"I'm hearing a lot of noise about Bitcoin's "flaw" regarding non reversible transactions. This is both a good and bad feature in the protocol depending on what the transaction is for. Perhaps, a solution would be to change the code so the transaction IS reversible for some period of time or, until the receiving party physically accepts it. Thoughts?"
Seems this is one of the holdups for mass adoption although most of that noise is coming from the established money/credit providers. Do you agree?
This is my take and I will try to make it brief. The irreversible feature of Bitcoin is an important security component and a great selling point to merchants. Legitimate merchants stand by their products and services they sell. Buyers have full recourse to a refund of their payments, if they so demand, within some reasonable scope of limitations, either directly or through the court of laws. I do not see this as an added risk exposure to the consumers, but a significant protection for merchants.
Reversible payments will drastically increase merchants’ risk exposure and a huge deterrent to mass merchant adoption. Anonymity, with the exception of certain merchants, is also a deterrent to mass adoption.
Unfortunately, I am having a very busy day and do not have the time to elaborate this further. I will conclude that in the absence of the irreversible feature and a required true anonymity for DNotes my optimism for the success of DNotes would be severely degraded. That is how strongly I feel about these two functions of Bitcoin as a digital currency technology.
I agree, not being able to reverse the transaction is a great feature. I think it's mostly fishy merchants are having a problem with it and. of course, credit card companies who are attempting to scare the public into thinking they could never get a refund for a mistake. While this MAY be true in person to person (stranger to stranger) transactions, any respectable merchant will manually issue a refund for a problem.
We really need to educate the public that refunds are possible and it is desirable for merchants to issue them when needed as any honest seller would. This is the time of lies and half truths, every group has an agenda, some good, some bad and many are willing to say anything to push it. Educate, educate, educate...
Speaking of merchants, rumor has it that McDonalds MAY start accepting Bitcoin. As I said, rumor but, it's certainly possible. See this article:
http://bitcoinist.net/mcdonalds-might-start-accepting-bitcoin-soon/
What do you want to bet it's ApplePay but the spokesman doesn't understand the difference?
You are correct. We need to step up our efforts to educate others when we can.That includes our political leaders. Just haven't figure out the most effective way to do that. If DNotes can win over the mainstream media and becomes a media sensation, that could be the key. I am working on it. Our family of CR.I.S.Ps. could very well be the driver, because it is very broadbase and potentially very far reaching. Let's give it our very best. By the way, I will start working with our PR soon on the Press Release for CR.I.S.P. For Retirement scheduled for the week of Feb. 16, 2015.
McDonalds accepting Bitcoin? Interesting but I am not ready to bet my money on that. ApplePay is more likely.