Appreciate all the kind words everyone! Just thought I'd come back and respond to a few bits before I lock the thread
It turns out that minifrij is one of the oldest forum participants who is still active?
Like Timelord pointed out, I think 'active' might be a bit of a stretch. I've made about 10 posts in the last 3 years lol.
You say that you just turned 24 years old. So, when you created this account, you were 14 years old? How was it possible for a teenager to become interested in a crypto and bitcoin at a time when it was not as popular as it is now? I'm really interested in this.
I was actually 13 when I first discovered Bitcoin, as it was a few months before I created this account.
My main motivation was actually because of my age. At the time I found it really difficult to buy things online as I was too young to use a lot of financial services (such as credit/debit cards, PayPal etc). I'd heard about Bitcoin a little bit before, I don't exactly remember how, and remembered hearing that it was totally anonymous. I figured that if I could get some Bitcoin somehow, I'd have a way I could buy Steam games etc without having to ask someone else's permission.
That's also why if you go back to my earliest posts you'll find me just spamming my Bitcoin address. I only joined this forum at first as a way to enter giveaways.
It's great to hear when crypto made it possible not only to speculate on the price, but also awakened a new hobby and made it possible to get a useful profession.
Truth be told, I never really cared about the price of Bitcoin. In fact, I'd even go as far to say that the price going up like it has as it has kinda ruined crypto for me.
Without going on a massive rant, back when I first got properly involved in Bitcoin/Crypto outside of making some spending money (late 2013/early 2014) it felt like a group of people working together to try and make something cool that can actually be used. Nowadays looking at 'crypto influencers' and what not it kinda feels like it's just a bunch of scumbags trying to figure out how they can make as much money as possible by tricking people into believing crypto is something that it's not (e.g. the craze with NFTs a few years ago).
As I said in the OP, I have a lot of really lovely memories from the crypto community and I'll never regret being a part of it. That being said, I'm almost embarrased to say that I am/was a part of it now, because doing so unfortunately links me to a community that I find hard to be proud of nowadays.
Anyway, enough about me being jaded and bitter!
I know what you mean now everything was so different back then, but so many awesome memories as well. I'm very happy to say I got the chance to meet you and have a beer in person that time. That was quite a night!! 💥💥💥
Honestly, it was amazing. I still remember asking for a booking under the name 'The Coin Council' at the entrance, the bouncer looked at me like I was pulling a prank until he checked the list!
Thanks again for the memories, You're right there precious and from a completely different time in Bitcoin history from how it feels anyway.
Owl
Same to you Owl, I hope you're doing great! Will never forget those days, as long as I live.
Wow, but wow. You came to the forum when you were 14, and after a few months, you already had PayPal to BTC trades, at least judging by your feedback. Really impressive and seems almost unbelievable.
Now I'm a little ashamed of how stupid I was when I was 14
Don't be hard on yourself! I always tried to hide my age on the forum as I was worried that people wouldn't take me seriously or trust me if they knew I was just some teenager. It was only really as I got older that I actually told people, and even then it was only a select group.
There is also something to be said about enjoying being a kid at that age. I've had some great times, but I can't lie and say that spending so much time in places like this as a young person hasn't had an effect on the way I see/interact with people, especially when it comes to money. Even still though, I wouldn't change a thing!
Makes sense that you've also passed the 10 year mark, just like me. Congratulations Mini!
Congratulations to yourself Mitchell! Hope you're doing great as well!
Again, thanks for all your kind messages everyone. Maybe I'll be back in a few months to make one post and disppear again