Hi Guys,

We are attempting to raise funds for SETI using bitcoins (https://setistars.org/) on Youtipit. We have setup up a tipit (http://www.youtipit.org/t/J3399) where you can send your bitcoin donations. Once their fundraising drive ends (in two days) we will convert the bitcoins donated to USD at the MTGox rate and donate the money to them. Once we do this we will provide evidence that the money was given in the form of an e-receipt.

Why are we doing this? Since many organizations are wary of bitcoin we feel that we could act as a intermediary for bitcoin donations by converting the donated coins into legal tender for them. Of course this requires trust from all parties that we will honestly deliver all the donated money to the intended receiver. On the tipit all donations and their values are listed. We will provide evidence that the money has been transferred to the SETI guys. Youtipit has built up a strong user base and I think that our members have grown to trust us as we operate in a transparent manner and are quick to resolve any issues that arise. We have been operating Youtipit for over year now and this is an experiment for us: we are eager to see if this will be successful. If it works we can see us doing this for other causes in the future...
Whats in it for us? We have an interest in seeing bitcoin spread to a wider audience and we feel that causes like this help show the good side of bitcoin. Although we will not make any money from this we hope it will raise our profile and that of bitcoin as a viable means to donate online.

Any questions, comments or criticisms are welcome...

Thanks,

Brian,
Founder@Youtipit