Altcoins - Which are the best?

[bellicose]

[giveBTCpls]

As of to date, XMR is still the king of alt coins my friend. Let me say that there are other proyects out there coming up with interesting stuff but let's be real tea for a second here, if you are not going to use the coin to buy commodities, your coin is pretty much dead. XMR has the anonymous side covered and is working with i2p, henceforth is the most solid anonymous alternative to Bitcoin. Other coins really haven't got a legit place to exists.

[Jdj1727]

VTC

[Merriweather]

Oustide of bitcoin, STR is looking rather attractive. That's about as deep as I'll delve into shitcoin altcoin land.

[abstraktalias]

If you want to play safe look here http://coinmarketcap.com/ then sort by trading volume, market cap.

As always, invest only what you can afford to lose.

So by this logic if someone's got nothing to lose they should invest nothing? 

[digitalindustry]

lol the one people aren't shilling - including the new IPO scams.

if its not getting shilled - probably time to buy if its fundamentals look good (and I'm not just talking about the one particular one I'm associated with)

getting shilled > do investigation.

this whole place is about departing you with your money/wealth (if you listen)  you should realize. ha ha

[digitalindustry]

i've noticed a lot of Bitcoin shilling back on here - and then i look at that low volume and i start thinking...

also LTC looks like its frozen?

[GangkisKhan]

Stellar is free. You just need to register a few facebook accounts and hope it takes off like all the hot coins.

[FurianSun]

LibrexCoin and ShadowCoin are new coins not yet really jacked up in price that have a lot of promis. LibrexCoin is near releasing a staking android wallet as is ShadowCoin. I've bought some of both. These are under the radar now IMO.

[Limpuls]

i've noticed a lot of Bitcoin shilling back on here - and then i look at that low volume and i start thinking...

also LTC looks like its frozen?

Looks like it is. When it's starting going down I'm feeling so happy, but next day its again go back where was before dump.

[Coingrab]

LibrexCoin and ShadowCoin are new coins not yet really jacked up in price that have a lot of promis. LibrexCoin is near releasing a staking android wallet as is ShadowCoin. I've bought some of both. These are under the radar now IMO.

Those and Stellar look promising for new coins. Litecoin for established coin along with BTC.

[rikkejohn]

Only litecoin stands a chance IMO. The next big thing will be corporate, not secret or a jokecoin.

Longevity has been demonstrated by bitcoin and to a lesser extent litecoin. No other coin has come near to them.

Bitcoin, however, is what it's all about ....... at this point in time.

[trade-for-pokermoney]

This depends on what you are looking for. If you want a sharp rise and huge swings, then chose a hype coin.

If you want longterm results, then choose a coin with a future! Maybe NXT, they have good plans.

[dadon]

Let's learn about XC and why it blows it's competitors including BTC out of the water hands down...( this was mostly copied from the XC website because it explains it best)

Total coins:
5.5 Million
Premine: 125k
Block Times: 90 Seconds
POS interest: 3.33% per year
Min stake time: 8 hours
Max Stake time: 30 Days

TECHNOLOGY

The XC network is made up of two parts: (1) the standard XC network, made up of computers running the XC App, and (2) the anonymous XC network, which is run by XC Nodes.  All apps that are open and connected to the network while holding coins are a part of the standard XC network.  This network is very similar to what other cryptocurrencies currently use.

 The XC anonymous network, on the other hand, is something entirely different.  It can be accessed from any XC App, but if a user designates a transaction to be sent anonymously, it is processed by the XC Nodes which make up the anonymizing portion of the network.  Any XC App can be set up to run as an XC Node, as long as it meets certain criteria

no bloat

XC was designed from the ground up to be compatible with mobile devices. Currently, there are several projects that have an anonymizing strategy that results in an unworkable blockchain bloat problem, which will only be compounded if they are ever introduced to mobile platforms.  Technologies like ring signatures and zero-knowledge proofs fall into this category and currently lack a way of avoiding this major setback.  XCurrency is able to use standard transactions, but multi-path then achieves an extremely high level of privacy combined with a high degree of prunability.  This allows XC to avoid blockchain bloat, even with full mobile integration.

decentralized

Because every XC App can function as an XC Node, this allows XC to avoid what Bitcoin core developer Gregory Maxwell has recently called a security “chokepoint” in some other coins’ use of semi-centralized nodes to forward transactions.  Unlike most other anonymous strategies, XC avoids the need to hold a very large amount of coins in order for an XC Node to function.  This is made possible due to the small, random transaction sizes of XC’s multi-path architecture.  The smaller capital requirement to run an XC Node benefits the XC network by allowing more XC Nodes to exist, increasing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the anonymous network.

network security

XC uses multi-sig and end-to-end message encryption. This solution improves upon the more common practice of simply forwarding transactions, which can be problematic because malicious actors can steal transactions instead of forwarding them.  Another issue resolved by the XC approach is XC Nodes cannot snoop on the broadcasting system and publish the identities of senders and receivers.  This further adds to XC's security.

not just for payments

From the onset, XC was designed to take advantage of Blockchain 2.0 architecture. This makes implementations such as secure messaging, secure chatting, and decentralized cloud storage possible. XC’s comprehensive approach to incorporating current and trending technologies provides a stable platform on which to implement exciting new ideas and features in the future. The XC community has already seen evidence of this forward planning in the efficiency with which changes can be made.

 XC was built for the future. While it successfully implements the imperative state of the art technologies that are expected of a cryptocurrency today, the foundation has been laid for even bigger things to come.

Near future (Coming months all of this will be implemented Most probably by the end of the year, Brace yourselves.)

XC Mobile

Currently in progress is the fully featured XC mobile wallet/app.  This app for smartphones will be made available for both iOS and Android operating systems.  Users will be able to earn interest on the go, made possible thanks to XC’s adaptive design.  XC is also working on the technology to allow the purchase of XCurrency directly through the mobile app – this will add ease-of-use for those with less tech knowledge, and will make reloading with XCurrency easier than ever.

Decentralized Cloud Storage

The incorporation of Blockchain 2.0 architecture into the XC framework allows for a broad range of future developments.  One area being looked into by the XC team is the use of the XC blockchain for decentralized cloud storage.  This storage could be utilized by individuals, businesses, or even political campaigns.  The ability to safely store and transfer important documents, without fear of disclosure to third parties, is something that a diverse group of people could benefit from.  XC is taking steps to make this feature a reality.

Payment Networks

As the XCurrency base is further developed, adding XCurrency to an existing payment network, such as the Visa network, will be a number one priority.  Imagine XC being as easy to use as a credit card, but without the need for the actual card, since XC will be fully functional on any mobile device.  This integration into any one of the larger payment networks will allow XC to be utilized at millions of point of sale locations across the globe.  It will also open the door for utilization with ATM’s, otherwise known as cash machines in some countries.  Combined with the ability to reload your mobile app with XCurrency at the click of a button, this will be the premier step toward bringing XC before the masses as a usable, functional, flexible, and robust currency alternative.

NFC Payments

A project that’s been in the works for years, near field communication (NFC) payment technology is starting to gain mass adoption and acceptance as a simpler, faster, and more secure way to make payments at point of sale locations.  With the development of XC’s mobile app, the timing for such an acceptance of NFC technology by the general population couldn’t have been better.  Some of the key benefits associated with utilization of NFC technology in conjunction with XC:

Blockchain 2.0 Apps

XCurrency is built on Blockchain 2.0, a flexible digital platform which allows easy integration for current and future XC applications.  A few examples of upcoming applications would include the use of the XC App for encrypted messaging and chat, and the use of the XC blockchain for decentralized cloud storage.  These are just the start; the potential to build upon the XC platform is limitless.  With the Blockchain 2.0 architecture already in place, the blockchain for XCurrency is like a foundation awaiting the actual building to be erected.  Stay tuned to see what the XCurrency team has planned, and as always, if you have a great idea that you would like to see implemented, by all means contact us and we’ll take a more detailed look.

Web 3.0 Development

Web 3.0 represents the evolution of the World Wide Web.  Poised to make the internet fully and provably secure against identity theft, fraud, and spying,  Web 3.0 is a fundamental change in the architecture of the Internet. XCurrency’s platform approach incorporates Web 3.0 concepts, like decentralization and appropriately secure protocols for various types of information. As XC’s Blockchain 2.0 applications grow in number, XC will increasingly become a fundamental building block of Web 3.0.

Proof of Blockchain

Proof of Blockchain (PoBC) is such new technology, that very few understand it.  Invented by Jasinlee, one of XC’s developers, PoBC will essentially allow blockchains to talk to each other.  At this point, PoBC is a revolutionary concept that, if successfully implemented, will become an incredibly powerful facet of the XCurrency project, further increasing privacy and reducing blockchain size.  PoBC is not going to be implemented in the immediate future due to the enormous amount of work required to code and implement it, (and there are more immediate goals, as outlined in the XC roadmap), but keep an eye out for announcements regarding PoBC, and the positive impacts that PoBC may have on XC’s future.

Learn about XC's free encrypted Messaging (soon to have free encrypted video and voice call)
http://xc-official.com/xc-news/

Lead developer
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dan-metcalf/12/1a8/b82

TIMELINE
*2014-5-08 XC launches
*2014-5-26 Rev. 1.0 End to end encryption
*2014-5-26 Trusted mixer
*2014-6-16 Rev. 1.5 Early multipath 
*2014-6-16 XC team reveals their identities
*2014-6-24 XC TOR Stick test release
*2014-7-7  XC official website launch
*2014-7-7  XC social media platforms launch
*2014-7-7 Rev 2.0
*2014-7-7 Full multipath
*2014-7-7 Trustless mixing
*2014-7-8 New XC team members introduced
*2014-7-9 XChat app test release
*2014-7-21 Rev 1 mixer code open source release
*2014-8-4 XChat and private payments merge
*2014-8-7 XC TOR Stick
*2014-8-7 XChat release
 COMING SOON
[Undisclosed Rev 2 privacy feature]
*Rev 2.5 XChat, New UI preview
*Rev 3.0 [Undisclosed tech update]
*XC app UI
*Official public launch
*XC TOR Stick ships to buyers
*Public bounty to provably break privacy
*XChat mobile
*XC mobile staking wallets
*XC ATMs
*XChat voice calling
*Point of sale integration
*XChat video calling
*Proof of Blockchain
*Decentralised cloud storage
*Decentralised exchange
*Interchains
AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!!

[Nxtblg]

This depends on what you are looking for. If you want a sharp rise and huge swings, then chose a hype coin.

If you want longterm results, then choose a coin with a future! Maybe NXT, they have good plans.

That's what I've been saying. If you want to play it prudently and not be a rootin' tootin' boom-town gunslinger, buy and hold Bitcoin & Nxt - and preferably buy in monthly tranches when the community sentiment is gloomy.  

[I'm arguing against interest in a way by saying this, but I have a greater interest in NFD not getting caught up in a premature pump like NAS, Qora and NTX were. All that does is sour lots of people and makes long-term evangelization even harder than it already is.]

[TaunSew]

Yes I agree - buy NxT and become a bagholder.  Each NxT whale got 50 million NxT for 1.5 BTC.  NxT capitalization used to be $90 - $110 million in early 2014 and they need new suckers to keep the ponzi scheme err I mean coin alive.   Invest into that dying coin today.

[Vlad2Vlad]

Yes I agree - buy NxT and become a bagholder.  Each NxT whale got 50 million NxT for 1.5 BTC.  NxT capitalization used to be $90 - $110 million in early 2014 and they need new suckers to keep the ponzi scheme err I mean coin alive.   Invest into that dying coin today.

I agree, the reason NXT maintains its bloated value is the fact insiders hold massive amounts.

So I'm gonna have to give my vote to iXCoin.  Everybody knows why....I've said it way too many times to repeat.  lol.

[Nxtblg]

Yes I agree - buy NxT and become a bagholder.  Each NxT whale got 50 million NxT for 1.5 BTC.  NxT capitalization used to be $90 - $110 million in early 2014 and they need new suckers to keep the ponzi scheme err I mean coin alive.   Invest into that dying coin today.

I agree, the reason NXT maintains its bloated value is the fact insiders hold massive amounts.

Well, speculation is risky...and regardless of what people say around here, every cryptocoin purchase for profit is a speculation.

But the factor you mention becomes less and less of an ordinary risk over time. If Nxt's perhaps notorious rich list stays more-or-less fixed over time, then the whales are HODLers. The longer that part of the distribution stays fixed, the more and more probable the HODL hypothesis becomes. Especially if the rich-list distro stays more-or-less fixed when Nxt has one of its shorter-term bull runs. If the whales still HODL when Nxt bursts up above (say) .1 or .11 mBTC, then they really are tere for the distance.

Now, I have not checked this out rich-list wise ( <--- this ain't just boilerplate ) but I am satisfied with these two pieces of indirect evidence:

1. True, the Nxt chart shows a lot of volatility, but you have to remember that this is a boom town. Boom-town speculations are a lot more volatile than gentrified vehicles. Taking into account that volatility, Nxt's long-term price performance since its early run-up has essentially been sideways. If you think that's bad, try comparing it to the long-term charts of Dogecoin or Quark.

2. The second piece of indirect evidence comes from Nxters' legendary defensiveness when a criticism of Nxt becomes viral-y around here. The undergirding of defensiveness is loyalty. Looking at (some) Nxters' defensiveness with the calm eyes of a speculator leads to the conclusion that Nxters are very loyal to Nxt. It's a lot harder than you think to simulate loyalty and fealty, especially in that indirect way.

Put 1 and 2 together, and using the kind of common sense that's sometimes lacking 'round here, you get a picture of the insiders who hold massive amounts: they're HODLING with no intention of dumping.

The risk you point out, Vlad2Vlad, is indeed a real risk. But, guided by the above facts and inferences above, I put it to you that it's a "black swan" kind of risk.

The only ways to protect yourself from black-swan risk are:
1. Don't use margin (i.e., don't max out your credit card to buy Nxt);
2. Ask yourself how you'd feel if the value of Nxt were gutted. Then, with this black-swan possibility in mind, lower your holdings to the point where you can get to sleep normally instead of tossing and turning in worry. In old Wall Street argot, "Sell to the sleeping point." More up-to-date version: "Sell the anxiety away."
3. If you see the good times coming back for Nxt and have a decent profit, which requires being good at the art of buying into the gloom and fud (which is exactly what shrewd speculators do in the stock market), consider selling a (perhaps small) part of your holding so as to bank some BTC and cushion the effect of a subsequent downturn.

#3 takes a lot of practice and experience, but #s 1 and 2 don't.

And the funny thing is, these rules hold good for any cryptocurrency. They should, because they came from buying and selling on the stock market and they sure hold good there.

Definitional Note: A "black-swan event" is by definition unpredictable. It does not merely mean calamitous. If a future calamity is more-or-less predictable, like the longer-term fate of today's hot fadcoin, then a subsequent grinding bear market is not a black-swan event. It's just part of a class we call "pump-and-dump coins" when we want to be po-lite with our lingo.

[Vlad2Vlad]

And let's not forget NXT ripped off eMunie and took it to market prematurely.  If you want to buy an expensive coin which was the intended NXT then wait for eMunie.

Now there's a piece of info very few know about.  Just like that movie doc, eh?  lol.

[Vlad2Vlad]

IXcoin IXC

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=230141.new#new

Since 2011. Mining ends on Oct 2014

Like Bitcoin
- SHA
- Max 21 million coins
- Updated to 0.9.2.1
- High hashrate

www.ixcoin.org
www.ixcoin.co
www.lukeconnellau.wix.com/ixcoin-v3

Blockchain:
http://bit.do/ixc
http://block.al.tcoin.info/chain/Ixcoin

I don't know why but this iXcoin looks like it's gonna be a real winner - it's gonna take the world by storm early 2015.