Quote from: Electrongolf on June 26, 2011, 01:52:19 AM

Quote from: nemo on June 26, 2011, 01:29:02 AM

Quote from: Electrongolf on June 26, 2011, 01:26:39 AM

We also have to consider what you are selling. I am beginning to think the problem isn't people don't want to buy stuff with BTC. Maybe our community isn't large to offer enough of the things people want to buy.

I'd agree with that. At least on ebay I can pit the whole world against itself. What do you guys think it would take to close the gap?

To close the gap, there needs to be a specific purpose for using BTC. A tentpole application. This app has to be FUN.

I say this, alot.. but I think there needs to be a game, in which the economy is based around BTC. The game would serve as stabilization tool for the BTC economy.

Imagine if there was a Second Life, Civilaztion type game where you can earn BTC based on skill. This would accomplish three things:
1) Remove the barrier for entry for using BTC- Reglar people will begin using it without thinking about the technical and political baggage.
2) Stabalize the economy- There will always be a place where BTC has a use, and a basis from which to determine value.
3) Encourage exchange instead of investing - People will see value in spending BTC, as opposed to hoarding it. Spending in game (investing) earns coins faster than waiting for the price to go up

Spending BTC outside of the game, on products like yours, will be an added bonus to using the currency.

tldr - There needs to be a specific use for BTC. This will help real world retailers

Excellent suggestion. I'd never seen 2nd Life before trying to buy BTC and getting linden to exchange, but seems they have serious economic activity internal to that game. Lots of virtual stuff to buy, and the boundary between the virtual and the real seems awfully hazy in there.