3 ms·

> What I'm really interested in is whether it's possible to have a cryptocurrency that doesn't rely on e.g. blockchain technology. Yes, it is possible. MaidSaf

> What I'm really interested in is whether it's possible to have a cryptocurrency that doesn't rely on e.g. blockchain technology. Yes, it is possible. MaidSafe is building the solution as we speak, and does not get anywhere near the attention it deserves. Because there is such a general lack of understanding of its underpinnings, it is usually lumped together with other blockchain technologies or altcoins. There is no blockchain, there are no transaction fees, and transactions are irreversible almost immediately (no confirmation time). There is no wasteful mining. I wrote a pretty comprehensive article[0] on how it works from a technological standpoint if anyone is interested. Perhaps someone will find it useful. [0] http://blanshey.com/introduction-to-maidsafe-what-it-is-how-it-works-and-how-it-compares-to-bitcoin/ http://blanshey.com/introduction-to-maidsafe-what-it-is-how-...

mootothemax 12y ago
MaidSafe is building the solution as we speak Doing an admittedly very brief search, it seems there's a lot of scepticism about MaidSafe, ranging from it's "objectively a scam," through to a highly questionable IPO, and doubt over the core technology itself: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8081247 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8081247 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7641149 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7641149 http://www.reddit.com/r/crypto/comments/24zext/what_does_rcrypto_think_of_maidsafes_self/ http://www.reddit.com/r/crypto/comments/24zext/what_does_rcr... Clarifying on my original point about not relying on blockchain technology, I think imagining a purely offline system would get closer to the question in my head. How much can be done without relying on a network / database / blockchain etc?
- eblanshey 12y ago
  There is a lot of scepticism indeed, mainly because what they're doing is so new. (The IPO was not questionable at all IMO, that's just FUD.) In any case, the objections and scepticism is healthy and would only serve to improve the project. I'm not really sure what you're implying though--how can you have a cryptocurrency without communication (e.g. a network)?
  - mootothemax 12y ago
    mainly because what they're doing is so new I (possibly obviously) haven't done enough research in the area, but it seems like there are potentially showstopper questions about how to stop people gaming the system. The reddit link also questioned how much of MaidSafe is, in effect, security through obscurity. One thing that can be said - it's definitely interesting! How can you have a cryptocurrency without communication? Exactly - that's kinda what I'm asking! :) Another rephrasing: is it possible to have some bitcoin-equivalent token sat on your computer which you can exchange for goods and services without consulting anyone else? As far as I can tell, it's the double-spending problem that's the killer.

mootothemax 12y ago

MaidSafe is building the solution as we speak Doing an admittedly very brief search, it seems there's a lot of scepticism about MaidSafe, ranging from it's "objectively a scam," through to a highly questionable IPO, and doubt over the core technology itself: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8081247 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8081247 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7641149 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7641149 http://www.reddit.com/r/crypto/comments/24zext/what_does_rcrypto_think_of_maidsafes_self/ http://www.reddit.com/r/crypto/comments/24zext/what_does_rcr... Clarifying on my original point about not relying on blockchain technology, I think imagining a purely offline system would get closer to the question in my head. How much can be done without relying on a network / database / blockchain etc?

eblanshey 12y ago
There is a lot of scepticism indeed, mainly because what they're doing is so new. (The IPO was not questionable at all IMO, that's just FUD.) In any case, the objections and scepticism is healthy and would only serve to improve the project. I'm not really sure what you're implying though--how can you have a cryptocurrency without communication (e.g. a network)?
- mootothemax 12y ago
  mainly because what they're doing is so new I (possibly obviously) haven't done enough research in the area, but it seems like there are potentially showstopper questions about how to stop people gaming the system. The reddit link also questioned how much of MaidSafe is, in effect, security through obscurity. One thing that can be said - it's definitely interesting! How can you have a cryptocurrency without communication? Exactly - that's kinda what I'm asking! :) Another rephrasing: is it possible to have some bitcoin-equivalent token sat on your computer which you can exchange for goods and services without consulting anyone else? As far as I can tell, it's the double-spending problem that's the killer.