I don't really understand why anyone mines at a loss, rather than just turning off their systems, taking the money they'd have spent on power and buying coin with it, instead.
I think you have two main sets of people:
1. Those that look at crypto-currency as a hobby. Any money made is icing on the cake. Any money lost is just the cost of the hobby.
2. Those trying to make money off of it.
hobby for me i enjoy it a lot + that extra change i may or may not make is good, if your in it for the money then be ready to make or revert a room in you house to fit 20 + machine at least, power won't matter at that point .if your home mining .
I know a few in Canada who tell me they do nicely with there home mining they just hate it when they have up grade and sell off the old stuff.
I would not go as far as to say its dead just be ready for the long run and be ready to shell out some cash to hit that sweet spot .
I got email that said Bitcoin Trading Volume Increased from $15 Billion to $23 Billion Last Year, so some one besides the big guys are also making that .
it's there just depends what your willing to do . It's work and work means work.
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