Empty Crypto Gestures

A friend of mine owes another friend $200 dollars.

The person who’s owed the money has decided that they won’t do any more business in $ USD. This person won’t accept any payment in $ USD, nor pay for services in $ USD.

In fact, this person wants to be paid the $200 owed in the equivalent share of Bitcoin.

“How does this person pay rent?” I ask.

“Bitcoin.”

“What the fuck?”

“This is 2014, I guess you can do that.”

Fair enough. And yet I feel angry about this, somehow.

“How does this person pay for food? Or a train fare?” I ask. “Does this person accept € EUR?”

“No, this person has opted out of the international monetary system. And will only accept Bitcoin.”

“So you really need to pay the amount you owe in Bitcoin?” I ask, incredulous.

“Yes, that’s why I’m asking your help.”

“You can’t wire the amount in an alternative currency, or cut a check in like ¥ Yen or something?”

“No, they’ll only accept cryptocurrency.”

“But that’s ridiculous! You agreed on payment of $200 USD, not 2 BTC! This is like a tax on people who don’t use Bitcoin…”

“What do you want me to do?”

“I don’t know,” I admit. “But on principle, I don’t think I want to facilitate or be party to this transaction. I just can’t encourage this behavior. I’m sorry. But I can help you get a Bitcoin wallet set up.”

“Well, thanks for your help. I’ll figure something out.”

Several minutes pass. Then I write this email:

“I have reconsidered. I will facilitate a transaction for this person to receive $200 of cryptocurrency outside of the purview of the international monetary system.

However, I have made an ethical decision to use only Dogecoin and not any other cryptocurrencies. Thank you for your understanding.”

5 minutes later, I receive this response:

“Thank you for trying to reach me.

I have made an ethical decision to not use emails anymore.

I only accept communications by traveling pigeons.

Please make an effort to convey your message to me that way.

Thank you for your cooperation.”

About this entry

You’re currently reading “Empty Crypto Gestures,” an entry on Ben's blog.

Published:
2.2.14 / 9pm
Category:
Friends, Fun
Tags:


Tweetstream