This is a guest post by TOD reader HoustonB outlining one possible future trajectory of 'virtual currency'. Though this post is a bit longish for Campfire standards (by a factor of 6), the author poses an interesting solution to one of our core problems - fiat currency as a marker for real capital. I hope it generates discussion on this thorny topic. HoustonB is an independent software engineer and technologist with more than two decades of experience, currently specializing in Microsoft DotNet database web development. Previous clients include Lehman Brothers (Prime Broker), The London Stock Exchange, Coca-Cola, United States Department of the Interior and other household names.

If content is forthcoming from readers, the Campfire series will attempt to have Wednesday nights (US EST) highlight 'practical/local solutions' type essays and Saturday pm with 'what-if' big idea type content. If you have something appropriate, please email the editors at address on sidebar. Sharon Astyk on deck.