And all I know of Bitcoins is that they're something of a running joke.
Bitcoins are usually a running joke from those that don't understand currency (not implying you don't understand currency, but you heard this from people who don't). They may be a running joke, but that is ill informed and of course doesn't have much if any meaning. Then again i've seen people who invest in gold get ridiculed by more people who don't understand currency. At least gold is easy to wrap a brain around; it is finite, it's value doesn't change.
Now bitcoins being a running joke. We already know that's great to scoff at in the first place. This is the number one currency of the dark internet, for good and bad purchases and sales (that's very successful currency adoption right there, it obviously has value). Bitcoin is slowly becoming an option of payment across the known internet too. There's also an ever increasing number of physical real life locations you can use bitcoin like bars, atms, stores (not quite in america yet). Lastly, bitcoins are valuable.
I don't see how any of this could be a running joke. Other people may not want to see it, but it is a successful thriving currency. Now the next form of argument coming from people is that bitcoin is only used for buying questionable goods like drugs and hitmen. The only thing to say to that is you can get the same stuff with normal cold hard cash as well (there's no difference in buying bad stuff with whatever currency since in the end it was still someone with money and an intent for the goods).
It may seem wierd, but bitcoin has matured to the point, and adopted enough that you can use it to grow your money. As far as investing in bitcoin for a rainy day fund. Nah, you'd rather invest in inflation proof gold.
Bitcoins are fascinating. I'm learning as much as i can before i go diving into it with my floaties on until i learn more from experience the day i take off the floaties.
