Im Coming Home wrote:I just don't see how it works anymore, I've never seen anywhere aside from Bitcoin used as an acceptable payment source.. so unless you buy bitcoin in the past I don't see how these other random cryptocurrency can make you a profit? Unless you get another that is as popular or blows up like bitcoin?
I wouldn't look at crypto (which has a huge variety of tech) as an "investment". Thus far, yeah, that catches everyones eye. Look back at my post describing a bit of what this is.
At the most basic level, think of Bitcoin as an internet protocol. We have an internet that is somewhat free but payment methods are completely controlled. e.g. Visa, paypal, AE, etc. Now, imagine removing central control of the FIAT function and making it into a protocol. This is mind boggling when you look further out.
When you look at crypto, you are looking at a variety of "tokens":
1. Currency - Bitcoin, Litecoin, Pivx, etc. (OMG is an interesting play here - banking the unbanked and unbanking the banked - chew on that.)
2. Store of value - any of crypto that is relatively lower in supply. Though, that is relative
3. Programmable platforms - Imagine your OS having no real company behind it and being decentralized and everywhere. e.g. - Ethereum, Neo, Icon, etc.
4. Lower level programs - This is newer. Really only EOS comes to mind. It is a bit lower than something like in #3. It is much more like an operating system, but with built in functionality to build upon. Think of backup functionality not having to be rewritten as a function.
5. Interfaces with current systems - maybe not long term viability, but thinks like tenx and paytoken, allowing you to use crypto via a Visa card. I don't see this being a long term thing, but an intermediary.
6. Ownership ledgers - Mostly via Bitcoins blockchain on the back end and software on the front end, you can e.g. assign ownership of homes, cars, etc. instead of relying on companies, centralized databases, papers, etc. This is already happening in some countries. An immutable database has vast value here.
7. This list can go on for quite a while. This is like the internet in the mid 90's. It is a baby that is just starting and if you think of this as just money or the like, that would be akin to saying the internet was just for email and buying books in the 90's.
The world is going to VASTLY change because of this tech. And FIAT money finally has some competition (which is great for everyone). Grab your popcorn, some crypto and enjoy the show.
