So basically he says "In my view, digital currencies are nothing but an unfounded fad (or perhaps even a pyramid scheme)". Perhaps means he wasn't sure unlike t

So basically he says "In my view, digital currencies are nothing but an unfounded fad (or perhaps even a pyramid scheme)". Perhaps means he wasn't sure unlike the clickbaity article title which sounded like he was sure. I can't speak for what he means but my interpretation of what real means to him is this - When you buy a stock for a software company you believe in the software, the target segment they are targeting and maybe yourself a customer. So two things define the real-ness of the business - working software and a dedicated user base. Let's look at crypto currencies from the same lens. Sure the software is great and holds potential for the future. And sure one might say output is as good as the dollar. But, currently there is no sustainable market. There is no urgent need for people to acquire bitcoin other than say speculation purposes. One might argue they will catch on in the Average Joe with time. But the biggest hurdle is Average Joe likes to see and feel the money. How will one explain them what really a bitcoin is without getting too technical? The problem here is one from the Silicon Valley show. Richard builds a better platform for data management. It doesn't sell because it doesn't make sense to average people at all. So better product doesn't equal to superior returns. It just means superior product. So the biggest problem in front of bitcoin or other crypto currencies is to take it mainstream. And certainly fights like the BTC Cash vs Bitcoin Core doesn't help. I mean sure many people weren't happy with the unlimited printing of dollars by Feds in 2008 but at least it dint threaten to break down the economy completely because one side dint want to give in to the other and float their own currency. Stability is important and unfortunately crypto currencies are not there yet.