user8840: I am very interested in this idea.  Fundamentally though, if these coins are simply used to buy more stuff (videogames, alpaca socks...), how does this help with buying necessities or help the poor for their basic goods? 

user8844: Why couldn't they buy food?
It's up to the company if they are willing to take a alternate currency.
The more people the have bitcoins, the more reason for places to start accepting this form of payment.

8840: <p>I am very interested in this idea.  Fundamentally though, if these coins are simply used to buy more stuff (videogames, alpaca socks...), how does this help with buying necessities or help the poor for their basic goods? </p>
 8844: <p>Why couldn't they buy food?
It's up to the company if they are willing to take a alternate currency.<br>
The more people the have bitcoins, the more reason for places to start accepting this form of payment.</p>
