It absolutely is. If I want to send money to my mother, who lives in a different country over 6000 km away, I have to go through absurd steps in order to do so. International money transfer. Western Union. Physically walking cash to some counter. If bitcoin is useful for her, I can just send her bitcoins.
Paypal is frustrating; I have to make an account, she has to make an account, I have to fund my account, and to top it all off, Paypal can (and does!) refuse to transfer money sometimes. Absurd!
This personal touch is the foundation of all that makes bitcoin worthwhile, in my opinion. The network is established and I can use it to send value to another individual or company, without going through any other intermediate. This is absolutely huge, in the same way that email is an easier way to send a message (instead of making a phone call) is absolutely huge (for email).
People may choose to use services (like Coinbase) to make it easier, but they don't have to.
Paypal is frustrating; I have to make an account, she has to make an account, I have to fund my account, and to top it all off, Paypal can (and does!) refuse to transfer money sometimes. Absurd!
This personal touch is the foundation of all that makes bitcoin worthwhile, in my opinion. The network is established and I can use it to send value to another individual or company, without going through any other intermediate. This is absolutely huge, in the same way that email is an easier way to send a message (instead of making a phone call) is absolutely huge (for email).
People may choose to use services (like Coinbase) to make it easier, but they don't have to.