Crowdfunded Awareness Campaign- the key to overtaking BTC?
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Dear Feathercoin community,
After my tiny emotional breakdown in the “Feathercoin Price” topic I decided that instead of whining and talking about problems I can’t fix (the whales, BTC-e being jerks, etc.) I should dedicate my time to something that I can actually do.
After some thinking, I have come to the simple conclusion that Feathercoin is better then Bitcoin (and Litecoin) in pretty much every way, especially when it comes to day-to-day transactions. Therefore, there is actually no valid (logical) reason that Feathercoin is at 35 cents while Bitcoin continues to float around the 800-900 dollar mark. So, I then came to the logical conclusion that basically [b]the only reason that Bitcoin is worth so much is because the public is/are becoming aware of it —> adoption.[/b]
The only reason that Feathercoin is not right up there with Bitcoin (or leaving it in the dust to be honest) is because nobody knows about it. Of course, I tell my friends about Bitcoin and Feathercoin all the time, as I am sure a lot of you do, but that is not going to make the change.We should use the paved way that Bitcoin gave us. I think that a lot of people have “heard” about Bitcoin at least once by now (at least here in the Netherlands many people seem to be aware of it’s existance, regardless of the fact they actually use it or understand it) and a lot of people are willing to partake in this monetary revolution, they just have no idea where and how to start or who will accept their coins. Also, many people are wary of getting into Bitcoin (my friends for example) simply because “the price is so high”. [b]They are basically all complaining about missing the boat. Well, I have news for them, screw that boat. Bitcoin is like that wormy old sloop you have lying around in your backyard, Feathercoin is a fully loaded carbonfiber superboat waiting to be boarded.[/b]
It’s cheap, it’s fast, it’s perfect for transactions (be they big or small, I would rather buy a house in FTC then BTC simply because of the transaction speed) as illustrated by the Oxford Blue and it is backed by an innovative, active and friendly community. It’s basically Bitcoin version 3.0! I think we can all agree on the fact that we are just missing one step here: proper Public Relations, a marketing team, advertising.
After this long introduction, I will now come to the friggin’ point!
We need to draw our wallets and get something going. I heard some enthusiasts in the California area are going to put up (or they already have, not sure) huge Billboards advertising Bitcoin. That’s the way to appeal to the masses. Massive billboards, with a short and clear message, with an URL leading to a page where Feathercoin is explained (like with these cartooney information animations people seem to love nowadays?) properly, easily and finally directing them towards our community here. We might need to get on television.
I know that renting billboards is expensive (and getting some “air time” even more so) but I think that if you really look at it, the only thing that keeps us from actually flying and becoming an used and accepted currency is public awareness (I am starting to appreciate my marketing classes now :P) and although I personally love this forum and watching live streams on cryptocurrency, most people don’t. And as long as we don’t actually go public, we are not going to reach 99.98% of the people who could potentially want to use Feathercoin. Ever.
Long story short: Feathercoin > Bitcoin in virtually any way. Only reason Bitcoin is at absolute top ATM is public awareness, hype and adoption. Solution: Make the world understand and adopt Feathercoin by stepping up marketing/advertising/educational efforts ----> No reason to buy BTC when you can get FTC, as it is better then BTC. (Leave alone paying 2700 times more for that wormy old sloop :P)
My proposal: Utilize our greatest resource; the community. If we all pitch in we could actually pay for some massive billboards, television ad’s, etc. Hell, we could do some guerilla marketing ourselves as well! ;D I think that the key to adoption is knowledge and understanding, both of which can be achieved via better advertising/marketing.
Just my 2 Feathers, feel free to comment or criticize! :)
EDIT: Just realized that this could help us recruiting a few more talented developers as well! (as I read the team is fairly small ATM, but I am not sure if we actually need more dev’s as they continue to work like horses :) )
EDIT 2: If we could combine this with excellent ease of use (so getting a wallet on your phone, load it up with FTC directly without any hassle and you’re ready to do business) it could speed up adoption even more. People don’t want to read huge fora or know all the in’s and out’s (well, to a certain extent) I think. I never knew how they printed money (how the hell do you make a watermark?) but it never stopped me from using those damn Euro’s! :P
EDIT 3 (the last one, I promise): If you happen to be a gifted graphic designer or marketing specialist, please feel free to post ideas, designs, etc. :)
EDIT 4: Screw my promise! I have send an inquiry to the main seller of advertising space on Piccadilly Circus to get an idea about how much money we would actually need for an advertisement on that fancy big LED screen. I will keep you all posted!
[b]UPDATE:[/b] Inquiry received, but apparently I’ve send it to the “big boss”. He was so kind to forward my message to his associates though so I expect an answer pretty soon. Also: I am just trying to get a feeling about the price, I don’t say we necessarily have to go for the most expensive option… On the other hand, just imagine it up there… That would be so awesome.
Just some small facts about our potential advertisement spot: 71,760,000 pedestrians walk past the lights every year. And that’s just pedestrians, on average more then 100 million people walk/drive/cycle by the lights every year. Quite a good spot, not? :P -
Very well said, I liked it. The problem actually is the question ‘‘where to start’’? But you might be the answer to this! The lack of a simple thing such as an iOS App could give people a reason to look on and not start joining the Feathercoin. But yes, I’m 100% in for more publicity, but NOT for the goal to raise the value. Being able to pay with 1 FTC for a lollypop makes me so much happier than just the high price of it. So creating a bigger market for FTC could potentially lead into a price going upwards. As ChrisJ mentioned the other day it’s all about the ‘‘Contact 1 retailer a day if they want to accept FTC’’ to gain more attention and even a bigger use of the Feathercoin itself.
TL;DR I’m in!
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Where to start is of course a tricky question, but I guess we should start with the place that has a leading role in Feathercoin (and the ease of buying we need thanks to Bittylicious, which is crucial!) : The UK :)
EDIT: I have noticed that bittylicious.nl exists, but they are not yet selling BTC/FTC in the Netherlands. Could be the next place to be. I believe I’ve read that the Netherlands have one of the higgest (if not THE highest) internet connection rates in the world (in terms of speed AND number of people with internet connection) and to top that all, the Dutch have been reinventing the economy since 1602 when we created the first stock market. We were made for adopting and spreading things :P
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I think the biggest hurdle I can see is convincing people it’s easy. The opinion of these things is that it’s complex geek science which is too tricky to play with, and a quick google lands them on complex articles about mining and exchanges. It’s said that if the Romans were forced to learn Latin (rather than ‘vulgar Latin’) they would never have conquered Europe.
An example of this is my HTPC in my front room, despite there being better and more fully featured HTPC software out there, we still use Windows Media Center, and the reason for this is that it’s more accessible to SWMBO, the wife in essence doesn’t care if it could stream media from another PC in the house configured as a media server, or it will play some abstract file format, she wants to record ‘Emmerdale Street’. I want to know why the earth spins, despite the fact that not knowing won’t stop it from spinning, but from what I can gather, I’m in the minority.
The acid test is, “could my Dad do it”, and I’d say yes, I’m sure he could, and that’s something which is worth bragging about.
The next hurdle is relevancy. If I said to my Dad, here have some feathercoins, his first question would be either ‘what’s the point’ or ‘what do I need these for’.
So in my mind, any form of advertising should be pushing these issues.
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Exactly. That is why we need to create awareness amongst the entire (offline) community. Your local bakery should be compelled to start using Feathercoin, as well as your local newspaperstand or coffeeshop. We need people to buy them from Bittylicious and asking “When will YOU start accepting Feathercoin?”. And I am absolutely positive that this is something that we, as a community, could accomplish.
I mean, come on, even the sceptical people could be convinced. Just grab a beer with them in Oxford! :)
I am in no way a graphic designer and the message isn’t really creative either, but just to give an impression of what I am thinking about here, imagine this on a massive billboard somewhere around Piccadilly Circus in London: [img]http://postimg.org/image/q9pwobex7[/img] Maybe add a QR code as well.
EDIT: No idea as to how to post images :P but it’s up here: [url=http://postimg.org/image/q9pwobex7/]http://postimg.org/image/q9pwobex7/[/url] (no worries, it is not some phishing/scam/trojan horse site)
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On that subject, is there any easy POS system for taking feathercoins as payment which can be deployed in places? What were/are they using in the Oxford Blue? I’d expect that Mrs Baker the Butcher would have no interest in FTC as the final currency, how is everything converted back into fiat?
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I am seeing the need for some more infrastructure, it is still too early for the masses. Maybe next week?
Can you add - It’s an idea but maybe slightly too early?
It has already been disused that Feathercoin is under priced by any calculation, at least wait a month?
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If I had any idea how to edit the poll I would wrapper, (maybe someone can sort that out or explain?) because you’re right.
However, I would like to point out that by creating this topic/poll I have no intention of starting with it [b]right now[/b] as I agree on the fact that infrastructure should be improved before we actually have something to offer to the masses.
Basically I created this to see [b]if[/b] there would be a base for such a crowdfunding project in the (near) future, so that the proper actions can be taken as soon as that infrastructure does exist.The most important thing to do right now is creating the infrastructure needed to make daily use of FTC not only possible, but also easy, fast and secure. When we got that, we should (in my opinion) start this awareness campaign as soon as possible, but for now I completely agree that it wouldn’t be of much use.
Now I am going to be honest, I can’t code anything. I have no idea how to write apps. I just hope that the infrastructure is being build/worked on as we speak (but even that, I don’t know), as without it, we can wait for all eternity but nothing will ever happen.
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Like wrapper0feather said, maybe too early for big masses, but all publicity is good for adoption (see doge 8)). Currently main focus should maybe be to fighting against windmills and spread awareness among cryptocoin users? Knowledge and adoption among cryptogeeks keeps coin alive until infrastructure is ready for big masses. Outside of community people currently know FTC mostly from what they read at trollbox and good news can’t reach people… So, not so good currently, but it can be chanced :)
There was discussion about crowdfunding giveaways to improve newsletters visibility. Giveaway with last newsletter was great success and it had >1600 views! If you are interested, consider to give small amount of coins to spread FTC awareness. [url=http://forum.feathercoin.com/index.php/topic,6624.0.html]http://forum.feathercoin.com/index.php/topic,6624.0.html[/url]
And… Maybe this small giveaway idea could be improved to be larger growdwfunded feathercoin’s marketing cash? Currently can fund giveaways, etc. and when correct timing it could fund also some bigger campaings?
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Feathercoin is an open source project. By forking the Litecoin code there is a huge amount of work that has been done for Bitcoin and Litecoin that we get for free, and that needs checking.
This is the problem, there are already myriad products services and web application developed waiting to be used or converted to Feathercoin.
Feathercoin need to be stable
The exact technology needed for mass acceptance will depend on use and demographic.
Say, if Feathercoinb is taken up as a “Mercahant exchange currency” because of a need in Botswana, certain technology (merchant SMS Server App and SMS payment methods) or some such would be needed.
Different technology would be needed if it was taken up for payments back to home by migrant workers. These requirements need to be defined by the users, hopefully trying and reporting back what they need …
Of course if could just be used in western shops and we would need “faster, fatter or Hardware wallets”.
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[quote name=“Remonius” post=“52421” timestamp=“1389801426”]
Exactly. That is why we need to create awareness amongst the entire (offline) community. Your local bakery should be compelled to start using Feathercoin, as well as your local newspaperstand or coffeeshop. We need people to buy them from Bittylicious and asking “When will YOU start accepting Feathercoin?”. And I am absolutely positive that this is something that we, as a community, could accomplish.I mean, come on, even the sceptical people could be convinced. Just grab a beer with them in Oxford! :)
I am in no way a graphic designer and the message isn’t really creative either, but just to give an impression of what I am thinking about here, imagine this on a massive billboard somewhere around Piccadilly Circus in London: [img]http://postimg.org/image/q9pwobex7[/img] Maybe add a QR code as well.
EDIT: No idea as to how to post images :P but it’s up here: [url=http://postimg.org/image/q9pwobex7/]http://postimg.org/image/q9pwobex7/[/url] (no worries, it is not some phishing/scam/trojan horse site)
[/quote]I love your spirits my friend. +1 Rep
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I see what you’re saying wrapper, but I think we should try and get this working in the “Western” world first. More people using what we currently have = more customer feedback and/or support from developers, and therefore a better end product.
After a little bit of websearch I think I dare say that the current Android Wallet app actually provides a huge part of the neccesary infrastructure in the Western world. It is magnificent. The only 2 problems that I can really see at this moment is the fact that there is no way to sell FTC easily and quickly, as indeed the baker (provided his sources don’t accept FTC) would want to switch them in for GBP/USD/EUR at some point in time and the fact that there is no official iOS wallet (due to Apple restrictions).
If we could get, say, Bittylicious to start buying FTC in addition to selling it (I know that you can become a trusted seller for Bittylicious, but that is not viable. Everyone should be able to sell or buy at any time.) we actually have quite a bit of the infrastructure needed to use it as a currency in the Western world. Basically everyone I know has a smartphone so payment could be easier and faster then ever. I mean, I finally have an use for NFC! :D
That still leaves the iOS problem. I am not supporting any illegal activity, so saying that you should get a jailbreak (and yes, then you actually CAN use your phone as a proper wallet) would be wrong. (*Coughing loudly*)
In any case, when everyone with an Adroid wallet is happily paying each other in Bitcoin/Litecoin/Feathercoin, I am pretty sure that Apple will allow it (or face a rapid decline in sales, which sounds pretty dumb to me).
What I am basically trying to say is, that Android wallet app doesn’t just look good, it seems to be a great way to send and receive payments. We just need something/someone to sell FTC to, as people will want to convert it back to fiat at some point (at least at the moment). Then we would be set to go truly “public”.
And to SkullandHeadphones: I will never forget that you gave me my first Rep. I actually feel a bit emotional now, as if some kind of psychological barrier has been broken :P
EDIT: Or am I completely missing something here?
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Promoting online FTC payment adoption is the route of least resistance, you can make faster gains there, longer term the technical strengths of FTC vs its big brothers seems to me to be in its ability to handle and confirm micro payments quickly, which is what you want in a pos retail environment.
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Instead of posting a new post every time (yes, I am doing it right now but this is the last time!) I have decided to simply edit the original post for updates. Stay tuned and keep on voting! So far it looks like an overwhelming majority would support an Awareness Campaign, excellent! Another prime example of the community’s spirit, thank you all!
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Hi there,
My thoughts… The key to it will be the global media coverage that the advert gets as well as the adverts themselves. Although the billboard will get lots of views the legacy will be the coverage it gets on TV and in newspapers and the footprint they leaves behind on the internet. Having some really good photo’s and a good press release will definitely get some coverage! I suspect the number of people that heard about the bitcoin billboards substantially outnumber the number of people that physically saw the bitcoin billboards.
Looking forward to seeing the quote!. These Greeks paid £12,000 for 2 weeks crowd souring the slot, and I found the footprint with a google 1 year later : [url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/9867091/Greeks-unite-to-fund-Piccadilly-Circus-billboard.html]http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/9867091/Greeks-unite-to-fund-Piccadilly-Circus-billboard.html[/url]
£12,000 is only 1000 people doing £10 each :-)
Paul
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I think it would be good to point out that by just giving everyone you basically encounter a nice FTC android wallet set up and give them 5 FTC, that could get a little ball rolling… I think I’ll just start out by giving it to everyone I know though :P
And 12000 pounds is a pretty nice chunk of good ol’ worthless fiat… Maybe we could convince them to take it in FTC and have a few miners donate some Kh/s for that? If such a well known and respected advertising agency would be willing to ‘get in’, that would be a pretty nice bonus… :D
Just thinking out loud here people, let the ideas flow. Like feathers on a warm long summer night when a gentle breeze picks them up and gently blows them in your face. FTC is pure poetry dammit! :P
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[quote name=“pauldodd” post=“52750” timestamp=“1389904397”]
£12,000 is only 1000 people doing £10 each :-)
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Count me in!
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[quote name=“pauldodd” post=“52750” timestamp=“1389904397”]
£12,000 is only 1000 people doing £10 each :-)
[/quote]
Count me in as well!
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[quote name=“Remonius” post=“52776” timestamp=“1389908832”]
I think it would be good to point out that by just giving everyone you basically encounter a nice FTC android wallet set up and give them 5 FTC, that could get a little ball rolling… I think I’ll just start out by giving it to everyone I know though :PAnd 12000 pounds is a pretty nice chunk of good ol’ worthless fiat… Maybe we could convince them to take it in FTC and have a few miners donate some Kh/s for that? If such a well known and respected advertising agency would be willing to ‘get in’, that would be a pretty nice bonus… :D
Just thinking out loud here people, let the ideas flow. Like feathers on a warm long summer night when a gentle breeze picks them up and gently blows them in your face. FTC is pure poetry dammit! :P
[/quote]Please let me know when your ready to accept the donation. I called my friend Paul with regards to an agency. If Paul gets onboard, we’re golden! So just waiting to hear from him…
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I agree with you, raising awareness is one thing we need to do.
Another part is being able to do something with your feathers.
I had this idea about organising [b]“feather-parties”[/b]. A party where everything is paid with cryptocoins. [b]No cash allowed[/b]!
Of course feathers are the best for this, since they are bitcoin 3.0, imagine waiting 10 mins for your beer? Ow yheah, your payment is confirmed… yheah right.
But this would require making payments very easy with a smartphone. Maybe with a bill with an NFC tag (which can be reused)? How cool would that be.In conclusion: awareness + usefulness!
