As long as merchant doesn’t need to convert from crypto to regular currency, no third party is involved in the transaction, it’s a direct P2P system - in other words - perfect digital cash
Well, you take their address, sign a message with your private key saying .001 bitcoin goes there and propagate it over the network. But in very simple terms yep, bitcoins magically land on their address. Whole thing sustains itself on economic incentives and cryptography, without any central authority
So there is a network and backbone to it. And you need to do something more than “I give this person a bitcoins for my game” especially when working through a separate storefront. Both to ensure that the person receives their game and you receive their currency.
The problem with current transactions isn’t the money itself, it’s the services that use that currency.
Crypto doesn’t ensure you get the product. Like with real cash, other party might just run away with money
Which is why intermediaries exist and why crypto isn’t in any way a solution for the problem this entire post is about. And why bringing it up randomly is complete tech bro wankery.
As long as merchant doesn’t need to convert from crypto to regular currency, no third party is involved in the transaction, it’s a direct P2P system - in other words - perfect digital cash
So you just need to say “I give this person .001 bitcoin” and they magically get it? That’s wild to me.
Well, you take their address, sign a message with your private key saying .001 bitcoin goes there and propagate it over the network. But in very simple terms yep, bitcoins magically land on their address. Whole thing sustains itself on economic incentives and cryptography, without any central authority
So there is a network and backbone to it. And you need to do something more than “I give this person a bitcoins for my game” especially when working through a separate storefront. Both to ensure that the person receives their game and you receive their currency.
The problem with current transactions isn’t the money itself, it’s the services that use that currency.
Yes, it’s a permissionless P2P network.
Signing and sending transaction is exactly it. Transaction says that you send your bitcoins to an address controlled by the other person.
Crypto doesn’t ensure you get the product. Like with real cash, other party might just run away with money
Which is why intermediaries exist and why crypto isn’t in any way a solution for the problem this entire post is about. And why bringing it up randomly is complete tech bro wankery.
Are you concerned that Valve runs away with your money?
Valve? Not concerned. Random company selling something I need for a good price? Sure.
The intermediaries are useful when dealing with less trustworthy merchants.