Author

Topic: The truth about the BFL 1000 BTC fund? (Read 6472 times)

hero member
Activity: 924
Merit: 1000
January 07, 2014, 04:45:02 AM
#79
I would like to reiterate that the topic here is the fund, not the business or Inaba's personality).

... But Zerlan's personality and arrogant behavior is getting in the way of, and cheapening the entire premise of their "fund"

 You can't have a discussion about the fund, and not discuss Josh's deplorable behavior, based on the comments you yourself have posted from him.

Is it time for the why are we waiting song?
legendary
Activity: 1652
Merit: 1067
Christian Antkow
November 17, 2013, 09:18:50 AM
#78
I would like to reiterate that the topic here is the fund, not the business or Inaba's personality).

... But Zerlan's personality and arrogant behavior is getting in the way of, and cheapening the entire premise of their "fund"

 You can't have a discussion about the fund, and not discuss Josh's deplorable behavior, based on the comments you yourself have posted from him.
legendary
Activity: 1134
Merit: 1008
CEO of IOHK
November 17, 2013, 04:40:37 AM
#77
You expect BFL to be involved in anything other than misery, lies, damage to the community and bitter insults? This is yet another house of cards built to attempt to avoid the inevitable faith of all snake oil salesmen. 
hero member
Activity: 924
Merit: 1000
November 17, 2013, 04:33:59 AM
#76
Update?
sr. member
Activity: 434
Merit: 254
Editor-in-Chief of Let's Talk Bitcoin!
July 23, 2013, 03:12:02 PM
#75
I wanted to update:
I know of at least three people (Myself, Stephanie Murphy and Teresa Warmke) who have all send one or more emails to be considered for the "charity selection board", and none of us received any response in the last month.

I'm not exactly sure what kind of operation they have, but they don't seem to be seriously looking for board members.
legendary
Activity: 1134
Merit: 1008
CEO of IOHK
July 22, 2013, 03:35:38 PM
#74
Quote
We have been calling and explaining bitcoin to a number of charities and trying to get them on board.  It's not exactly a quick or easy process.

If you've got some, by all means, submit them and we'll review them and/or add them as appropriate.  The BitcoinDF site is not finished, but we did want to get something up to move things forward.  That's why it was labeled as a sneak peek.

And it has now been revealed that Josh has no intention of making the donation process transparent nor will donate to any entity that has called BFL's business practices into question. Again BFL makes a good thing bad. Thanks Josh for never letting my low opinion of you down.
legendary
Activity: 3878
Merit: 1193
July 22, 2013, 02:26:06 AM
#73
I just did some spot-checking, and it appears that funds are being donated. For example, this donation to CGminer:
https://blockchain.info/tx/73de8b19a222450f3c5a69c7eb5804cdd3e24a1081c88f7870dff30d06ceac84

Is there any dispute that these donations are being made? Is there any dispute that the recipients of these donations are entities independent of BFL?

My reference: http://www.bitcoindf.org/

So they're paying contractors to develop software for their hardware. How is that a "donation to charity"?
sr. member
Activity: 434
Merit: 254
Editor-in-Chief of Let's Talk Bitcoin!
June 17, 2013, 01:39:19 PM
#72
Hey Josh,
When are you planning on forming the board?

Why is there so much interest in how they give away their own coin? Was their some detail in the bet/pledge that I missed that said Josh had to ask the Internet who to give it to?



Because on the front page of bitcoindf.org it currently says this
Quote
If you would like to donate or become a member of our charity selection board, please email [email protected] or send BTC to 1ERVh27gZfPSDaaagL9R3W12xpMJ38ZBA7.
legendary
Activity: 1680
Merit: 1035
June 17, 2013, 01:30:24 PM
#71
You could fund Bitcoin100 for quite a while with that large a donation.

They could, but I would rather have them donate money to actual Bitcoin related projects, instead of general charities. There are a lot of starving software developers out there  Grin
full member
Activity: 260
Merit: 100
June 17, 2013, 10:57:13 AM
#70
Quote
We have been calling and explaining bitcoin to a number of charities and trying to get them on board.  It's not exactly a quick or easy process.

If you've got some, by all means, submit them and we'll review them and/or add them as appropriate.  The BitcoinDF site is not finished, but we did want to get something up to move things forward.  That's why it was labeled as a sneak peek.

Thank you Josh for donating 1,000 291 bitcoins on behalf of BFL to charities and open sourced projects. I'm glad BFL has decided to honor its commitments and run an internal foundation.

Could you clarify how BDF selects organizations to receive donations? 


I also think that this is the right thing to do and I am glad you are (so far) giving to Bitcoin related projects. $100,000 more invested can't hurt BTC:)

FTFY.
hero member
Activity: 644
Merit: 500
June 17, 2013, 01:42:44 AM
#69
This just stinks to high heaven.

I could care less what BFL does from here on as I have seen enough to make me sick.

Thats it!! Gather around and suck some more balls.

You all make me sick.
sr. member
Activity: 434
Merit: 254
Editor-in-Chief of Let's Talk Bitcoin!
June 17, 2013, 01:07:44 AM
#68
We have been calling and explaining bitcoin to a number of charities and trying to get them on board.  It's not exactly a quick or easy process.

If you've got some, by all means, submit them and we'll review them and/or add them as appropriate.  The BitcoinDF site is not finished, but we did want to get something up to move things forward.  That's why it was labeled as a sneak peek.


I don't have a dog in this fight, so I've applied to be on the charity selection board.
Quote
Hi there,
Kudos on the fund - This is a great idea and probably the best way BFL could have fulfilled their promise given the values at stake.   I think I would be a good addition to your selection board as I have visibility within the community, a reputation for being fair, reality based, and comprehensive, and I sequester my personal ideology from merit based decision-making. 

 Let me know if you'd like to set up a time to talk about this, I look forward to your response.

I sincerely hope the guy you quoted in the original post isn't the one picking charities, if this is governed by a real board it could be very helpful.

Hey Josh,
When are you planning on forming the board?
newbie
Activity: 33
Merit: 0
June 17, 2013, 01:00:40 AM
#67
How is theymos profiting as a mod? do mods get $$ for advertising? how does this work?

theymos is an admin, he helps keep the forums up and does other tasks as necessary. The moderators do the bulk of the moving of topics and such, and theymos makes changes to the forum to help support them. They receive advertising revenue based on the amount of work they are doing. It's not a huge amount of money, in case you're concerned.

I'm not concerned, just trying to understand how moderation on reddit works, does he pick the adds that go up, is he paid directly?
legendary
Activity: 2156
Merit: 1393
You lead and I'll watch you walk away.
June 17, 2013, 12:49:09 AM
#66
You could fund Bitcoin100 for quite a while with that large a donation.
vip
Activity: 840
Merit: 1000
June 17, 2013, 12:48:42 AM
#65
Quote
We have been calling and explaining bitcoin to a number of charities and trying to get them on board.  It's not exactly a quick or easy process.

If you've got some, by all means, submit them and we'll review them and/or add them as appropriate.  The BitcoinDF site is not finished, but we did want to get something up to move things forward.  That's why it was labeled as a sneak peek.

Thank you Josh for donating 1,000 bitcoins on behalf of BFL to charities and open sourced projects. I'm glad BFL has decided to honor its commitments and run an internal foundation.

Could you clarify how BDF selects organizations to receive donations? 


I also think that this is the right thing to do and I am glad you are (so far) giving to Bitcoin related projects. $100,000 more invested can't hurt BTC:)
legendary
Activity: 1134
Merit: 1008
CEO of IOHK
June 17, 2013, 12:44:12 AM
#64
Quote
We have been calling and explaining bitcoin to a number of charities and trying to get them on board.  It's not exactly a quick or easy process.

If you've got some, by all means, submit them and we'll review them and/or add them as appropriate.  The BitcoinDF site is not finished, but we did want to get something up to move things forward.  That's why it was labeled as a sneak peek.

Thank you Josh for donating 1,000 bitcoins on behalf of BFL to charities and open sourced projects. I'm glad BFL has decided to honor its commitments and run an internal foundation.

Could you clarify how BDF selects organizations to receive donations? 
legendary
Activity: 1260
Merit: 1000
June 17, 2013, 12:23:24 AM
#63
We have been calling and explaining bitcoin to a number of charities and trying to get them on board.  It's not exactly a quick or easy process.

If you've got some, by all means, submit them and we'll review them and/or add them as appropriate.  The BitcoinDF site is not finished, but we did want to get something up to move things forward.  That's why it was labeled as a sneak peek.
donator
Activity: 1419
Merit: 1015
June 16, 2013, 11:38:03 PM
#62
How is theymos profiting as a mod? do mods get $$ for advertising? how does this work?

theymos is an admin, he helps keep the forums up and does other tasks as necessary. The moderators do the bulk of the moving of topics and such, and theymos makes changes to the forum to help support them. They receive advertising revenue based on the amount of work they are doing. It's not a huge amount of money, in case you're concerned.
newbie
Activity: 33
Merit: 0
June 16, 2013, 10:54:12 PM
#61
How is theymos profiting as a mod? do mods get $$ for advertising? how does this work?
legendary
Activity: 1204
Merit: 1015
June 16, 2013, 10:26:16 PM
#60
I just did some spot-checking, and it appears that funds are being donated. For example, this donation to CGminer:
https://blockchain.info/tx/73de8b19a222450f3c5a69c7eb5804cdd3e24a1081c88f7870dff30d06ceac84

Is there any dispute that these donations are being made? Is there any dispute that the recipients of these donations are entities independent of BFL?

My reference: http://www.bitcoindf.org/
legendary
Activity: 1680
Merit: 1035
June 16, 2013, 09:10:52 PM
#59
Out of curiosity, did anyone here actually believe that this BFL 1000 BTC thing was anything other than a PR stunt to be doled out at their own discretion, only in ways that helps improve their own image? It sounds like some people may have been fooled into thinking that this was BFL being genuinely charitable for no reason other than being nice.

And i guess follow-up question, is anyone actually surprised, shocked, or offended at them doing this, instead of thinking that's to be expected from most any business, and especially from one of BFL's caliber?
hero member
Activity: 588
Merit: 500
Hero VIP ultra official trusted super staff puppet
June 16, 2013, 03:39:25 PM
#58
No e-begging! If you need money, work for it!

Is this what you did? And they said no. so you then bitched about them and called them names while posting PMs?

Lulz
Sincere questions receive sincere responses. Your question is a troll. Soliciting donation funds for acceptance is not begging, it also has nothing to do with me. I inquired on behalf of the conference, which is a non-profit.

Post sincere questions and they will be answered. Try to stay on topic though, as you keep forgetting Charles received the same treatment and Inaba has yet to clarify any points of transparency. Do you think the fund is legitimate or just an attempt to save face publicly?

(Edit: You seem to insist on attacking me personally instead of discussing the topic, which is BFL's transparency or lack thereof, and the now questionability of their legitimacy. If you can agree that their legitimacy with the fund is questionable, then your negative opinion of me is irrelevant and does not need to be repeated on every thread I am active in. Stay on topic.)
hero member
Activity: 644
Merit: 500
June 16, 2013, 12:57:24 AM
#57
*cough* but they owe 2000 *cough*

They "owe?" They, as the company BFL, volunteered 1000 for this charity/PR thing. Josh/Inaba may owe a separate 1000 himself for whatever bet, but I don't know the details of that. Don't conflate who is supposed to give to whom, and don't conflate a voluntary act of kindness for "owing" anything to the needy. All they really owe is the damn ASICs to their customers, and a ton of apologies and compensations for making them wait so long.

Calm yourself fanboy! A "voluntary act of kindness!" LOL Are we talking about the same people?

If you make a promise that promise becomes a debt that you owe against your honor. Oh, you're right, they have no honor so obviously they have no debt. Never mind.

I'm just saying that when to comes to charity, they don't owe anyone a thing. They made a promise to the community. They owe a debt to the community. Anyone else see a problem with that last sentence?

If I used that bet to show that I was making good on a promise in the future and was unable to deliver on that promise that I would donate a sum to charity and then did not.

Do you see a problem with that statement? As for honor BFL lacks in that due to Mistake(™)
legendary
Activity: 1680
Merit: 1035
June 16, 2013, 12:39:24 AM
#56
*cough* but they owe 2000 *cough*

They "owe?" They, as the company BFL, volunteered 1000 for this charity/PR thing. Josh/Inaba may owe a separate 1000 himself for whatever bet, but I don't know the details of that. Don't conflate who is supposed to give to whom, and don't conflate a voluntary act of kindness for "owing" anything to the needy. All they really owe is the damn ASICs to their customers, and a ton of apologies and compensations for making them wait so long.

Calm yourself fanboy! A "voluntary act of kindness!" LOL Are we talking about the same people?

If you make a promise that promise becomes a debt that you owe against your honor. Oh, you're right, they have no honor so obviously they have no debt. Never mind.

I'm just saying that when to comes to charity, they don't owe anyone a thing. They made a promise to the community. They owe a debt to the community. Anyone else see a problem with that last sentence?
legendary
Activity: 2156
Merit: 1393
You lead and I'll watch you walk away.
June 16, 2013, 12:23:48 AM
#55
*cough* but they owe 2000 *cough*

They "owe?" They, as the company BFL, volunteered 1000 for this charity/PR thing. Josh/Inaba may owe a separate 1000 himself for whatever bet, but I don't know the details of that. Don't conflate who is supposed to give to whom, and don't conflate a voluntary act of kindness for "owing" anything to the needy. All they really owe is the damn ASICs to their customers, and a ton of apologies and compensations for making them wait so long.

Calm yourself fanboy! A "voluntary act of kindness!" LOL Are we talking about the same people?

If you make a promise that promise becomes a debt that you owe against your honor. Oh, you're right, they have no honor so obviously they have no debt. Never mind.
legendary
Activity: 1680
Merit: 1035
June 16, 2013, 12:02:07 AM
#54
*cough* but they owe 2000 *cough*

They "owe?" They, as the company BFL, volunteered 1000 for this charity/PR thing. Josh/Inaba may owe a separate 1000 himself for whatever bet, but I don't know the details of that. Don't conflate who is supposed to give to whom, and don't conflate a voluntary act of kindness for "owing" anything to the needy. All they really owe is the damn ASICs to their customers, and a ton of apologies and compensations for making them wait so long.
legendary
Activity: 1918
Merit: 1570
Bitcoin: An Idea Worth Spending
June 15, 2013, 11:08:26 PM
#53
*cough* but they owe 2000 *cough*

True!

@MNW

Are you aware that Sonny K is no longer with the company? He disappeared when a Sonny Vleisides entered onto the scene.

Ask for links if you need them.

BTW, nice thread.
legendary
Activity: 2156
Merit: 1393
You lead and I'll watch you walk away.
June 15, 2013, 10:34:55 PM
#52
*cough* but they owe 2000 *cough*
legendary
Activity: 1680
Merit: 1035
June 15, 2013, 10:25:02 PM
#51
*cough* 1,000 BTC at $100 price is $100,000
legendary
Activity: 1134
Merit: 1008
CEO of IOHK
June 15, 2013, 02:28:39 PM
#50
Quote
I sincerely hope the guy you quoted in the original post isn't the one picking charities, if this is governed by a real board it could be very helpful.

The guy is Josh, an executive for BFL, and yes he does seem to have influence over the charities being selected.
hero member
Activity: 588
Merit: 500
Hero VIP ultra official trusted super staff puppet
June 15, 2013, 02:27:31 PM
#49
I don't have a dog in this fight, so I've applied to be on the charity selection board.
Quote
Hi there,
Kudos on the fund - This is a great idea and probably the best way BFL could have fulfilled their promise given the values at stake.   I think I would be a good addition to your selection board as I have visibility within the community, a reputation for being fair, reality based, and comprehensive, and I sequester my personal ideology from merit based decision-making.  

 Let me know if you'd like to set up a time to talk about this, I look forward to your response.

I sincerely hope the guy you quoted in the original post isn't the one picking charities, if this is governed by a real board it could be very helpful.

Using Inaba's logic, now that you've posted in this thread you're associated with me and thus cannot be associated with him. I suppose me being associated with everyone should starve him.
sr. member
Activity: 434
Merit: 254
Editor-in-Chief of Let's Talk Bitcoin!
June 15, 2013, 02:25:53 PM
#48
I don't have a dog in this fight, so I've applied to be on the charity selection board.
Quote
Hi there,
Kudos on the fund - This is a great idea and probably the best way BFL could have fulfilled their promise given the values at stake.   I think I would be a good addition to your selection board as I have visibility within the community, a reputation for being fair, reality based, and comprehensive, and I sequester my personal ideology from merit based decision-making. 

 Let me know if you'd like to set up a time to talk about this, I look forward to your response.

I sincerely hope the guy you quoted in the original post isn't the one picking charities, if this is governed by a real board it could be very helpful.
hero member
Activity: 588
Merit: 500
Hero VIP ultra official trusted super staff puppet
June 15, 2013, 02:05:01 PM
#47
debts arising from bets are not enforceable

Despite what natural enemies of mine tried to portray otherwise, I knew this already and it is true for my current situation (there is no way to sue me successfully, take from me what I don't have, etc etc). The problem is, I didn't know the scope of my trolling and what it would do to even a handful of honest people. I'm positive many of the betters were scammers (many have admitted it), but I don't think it matters. What matters is that I threw a ball in a house, the house caught on fire, and now I realize I may have knocked over a candle, and even if I can't prove it, it doesn't matter, I take responsibility for the fire.

We now await Josh/Inaba to take responsibility for his fire, instead of trying to bribe with the insurance claims inspectors or painting over the fire damage.
hero member
Activity: 714
Merit: 500
Martijn Meijering
June 15, 2013, 01:57:44 PM
#46
More than half. It will take years potentially if bitcoin's price continues to raise regularly, but I will keep my word because despite the misconception by those who think a manic episode equates to being a scammer, I am probably one of the most honest people on these forums (key point: I correct myself when wrong, apologize when wrong, and make up for my mistakes. I do not start fraudulent funds and pass them off as charities to avoid paying what I owe).

Commendable. Under Dutch law (and maybe in all civil law jurisdictions) debts arising from bets are not enforceable, they constitute what are called "natural obligations". While if someone does pay, he cannot later ask for his money back, he cannot be forced to pay. Disclaimer: IANAL, TINLA.
legendary
Activity: 1134
Merit: 1008
CEO of IOHK
June 15, 2013, 01:53:42 PM
#45
To avoid this thread becoming yet another BFL is evil, let's just focus upon the matter at hand. How does Bitcoin DF decide to allocate funds, who is involved in that decision and why are applications based upon one's statements regarding BFL?

I really do applaud BFL for donating money to organizations such as FSF; however, it still is fundamentally dishonest to represent these donations on behalf of a neutral entity when they are simply a brand proxy of BFL.
hero member
Activity: 588
Merit: 500
Hero VIP ultra official trusted super staff puppet
June 15, 2013, 01:49:27 PM
#44

A shame I'm paying for. That's the different between me and a scammer though, I make up for things when I make a mistake and I always make sure to pay back more than was borrowed.

And how much exactly have you payed back? I don't visit this forum that often and I am genuinely curious about that.

https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/september-2012-bet-resolution-140654

More than half. It will take years potentially if bitcoin's price continues to raise regularly, but I will keep my word because despite the misconception by those who think a manic episode equates to being a scammer, I am probably one of the most honest people on these forums (key point: I correct myself when wrong, apologize when wrong, and make up for my mistakes. I do not start fraudulent funds and pass them off as charities to avoid paying what I owe).
newbie
Activity: 33
Merit: 0
June 15, 2013, 01:44:50 PM
#43

A shame I'm paying for. That's the different between me and a scammer though, I make up for things when I make a mistake and I always make sure to pay back more than was borrowed.

And how much exactly have you payed back? I don't visit this forum that often and I am genuinely curious about that.
hero member
Activity: 756
Merit: 522
June 15, 2013, 01:30:23 PM
#42
As a consultant for the Bitcoin Conference in Amsterdam, Netherlands this September 27-29,  against my better judgement I figured it couldn't hurt to query BFL in regards to their 1000 bitcoins already pledged and earmarked for charities, non-profits, projects, etc. as penance for over-promising and under-delivering. My courteous request for information turned into an eye opening revolution about paranoia and ego.

Warning: Below are the raw, uncut messages between us. Those who get offended easily on the internet may want to avert their eyes

...

Still waiting on a response, but it's starting to look like the fund is not a real fund, but just further investments and 'gifts' to fans of BFL. That doesn't seem to meet the sane requirements for a charity, and I think they should be called out on this. Since Theymos seems to be lacking in the integrity department by letting them continue to advertise here, not delivering a scammer tag, etc, I am beginning to think the only clear solution is to boycott the forums.

Looking forward to constructive, non-trolling comments.

(edit: I've deleted 2 anti-BFL troll comments so far and one BFL-fanboy comment. I would like to reiterate that the topic here is the fund, not the business or Inaba's personality).

We know they're scammers. Arguing with scammers can be an exercise in comedy, but really, what are you proving? Sonny's daddy was a scammer. Sonny himself is a convicted felon. BFL was made by a convicted felon in breach of his terms of release. Josh Zerlan is just some random whore in the background, like Luke, coinjedi & co. Nobody cares.

Anyone who is smart enough to have run a charity would reconsider asking BFL for funds as I believe they would have done their own research in to BFL and see that the money would only tarnish the validity of their ethics.

A funny sort of problem, having nobody willing to take the 1000 Bitcoins you don't have but promised to give. I'm sure in the end they'll find something working on the betsofbitco.in scammodel.
hero member
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Hero VIP ultra official trusted super staff puppet
June 15, 2013, 01:28:27 PM
#41
Wait, what? I'm doing accounting for The Conference? I guess I'll have to get off my butt and actually, uh, do... something?

For what it's worth, the money is still BFL's, regardless of what they said about giving it to charities, so I don't fault them for being picky about who gets it and not giving it to those they dislike. As long as it's not going back to them, I don't think it matters if they deny it to someone for personal reasons. The whole point of creating this fund was to help them improve their company image, so it's really up to them to pick which donations would improve it and which won't have any effect. I'm also not sure that The Conference really qualities as a needy cause. Or a charity.

Also, despite horrible business mistakes and fuckups, I don't consider BFL a scam at all. If only because they were always willing to give refunds, and I believe all their reasons for delays, especially since they were honest about making stupid mistakes to cause those delays. Badly run business? Yes. Scam? No. Maybe I'm just gullible. I'll also probably be buying from them once they catch up on backorders and start regular shipments.

No, they will not be giving away $200,000 because someone on the interwebz gets pissy or calls them names. They are not scammers. That name conjures up images of some snot nosed kid behind a keyboard playing video games and laughing about the couple of guys they suckered on a stupid forum. These guys are professional grifters that set out on a mission to swindle as many people as they can for as long as they can. If I were going to do a long con I would also refund a few people to keep up appearances and make up the lost funds by charging the remaining marks $300-$500 shipping (which is what they have done).

I have to agree with Matthew on this one. It's very concerning that the supposedly "main forum" for Bitcoin continues to take advertising dollars from a manufacturer that sells a product and doesn't deliver for a year. That makes it seem as if the forum is in on the scam. So is Bitcoin just a scam? It's enough to make new visitors to this site wonder.

My question is still unanswered so I will rephrase. Why would any of you believe that BFL would give $200,000 dollars of conned money away because someone on a chat forum is bitchy or complains? No one is that stupid.

Well, I'm giving about that much away on a forum for making a prank bet and trying to make up for it. There are apparently stupid people everywhere.  Smiley

You are not giving away $200k for that stupid bet and if you are you're nuts. You know why I didn't bet against you back then? Because if you lost I knew you could never cover the bet and it be pointless to bet. You don't really believe I'm some sort of genius and I'm the only one that understood that do you? Everyone betting had to know you could never cover the bet and if they did lose 90% of them would have stiffed you anyway. You are a major fuck-up for pulling that shit but I don't just blame you. I blame the other parties too. You screwed your rep with all bitcoiners by doing that stupid stunt and made all the businesses that were working with you distance themselves. It really is a shame.

A shame I'm paying for. That's the different between me and a scammer though, I make up for things when I make a mistake and I always make sure to pay back more than was borrowed. Money never interested me (imagine that, bitcoiners!) which is why I do not think of bitcoin like others here. I only care about building and being useful, and to me, making a bet and not paying for it removes my usefulness. It isn't even about money. BFL have removed their usefulness as well, but instead of paying to undo a mistake, they apparently decided to make more.
legendary
Activity: 2156
Merit: 1393
You lead and I'll watch you walk away.
June 15, 2013, 01:24:28 PM
#40
Wait, what? I'm doing accounting for The Conference? I guess I'll have to get off my butt and actually, uh, do... something?

For what it's worth, the money is still BFL's, regardless of what they said about giving it to charities, so I don't fault them for being picky about who gets it and not giving it to those they dislike. As long as it's not going back to them, I don't think it matters if they deny it to someone for personal reasons. The whole point of creating this fund was to help them improve their company image, so it's really up to them to pick which donations would improve it and which won't have any effect. I'm also not sure that The Conference really qualities as a needy cause. Or a charity.

Also, despite horrible business mistakes and fuckups, I don't consider BFL a scam at all. If only because they were always willing to give refunds, and I believe all their reasons for delays, especially since they were honest about making stupid mistakes to cause those delays. Badly run business? Yes. Scam? No. Maybe I'm just gullible. I'll also probably be buying from them once they catch up on backorders and start regular shipments.

No, they will not be giving away $200,000 because someone on the interwebz gets pissy or calls them names. They are not scammers. That name conjures up images of some snot nosed kid behind a keyboard playing video games and laughing about the couple of guys they suckered on a stupid forum. These guys are professional grifters that set out on a mission to swindle as many people as they can for as long as they can. If I were going to do a long con I would also refund a few people to keep up appearances and make up the lost funds by charging the remaining marks $300-$500 shipping (which is what they have done).

I have to agree with Matthew on this one. It's very concerning that the supposedly "main forum" for Bitcoin continues to take advertising dollars from a manufacturer that sells a product and doesn't deliver for a year. That makes it seem as if the forum is in on the scam. So is Bitcoin just a scam? It's enough to make new visitors to this site wonder.

My question is still unanswered so I will rephrase. Why would any of you believe that BFL would give $200,000 dollars of conned money away because someone on a chat forum is bitchy or complains? No one is that stupid.

Well, I'm giving about that much away on a forum for making a prank bet and trying to make up for it. There are apparently stupid people everywhere.  Smiley

You are not giving away $200k for that stupid bet and if you are you're nuts. You know why I didn't bet against you back then? Because if you lost I knew you could never cover the bet and it be pointless to bet. You don't really believe I'm some sort of genius and I'm the only one that understood that do you? Everyone betting had to know you could never cover the bet and if they did lose 90% of them would have stiffed you anyway. You are a major fuck-up for pulling that shit but I don't just blame you. I blame the other parties too. You screwed your rep with all bitcoiners by doing that stupid stunt and made all the businesses that were working with you distance themselves. It really is a shame.
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June 15, 2013, 12:05:25 PM
#39
Wait, what? I'm doing accounting for The Conference? I guess I'll have to get off my butt and actually, uh, do... something?

For what it's worth, the money is still BFL's, regardless of what they said about giving it to charities, so I don't fault them for being picky about who gets it and not giving it to those they dislike. As long as it's not going back to them, I don't think it matters if they deny it to someone for personal reasons. The whole point of creating this fund was to help them improve their company image, so it's really up to them to pick which donations would improve it and which won't have any effect. I'm also not sure that The Conference really qualities as a needy cause. Or a charity.

Also, despite horrible business mistakes and fuckups, I don't consider BFL a scam at all. If only because they were always willing to give refunds, and I believe all their reasons for delays, especially since they were honest about making stupid mistakes to cause those delays. Badly run business? Yes. Scam? No. Maybe I'm just gullible. I'll also probably be buying from them once they catch up on backorders and start regular shipments.

No, they will not be giving away $200,000 because someone on the interwebz gets pissy or calls them names. They are not scammers. That name conjures up images of some snot nosed kid behind a keyboard playing video games and laughing about the couple of guys they suckered on a stupid forum. These guys are professional grifters that set out on a mission to swindle as many people as they can for as long as they can. If I were going to do a long con I would also refund a few people to keep up appearances and make up the lost funds by charging the remaining marks $300-$500 shipping (which is what they have done).

I have to agree with Matthew on this one. It's very concerning that the supposedly "main forum" for Bitcoin continues to take advertising dollars from a manufacturer that sells a product and doesn't deliver for a year. That makes it seem as if the forum is in on the scam. So is Bitcoin just a scam? It's enough to make new visitors to this site wonder.

My question is still unanswered so I will rephrase. Why would any of you believe that BFL would give $200,000 dollars of conned money away because someone on a chat forum is bitchy or complains? No one is that stupid.

Well, I'm giving about that much away on a forum for making a prank bet and trying to make up for it. There are apparently stupid people everywhere.  Smiley
legendary
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June 15, 2013, 11:47:37 AM
#38
Wait, what? I'm doing accounting for The Conference? I guess I'll have to get off my butt and actually, uh, do... something?

For what it's worth, the money is still BFL's, regardless of what they said about giving it to charities, so I don't fault them for being picky about who gets it and not giving it to those they dislike. As long as it's not going back to them, I don't think it matters if they deny it to someone for personal reasons. The whole point of creating this fund was to help them improve their company image, so it's really up to them to pick which donations would improve it and which won't have any effect. I'm also not sure that The Conference really qualities as a needy cause. Or a charity.

Also, despite horrible business mistakes and fuckups, I don't consider BFL a scam at all. If only because they were always willing to give refunds, and I believe all their reasons for delays, especially since they were honest about making stupid mistakes to cause those delays. Badly run business? Yes. Scam? No. Maybe I'm just gullible. I'll also probably be buying from them once they catch up on backorders and start regular shipments.

No, they will not be giving away $200,000 because someone on the interwebz gets pissy or calls them names. They are not scammers. That name conjures up images of some snot nosed kid behind a keyboard playing video games and laughing about the couple of guys they suckered on a stupid forum. These guys are professional grifters that set out on a mission to swindle as many people as they can for as long as they can. If I were going to do a long con I would also refund a few people to keep up appearances and make up the lost funds by charging the remaining marks $300-$500 shipping (which is what they have done).

I have to agree with Matthew on this one. It's very concerning that the supposedly "main forum" for Bitcoin continues to take advertising dollars from a manufacturer that sells a product and doesn't deliver for a year. That makes it seem as if the forum is in on the scam. So is Bitcoin just a scam? It's enough to make new visitors to this site wonder.

My question is still unanswered so I will rephrase. Why would any of you believe that BFL would give $200,000 dollars of conned money away because someone on a chat forum is bitchy or complains? No one is that stupid.
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June 15, 2013, 11:34:58 AM
#37
Actually, the thing that mainly bugs me about this donation is that the money they donated technically isn't theirs. Not until they ship all their backorders, anyway. Until then, it's money they collected from their customers, which belongs to their customers until the money is either returned, or their orders are shipped. So they are basically using the money of the people they have hurt to try to improve their image in the eyes of everyone else. I would have much preferred if they spent that 1000 BTC to either increase their throughput to get products out faster, or split it amongst their customers and sent everyone small refunds.

That's kind of how I feel about Theymos's 6000 BTC in donations for a now 12 month old promise too. Send them back!
legendary
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June 15, 2013, 11:33:19 AM
#36
Actually, the thing that mainly bugs me about this donation is that the money they donated technically isn't theirs. Not until they ship all their backorders, anyway. Until then, it's money they collected from their customers, which belongs to their customers until the money is either returned, or their orders are shipped. So they are basically using the money of the people they have hurt to try to improve their image in the eyes of everyone else. I would have much preferred if they spent that 1000 BTC to either increase their throughput to get products out faster, or split it amongst their customers and sent everyone small refunds.
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June 15, 2013, 11:28:48 AM
#35
Wait, what? I'm doing accounting for The Conference? I guess I'll have to get off my butt and actually, uh, do... something?

For what it's worth, the money is still BFL's, regardless of what they said about giving it to charities, so I don't fault them for being picky about who gets it and not giving it to those they dislike. As long as it's not going back to them, I don't think it matters if they deny it to someone for personal reasons. The whole point of creating this fund was to help them improve their company image, so it's really up to them to pick which donations would improve it and which won't have any effect. I'm also not sure that The Conference really qualities as a needy cause. Or a charity.

Also, despite horrible business mistakes and fuckups, I don't consider BFL a scam at all. If only because they were always willing to give refunds, and I believe all their reasons for delays, especially since they were honest about making stupid mistakes to cause those delays. Badly run business? Yes. Scam? No. Maybe I'm just gullible. I'll also probably be buying from them once they catch up on backorders and start regular shipments.

Again, this isn't even about BFL. This is about the fund that kept them from getting a scammer tag though. If they aren't doing as they say, that *is* the problem, and I agree that neither the conference nor Charles' project are charities. They're not giving the money to charities though apparently (at least that's what they're site says). I don't consider them scammers either (I don't consider Ripple scammers either). I consider them both liars though.
legendary
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June 15, 2013, 11:26:13 AM
#34
Wait, what? I'm doing accounting for The Conference? I guess I'll have to get off my butt and actually, uh, do... something?

For what it's worth, the money is still BFL's, regardless of what they said about giving it to charities, so I don't fault them for being picky about who gets it and not giving it to those they dislike. As long as it's not going back to them, I don't think it matters if they deny it to someone for personal reasons. The whole point of creating this fund was to help them improve their company image, so it's really up to them to pick which donations would improve it and which won't have any effect. I'm also not sure that The Conference really qualities as a needy cause. Or a charity.

Also, despite horrible business mistakes and fuckups, I don't consider BFL a scam at all. If only because they were always willing to give refunds, and I believe all their reasons for delays, especially since they were honest about making stupid mistakes to cause those delays. Badly run business? Yes. Scam? No. Maybe I'm just gullible. I'll also probably be buying from them once they catch up on backorders and start regular shipments.
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June 15, 2013, 11:23:18 AM
#33
One thing became painfully clear when reading this thread: Rather than an independent board managing the "BitcoinDF," it's obvious that Josh and/or others at BFL are directly managing it. Meaning that it is essentially part of BFL.

So far, they appear to have donated 291 BTC to "charities" (I use that term loosely as there are some conflicts of interest IMO). So over 700 BTC are still in their control, and the bet is only 29% satisfied (if you call all of their donation targets "charities").

Apparently, anyone can donate to this fund, which means (if they get any donations), merely donating 1000 BTC is not enough to satisfy the bet, since it was implied that 1000 BTC of their money would be donated. Effectively, the balance of the fund needs to go to 0 to satisfy the bet.

Also, they have been posting TXIDs of each donation; I think it would be valuable if someone tracked these donations and made sure that their obligation has been fulfilled when the fund does finally get to a 0 balance.

Let's get that part straight.

1) They said they'd donate to charities. They didn't, instead donating to a fund.
2) They started the fund to donate to charities, but didn't, instead donating to businesses (non-discernible from investing)
3) What are the businesses they invested in through this fund? Is there a list someplace that can be verified?
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June 15, 2013, 11:20:20 AM
#32
One thing became painfully clear when reading this thread: Rather than an independent board managing the "BitcoinDF," it's obvious that Josh and/or others at BFL are directly managing it. Meaning that it is essentially part of BFL.

So far, they appear to have donated 291 BTC to "charities" (I use that term loosely as there are some conflicts of interest IMO). So over 700 BTC are still in their control, and the bet is only 29% satisfied (if you call all of their donation targets "charities").

Apparently, anyone can donate to this fund, which means (if they get any donations), merely donating 1000 BTC is not enough to satisfy the bet, since it was implied that 1000 BTC of their money would be donated. Effectively, the balance of the fund needs to go to 0 to satisfy the bet.

Also, they have been posting TXIDs of each donation; I think it would be valuable if someone tracked these donations and made sure that their obligation has been fulfilled when the fund does finally get to a 0 balance.
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June 15, 2013, 11:14:48 AM
#31
Matthew, I hate to say it, but they have a point. You've turned into Bruce Wagner and everyone wants to stay as far away from anything you're involved in as they can. I hope this thread causes a BFL supporter to submit a request for another charity and prove you wrong, though.
The BFL charity fund's transparency and legitimacy is being questioned and your only comment is to generalize the opinions of BFL Josh as being that of "everyone" and try to compare me to a homosexual self-important?
Yes, because that's how bad your rep is. I look forward to others submitting similar requests to BFL.

Is this what we get to look forward to once BFL's ads are paying your forum moderator salary?
Yes.

but only because I could care less that BFL indirectly pays me anything and my opinion on the matter has remained consistent.

I could be wrong here but anyone mindful of the community of bitcoin (what ever that mean today) would be against BFL. Anyone who is smart enough to have run a charity would reconsider asking BFL for funds as I believe they would have done their own research in to BFL and see that the money would only tarnish the validity of their ethics. In other words no honest charity director would come close to considering using the funds of BFL to help others.

To make this even more clear and to give a third example I would never see world vision accepting money from a known mafia boss.

That is how I felt at first too, but Charles echoes my sentiment-- it didn't seem like BFL involved at all, but a second charity organization founded for the sole purpose of getting those funds out to organizations and projects that needed it. This conference is good for bitcoiners everywhere and is also a non-profit endeavor. Without any published guidelines on what is and isn't okay, there is no reason to assume they wouldn't accept mine or Charles' applications. The problem is, as Charles already said, they're representing it as a second entity, but in fact it's just Josh investing the money privately.

Maged, what about this don't you understand? Are you actually defending this?
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June 15, 2013, 11:05:54 AM
#30
Matthew, I hate to say it, but they have a point. You've turned into Bruce Wagner and everyone wants to stay as far away from anything you're involved in as they can. I hope this thread causes a BFL supporter to submit a request for another charity and prove you wrong, though.
The BFL charity fund's transparency and legitimacy is being questioned and your only comment is to generalize the opinions of BFL Josh as being that of "everyone" and try to compare me to a homosexual self-important?
Yes, because that's how bad your rep is. I look forward to others submitting similar requests to BFL.

Is this what we get to look forward to once BFL's ads are paying your forum moderator salary?
Yes.

but only because I could care less that BFL indirectly pays me anything and my opinion on the matter has remained consistent.

I could be wrong here but anyone mindful of the community of bitcoin (what ever that mean today) would be against BFL. Anyone who is smart enough to have run a charity would reconsider asking BFL for funds as I believe they would have done their own research in to BFL and see that the money would only tarnish the validity of their ethics. In other words no honest charity director would come close to considering using the funds of BFL to help others.

To make this even more clear and to give a third example I would never see world vision accepting money from a known mafia boss.
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June 15, 2013, 08:57:10 AM
#29
I think it is safe to say that any comment, post, advertisement by Josh or BFL should be assumed to be a lie or misleading or outright false/mistaken.

If those who support BFL still have not learned this lesson yet, you will soon if you intend on purchasing BFL chips in lieu of your preorders or in addition to them.

BFL's track record is horrible and should pose as a PRIME example of what NOT to do when running a bitcoin business.
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June 15, 2013, 06:03:15 AM
#28
Why exactly would BFL give away $200,000? Am I missing something?

BFL is giving 1000 BTC because they missed their power targets by more than 10%
Josh also offered 1000 BTC separately if they would miss their power targets, so he too has to pay.

Oh, that's why he's so defensive about something that should otherwise not affect him personally. I get it now. Yea, conflict of interest. I think he has helped me remove whatever chance in my mind that BFL was honest. If BFL's Sonny K is even remotely honest, he will remove Josh completely from the public eye and issue an apology.
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June 15, 2013, 06:02:30 AM
#27
Why exactly would BFL give away $200,000? Am I missing something?

BFL is giving 1000 BTC because they missed their power targets by more than 10%
Josh also offered 1000 BTC separately if they would miss their power targets, so he too has to pay.
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June 15, 2013, 05:20:44 AM
#26
Why exactly would BFL give away $200,000? Am I missing something?
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June 15, 2013, 04:50:34 AM
#24
Quote
I'll certainly be looking into this more, but I am really feeling like you guys are purposely leaving out a bunch of information in order to further your own agenda.

I haven't left anything out. I saw an article that BFL had made good on a promise to donate 1000 bitcoins and noticed they created a foundation to do so. I assumed the foundation was a neutral entity and sent an email. I never got a reply thus I sent the one I posted above and asked our two fundraisers also to apply. I never received a reply. I never assumed any malice or dishonesty until I stumbled upon Matt's post.

Matt nor anyone in the general community was told about our solicitation of the fund for a donation therefore I have no reason to believe he fabricated Josh's response. It greatly disheartens me BFL has yet again taken something good and found a way to corrupt it somehow. This donation was for brand enhancement alone and had nothing to do with helping entities in the Bitcoin community in need of funds.

Quote
Honestly, as long as the money goes to causes that aren't affiliated with them (as in, they aren't just giving money to themselves), I really don't see a problem.

I don't either, but why not just simply issue a press release saying BFL is going to donate 1,000 bitcoins and please submit an email to us for funding requests? I would have never solicited BFL due to my relationship with their operating officer.


This is a direct quote from their website http://www.bitcoindf.org/:

Quote
The Bitcoin development fund was created to support projects that benefit the greater bitcoin community.  Our first donation of 1,000 BTC was made by Butterfly Labs which is a bitcoin mining hardware manufacturer.  If you would like to donate or become a member of our charity selection board, please email [email protected] or send BTC to 1ERVh27gZfPSDaaagL9R3W12xpMJ38ZBA7.

From Josh:
Quote
You badmouth BFL and me every chance you get and you want a handout?  Yeah right, get real.  What kind of drugs are you on?  You should lay off them.

You're as bad as Charlie Hoskins whining for a handout for his bitcoin education project after claiming BFL is a scam. 

This is not an independent foundation, yet they are representing themselves as one.
legendary
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June 15, 2013, 04:45:28 AM
#23
Quote
You haters are fucking ridiculous.  https://www.smore.com/u1tq

Calling a company scammers over 50 times and then you wonder why they will not give you money and use that as a basis for claiming they are scammers?  You really only weaken your own case by claiming such ridiculous shit.  When I read shit that is clearly retarded, it makes me think the exact opposite of what your saying is true.  So if the BFL thing were somehow still a scam, you have just convinced me its legit due to how stupid what you're saying sounds..

Just throwing that out there.

Again, the donations are not under dispute. It is the representation of the donations on behalf of an independent entity with an application process. Josh's statement clearly indicates that the money was given for brand enhancement. This is fine; however, it begs the question why BFL has gone to the trouble to create a webpage? Apparently, if you are a critic of their horrific business practices, then you are automatically disqualified from any consideration.

It's fundamentally dishonest and backhanded. But should we at this point expect anything less from them?
Honestly, as long as the money goes to causes that aren't affiliated with them (as in, they aren't just giving money to themselves), I really don't see a problem.

I'll certainly be looking into this more, but I am really feeling like you guys are purposely leaving out a bunch of information in order to further your own agenda.
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June 15, 2013, 04:39:18 AM
#22
Quote
You haters are fucking ridiculous.  https://www.smore.com/u1tq

Calling a company scammers over 50 times and then you wonder why they will not give you money and use that as a basis for claiming they are scammers?  You really only weaken your own case by claiming such ridiculous shit.  When I read shit that is clearly retarded, it makes me think the exact opposite of what your saying is true.  So if the BFL thing were somehow still a scam, you have just convinced me its legit due to how stupid what you're saying sounds..

Just throwing that out there.

Again, the donations are not under dispute. It is the representation of the donations on behalf of an independent entity with an application process. Josh's statement clearly indicates that the money was given for brand enhancement. This is fine; however, it begs the question why BFL has gone to the trouble to create a webpage? Apparently, if you are a critic of their horrific business practices, then you are automatically disqualified from any consideration.

It's fundamentally dishonest and backhanded. If BFL had simply put the donation page on their website as an initiative of their business, then I wouldn't have wasted any of BEP's resources because of my relationship with the company. Yet they have represented the donation campaign as an neutral foundation seeking requests from the community as a whole.
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June 15, 2013, 04:16:57 AM
#21
Quote
I've also come to this conclusion. They of course will use someone like Maged to say "well it's just because you don't have an eatablished rep" or something, but without a public guideline, it's funny how anyone but an insider would even know what their reasons or rules are for acceptance (they have yet to respond to my inquiries as to the official process and who is in charge of donation decisions). Judging by the response, it's only one person, the one who lost the bet in the first place. Conflicts of interest abound.

Well the FSF and EFF are on that list thus if they pay I will congratulate them on the donation; however, BFL somehow always manages to make a potentially good thing corrupted. Why represent this donation as an independent foundation funding worthy projects if it is simply a corporate donation for brand repair? It's dishonest.

Thank you for letting me know about this Matt. I'll stop wasting my time with Bitcoin DF and get back to work making lectures.

I've decided to also post one of the emails I sent to the Fund:

Quote
Bitcoin DF,

I would like to apply for funds for the Bitcoin Education Project. Funds will be used to develop three courses as described in my interview with Adam Levine on Let's Talk Bitcoin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBrQ07aPsL0

Our goal is to bring one million active new users into the Bitcoin ecosystem by 2014. Our project is highly collaborative (just look at our list of fellows: http://btcedproject.org/?page_id=67). And also has a strategy for Chinese integration with our director of BEP China Li Xiaolai, head of the venture capital firm bitfund.pe.

In just under six weeks we have already acquired over 2,000 students for our flagship course:

https://www.udemy.com/bitcoin-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-crypto/

And we have partnerships with many businesses and media organizations in the Bitcoin community. For example Bitcoin Magazine:

http://bitcoinmagazine.com/bitcoin-magazine-proud-to-be-a-partner-of-the-bitcoin-education-project/

We need to raise 100 bitcoins in 30 days to start our bounty campaign to ensure our content both gets translated into Spanish, Italian and Chinese and we have the opportunity to reward community feedback refining our lectures.

Any contribution- even 0.1 bitcoins- really helps our efforts.

Best Regards,
Charles Hoskinson
Director of BEP
(number erased)
[email protected]

Feel free to contact me at any time
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June 15, 2013, 04:11:52 AM
#20
Quote
Let us know how this turns out. I'll be very interested in their response.

I requested twice with two different emails and two other members helping us with fundraising requested. One living in China. No one has ever received a response nor does there exist a form to apply other than an email. I never told Matt nor made my application public knowledge therefore, I do not doubt his post. I think BFL's answer is clear. First, they are in charge of donation distribution. Second, distribution is based upon their business interests not benefits to the community.

I've also come to this conclusion. They of course will use someone like Maged to say "well it's just because you don't have an eatablished rep" or something, but without a public guideline, it's funny how anyone but an insider would even know what their reasons or rules are for acceptance (they have yet to respond to my inquiries as to the official process and who is in charge of donation decisions). Judging by the response, it's only one person, the one who lost the bet in the first place. Conflicts of interest abound.
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June 15, 2013, 04:07:24 AM
#19
Quote
Let us know how this turns out. I'll be very interested in their response.

I requested twice with two different emails and two other members helping us with fundraising requested. One living in China. No one has ever received a response nor does there exist a form to apply other than an email. I never told Matt nor made my application public knowledge therefore, I do not doubt his post:

Quote
You're as bad as Charlie Hoskins whining for a handout for his bitcoin education project after claiming BFL is a scam. 

 I think BFL's answer is clear. First, they are in charge of donation distribution. Second, distribution is based upon their business interests not benefits to the community.
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June 15, 2013, 04:05:53 AM
#18
Yes, because that's how bad your rep is.
That's the funny thing about reputation, Maged. It changes. I'd be more worried about your own as a paid moderator here defending corruption.

Scammer tags are no longer handed out except in the most extraordinary of cases because the trust system is supposed to be a replacement for the scammer tag system. Instead of only being allowed to trust theymos' judgement of whether or not someone is a scammer, you're allowed to add other people's opinions to the list of people you trust, since you clearly think that theymos' opinion on who a scammer is is too narrow.

And yet even I await an honest trust rating system (the current one is not honest as it does not allow rebuttals or petitions for removal of spam) while Theymos's personal opinion "untrustworthy" sits below my name as a reminder of the corruption and bias here. It's okay for BFL to make promises and not deliver, because they buy ads.
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June 15, 2013, 04:04:26 AM
#17
Quote
Scammer tags are no longer handed out except in the most extraordinary of cases because the trust system is supposed to be a replacement for the scammer tag system. Instead of only being allowed to trust theymos' judgement of whether or not someone is a scammer, you're allowed to add other people's opinions to the list of people you trust, since you clearly think that theymos' opinion on who a scammer is is too narrow.

Alright that answers my first question, now I have another. At what point does a business entity cross a threshold that Bitcointalk will no longer desire to be affiliated with them?
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June 15, 2013, 04:03:32 AM
#16
I requested funds for BEP to see if I'd ever get a response.
Let us know how this turns out. I'll be very interested in their response.
legendary
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June 15, 2013, 04:00:02 AM
#15
Back on topic, wasn't the reason BFL didn't get a acammer tag that they were to donate to charities and they didn't do that?
Partly, yes.

Didn't Maged admit that the reason behind creating the "trust" system was because Theymos didn't want to cut off his cashcow, BFL?
Uhh... That's a very strange interpretation of what I've said. The creation of the trust system had nothing to do with BFL, as far as I know.

Yet everyone else is still getting and holding scammer/untrustworthy tags. The hypocrisy and corruption is deafening.
Scammer tags are no longer handed out except in the most extraordinary of cases because the trust system is supposed to be a replacement for the scammer tag system. Instead of only being allowed to trust theymos' judgement of whether or not someone is a scammer, you're allowed to add other people's opinions to the list of people you trust, since you clearly think that theymos' opinion on who a scammer is is too narrow.
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June 15, 2013, 03:59:47 AM
#14
Quote
Ironically, I don't strongly dislike you, just how how much you talk like "The Founder" and Atlas. Not everything you make is as big and important as you think. If you could accept that along wih criticisms, I'm sure there would be room for friendship and collaboration. I'm going to be here a very long time afterall.

Matt, I've tried very hard to not dislike you and it has nothing to do with your personal attacks. It has to do with you discounting the contributions people in this community have made to the Bitcoin Education Project. If you think I'm some delusional prick, then that's fine, but please don't say the uncompensated work of now 17 people (some working for now weeks) is just a meaningless ego stroke.

I admit that I've made a few mistakes in the social media strategy and my communications during the inception of BEP; however, I will never apologize for giving people in this community a platform to educate others about their passions. Yet you're right this isn't the discussion for this thread.

I would really like a clear answer from the leadership of Bitcointalk regarding BFL. I mean honestly why do you have a reputation system if this conduct is to be accepted. They obviously are misrepresenting the donation.
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June 15, 2013, 03:54:56 AM
#13
It's funny how everyone forgot about the 2nd 1000 BTC by Josh/BFL...
Link?
legendary
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June 15, 2013, 03:53:07 AM
#12
It's funny how everyone forgot about the 2nd 1000 BTC by Josh/BFL...
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June 15, 2013, 03:52:19 AM
#11
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You're as bad as Charlie Hoskins whining for a handout for his bitcoin education project after claiming BFL is a scam.  

As much as I strongly dislike you Matt, thank you for confirming what I thought. BFL represented their charity as an independent fund and now it just appears to be a PR proxy of BFL. I requested funds for BEP to see if I'd ever get a response.

Ironically, I don't strongly dislike you, just how how much you talk like "The Founder" and Atlas. Not everything you make is as big and important as you think. If you could accept that along wih criticisms, I'm sure there would be room for friendship and collaboration. I'm going to be here a very long time afterall.

Back on topic, wasn't the reason BFL didn't get a acammer tag that they were to donate to charities and they didn't do that? Didn't Maged admit that the reason behind creating the "trust" system was because Theymos didn't want to cut off his cashcow, BFL? Yet everyone else is still getting and holding scammer/untrustworthy tags. The hypocrisy and corruption is deafening.
legendary
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June 15, 2013, 03:50:55 AM
#10
Matthew, I hate to say it, but they have a point. You've turned into Bruce Wagner and everyone wants to stay as far away from anything you're involved in as they can. I hope this thread causes a BFL supporter to submit a request for another charity and prove you wrong, though.
The BFL charity fund's transparency and legitimacy is being questioned and your only comment is to generalize the opinions of BFL Josh as being that of "everyone" and try to compare me to a homosexual self-important?
Yes, because that's how bad your rep is. I look forward to others submitting similar requests to BFL.

Is this what we get to look forward to once BFL's ads are paying your forum moderator salary?
Yes.

but only because I could care less that BFL indirectly pays me anything and my opinion on the matter has remained consistent.
legendary
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CEO of IOHK
June 15, 2013, 03:43:43 AM
#9
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You're as bad as Charlie Hoskins whining for a handout for his bitcoin education project after claiming BFL is a scam.  

As much as I strongly dislike you Matt, thank you for confirming what I thought. BFL represented their charity as an independent fund and now it just appears to be a PR proxy of BFL. I requested funds for BEP to see if I'd ever get a response.

I was happy to answer any and all questions regarding the use of requested funds, provide regular reports on how the funds were spent and also discuss the philosophy and growth of BEP. We have delivered a product to market that is beneficial to all Bitcoiners and totally free. We are also on schedule for all future products and have gathered the support of many in this community. Josh's comments clearly indicate that is no neutrality in the distribution of the funds promised nor accountability to anyone in the community.

It makes me sad and yet again adds to the already tarnished reputation of BFL. I would honestly like someone in a leadership position on this forum to answer why no one from BFL has received some form of scammer tag? I mean honestly why do you have a reputation system if this conduct is accepted in the first place?

 
hero member
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June 15, 2013, 03:43:07 AM
#8
Matthew, I hate to say it, but they have a point. You've turned into Bruce Wagner and everyone wants to stay as far away from anything you're involved in as they can. I hope this thread causes a BFL supporter to submit a request for another charity and prove you wrong, though.
The BFL charity fund's transparency and legitimacy is being questioned and your only comment is to generalize the opinions of BFL Josh as being that of "everyone" and try to compare me to a homosexual self-important?

You disappont me Maged. You also insult the intelligence of everyone here. Is this what we get to look forward to once BFL's ads are paying your forum moderator salary?
legendary
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June 15, 2013, 03:33:58 AM
#7
Matthew, I hate to say it, but they have a point. You've turned into Bruce Wagner and everyone wants to stay as far away from anything you're involved in as they can. I hope this thread causes a BFL supporter to submit a request for another charity and prove you wrong, though.
newbie
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June 15, 2013, 01:22:22 AM
#6
I somehow see this being converted into a Anime dramatic scene with back turning and fist pumping: BFL AMV.
hero member
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Hero VIP ultra official trusted super staff puppet
June 15, 2013, 01:01:33 AM
#5
Has BFL spent any coin from the fund yet, or are they going to "hold" it for 100 years?

There should be a published guideline at least. Not wanting to give to a needy cause because that needy cause listens to things I say, or doesn't praise BFL, is a very disingenuous stance for a company trying to placate a community for their previous mistakes and abuse.

@everyone: I don't want to bitch about BFL, that is an entirely different topic. I don't want to discuss Josh's paranoias and apparent lack of people skills. I want to discuss the fund itself. From what I can tell, it's the only reason they don't have a scammer tag, and yet, it's not what it's supposed to be. That is the point of this thread. What is the truth about the BFL 1000 BTC fund? If it's legitimate, what are the guidelines and requirements? If it's illegitimate, why aren't they holding a scammer tag yet?
sr. member
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June 15, 2013, 12:44:51 AM
#4
They will never see any money from me.
member
Activity: 84
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June 15, 2013, 12:35:16 AM
#3
BFL is scum and should be treated as such.

One of the best worst practices I've seen a startup business do.

The worst part is they are getting paid off it big time no matter how pissed off they make people.

Nothing we can do about it either, what has been done is done. Imagine all the BTC they are swimming in for "testing" the miners before sent out, to believe they aren't I think is foolish.

It was a well thought out scummy business idea.

Trick people into investing > delay products > use products to generate more money > then send them out.
vip
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👻
June 15, 2013, 12:30:42 AM
#2
Has BFL spent any coin from the fund yet, or are they going to "hold" it for 100 years?
hero member
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June 14, 2013, 11:24:27 PM
#1
As a consultant for the Bitcoin Conference in Amsterdam, Netherlands this September 27-29,  against my better judgement I figured it couldn't hurt to query BFL in regards to their 1000 bitcoins already pledged and earmarked for charities, non-profits, projects, etc. as penance for over-promising and under-delivering. My courteous request for information turned into an eye opening revolution about paranoia and ego.

Warning: Below are the raw, uncut messages between us. Those who get offended easily on the internet may want to avert their eyes. Also, all comments must remain on topic or they will be removed. No BFL fanboying and no BFL trashing either. This is sewious.


I'm not sure if you're getting my messages and ignoring them, if you have me on ignore, or if you're just too busy to respond, but I wanted to try and get a hold of you one last time just the same.

There is a non-profit funded convention in Amsterdam, Netherlands this September 27-29 (http://theconference.eu) and our funds come from attendees, booth sales, and donations to the conference. Since BFL has to spend 1000 BTC anyway for being late on delivery, would it be acceptable to help sponsor this non-profit endeavor as well?

Cheers,

Matthew

You badmouth BFL and me every chance you get and you want a handout?  Yeah right, get real.  What kind of drugs are you on?  You should lay off them.

You're as bad as Charlie Hoskins whining for a handout for his bitcoin education project after claiming BFL is a scam.  

You badmouth BFL and me every chance you get and you want a handout?
You're mistaken. I supported Sonny K despite the obvious issues and I am very upset with BFL's lack of shipment. I think it is safe to say at this point that BFL is a scam until they have shipped though and I think a scammer tag is warranted until then (times have changed, Pirate saw sure to that).

I also don't remember "bad mouthing" you, are you sure you're not confusing me with people who care more about the subject, like smoothie or one of the other alt-currency board regulars? I'm usually busy bothering Theymos for his lack of integrity.

To point, the conference I'm referring to is not *me*, so your feelings about me are irrelevant. The conference is run by Moe Levin with accounting being done by Rassah. I am simply lending a hand to them as you should too. As I understand it, the BFL charity fund of 1000 BTC is directed to endeavors that deserve or need them, I don't remember seeing "must be a fan of BFL and their business ethics" as a requirement for applying, nor was I aware that you were the only one deciding who could receive funds. Could you clarify this for me?

You're as bad as Charlie Hoskins whining for a handout for his bitcoin education project after claiming BFL is a scam.  

Charlie Hoskins is delusional and here for self promotion. I'd just ignore him.

Matthew


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The topic here is where that money comes from (scams, scammy companies buying advertisements using funds they defrauded from users, etc),

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(No, I do not support BFL, I support honesty).

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Mine is the sole opinion of Theymos, whose integrity can be called into question on multiple occasions I might add (he supports ponzis, refuses to give BFL a scammer tag, reverses "absolute" positions constantly, and continues to collect funds for the forum that have yet to be put to use in 12 months, despite the now probably millions of dollars collected).

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I wonder if Theymos made the "Trust" segment in expectation of this and will just say "Okay, I finally agree that BFL are a bit shady but now we can just give their forum account negative feedback if you feel like it. Thanks for playing!"

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refuses to give a scammer tag to BFL

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but the real problem here is people like Inaba who spend their efforts arguing with BFL customers that they're doing a good job when any honest person could prove otherwise.

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It may seem like there is some collective experience here for your business, but don't forget that this is the community that put millions of dollars into Bitcoinica, Pirateat40, BFL, etc etc etc.

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And all we got was a nightmare.

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This. This is looking more and more like a long con every single day. Reminds me of 419 scammers who after stealing money come back later to promise to pay it back but need a little more to send it to them. Milking every last dime.

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That is correct. BFL could be considered a fraudulent business scheme (it would be harder to argue that once they actually ship, but since they haven't, they're defecto scammers).

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I am disgusted by BFL for lying repeatedly about "2 weeks", for a year now.

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I know why you did what you did, I know why I did what I did too. I know I'm not a scammer and I'm pretty sure you're not a scammer. This isn't about you or me, this is about what people classify as "scammers", what criteria Theymos uses to give the tag out (for god's sakes, BFL still doesn't have a tag!), etc.

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I don't know what he's waiting on for BFL either.

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Josh and BFL have already earned a scammer tag, Theymos is just apparently waiting for something. As someone who has received a hasty scammer tag from Theymos *twice* since joining these forums, it always has been quite insulting to watch the favoritism here. It's kind of what made me (a normally serious poster) into a troll in the first place-- I completely lost all respect for these forums on multiple occasions.

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Who here regrets NOT..

dealing with abuse everytime they try to figure out what's happening with their order?
being lied to on a regular basis?
waiting 7+ months (and still waiting) for anything to actually be shipped?
watching their opportunity costs rise and their bitcoins quadruple in value while they sit on their hands?

Even if BFL delivered TODAY, on spec even, it has already become a horrible, horrible investment in comparison to Avalon.

Yeah... thanks for your support.  There's no need for you to put yourself out any more and support us going forward, your efforts haven't gone unnoticed and you'll get exactly what your support is worth.  Not a damned thing.

To point, you are associated with the conference, therefore consideration is off the table, just like anything Phinneus or Charlie is associated with.  Your association with an organization has cost them thousands of dollars, I hope it's worth it.

You don't have to be a fan of BFL or the business ethics, you just have not be a hypocritical asshole.

Yeah... thanks for your support.
Nothing you've posted contradicts what I already said. I am absolutely for BFL getting a scammer tag *until* shipments are made. I am leaning towards Avalon receiving the same. There is no excuse for the lack of professionalism shown from BFL. Are you upset that I am not pleased with BFL? What does my opinion of BFL's business practices have to do with your opinion of me? Are you the owner of BFL?

Your association with an organization has cost them thousands of dollars, I hope it's worth it.
I don't think that's a genuine post in the slightest. I don't not buy a BFL rig because you're representing them, I don't buy because I doubt I'll ever receive one. I understand in the face of constant trolling you may think that my messages are insincere, but this is just me talking to you. The walls and excuses you're putting up are uncalled for.

I would like to ask that you give a response to my earlier inquiry that you seem to have missed.

As I understand it, the BFL charity fund of 1000 BTC is directed to endeavors that deserve or need them, I don't remember seeing "must be a fan of BFL and their business ethics" as a requirement for applying, nor was I aware that you were the only one deciding who could receive funds. Could you clarify this for me?

Are you the final judge of what charities or projects receive the funds?
Are charities, organizations, projects and any and all associated individuals who are against BFL's business practices to date, automatically disqualified from said project fund due to their association or opinions?

Thanks!

Matthew

Still waiting on a response, but it's starting to look like the fund is not a real fund, but just further investments and 'gifts' to fans of BFL. That doesn't seem to meet the sane requirements for a charity, and I think they should be called out on this. Since Theymos seems to be lacking in the integrity department by letting them continue to advertise here, not delivering a scammer tag, etc, I am beginning to think the only clear solution is to boycott the forums.

Looking forward to constructive, non-trolling comments.

(edit: I've deleted 2 anti-BFL troll comments so far and one BFL-fanboy comment. I would like to reiterate that the topic here is the fund, not the business or Inaba's personality).
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