I think that without a serious improvement to the client and usability, attracting "normals" to Bitcoin in droves is a recipe for a flop.
Yeah it's really hard to explain this and to get people to know how to get coins. Basically the thing will end up being an ad for Mt.Gox. Get then to donate.
Advertising isn't what bitcoin needs. Core development on alternate clients, usability, etc are needed first.
I completely agree with this. I'm surprised people think it's a good idea to "advertise" bitcoin. The media is already doing a fine job advertising bitcoin. What we need is more infrastructure. Then the media will have more reasons to keep talking about bitcoin.
I think MyBitCoin is a totally underutilized resource in regards to the client usability issues. Hopefully we can get a better UI and maybe a much more secure place for online wallets, but so far it seems to be the fastest, easiest way to do transactions if you have a crappy PC like me.
I used to be a regular person, just like everyone else. But now, here I am using the coins. Advertisement is obviously not needed.
myBitcoin has locked dozens if not hundreds out of our accounts and refused to answer our emails about it.
I agree with those who say we should focus more on infrastructure than advertising for now.
"For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations, for Nature cannot be fooled." - Richard Feynman
No kidding? were you using mybitcoin for a high volume of transactions or something? I really just started using it but...man. Guess I wont be keeping too many in there. But I can say from my experiences its been pretty fantastic.