10 ms·

I propose that the "B" aspect of Bitcoin should be downplayed (the initial isn't important, see dollar/pound) to instead put more focus on the "Bit" aspect sinc

I propose that the "B" aspect of Bitcoin should be downplayed (the initial isn't important, see dollar/pound) to instead put more focus on the "Bit" aspect since it is a digital currency. Combining a 1 and a 0, handily gives us the uppercase Phi! Φ

cyrus_ 14y ago
This also has other benefits: * Supported by most widely-used fonts. * Easy to pronounce, one syllable * Has mainstream connotations (bitcoins sounds like a nerd thing) * Could use the lowercase phi for a more granular denomination maybe
- WickyNilliams 14y ago
  Precisely my train of thought. Don't see why we need something so obtuse when an obvious, widely recognisable and - as far as I know - an otherwise unused symbol is available. Plus, aside from the appropriateness of the symbol, it also conveys the digital element of the currency - it'd be more "on brand" if I was in marketing! I think that the lowercase phi as a lower denomination is an excellent extension of the idea.
- marcosdumay 14y ago
  Other benefits are that it will get confused with the usual radius symbol (because it's exactly the same), and may be used to name an angle.
  - WickyNilliams 14y ago
    If I end up being able to purchase things with angles, I would not complain! Measuring angles with Bitcoins may be less desirable though ;)
vacri 14y ago
Phi is used in a lot of other places, so there's some ambiguity inherent in using that. $ is used in programming, but that's something that came after the symbol was assigned. ¥, £, € are not used for anything else that's common.
- WickyNilliams 14y ago
  I don't agree. Whilst it is used for other things, it wouldn't be ambiguous for currency, as it is not an overloaded symbol in that context. The current symbol, a struck-through 'B', is the symbol for Thai currency - now that's ambiguous!
  - garethadams 14y ago
    And while we're at it, why don't those thieving Canadians get their own currency symbol!
- makomk 14y ago
  ¥ is/was the directory seperator on some DOS and Windows based Japanese and Korean computers.
  - WickyNilliams 14y ago
    Awesome fact! If this ever come sup in a pub quiz, I am prepared haha

cyrus_ 14y ago

This also has other benefits: * Supported by most widely-used fonts. * Easy to pronounce, one syllable * Has mainstream connotations (bitcoins sounds like a nerd thing) * Could use the lowercase phi for a more granular denomination maybe

WickyNilliams 14y ago
Precisely my train of thought. Don't see why we need something so obtuse when an obvious, widely recognisable and - as far as I know - an otherwise unused symbol is available. Plus, aside from the appropriateness of the symbol, it also conveys the digital element of the currency - it'd be more "on brand" if I was in marketing! I think that the lowercase phi as a lower denomination is an excellent extension of the idea.
marcosdumay 14y ago
Other benefits are that it will get confused with the usual radius symbol (because it's exactly the same), and may be used to name an angle.
- WickyNilliams 14y ago
  If I end up being able to purchase things with angles, I would not complain! Measuring angles with Bitcoins may be less desirable though ;)

vacri 14y ago

Phi is used in a lot of other places, so there's some ambiguity inherent in using that. $ is used in programming, but that's something that came after the symbol was assigned. ¥, £, € are not used for anything else that's common.

WickyNilliams 14y ago
I don't agree. Whilst it is used for other things, it wouldn't be ambiguous for currency, as it is not an overloaded symbol in that context. The current symbol, a struck-through 'B', is the symbol for Thai currency - now that's ambiguous!
- garethadams 14y ago
  And while we're at it, why don't those thieving Canadians get their own currency symbol!
makomk 14y ago
¥ is/was the directory seperator on some DOS and Windows based Japanese and Korean computers.
- WickyNilliams 14y ago
  Awesome fact! If this ever come sup in a pub quiz, I am prepared haha