The Search for Satoshi

[Automagic]

This may have already made the rounds, but I find it very interesting.

http://www.theatlanticwire.com/technology/2011/10/race-unmask-bitcoins-inventors/43535/

[Automagic]

I feel like some posts disappeared from this thread.  Mods?

I wonder if they were removed for being off topic or because we were discussing he-who-shall-not-be-named. 

Well, they probably would have been considered off-topic.  Are posts actually removed in this forum because they discuss Satoshi Nakamoto?

Anyway, I thought the article was interesting because people are apparently actively trying to track down the true identity of Satoshi.  The reporter in that article was assuming he was British because of the spelling in his posts.  I bet he's laughing his ass off right now because he faked the British spelling.

[bitplane]

If the real Satoshi has published a lot of text under his real name, it should be possible to figure out who he's most likely to be using statistical analysis.

I'm surprised nobody has attempted this, a general solution to this problem would have some pretty cool uses in computer forensics.

[FreeMoney]

If the real Satoshi has published a lot of text under his real name, it should be possible to figure out who he's most likely to be using statistical analysis.

I'm surprised nobody has attempted this, a general solution to this problem would have some pretty cool uses in computer forensics.

Once there is a general solution similar (granted more advanced) tech could be used to obfuscate or even spoof the style of someone else.

[Phinnaeus Gage]

If the real Satoshi has published a lot of text under his real name, it should be possible to figure out who he's most likely to be using statistical analysis.

I'm surprised nobody has attempted this, a general solution to this problem would have some pretty cool uses in computer forensics.

I first suggested this be done several months ago, and twice more after that. It has proven successful to link a old paper to William Shakespeare once.

~Bruno~

[BadBear]

Well, they probably would have been considered off-topic.  Are posts actually removed in this forum because they discuss Satoshi Nakamoto?

No way. Off topic stuff will get deleted, or split off into a new thread if its substantial.   

[Automagic]

Well, they probably would have been considered off-topic.  Are posts actually removed in this forum because they discuss Satoshi Nakamoto?

No way. Off topic stuff will get deleted, or split off into a new thread if its substantial.   

Thanks for the reply BadBear. I'll attempt to make sure posts are on topic.

[Phinnaeus Gage]

Somebody once made a guess once, hence offering up this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius

Coins retrieved from the island from the 3rd century BC feature dogs or stars with emanating rays, highlighting Sirius' importance.

Too bad the "In Search Of" series is no longer on TV. This would make a fine one hour episode with Leonard Nimoy hosting.

~Bruno~

[organofcorti]

If the real Satoshi has published a lot of text under his real name, it should be possible to figure out who he's most likely to be using statistical analysis.

I'm surprised nobody has attempted this, a general solution to this problem would have some pretty cool uses in computer forensics.

I first suggested this be done several months ago, and twice more after that. It has proven successful to link a old paper to William Shakespeare once.

~Bruno~

Won't work if "Satoshi Nakamoto" is another Nicolas Bourbaki  - if your training texts are written by many people, then they won't be much use if your algorithm is assuming it is one person.

[Phinnaeus Gage]

If the real Satoshi has published a lot of text under his real name, it should be possible to figure out who he's most likely to be using statistical analysis.

I'm surprised nobody has attempted this, a general solution to this problem would have some pretty cool uses in computer forensics.

I first suggested this be done several months ago, and twice more after that. It has proven successful to link a old paper to William Shakespeare once.

~Bruno~

Won't work if "Satoshi Nakamoto" is another Nicolas Bourbaki  - if your training texts are written by many people, then they won't be much use if your algorithm is assuming it is one person.

There's an article that stated after gleaning all that Satoshi wrote, they were surprised to find so few grammatical errors. Two people with the same writing style and avoiding errors--maybe. Three or more--I lean toward no.

[Automagic]

If the real Satoshi has published a lot of text under his real name, it should be possible to figure out who he's most likely to be using statistical analysis.

I'm surprised nobody has attempted this, a general solution to this problem would have some pretty cool uses in computer forensics.

I first suggested this be done several months ago, and twice more after that. It has proven successful to link a old paper to William Shakespeare once.

~Bruno~

Won't work if "Satoshi Nakamoto" is another Nicolas Bourbaki  - if your training texts are written by many people, then they won't be much use if your algorithm is assuming it is one person.

There's an article that stated after gleaning all that Satoshi wrote, they were surprised to find so few grammatical errors. Two people with the same writing style and avoiding errors--maybe. Three or more--I lean toward no.

I agree.  I also read that his first post announcing bitcoins had American spelling and subsequent ones used the British spelling.  A gimmick?  Maybe Joshua Davis should have been looking for an American at that cryptology conference.

[kjlimo]

Come on people, didn't you see The Good Wife?  Jason Biggs is Satoshi, the tv told me so!

I have also read some articles that did analysis on his online posts to declare that 95% of his posts were not between the hours of midnight & 6am eastern standard time putting him on the North American East Coast. 

Obviously this assumes a tradition sleeping pattern which could be debateable.  However, I have a crazy sleep schedule & even I likely fall victim to the midnight to 6am traditional schedule at a 95% confidence level...

[Phinnaeus Gage]

Come on people, didn't you see The Good Wife?  Jason Biggs is Satoshi, the tv told me so!

I have also read some articles that did analysis on his online posts to declare that 95% of his posts were not between the hours of midnight & 6am eastern standard time putting him on the North American East Coast.  

Obviously this assumes a tradition sleeping pattern which could be debateable.  However, I have a crazy sleep schedule & even I likely fall victim to the midnight to 6am traditional schedule at a 95% confidence level...

They (whoever they are) must think that we're getting close, for if you take a look at Satoshi's stat page https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=3;sa=statPanel you'll notice that his Posting Activity By Time is no longer available. It was there the other day. It's the easiest way (or was) to see if your statement is correct.

I want to formally open up an investigation as to why this is no longer available. Then again, I may get banned for wanting to open up an investigation. I formally retract my investigation. Carry on!

~Bruno~

[doobadoo]

I honestly could care less who Satoshi is.   He obviously doesn't want to be known, and i respect that, and so should the community.  He/she gave us a great gift, and of course good folks like gavin continue to do the heavy lifting.

Let the mystery continue.  I think it adds to the allure of the Bitcoin anyhow.