CT: What do you think is the most effective method of getting more consumers to use, and understand, Bitcoin and its advantages?
DH: Many Bitcoin enthusiasts believe that we need to teach new users how Bitcoin works. I completely disagree. Most consumers have no idea how their existing banking system works, how their credit cards works, how their cell phone works, or how their car works. They trust and use those products because they understand the process. My job at Blockchain is to teach new consumers what buttons to press, and to design interfaces that meet them halfway.
This is a dangerous mindset to approach things from, IMO. Individuals should take more responsibility in understanding how the systems they rely on work, assuming they don't want to get screwed over. Blind trust is no longer an option if we want to keep companies and governments honest and transparent about what they're doing. If everyone understood how the banking system works, perhaps we wouldn't have allowed things to become as bad as they they are now. It's better for people to be educated and knowledgeable so that they can make informed decisions and even have a "plan B" in the event of a worst case scenario.
If we don't teach new users about how Bitcoin works, they're going to do something reckless with their money, lose it, then go around telling everyone it's not secure. All because they didn't know how to use it safely and securely. I think it's safe to say we don't need any more of that kind of negative publicity. I'll be continuing to warn new users about the hazards of using web-wallets, particularly if their employees have the same attitude as Dan Held.
