Quote from: tvbcof on August 29, 2012, 03:33:38 AM

Quote from: makomk on August 28, 2012, 10:58:20 PM

Quote from: BinaryMage on August 24, 2012, 07:44:59 PM

VIII. Xenophobia

This one concerns me the most, as I think it could have far-reaching implications. Most people who read about Bitcoin and come here have read almost ubiquitously negative press discussing drugs, Ponzi schemes, and ever-imminent collapse. They decided to take a chance and investigate for themselves. What do they find? A community which refuses to do business with anyone relatively new. A community filled with animosity. Half the forums polluted with allegations of Ponzi schemes. In other words, they find exactly what the media told them to expect. Their conclusion? The media is right. Do we really want to embody what the media portrays us as?

Of course, the large proportion of Bitcoin businesses that are actually Ponzi schemes - and the perhaps even larger proportion that are indistinguishable from Ponzis - would never cause anyone to conclude that the media is right. Roll Eyes

(Not to mention all the various self-described ponzis of varying degrees of honesty.)

I also notice that all the people who have been screaming "troll!", "liar!", "put your money where your mouth is or shut up", etc at anyone who points out just how shady all the investment schemes on here are somehow don't feature in your plea for civility. Funny that.

+1.

I, for one, actually feel that at this point most people are not really ready for Bitcoin and Bitcoin is not really ready for them in some ways either. I've said that in another recent post, but I forgot which one it was.

Probably the people who power through the negative posts that are (supposed to be) ubiquitous on these forums are slightly more ready to navigate the Bitcoin world than those who would be turned away by them. No harm done IMHO...but I'm not trying to run either a legitimate business or a scam off Bitcoin, nor do I need my speculative investment in BTC to bear fruit...well...ever, so other people may feel differently.

I agree, but that is no reason to dissuade people from Bitcoin unused to the toxicity forum communities can have. The question is not 'what are we doing entirely wrong' insomuch as 'how can we improve'.