Quote from: hypostatization on January 18, 2015, 04:20:50 PM

Quote from: canth on January 18, 2015, 02:52:12 PM

Quote from: mihtju on January 17, 2015, 05:58:14 PM

XRP ( RIPPLE ) Discussion - All about XRP

What do you think guys about RIPPLE, are they good for long term investment?
And about XRP(BTC) to BTC, how fast and where I can exchange XRP to BTC instantly?

BTC are distributed by math. XRP are distributed by 3 guys at their whim. XRP could still be a good long term investment, but I wouldn't bet on it.

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=873723.msg9661686#msg9661686

In your post you state that 90% of XRP are controlled by 3 guys; this is inaccurate. A majority of XRP (69%) is held by Ripple Labs.

XRP distributed to Chris Larsen, Arthur Britto, and Jed have all taken different paths. Chris Larsen has apparently used a majority of his XRP to finance the Ripple Foundation for Financial Innovation. XRP of Arthur Britto are controlled by a lock-up agreement, and Jed is restricted in the quantities of XRP he can sell over the next 6 - 7 years.

Concerns regarding the potential impact of the founder distributions were proven valid, however, when Jed apparently flipped out and threatened a fire sale. He had allegedly attempted to force Ripple Labs into a buyout agreement of his share, and then proceeded to announce to the community the beginning of the sale of his XRP---in tandem with promoting his new project. He then walled himself off from communication, ignoring repeat community questions and concerns and putting the people that trusted and supported him at enormous financial risk. XRP value cratered, and remained depressed for a long long long time. It has since recovered, following the more recent founder developments noted above---as well as the steady stream of good news for the Ripple network. I agree with your concerns, but believe the Ripple network has now moved beyond them.

A key takeaway for me has been that we cannot assume any actor will not act against what the community perceives as being in that actor's best interest. It applies to all cryptocurrencies.

I had previously heard a lot of arguments along the lines of Satoshi would never dump his BTC; it would kill the BTC exchange value therefore conflict with his or her best interest. Motivations beyond profit may exist, ranging from an unsound mind, having an axe to grind, promoting a competing project, immaturity, or even just pure destructive glee. If Satoshi Yakamoto had a stroke, would you still trust in that individual's reasoning relating to the best uses of their share? Ability to securely manage their private keys? Not become vulnerable to manipulation?

Legal agreements do not eliminate the risks, but they can be interpreted to mitigate risk for investors. I take comfort in knowing Ripple Labs, its board, and investors provide checks and balances over the distribution of XRP---as well as the more recent founder allocation developments.

I hold XRP as a long term investment, and do not recommend anyone in invest in any cryptocurrency without performing thorough research.

If you ride the wake of the pump and dump crowd, then you have a high likelihood of being disappointed by the Ripple Labs stewardship of XRP. Ripple Labs is not interested in driving short term speculation, and take a long long long view (relative to cryptocurrency community expectations) of building the value of XRP.

Thank you for your nice reply. Hope that my idea about long-term investment and holding XRP will get me to profit not total loss