Ripple is a scam. The coins are centrally controlled. It is NO different than fiat. Ripple is an attempt by Google, a few other companies and large banks to slow the adoption of p2p digital currencies like bitcoin. It's also an attempt to muddy the water for average consumers.
Ah, the tinfoil hat is heavy on this one. Regardless of what Ripple is, it doesn't seem to be working out so well...