Perhaps it's time to collate all the mining/virtual currency stuff into one subforum?

[SunnyD]

Mostly for moderator discussions as to how you all would handle this, since it's spilling out into multiple existing subforums...

Virtual Currency topics including Mining discussion, hardware, trading (of currencies, not hardware) and the like.

We currently have threads in VC&G, Distributed Computing, CPU, Off Topic, and various other subforums that veer in multiple directions that really end up far from on topic for their respective subforums. The problem is locking down those threads just because they're off topic ends up being mostly a disservice since they really do have a lot of useful information in there.

Whether it be a singular subforum akin to the DC subforum, where even though it's under the "Software" category ALL things DC related is discussed (including hardware and "DC" related OT stuff), or a whole branch of it's own? I don't know. All I know is that this virtual currency stuff seems to be taking a life of its own these days. After what, 5 years or so I guess this "fad" is here to stay.

Having a dedicated area to discuss it might actually even bring in some more traffic for AT in the process.

 

[ViRGE]

It's not a bad idea. I've been trying to figure out what to do with these threads for a while now. The most logical place to put them is DC, but DC is its own little community and it would be unfair to have their forum overrun with these schemers.

At the same time we don't really want to create a new forum for this. Heck, we don't really want to be involved in any of this, as when this goes south, we're going to have a lot of angry posters on our hands, least they claim we're encouraging them by creating a new forum.

We'll put it up for discussion and see what comes up. But right now none of the solutions look very good from our point of view.

 

[Evadman]

The most logical place to put them is DC, but DC is its own little community and it would be unfair to have their forum overrun with these schemers.

At the same time we don't really want to create a new forum for this. Heck, we don't really want to be involved in any of this, as when this goes south, we're going to have a lot of angry posters on our hands, least they claim we're encouraging them by creating a new forum..

Summed up all my thoughts on it. Virge, get outa my head.

 

[SunnyD]

I'm just gonna put this out there for you guys to contemplate: Could it really be any worse than P&N?

:sneaky:

 

[ViRGE]

I'm just gonna put this out there for you guys to contemplate: Could it really be any worse than P&N?

:sneaky:

In all seriousness, yes. People don't go broke from what occurs in P&N.:|

 

[SunnyD]

In all seriousness, yes. People don't go broke from what occurs in P&N.:|

I would venture a guess that most of the denizens in P&N vote, therefore I vehemently disagree.

All joking aside, if you all are worried about liability, how about a nice stickied disclaimer right at the top of a subforum? "Disclaimer: No ramblings, texts, speculations, wordings, etc., shall be construed as endorsements, suggestions or advice from AnandTech, blah blah blah. You shall not hold Anand, AnandTech or any affiliated party liable for any losses incurred, virtual or monetarily, by participating in this forum."

Anyhow, I do see where you're going with this now. Obviously it has moved from a simple management issue to more of a legal concern. The problem with the latter is that it is already being discussed, so if it is a concern of the first part, then moderation need be applied sooner rather than later unfortunately. (Apologies for pointing out the obvious)

I'll leave it at that. No more from me. I was just trying to be silly with my last comment, and here I go opening up a big 'ole can. :'(

 

[ViRGE]

I would venture a guess that most of the denizens in P&N vote, therefore I vehemently disagree.

All joking aside, if you all are worried about liability, how about a nice stickied disclaimer right at the top of a subforum?

It's less liability and legal matters, and more a desire not to encourage stupidity.

Anyhow, it's under discussion. If this wasn't so darn shady it would likely be an easy decision.

 

[SunnyD]

It's less liability and legal matters, and more a desire not to encourage stupidity.

Anyhow, it's under discussion. If this wasn't so darn shady it would likely be an easy decision.

Okay... ONE more from me. A nice organized place to discuss the topic might actually be a pretty neat idea to encourage the discussion of the merits or lack thereof of virtual currency and how it relates to all things philosophical. Just for the sake of argument, you might perhaps get an idea of why certain segments find it less shady than others.

I do agree though. It does have a certain distinct air of "black magic hocus pokus" to it, doesn't it?