News for hackers. Stuff that matters.
Re:How did people buy Bitcoin before Coinbase? by highfrequency on Thursday April 15, 2021 @06:43PM (#26827115)
Very interesting. Checking my understanding: In 2012 there was no reputable middleman you could buy or sell Bitcoin to at the current market price, so you had to hunt down a counterparty each time. Coinbase stepped in as a middleman who would always trade with you in either direction at a fair price. Does this sound right?
Re:How did people buy Bitcoin before Coinbase? by wmf on Thursday April 15, 2021 @07:59PM (#26827666)
MtGox was reputable enough by Bitcoin standards although it certainly wasn't legal in the US.
Re:How did people buy Bitcoin before Coinbase? by rmason on Friday April 16, 2021 @04:21AM (#26831095)
If memory serves me correctly Mt. Gox didn't have the greatest UI. If you weren't a techie you would need the guidance of one.

I do remember it was quite a big deal when the first bitcoin machine arrived in Lansing. Eventually several arrived and left but the original one is still at the Fledge, at least before COVID arrived.