a poster-children for the phenomenon.)  An 8000 'merit score' tells at a glance who the 'social media influencers' are.  Don't need to even read the posts because it is entirely predictable what social media inflencers are going to say. 

Whaa?  I'm a proud member of Foxpup's Merit Cycling Club and I don't consider myself an "influencer" (I hate that term with a passion) on the forum or anywhere else.  What I am is a merit source, and part of that "cycling" is handing out merits to lower-ranked members who make good posts so they can rank up in a reasonable time.  I think you're painting a lot of members with a very broad brush.

[icopress]

Jesus. [...]

Jesus Christ. [...]

It looks like this expression of ambiguous feelings is becoming a trend  

Whaa?  I'm a proud member of Foxpup's Merit Cycling Club and I don't consider myself an "influencer" (I hate that term with a passion) on the forum or anywhere else.  What I am is a merit source, and part of that "cycling" is handing out merits to lower-ranked members who make good posts so they can rank up in a reasonable time.  I think you're painting a lot of members with a very broad brush.

Not one "influential person" will not say so about himself ... but if this term is really unpleasant for you, then it can be replaced with another expression that clearly defines your position in the forum society.  Namely that Cycling Club members are "entitled to an inflated sense of superiority to common shitposters".

[The Sceptical Chymist]

Jesus. [...]

Jesus Christ. [...]

It looks like this expression of ambiguous feelings is becoming a trend  

"Jesus" "Christ" or "Jesus fucking Christ" has been in the lexicon of millions of people as an expression of frustration for many years.  It's not a trend. 

Not one "influential person" will not say so about himself ... but if this term is really unpleasant for you, then it can be replaced with another expression that clearly defines your position in the forum society.  Namely that Cycling Club members are "entitled to an inflated sense of superiority to common shitposters".

Did I piss you off or something?  You left this on my trust page: "The Pharmacist, A very valuable and objective member. His messages are always pleasant to read and discussions with him are satisfying. Doesn't miss any of Foxpup's parties 🦊".  Do you now think that I think I have an inflated ego on the forum?  Believe me, I don't--compared to a lot of other members here who know a lot about bitcoin and those who've been here much longer than me, I'm a complete nonentity.  I do think I make better posts than those common shitposters you mentioned, but so do you.  That's something to strive for, not be ashamed of. 

Also, I'm proud to be in Foxpup's campaign because it's exclusive.  I don't even know how many members Foxxxxy has in it, but I don't think it's all that many.  When people think enough of me to offer me a slot in something like Foxpup's campaign....yeah, I'm grateful and I'm not hesitant to say that.  As far as being an "influencer" goes, I'm not being modest by saying I'm not one.  I don't think I'm influencing anyone on this forum--and it's not like bitcointalk is Youtube, where those influencers have thousands or millions of subscribers listening to every word they say and buying whatever the influencer is selling.  This forum is just a discussion board and I'm just an avatar and a username with no following whatsoever.

[icopress]

[...]

For the life of me, but I don't understand where you got it from that I consider you an egocentric ... considering that my appeal to you began with a kind of compliment, which I summed up with a joke. Although I suspect that the whole thing is in the wrong emoticon, or as a last resort because of the fact that I called you "The Pharmacist" and not "Sceptical Chymist". As for the feedback, I believe that I quite accurately reflected my opinion about you, although if LoyceV were here, he would have objected, saying that he did not consider it justified to use positive feedback without a fin'component, (with which I agree only partly).

[LoyceV]

if LoyceV were here, he would have objected, saying that he did not consider it justified to use positive feedback without a fin'component, (with which I agree only partly).

That doesn't sound like me:

Positive (shown as +1)

• If you believe someone can be trusted, even when you didn't trade with him, that too deserves positive feedback.

[BlackHatCoiner]

Bumping this, because somebody had to do it.

Here's some users whose interviews I believe would be enjoyable to read: @theymos, @n0nce, @o_e_l_e_o, @PrivacyG, @suchmoon, @nullius/death_wish, @DannyHamilton, @achow101, @ETFbitcoin, @DdmrDdmr, @garlonicon, @Rath_, @Welsh, @hilariousandco, @HCP.

[fillippone]

Bumping this, because somebody had to do it.

Here's some users whose interviews I believe would be enjoyable to read: @theymos, @n0nce, @o_e_l_e_o, @PrivacyG, @suchmoon, @nullius/death_wish, @DannyHamilton, @achow101, @ETFbitcoin, @DdmrDdmr, @garlonicon, @Rath_, @Welsh, @hilariousandco, @HCP.

I do agree on all of them. Let me add @Cyrus.

I suspect that each of those users is well aware of this thread, but decided not to answer for a reason. But it was worth a try!

[n0nce]

That's how the forum works, contribute good content = get Merit, keep shitposting = no rewards for you here. In addition, I think at least a good part of content wouldn't be here if we had no Merit. 
Activity is a rather meaningless metric since it can be abused by one-liner shitposts. There are tons of pre-Merit era "Legendaries" still posting "Nice project, Sir! Great team and idea. I see a very great potential in your project, SIR" 

I'd agree with this. Myself, I give (and believe also receive) merits if something's unique / useful / solves a question or problem or is otherwise interesting to read. Honestly, in times when I get less merits, I admit that my posts are of lower quality and more subjective, discussion-type stuff. As soon as I post something more objectively helpful and constructive, merits start coming in.
I don't care much for them per se, but I use them as a way of self-reflection to help me try keeping a history of constructive, value-adding posts, rather than a wall of useless text that just wastes peoples' time. So with these words, I'm off writing a review...

I think you are mixing up 'contribute good content' with 'form a circle-jerk with a clique of sad-ass wankers.'  I didn't realize until oldovlobo's comment that high 'merit' nets you footer-spammers extra $$$ on your wares.  That makes participation in mutual merit-pumping schemes even more pathetic.

I don't think that's the case. The people you're accusing all have more than enough merit to reach the highest ranks of this forums (and / or have already reached them); so therefore there's nothing 'more' to be gained after reaching that when it comes to signature campaign categories. It means they don't have financial incentives to get more than 1000 merits, since that doesn't put you in a higher category.
By the way, I wouldn't blame campaign managers for only accepting Sr. Member and up, since before Senior, your signature space and features are just (technologically!) too limited and their ads just don't look nice.

EDIT: Oh crap! This stuff is from 2021! I'm so sorry. This is a necropost. Arghh. I just saw June...
I got notified by BlackHatCoiner's bump as I was watching the topic and just went up a few posts to see what you guys were (presumably) currently discussing.

As for responding to the interview questions, I never really considered answering them since I didn't think people would be interested. It's also a bit because of privacy; but I guess some things I can answer later.

[JayJuanGee]

Bumping this, because somebody had to do it.

Here's some users whose interviews I believe would be enjoyable to read: @theymos, @n0nce, @o_e_l_e_o, @PrivacyG, @suchmoon, @nullius/death_wish, @DannyHamilton, @achow101, @ETFbitcoin, @DdmrDdmr, @garlonicon, @Rath_, @Welsh, @hilariousandco, @HCP.

I do agree on all of them. Let me add @Cyrus.

I suspect that each of those users is well aware of this thread, but decided not to answer for a reason. But it was worth a try!

hahaha

peer pressure..



not that it will work.. but you never know.. a kind of long shot.. short of a cyber wrench attack.   

[Pmalek]

Bumping this, because somebody had to do it.

Here's some users whose interviews I believe would be enjoyable to read: @theymos...

I have been trying to get theymos to open up for over a year, but the guy/girl/alien life form won't budge an inch. I provided him with a nice set of only 30 questions and got ignored.

Now I have a new idea.
I watched a video of Ryan Reynolds answering questions asked by children in a show. Was pretty funny because the hosts said if he refuses to answer, it means he hates children. I will just record an English-speaking child as they ask those questions and if theymos doesn't want to answer, it means he hates kids!

[zasad@]

Bumping this, because somebody had to do it.

Here's some users whose interviews I believe would be enjoyable to read: @theymos, @n0nce, @o_e_l_e_o, @PrivacyG, @suchmoon, @nullius/death_wish, @DannyHamilton, @achow101, @ETFbitcoin, @DdmrDdmr, @garlonicon, @Rath_, @Welsh, @hilariousandco, @HCP.

Not all forum participants are willing to give an interview.
n0nce, if you would like to be interviewed, I will send you a list of questions. If anyone wants to give an interview, write me a PM.