[FatalLogic]

> I'm not familiar with anyone who takes bitcoin in exchange for a place to sleep.

From 3 minutes on Google:

http://www.expedia.com/

http://www.cheapair.com/hotels/

https://btctrip.com/

http://www.travelforcoins.com/

https://www.clickjett.com/

http://blog.9flats.com/9flats-accepts-payments-with-bitcoins

I'm not commenting on anything else you've said, but I really do have to question your claim that you're "quite familiar" with the bitcoin market

[jedberg]

As far as I know every one of those prices in USD and then uses an exchange to immediately convert bitcoin to USD. I don't count that as taking bitcoin.

[FatalLogic]

I think you're correct, but this is a disappointingly blatant straw man argument, because you were attempting to refute the claim "You can buy food, shelter, and clothing with bitcoin."

If we were arguing about the overall health of the bitcoin economy, then your point about conversion to USD would be relevant, but we're only discussing the utility of bitcoin for the consumer here. From the customer's point of view, it is irrelevant, what matters is that the company will accept their bitcoin.