I don't disagree with anything BigRedBrent said.

I think I say in my original post in this thread that I realize it could be a long term scam.

I will say that one difference between this and a traditional ponzi is that this service has a real utility to the user in that it protects you from bitcoin volatility. (A Ponzi just prevents you from spending all of your money at once.)

Another difference is that traditional ponzi operators usually don't have a printing press in their basement and a license to use it.  Of course, it could be possible that bitcoin-trader.biz's mining operations could be far less than what their shares would seem to represent or even entirely fictional.

Now, I don't know much about mining.  However, if someone else were to contact them and ask intelligent inquiries about their equipment, I would love to hear the responses.  I'd even volunteer to do the contact if someone would pm the questions to ask. 

It would also be a good time to once again bring up that Mr. Brandenburg claimed that they will be present at the Toronto Bitcoin Expo next month.  I would really appreciate if anyone went and found out if this were true.  Anyone here in the Toronto area at that time?