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Since its inception and steady rise in popularity, the digital currency Bitcoin has attracted interest from people in all walks of life. In particular, software developers – inspired by Bitcoin’s breakthrough “blockchain” technology and open source nature – have created countless programs and platforms directly related to the currency’s use and propagation. Alongside this new ecosystem of Bitcoin development there has also been substantial growth in the emergence of Bitcoin alternatives or “altcoins.” Dogecoin, an altcoin inspired by an internet meme, quickly took on a life of its own amongst digital currency enthusiasts after its December 2013 release. But little attention was paid to Murraycoin, a new blockchain-based currency released in late January of this year.
Murraycoin promised to be the first “real celebrity coin” by featuring the name and likeness of American comedic actor and frequent mischief-maker Bill Murray. The website -- which features a Murraycoin donation fund purportedly to be donated to The Murray Bros Foundation -- states its goals as follows: “to raise money for charity, educate the population on the use and advantages of cryptocurrency, and to have fun.” However, the website also claims that the project “is not currently affiliated with or endorsed by Bill Murray.”
Murraycoin’s release came in the wake of Coinye, a digital currency inspired by Kanye West which was quickly issued a ceast-and-desist order from West’s attorney. This along with the absence of Bill Murray’s endorsement may explain why Murraycoin has not garnered press coverage or gained legitimacy amongst most Bitcoin and altcoin fans. However, this does not mean that its development team or its small band of followers have given up.
Murraycoin’s lead developer, software and web solutions expert Brock Holzer, claims that the project indeed has permission from the St. Vincent star. “We have Bill Murray's indifference but we're working on getting him directly involved,” he explains. “Our top concern [with Murraycoin] was ensuring the legal aspects were covered and we have satisfied that requirement.”
Bill Murray, notorious for being difficult to reach, was not available to comment on the digital currency paying tribute to him.
Holzer and the Murraycoin team were in attendance for Murray’s annual charity golf tournament in March but unfortunately did not get a chance to speak with their hero. Since then, they have been working on features to make Murraycoin accessible to everybody, including an application for mobile devices as well as “physical wallets” that make coins transferable via QR codes. Like Bitcoin, Murraycoin’s software is open source so anyone with coding expertise can contribute to the project.
Despite not getting official backing from Bill Murray yet, Holzer is confident about the future of his digital currency project. “There will not be a problem with [Murraycoin] - our only concern is improving this coin. Murraycoin is the perfect addition to Bill Murray's legacy as both an entertainer and humanitarian.”
Murraycoin announcement thread
