Why Cryptocurrency Volatility Makes It Unusable for Real-World Commerce — and How Mutual Credit Offers an Alternative
By
By Cameron Burgess
Summary
This article argues that most cryptocurrencies function primarily as speculative bets rather than usable money for real-world commerce. Using Steam's failed experiment with Bitcoin as a case study, it highlights how cryptocurrency volatility makes it impractical for everyday transactions. The piece then introduces HoloFuel's mutual credit system as an alternative — a stable, utility-backed currency designed for actual economic exchange rather than speculation.
Source
Key quotes
· 3 pulledMost cryptocurrency is money you bet on. People need money they can use.
In April of 2016, Steam - a digitally native, technically sophisticated business - announced that consumers could use Bitcoin for game and in-app purchases on their platform. That experiment came to a halt less than two years later.
As of today, Steam will no longer support Bitcoin as a payment method on our platform due to
You might also wanna read
The Legal Risks of In-Game Currencies: When V-Bucks and Gold Look Like Financial Instruments
Online gaming platforms have evolved from closed entertainment systems into something resembling financial infrastructure, with in-game curr
Stablecoins and the Architecture of Moneyness: Rethinking What Makes Something Money
This article explores the fundamental nature of money, arguing that traditional functional definitions (medium of exchange, unit of account,
Understanding Perpetual Futures in Cryptocurrency Markets
This article provides an in-depth explanation of perpetual futures (perps) in cryptocurrency markets, examining their structure, purpose, an

Analyst identifies five cryptocurrencies that could outperform stocks amid market highs
An analyst argues that despite strong stock market performance, certain cryptocurrencies with clear utility and growing adoption—particularl
Study reveals stablecoin transactions are far more complex than simple payments
This paper investigates the economic role of stablecoins by distinguishing between individual transfer events and broader complex transactio
Computer Scientist Nicholas Weaver's Critique of Cryptocurrency as Fundamentally Flawed
UC Berkeley computer scientist Nicholas Weaver argues that cryptocurrency is fundamentally flawed and should be eliminated, citing its risks

Comments
Sign in to join the conversation.
No comments yet. Be the first.