February 2018 Open Book Group Read: The Book of Satoshi (Starts on 1 Feb) #BOM-feb-2018

[Quantum]

Please join us in reading The Book of Satoshi: The Collected Writings of Bitcoin Creator Satoshi Nakamoto, which is nonfiction technology.

(Note: Because this book was the only one nominated, by default, it is now this month's group read.)

Have you, like the rest of the world, speculated as to the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, anonymous creator of Bitcoin?

The world's first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin went online in 2009 and has since revolutionized our concepts of currency and money. Not supported by any government or central bank, completely electronic, Bitcoin is a virtual currency based on advanced cryptographic systems.

Like the currency he created, the identity of Bitcoin's creator Satoshi Nakamoto is virtual, existing only online. The Nakamoto persona, which may represent an individual or a group, exists only in the online publications that introduced and explained Bitcoin during its earliest days. Here, collected and professionally published for the first time are the essential writings that detail Bitcoin's creation.

Included are:
-Satoshi Nakamoto Emails and Posts on Computer Forums Presented in Chronological Order
-Bitcoin Fundamentals Presented in Layman's Terms
-Bitcoin's Potential and Profound Economic Implications
-The Seminal Paper Which Started It All

The Book of Satoshi provides a convenient way to parse through what Bitcoin's creator wrote over the span of the two years that constituted his "public life" before he disappeared from the Internet . . . at least under the name Satoshi Nakamoto.

Beginning on November 1st 2009 with the publication of the seminal paper describing Bitcoin, this public life ends at about the time PC World speculated as to a possible link between Bitcoin and WikiLeaks, the infamous website that publishes leaked classified materials. Was there a connection? You be the judge.

Nakamoto's true identity may never be known. Therefore the writings reproduced here are probably all the world will ever hear from him concerning Bitcoin's creation, workings, and theoretical basis. Want to learn more about Bitcoin? Go directly to the source-the writings of the creator himself, Satoshi Nakamoto!

Other related reading
https://www.weusecoins.com/book-of-sa...

Reading Schedule
Because this is a nonfiction book, we can immediately start discussing the entire book. Do not need to use spoiler tags at all.

Where to buy
Kobo ($3.99 USD)
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-...
Amazon/kindle ($2.99 USD )
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-...
Indigo ($19.77 (I believe it's in CAN dollars) /paperback)
https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...

[Quantum]

I've already got my copy and have started reading. The interview with the author (in the OP under "Other related reading") is also worthwhile listening to. It's about 24 min.

[Kathy]

Just got my copy! Look forward to discussion.

[Quantum]

Yay! I read the intro!

[Quantum]

The reason why I'm reading this book is twofold: (1) the blockchain in inherently interesting and all newer cryptocurrencies and ICOs still use the concept of the blockchain; (2) if I'm going to invest in cryptocurrency, shouldn't I learn something about its origination?

How about any other people who are reading this book? Why are you reading it?

[Quantum]

Seems like bitcoin mirrored the market correction in the earlier part of the week, but recovered steadily in comparison to the market later in the week. I heard some speculate that profit-takers were moving their proceeds into bitcoin.

Thoughts?

[Kathy]

Alex wrote: "The reason why I'm reading this book is twofold: (1) the blockchain in inherently interesting and all newer cryptocurrencies and ICOs still use the concept of the blockchain; (2) if I'm going to in..."

Same reasons as you, Alex. I think that blockchain is here to stay. I've compared Bitcoin to Netscape Navigator--it's the first major player in the game and is destined to flame out, but the underlying technology is sound. My take, anyway. I have a few books in my pile right now but I am hoping to get to this one this weekend.

[Quantum]

(Note: Unfortunately, I didn't engage very well in this month's group reads because I was focusing on my GameLit (LitRPG) novel.)

I read the introduction and a few of Satoshi's posts. I thought it was worthwhile reading because the author points out the difference between money, which has a limited supply and as such would hold its value, and currency--like the current US monetary system, which is not linked to the gold standard--which does not have a limited supply and does not necessarily hold its value, such that inflation is more prevalent and even chronic.

At some point, I'll reread it.