Errr, Emmm, at the risk of being impudent and at the risk of being told to go and multiply in a far off location, may I humbly suggest you lend an ear to E7 of the Let's talk Bitcoin podcast where it is more than adequately explained, by people who have more knowledge in their little finger than I would hope to garner in a lifetime, why Mt. Gox really is the only show in town.

Going to make a small donation to this most excellent show right now, with BTC purchased on Gox today, suggest you may do the same. ( make a small donation that is, feel free to get your coins anywhere you choose)