[coldtea]

>I'm sorry, but you're looking at Bitcoin from a narrow viewpoint. There are in fact people who actually need Bitcoin in their day-to-day.

Well, perhaps, but

(a) these people are a very small amount compared to "first world" bitcoin champions

(b) they would be better off pushing for actual policy change regarding their problems, instead of using a technological workaround who (depending on the whims of those in power) can land them in jail/money loss at any time...

[Cyph0n]

Actually, I'd argue that the potential for Bitcoin lies more in third world countries than economically developed ones. First world countries usually don't suffer from unstable currencies or financial controls, which is what makes the utility of Bitcoin seem quite limited.

Yes, your second point is true, but sometimes the country itself is struggling to stabilize its currency. Thankfully, that's not (yet) the case in Tunisia.

[snitko]

Actually, (b) is exactly the opposite. Instead of voting for certain economic policies and hoping "my guy wins" I can just use Bitcoin, which has the qualities I need, here and now: for instance, I can send money to anyone in the world without any of the KYC and AML bullshit and I don't need to wait and vote in just the right politician who promises(!) to easy the said regulations.

I can certifiably tell you that I AM better off because I started using bitcoin. And it's not because of the exchange rate, but because of the freedom to do what I please with my money.

[madeofpalk]

Also, the question was about why does HN hate Bitcoin so much. I would say the reasons stated cover that pretty well