Bitcoin: The Simplest Non-technical Explanation

[mrb]

I have been part of the Bitcoin community for more than a year, and I still think there is no decent article introducing Bitcoin in a non-technical way while presenting its numerous technical advantages... So I wrote one, based on cypherdoc's "digital gold" analogy:

http://blog.zorinaq.com/?e=66

[niko]

Kudos. Also, see Casascius' attempt here - https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=52405.0

[cypherdoc]

I have been part of the Bitcoin community for more than a year, and I still think there is no decent article introducing Bitcoin in a non-technical way while presenting its numerous technical advantages... So I wrote one, based on cypherdoc's "digital gold" analogy:

http://blog.zorinaq.com/?e=66

thanks for the recognition.

[Piper67]

Not a bad article at all. It will still go over grandma's head, but I think it will resonate with a huge spectrum of the non-technical readers out there. Well done.

[DeathAndTaxes]

I can't find a link but I like the blog which compared Bitcoin to Rai stones.



The reason is it helps to explain how Bitcoin works without getting into the technical "weeds".  

The reality is you NEVER send Bitcoins anywhere and you NEVER have them either.  The Bitcoins never "move" (much like Rai stones).  The block chain simply records changes in ownership.  The Rai stones never moved either.  By consensus people changed ownership of the stones.  Whatever the consensus of locals determines was the owner, was the owner.

Your wallet simply is a mechanism to prove ownership of coins and allows you to change ownership of coins you currently own.   The block chain is merely a historical record of ownership changes.  The network of miners is a fair method to determine consensus in a dispute (double spend).

Kinda interesting that Bitcoin is a new digital incarnation of a very old form of currency.

[cypherdoc]

actually i do think Bitcoin as a concept has tangible backing; by the Bitcoin network itself.

the Bitcoin network consists of all the people, fiat currency, and time that has been invested into the hardware, software, electricity, and innovation that comprises the network. 

the Bitcoin network is also backed by the Internet itself; its openness and indestructibility which allows the free flow of information.

[plogank]

I have been part of the Bitcoin community for more than a year, and I still think there is no decent article introducing Bitcoin in a non-technical way while presenting its numerous technical advantages... So I wrote one, based on cypherdoc's "digital gold" analogy:

http://blog.zorinaq.com/?e=66

I posted a link to your article on Google +.