Post
Topic
Board Development & Technical Discussion
Re: Why can't output values be set by scripts?
by
vector76
on 08/08/2011, 19:34:52 UTC
All I'm saying is that it's conceivable that someone might want to use an output script to try to control where the value goes in the next transaction.

Gift cards have restrictions on how they can be spent.  Do those not make sense?

I'm not saying it's currently possible, or that it should be made possible, or that it would be a good idea to use it even if it were made possible.  I'm just talking about a hypothetical possibility, which I also happen to think is not a good idea.
https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Contracts and see Example 4.

There is a world of difference between trusting an external agent and trusting the protocol.  They might achieve the same ends but they are nothing alike.

You are entitled to your own opinions about "the idea behind bitcoin" but to me one of its key features is wherever possible, to do through technology what has traditionally required trusted institutions and intermediaries.  You already have limitless control of paper in your mattress.