Nathaniel Popper

I now understand why bitcoin is important, and I hope it succeeds. But so far, it seems like it's only the digital gold aspect that is succeeding, but not the money - there's really not much you can buy with it, and not much of an incentive to use it rather than a credit card. With a credit card, you have some protection - which is why vendors like bitcoin so much; no chargebacks.

I had a bit of trouble keeping up with all the players, but it was a pretty interesting story, and interesting characters, including behind-the-scenes glimpses of the rich and successful and how they so things.

There is a forum I participate in that has donation drives with a preference for bitcoin. I opened an account with Coinbase about a year or so ago, and used it kind of like Paypal, buying and then sending aroung $20. The second time, I bought a little extra, as it seemed more efficient - I think it was an extra $20. Several months later I had over $50. Since then, I bought $100 worth, and now have over $200 worth. So, that made me a little more interested in how it works. But I'm still not willing to invest more than I care to lose.… (mer)

While giving a great account of the early days of Bitcoin and blockchain, the subtle question of true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto does impress throughout the book. More importantly than that, this book allows almost anyone to access the base of information needed to begin digesting the roots and the implications of the blockchain technology. Great place to start, or to expand your knowledge of Bitcoin. And even if you understand it well already, the historical accounts and dramas of the early adopters of Bitcoins are fascinating enough to keep you reading. Thank you for compiling this work and bringing it to us all!… (mer)