As I'm new to Bitcoin I don't have a good sense of Bitcoin's current or potential rise in value.  I would imagine that there are many who are ready to jump into Bitcoin solely due to it's meteoric rise in the past month or from the start of this year.  I would think, too, that as, or if, Bitcoin becomes very much mainstream it's appreciation potential would certainly taper off.

Does anyone anywhere track the growth of retail establishments, whether on-line or brick and mortar, accepting Bitcoins?  I would assume that the longevity of Bitcoin would depend on it's eventual fulfillment as a utility to make common, everyday purchases.

I'm cut short on this post as I have to leave, like, NOW.

But I've some other thoughts I'd like to add.  Later.