from Hacker News

Bitcoin’s gold rush was always an illusion

by InternetPerson on 7/21/21, 4:44 PM with 45 comments

  • by vlucas on 7/21/21, 9:39 PM

    Non-paywall link: https://archive.is/coOQ5
  • by InternetPerson on 7/21/21, 7:58 PM

    The article argues that, "Through successive booms and busts, the price of Bitcoin has been manipulated by a handful of large players, using fake transactions, imaginary assets and sophisticated timing."

    It highlights the role that Tether plays. "[W]henever Bitcoin’s price began to fall, Tether was issued by Bitfinex and sent to two other exchanges, where it was used to buy Bitcoin – which would then rise in price."

  • by tracedddd on 7/21/21, 6:27 PM

    “Cryptocurrencies are described by their fans as a people-powered revolution, digital banking unchained from the interests of the wealthy and powerful.“

    Not quite correct. The wealthy and powerful can be wealthy and powerful and express their interests. They just have no special powers, as crypto currencies aim to be permissionless and deregulated.

    That means price manipulation or other financial games are largely quite ok by crypto standards so long as anyone is invited. It’s anti-bank and anti-government.. not anti-capitalist or anti-finance.

    Whether you are on board with this vision or if it’s good for society is another issue, but crypto is largely fulfilling its goals in my opinion.

  • by prohobo on 7/21/21, 7:20 PM

    Cryptography brings computational solutions to finance. The end.
  • by coralreef on 7/21/21, 6:56 PM

    PCs / internet are too slow and expensive for practical home use.

    iPhones wont sell well because they don't have keyboards. All you can do is download fart apps? Waste of money.

    Etc.