I think there's an in theory use for the "digital gold" aspect of something like bitcoin, and some use for something like a smart contract to eliminate the need

I think there's an in theory use for the "digital gold" aspect of something like bitcoin, and some use for something like a smart contract to eliminate the need for middlemen in some exchanges. The issue of course being that there's a LOT of new and exciting issues with things like this, and more importantly, some ancient and critical issues....like mass scamming and inconsistent tech. Decentralization sounds great until all your money goes out the window, never to be seen again. I do think there's a home for the tech, and I think there's a small chance some of this really explodes (in the understanding that i don't understand something about it, which is likely), but I do feel that it's impossible to find any reasonable discussion of the topic because it's COVERED in bullshit. It seriously reminds me of marketing. No one would say that marketing doesn't work. There's plenty of evidence it does. But actually trying to learn about certain facets of the industry is a NIGHTMARE because it's just other marketing people marketing to you, and sifting the bullshit from the legit is hell.