This episode, recorded on July 30, 2013, covers the volatile regulatory status of Bitcoin in Thailand, critiques the policies of Kickstarter, and provides an update on the "Life on Bitcoin" documentary.
Main Topics Discussed:
* Bitcoin in Thailand: Trading is suspended because, due to a lack of specific laws and capital controls, activities like buying/selling goods for Bitcoin, or sending/receiving funds outside the country, are deemed illegal.
* Kickstarter Policy Critique: The speaker discusses how the "Kickstarter pulls Bitcoin: The Movie" project was pulled two weeks after launch, criticizing Kickstarter's opaque and inflexible policies.
* Life on Bitcoin Update: The documentary project remains stalled, with no updates on the film crew. The speaker muses on the enduring utility of Bitcoin in extreme survival scenarios (e.g., no internet, last tank of gas).
Key Quotes:
1. "It's not really that those activities are illegal. It's just that Thailand is a closed society, and in a closed society without specific rules that make something legal, all undiscovered things are by default illegal."
2. "Kickstarter's bizarre policies show why it will be just a speed bump towards crowdfunding and not the ultimate crowdfunding solution."
3. "At least, they'll always have Bitcoin."
People Mentioned:
* Kickstarter spokesperson
* Austin and Abessi (film crew)
Bitcoin Price:
* The price was climbing above 100, with a last recorded price of 102.