Quote from: FlipPro on August 22, 2012, 02:29:06 AM

Quote from: proudhon on August 22, 2012, 02:26:28 AM

Quote from: JupeB on August 21, 2012, 11:43:05 PM

Yeah, except that Bitcoin cannot be shut down because it is decentralized - big difference from eGold.

True. But lots of people can stop using and those that aren't yet can be motivated to avoid it if it's continually associated with scams and is a pain in the ass to use.

Ponzi schemes should not effect any true Bitcoin users. If you are in it for the Ponzis, and you loose out on a PONZI, then you have no valid argument. You got into these type of "investments" knowing the risks involved. If you are a true BTC holder the ponzis should not effect you.

I am inclined to disagree. I certainly affects the "true Bitcoin user" when:

* significant amount of bitcoins were stolen by hackers/scammers (my uneducated guess is that it's at least 10% of all coins at the moment) and can flood the market anytime they find suitable cash out method, causing market earthquakes/panics.

* I have to check every time my bitcoins aren't tainted before I deposit them to mtgox or similar place

I can manage around it because I follow the forums/irc every day. But for layperson any of this can be very nasty surprise. And all that assuming it's someone who knows how to securely use his/her wallet, don't let me even start about that!