28 May
0
Andreessen sees bitcoin as the ‘big breakthrough’
Marc Andreessen, the tech entrepreneur who rose to fame as one of the founders of Netscape, takes the latter view, going as far as to say that in 20 years we will be talking about bitcoin the way we now talk about the Internet.
In a candid interview in the Washington Post, Andreessen shrugs off the prevalent definition of bitcoin as a digital currency. “It’s a much deeper concept than currency. It’s the idea of distributed trust,” he says.
Andreessen says that had the concept of bitcoin been hatched 20 years ago, it would have been built into the browser. He views it as a foundation with potentially “hundreds or thousands of applications and companies that could get built on top.”
What type of applications or companies? “Digital stocks. Digital equities. Digital fundraising for companies. Digital bonds. Digital contracts, digital keys, digital title, who owns what–digital title to your house, to your car,” he says.
Andreessen argues that it has the potential to actually be a safer form of ecommerce than the credit card-based system that is currently in place.
“It doesn’t make sense online to have a payment mechanism that requires you to hand over your credentials to make a payment,” Andreessen says, “That’s just an invitation to fraud and identity theft. It’s just stupid.“
Instead, Andreessen argues, ecommerce should have been built upon a distributed trust type system like what bitcoin offers.
“But we didn’t have the better way of doing it,” he says. “So we didn’t know what else to do, and now we have the better way of doing it. Now, it’s going to take time.“
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27 May
0
Top 5 national altcoins available today!
(CoinReport) Bitcoin has influenced many forms of digital currencies to come out
of the gate and make an impression on the world. However, some digital
currencies are not intended to be used across the globe. Instead, they
are implemented within a country’s economy in order to help boost the
nation’s finances.
of the gate and make an impression on the world. However, some digital
currencies are not intended to be used across the globe. Instead, they
are implemented within a country’s economy in order to help boost the
nation’s finances.
These national altcoins are designed to take
the concept of bitcoin, and use it locally. In most cases, national
coins are not allowed to be used outside of the country, as their is
fear that the value of such coins will fall. This alternative to using
money keeps the government separate from cash, all the while putting
power in the hands of the people.
the concept of bitcoin, and use it locally. In most cases, national
coins are not allowed to be used outside of the country, as their is
fear that the value of such coins will fall. This alternative to using
money keeps the government separate from cash, all the while putting
power in the hands of the people.
Here is our list for the top 5 national altcoins.
National Altcoins
5. Swiftcoin
Like the many digital currencies that came before it, swiftcoin is an electronic form of money. Sending them from point A to point B is as simple as sending an email or attachment file.
Today, many countries fear the collapse of their financial systems, but digital coins such as swiftcoin, look to protect and revamp them.
Like
most national altcoins, swiftcoin can not be mined off of a
computer. Instead, swiftcoins are purchased with cash or bitcoin. They
can also be earned by selling goods and services using Oswift.com.
most national altcoins, swiftcoin can not be mined off of a
computer. Instead, swiftcoins are purchased with cash or bitcoin. They
can also be earned by selling goods and services using Oswift.com.
The digital currency was created by the First National BNAK of Swiftcoin in
Uruguay, and allows locals to set up accounts, as well as buy and sell
digital coins like bitcoin and swiftcoin for cash or precious metals.
Uruguay, and allows locals to set up accounts, as well as buy and sell
digital coins like bitcoin and swiftcoin for cash or precious metals.
4. Isracoin
Isracoin
is already one of the world’s most successful national altcoins. The
digital currency allowed for public mining on March 26th, and was
airdropped to citizens on May 6th.
is already one of the world’s most successful national altcoins. The
digital currency allowed for public mining on March 26th, and was
airdropped to citizens on May 6th.
Isracoin has already begun its
four phase process to get more people on board with the digital
currency. This well thought out plan will help circulate and introduce
locals to a new way of spending money.
four phase process to get more people on board with the digital
currency. This well thought out plan will help circulate and introduce
locals to a new way of spending money.
The coin offers benefits
that can also be found in bitcoin, such as low interest on deposits and
low cost transaction fees. With Isracoin, the goal is to disrupt the
current banking system of Israel.
that can also be found in bitcoin, such as low interest on deposits and
low cost transaction fees. With Isracoin, the goal is to disrupt the
current banking system of Israel.
3. Spaincoin
Spaincoin
is ideal for Spaniards as it allows them to break free from the
shackles of the government. It was launched on March 12th, just a few
days before Isracoin.
is ideal for Spaniards as it allows them to break free from the
shackles of the government. It was launched on March 12th, just a few
days before Isracoin.
With Spaincoin, Spain is the biggest country
to have its own national digital currency, with a population of over 46
million people. Spain’s economy has been in a rough spot for the past
couple of years, and with Spaincoin, there is a good chance that there
will be brighter days for the country.
to have its own national digital currency, with a population of over 46
million people. Spain’s economy has been in a rough spot for the past
couple of years, and with Spaincoin, there is a good chance that there
will be brighter days for the country.
The first 50,000 recipients
of the coin will get 100 SPA each, and then the next 50,000 people will
get 50 SPA each. This will allow for a more balanced distribution.
of the coin will get 100 SPA each, and then the next 50,000 people will
get 50 SPA each. This will allow for a more balanced distribution.
2. Scotcoin
Scotland’s Scotcoin, not
only allow people a chance to establish a new financial structure, but
also helps Scots gain independence from Britain and the pound.
only allow people a chance to establish a new financial structure, but
also helps Scots gain independence from Britain and the pound.
The risks that come from traditional markets will no longer be an issue with the Scotcoin.
The new coin works as a plan B to keep order in the economy in case
there is a major collapse with its already existing system.
The new coin works as a plan B to keep order in the economy in case
there is a major collapse with its already existing system.
Scottish businesses have already taken a liking towards the new crypto currency, which was created by Derek Nisbet. Nesbit feels even more businesses will get on board with the new digital coin as time goes on. He says:
“This
is a one-shot opportunity for Scotland to truly become an international
powerhouse if we can take back the power of our monetary issuance as
credit, as opposed to issued debt with interest from privately owned and
operated banking interests and cartels.”
Nesbit adds that every adult will get 1,000 coins each, and each business will receive 5,000.
1. Auroracoin
Auroracoin
is based in Iceland, and was sent as a way to save the country’s
economy. The virtual coin is based on litecoin, and was devised
by Baldur Friggjar Odinsson.
is based in Iceland, and was sent as a way to save the country’s
economy. The virtual coin is based on litecoin, and was devised
by Baldur Friggjar Odinsson.
Though Odinsson is not the person’s
real identity, similar to bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto, the coin is a
saving grace to the people of Iceland.
real identity, similar to bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto, the coin is a
saving grace to the people of Iceland.
The altcoin has the
potential of getting the people of Iceland out of what seems like an
endless financial rut. Success can’t truly be determined until
Auroracoin has ample time to make an impact on Iceland.
potential of getting the people of Iceland out of what seems like an
endless financial rut. Success can’t truly be determined until
Auroracoin has ample time to make an impact on Iceland.
To make
the coin a big success, citizens are going to have to be patient and not
run off selling their coins for cash at the first chance they get.
the coin a big success, citizens are going to have to be patient and not
run off selling their coins for cash at the first chance they get.
The
world’s economical crisis has put a large cloud over finance, but
digital coins hope to correct this issue. The planet has changed to
where everything is digital. So the obvious solution to correct the
economy could be to make money go digital as well. Whether national
altcoins or bitcoin, crypto currencies are a potential solution that the
world shouldn’t ignore.
world’s economical crisis has put a large cloud over finance, but
digital coins hope to correct this issue. The planet has changed to
where everything is digital. So the obvious solution to correct the
economy could be to make money go digital as well. Whether national
altcoins or bitcoin, crypto currencies are a potential solution that the
world shouldn’t ignore.
Open your free digital wallet here to store your cryptocurrencies in a safe place.
19 May
0
Top 5 businesses that accept Litecoin payments
(CoinReport) Litecoin is the second most valued digital currency on the market, only being bested by bitcoin. However, litecoin is not just a knock-off to the world’s first digital coin. It was intended by its developers to improve on the structure set forth by bitcoin.
The main two differences that separates litecoin from bitcoin:
1) Litecoin processes a block every two and a half minutes, while bitcoin processes a block every 10 minutes.
2) Litecoin will total 84 million coins, unlike bitcoin’s cap of 21 million.
The digital currency continues to catch individuals and business owners by storm, as more businesses are accepting it as a form of payment. CoinReport has compiled a list of the Top 5 businesses that have begun implementing Litecoin into their finances.
Top 5 businesses that welcome Litecoin payments
5. Ellenet
IT solutions provider, Ellenet, is the first Australian firm to accept both bitcoin and litecoin. The service specializes in film and multimedia production. The decision to welcome litecoin payments was made by the Australian company’s director, Estelle Asmodelle. She said:
“Crypto currencies are the future, it’s plainly obvious and people need to understand that Bitcoin and other coins are not going away. Without sounding terse, you can’t stop progress.”
The consultant firm was established in 1998, and now with its adoption of bitcoin and litecoin
digital payments, it hopes to grow even larger. In addition, Ellenet works with digital mining company Petabit Pty. Ltd,
who works on mining both litecoins and bitcoins. The partnership with Petabit will allow Ellenet to get into more digital currency-based ventures.
digital payments, it hopes to grow even larger. In addition, Ellenet works with digital mining company Petabit Pty. Ltd,
who works on mining both litecoins and bitcoins. The partnership with Petabit will allow Ellenet to get into more digital currency-based ventures.
4. Sean’s Outpost
Though not technically a business, Sean’s Outpost, a homeless outreach center, makes this list for its commitment to allow digital currencies like litecoin to help the local community. The Pensacola, Florida-based center has provided thousands of meals for the poverty stricken. With the help of bitcoin and litecoin donations, Sean’s Outpost is able to provide sanctuary and do right by people. However, the center, which was established by Jason King in honor of his friend, is currently struggling as a massive flood has decommissioned day-to-day operations. The center is hoping to get more digital coin donations to assist the people living in the Satoshi forest. King and his team remain positive and patient and hope that the digital coin community will help them get through this difficult time.
3. eGifter
New York-based eGifter has teamed with payment processor GoCoin to welcome bitcoin and litecoin transactions. The gift giving site allows users to buy and send gift cards to each other, while earning points in the process. The move to take in digital currency payments was made wisely, as retailers like Overstock.com had announced a boom in business after accepting bitcoins. With digital currencies, businesses can tend to new and interested customer bases. eGifter’s CEO, Tyler Roye says that with digital coins and GoCoin, the site can remain secure and fraud-free. Rather than holding onto coins, the company uses GoCoin to convert digital earnings into cash. eGifter started welcoming bitcoin in 2013, and also began welcoming litecoin and dogecoin in April 2014; adding to the list of payment methods the company accepts.
2. KnCMiner
KnCMiner is a company that sells mining hardware and equipment, allowing coin enthusiasts an opportunity to earn litecoins and bitcoins. What’s fitting about the mining company’s involvement with digital coins is that mining hardware can be purchased with those same coins. Their website stated:
“You will find the Litecoin payment method option when you complete an order through the checkout on our website.”
Additionally, KnCMiner is creating one of the first effective mining hardware, exclusively, for mining litecoins. The demand for digital currencies and miners has been high that KnCMiner sold $2 million with of pre-ordered hardware within just a 4 hour window.
1. Benz and Beamer
A Tesla Model P85 was sold out at Benz and Beamer auto dealership which was bought completely in litecoins early this year. A customer used 5,447 litecoins to complete the transaction for the luxury car, worth around $90,000 during the time of the purchase. The transaction went through with payment processor GoCoin. The car dealer, Naresh Shah explained:
“GoCoin makes it extremely easy for us to accommodate new customers looking to
pay with bitcoin and other emerging digital currencies like litecoin.
Their platform secures the coin exchange for cash within minutes,
creating a real win/win for my dealership and my customers.”
The purchase is by far the largest amount of litecoins used in a single purchase recorded. As litecoins continue to grow in popularity, more businesses will start to implement them more into their own structures. There may very well be more purchases that use litecoins the same way as they were at Benz and Beamer.
Open your free digital wallet here to store your cryptocurrencies in a safe place.
16 May
0
Building a Bitcoin Economy: how to stimulate adoption
This how-to guide is part of a series written by director Andrew Wagner on behalf of the Bitcoin Co-op.
Think you have what it takes to be a real Bitcoin
evangelist? Want to learn how to start your mission into the world of
fiat economics? Having preached the good word of Satoshi to laymen of
all kinds, I’ve made my mark and learned a lot about promoting crypto
adoption. Before you begin your journey, take a moment to read and learn
about the science of Bitcoin evangelism.
evangelist? Want to learn how to start your mission into the world of
fiat economics? Having preached the good word of Satoshi to laymen of
all kinds, I’ve made my mark and learned a lot about promoting crypto
adoption. Before you begin your journey, take a moment to read and learn
about the science of Bitcoin evangelism.
Most cryptocurrency initiatives require one of two
things: intellectual capital (to code the software and design the
systems that make everything work) and financial capital (to pay for
hardware, commercial space, legal fees, and intellectual capital if it
is lacking). Adoption is probably the only field of the crypto industry
that requires cultural or social capital, at least at the grassroots
level. But what does that mean in practice?
things: intellectual capital (to code the software and design the
systems that make everything work) and financial capital (to pay for
hardware, commercial space, legal fees, and intellectual capital if it
is lacking). Adoption is probably the only field of the crypto industry
that requires cultural or social capital, at least at the grassroots
level. But what does that mean in practice?
The first step on your mission is to assess the
connections you already have. In my case, that was a network of notable
Vancouver Meet Up groups, and a job as a venue promoter. At first you
won’t have existing merchants to refer to as references, so you’re going
to need to find people who really trust you. Plenty of free solutions
to accept exist, and once they realize the advantages of cryptocurrency,
they’re likely to stick with it.
connections you already have. In my case, that was a network of notable
Vancouver Meet Up groups, and a job as a venue promoter. At first you
won’t have existing merchants to refer to as references, so you’re going
to need to find people who really trust you. Plenty of free solutions
to accept exist, and once they realize the advantages of cryptocurrency,
they’re likely to stick with it.
Those advantages, however, are not enough. The
superiority of accepting payments via Bitcoin is meaningless if nobody
is spending their bitcoins. Even if Bitcoiners prefer to spend
fiat–maybe because the price is on an upswing–just bringing their
business to the adopting merchant provides the necessary incentive, and
there are a number of ways you can do that.
superiority of accepting payments via Bitcoin is meaningless if nobody
is spending their bitcoins. Even if Bitcoiners prefer to spend
fiat–maybe because the price is on an upswing–just bringing their
business to the adopting merchant provides the necessary incentive, and
there are a number of ways you can do that.
This is where experience as a Meet Up organizer will
come in handy. If you’re not a member of your local cryptocurrency Meet
Up, already, become one, or start your own group if none exists.
Community pages at Facebook and Google Plus will also help. Since all of
the businesses I signed up were event venues like coffee shops,
restaurants and bars, I was able to bring them business directly by
holding Meet Ups at their locations. Even for non-venue businesses,
though, a community allows you to connect producers to consumers and get
the word out.
come in handy. If you’re not a member of your local cryptocurrency Meet
Up, already, become one, or start your own group if none exists.
Community pages at Facebook and Google Plus will also help. Since all of
the businesses I signed up were event venues like coffee shops,
restaurants and bars, I was able to bring them business directly by
holding Meet Ups at their locations. Even for non-venue businesses,
though, a community allows you to connect producers to consumers and get
the word out.
Once you have a network in place, set about bringing
more businesses on board, and that network should grow. In addition to
the natural benefits of cryptocurrency, you now can now promise
additional benefits in the form of direct customers–look for businesses
likely to be open minded, like those already hosting Meet Ups or listed
on websites like GroupOn or LivinSocial. Each new adopter you post to
social media will bring more Bitcoiners into the fold, which in turn
increases the amount of business (and incentive) you can provide.
more businesses on board, and that network should grow. In addition to
the natural benefits of cryptocurrency, you now can now promise
additional benefits in the form of direct customers–look for businesses
likely to be open minded, like those already hosting Meet Ups or listed
on websites like GroupOn or LivinSocial. Each new adopter you post to
social media will bring more Bitcoiners into the fold, which in turn
increases the amount of business (and incentive) you can provide.
Eventually, your following should grow to the point that
you can bring more customers indirectly via publicity than you can
directly. You should probably have a couple local reporter contacts, by
now. New crypto Meet Ups and splinter groups will form, and inevitably
the majority of events and merchant connections will be initiated by
people other than yourself. This is natural in community building, and
even moreso in a community based on techno-libertarian roots–don’t be
discouraged.
you can bring more customers indirectly via publicity than you can
directly. You should probably have a couple local reporter contacts, by
now. New crypto Meet Ups and splinter groups will form, and inevitably
the majority of events and merchant connections will be initiated by
people other than yourself. This is natural in community building, and
even moreso in a community based on techno-libertarian roots–don’t be
discouraged.
Just go with it, take a step back, and use your newfound
marketing power to promote those working together for the cause. If you
maintain an honest, non-profit-focused campaign, you will become the
face of this new community; forward media inquiries where appropriate,
and engage positively with the mainstream media. Soon you’ll be ready to
take Bitcoin adoption to the next level.
marketing power to promote those working together for the cause. If you
maintain an honest, non-profit-focused campaign, you will become the
face of this new community; forward media inquiries where appropriate,
and engage positively with the mainstream media. Soon you’ll be ready to
take Bitcoin adoption to the next level.
Open your free digital wallet here to store your cryptocurrencies in a safe place.