is there a main or "easy" way to start establishing your trustworthiness (to an extent sensible on the interwebz)?
The #bitcoin-otc marketplace is one of the more valued methods.
To use #bitcoin-otc, you'll need to install GPG software, and then register your GPG key with the #bitcoin-otc gribble bot:
- http://wiki.bitcoin-otc.com/wiki/GPG_authentication#Third-party_guides
Once you got that though then using the #bitcoin-otc Web of Trust (WoT) lets you build a trading history that is used to help your potential trading parties determine risk. You can then list orders on the #bitcoin-otc order book:
- http://bitcoin-otc.com/vieworderbook.php
GPG is used by a number of other services as well. Some exchanges either require GPG or allow security to be improved thanks to GPG. Some bitcoin-based E-commerce sites use GPG as well. For instance, when ordering mobile phone recharge/top up cards through BTCBuy.info, you can provide your GPG key and the mobile top-up code will be sent to you encrypted so that there was no chance that any eavesdropping of your e-mail ensuring that your code delivered would will still be valid and not already redeemed.
