Quote from: histman on October 18, 2013, 04:52:57 PM

For something to really have mass appeal it has to be better than something that already exists. The Model T was a hit not because it was a good car, but because it was better than owning a horse. In other words, it has to be disruptive. This is also why electric cars have yet to disrupt internal combustion cars. The mass of people don't see electric as better than gas. Electric vehicles are toys of the rich, and "novelty" vehicles.

Why did VCRs take off? Because watching porn at home was better than going to a theater. Just ask Pee Wee Herman.

Thus, we need to think of what industry bitcoin will disrupt. What would a critical mass of people see bitcoin as "better" than? We bitcoiners understand the technology, and certainly see how BTC is better in lots of ways. Now, go try and talk your co-workers into moving all their investments into BTC. Try and explain to Average Joe why paying for something in BTC is better than buying the exact same thing with dollars. The current system works fine for them, from their perspective. How is BTC better?

Give Jose the field worker a cheaper, easier way to send his money home, and all of the sudden we have huge numbers using BTC. He doesn't understand the tech, but that doesn't matter. It works for him. Bear in mind that many, many more South Asians (mostly from India) send money home than Latin Americans. Also, 80% of Africa is "unbanked."

I agree with this 100%.

You forget that things have the potential to be "better" for business, rather than "better" for individuals, however. In this case, BTC is "better" for lending businesses, since their repayment is assured in a non-inflationary currency, and this will translate into it being better for normal merchants as well, as more BTC-based transactions occur.