Not a Fan of Crypto? There’s a Forum For That.

Into the world of Buttcoin

Crypto
Cryptocurrency isn't universally beloved.
Kanchanara/Unsplash

What’s your take on cryptocurrency? For some people, it’s the currency of the future — a way to pay for goods and services in a way that isn’t tied to a particular state banking system. For others, it’s an investment — a way to make a substantial amount of money by getting in on the ground floor of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin or something else entirely. But for others, cryptocurrency is grounds for skepticism. That’s where Buttcoin enters the picture.

Yes, Buttcoin. As a new article at The Guardian points out, Buttcoin is a Reddit forum where over 100,000 crypto skeptics have gathered to share takes of crypto crashes and other unflattering portraits of the industry. It’s worth mentioning that this is not a new development; as the article points out, the forum has been around for 11 years now. And, as per a 2021 Forbes article, its founder is unknown.

Skeptical takes on technology have often arisen in tandem with more enthusiastic sectors. Readers of a certain age might remember the prominence of F*ckedCompany.com, for instance, which debuted in 2000 and chronicled the stumbles of various tech companies.

One of the key things addressed in The Guardian‘s article is the challenge in tone faced by forum members. On one hand, a ridiculously-named cryptocurrency collapsing can prompt laughter; on the other hand, mocking someone who lost their entire savings in the process feels a bit like kicking someone when they’re down. Finding the right tone for online discourse is up for debate nearly everywhere — and it’s one of the few things that might unite Bitcoin buyers and Buttcoin regulars.

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