undefined | Better HN

0 pointslucozade8y ago0 comments

What may be more helpful that a definitive list of arguments is a definitive list of valid responses to those arguments.

As a random example, mining does use more energy than some nations. Why this may be a good thing in a medium of exchange/value store tends to receive somewhat hand wavy responses. If you have a great answer then it might be helpful to share it.

0 comments

panarky8y ago

You're right, many of these are valid criticisms.

It's just that we've been having the identical arguments over and over for nearly ten years now. We're not advancing our understanding by re-hashing the same tired ideas.

Maybe I'll make a page with common responses to these arguments.

To use your example ... it's true that mining cryptocurrencies consumes a lot of energy. So do casinos. So does Facebook and Starbucks. So does manufacturing weapons.

The world's televisions consume a lot of energy.

Bank office buildings and the millions of bank workers who drive to work every day also use a lot of energy.

The question isn't how much energy a thing uses, it's how much value is derived per watt-hour of energy.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse