On the one hand, it is a good idea to introduce new and complex things on a small, gradual scale. Install wallet, then basic transactions, then network fundamentals and so on.
On the other hand, you increase ignorance, insecurity and misuse. Most people know very little about technology and their computers, and urging such use opens them to exploit and dependence. When they lose their bitcoins to hacks or user error, then negative word-of-mouth is louder.
Perhaps it boils down to my personal experience and pet peeves. I hate telling people what to download and how to use things they don't understand. They then either depend on me to guide them through their problems or fall prey to false advertising and worthless or harmful programs.
So yeah, I agree it would lead to faster adoption; having taken one step forward coupled with curiosity helps any journey seem attainable. But 'adoption' in that sense in 'quantity', and one of bitcoin's strength is in the quality of freedom it may provide. Too early, and people will see it as paypal and credit cards, and their know-how will rely on specific-name services and clicks and taps on a GUI.
There is a concept in commerce called marketing. It is more aggressive than putting things on a shelf and waiting for someone to walk in and buy them. It involves creating a desire to purchase something even when the person did not originally have such an intention. It typically uses emotions in place of (or in addition to) logic. (I know... most of us here are more accustomed to using logic. We are the minority.)
The techniques use manipulation of emotions such as envy, fear, inadequacy, wanting to be liked, etc.
It has been used successfully to sell large quantities of things at relatively high prices, for which there is very little "need". Things such as automobiles, whiskey, perfumes, funerals, diamonds, desert (or swamp) real estate, vacuum cleaners, sneakers, etc.
It is not about convincing them.
Though this has negative aspects. As soon as you start linking things (especially their first experiences and impressions) to people's emotions and desires, then you are subjected to the whims of such forces. Such forces may turn against you and cause irreparable harm to long-term adoption, or others can sweep in and divert such energy towards their own project and ends.
Finally, bitcoin is pretty great but has a long time to go in both development and adoption. Personally, I don't seem much harm in having patience towards adoption, nor do I see that much benefit in urging or necessitating mass use.
On the other hand, you increase ignorance, insecurity and misuse. Most people know very little about technology and their computers, and urging such use opens them to exploit and dependence. When they lose their bitcoins to hacks or user error, then negative word-of-mouth is louder.
Perhaps it boils down to my personal experience and pet peeves. I hate telling people what to download and how to use things they don't understand. They then either depend on me to guide them through their problems or fall prey to false advertising and worthless or harmful programs.
So yeah, I agree it would lead to faster adoption; having taken one step forward coupled with curiosity helps any journey seem attainable. But 'adoption' in that sense in 'quantity', and one of bitcoin's strength is in the quality of freedom it may provide. Too early, and people will see it as paypal and credit cards, and their know-how will rely on specific-name services and clicks and taps on a GUI.
There is a concept in commerce called marketing. It is more aggressive than putting things on a shelf and waiting for someone to walk in and buy them. It involves creating a desire to purchase something even when the person did not originally have such an intention. It typically uses emotions in place of (or in addition to) logic. (I know... most of us here are more accustomed to using logic. We are the minority.)
The techniques use manipulation of emotions such as envy, fear, inadequacy, wanting to be liked, etc.
It has been used successfully to sell large quantities of things at relatively high prices, for which there is very little "need". Things such as automobiles, whiskey, perfumes, funerals, diamonds, desert (or swamp) real estate, vacuum cleaners, sneakers, etc.
It is not about convincing them.
Though this has negative aspects. As soon as you start linking things (especially their first experiences and impressions) to people's emotions and desires, then you are subjected to the whims of such forces. Such forces may turn against you and cause irreparable harm to long-term adoption, or others can sweep in and divert such energy towards their own project and ends.
Finally, bitcoin is pretty great but has a long time to go in both development and adoption. Personally, I don't seem much harm in having patience towards adoption, nor do I see that much benefit in urging or necessitating mass use.
Very well said. I do however like this idea. When I am talking to people about bitcoin, I warn them it is very easy to get involved, but there are security issues, hacking. Let them know the user is the weakest link.
