Thanks for the edit CfB...
An update on my stance, as I consider this entire launch totally botched I re-align my allegiance towards BigIotaBig (who took great risk in sending me BTC upfront for a % of my stash)... as such, I will prioritize the integrity of my deal with him (and the safety of that deal) over any previous promises to IOTA.
Once there is an easy to use GUI or BTC donation address I will make a donation towards the foundation. Until then I reserve the right to suspend my support of the funding of the foundation on the basis of not feeling secure in the process and possibly jeopardizing BigIOTABig's % that I hold.
I should also note that, once again, the project keeps somehow moving the target on what needs to be done. I already claimed IOTA months ago, now I need to claim them again, now need to calculate some new total supply number, now must donate to the foundation or fall under the "stupid speculator" category, big secret deal is so secret we can't know anything about it... etc etc etc. It just IS absurd.
That the tone that often comes from the community (and leader) is condescending also doesn't help.
I don't mind technical problems and delays, what I mind is the constant introduction of new "maximally vital support" which must be shown to this project just so as not be labelled a traitor or whatever. I've been waiting at least 3 months for a GUI that is easy and user friendly to transfer IOTA to bigiotabig and to donate to the foundation (or the big deal - both projects, mind you, that are more or less opaque operations which I have little information on).
I've never been asked to donate or invest in something with the caveat of "hey, can't tell you anything about this"... I hear all the time things of the "real world" here, good luck getting people to throw money at "secret deals you can't be a part of in any manner outside of forking over cash" in the real world. If there is an NDA, then those forking over cash should also get a chance to sign it - that is, if you are going to ask for money, the person forking over money should have an understanding of what is being funded. At least the foundation is somewhat understandable on that front.
What needs to be made clear is that, even if there is behind the scenes miracles happening, they are meaningless to people without that information. It might be that this thing does end up being 100 billion dollars large... great. That doesn't mean that this is clear to those on the outside at this stage. Yet, those on the outside are the ones being asked to risk capital (and have risked capital already). Either you have to open up these miracles (and information) to the public or have a few interested parties sign NDAs OR there needs to be a change in tone.
The really frustrating part is that this thing is probably really important and can actually work. It's the only reason I'm still here 5+ months in waiting for a GUI to make simple transfers and will still donate to the foundation if the opportunity presents itself in a more transparent manner.
go [CENSORED] yourself... there, now I'm stating the truth. Just reduced my upcoming donation on your post alone. Getting tired of the tone over this entire endeavor.
nope nope. no blackmailing please.
i am just stating the truth. and that is just one of the strategies. game theories at work you know.