I am actually calm. I still don't get it. I have to buy bitcoins and put them into my wallet, right? If the value goes down, I lose money. If it goes up, I make money. I don't see anything you have said that argues against that. You keep saying "they" could lose money but if I need a bitcoin to buy a ticket, if I buy into the whole concept that is, can't I lose money also?
Well, bitcoins are virtual (electronic) currency, so you don't actually physically put them in your wallet. It's essentially a computer file. Transferring it from one person to another is a bit more complicated than just copying the file, but I don't know the details.
You're right that bitcoin value is volatile right now (and for all we know, might always be). I see bitcoins as a very speculative currency right now, almost like playing the stock market. If you buy into the concept of bitcoins and start using them, then, yes, you're exposing yourself to risk/reward.
If, for some reason, you bought bitcoins in order to buy a Kings ticket immediately (for the novelty), then you'd probably be out whatever the transaction fee might be, but it's not like bitcoin value fluctuates wildly over minutes/hours, so the ticket price would not really be different than the cash price. And as you seem to recognize, you can still buy in cash, so if bitcoins seem too risky for you then I'm sure you'll steer clear and go the cash route.
What is the advantage over using dollars, credit cards, etc?
I suppose there are a few things. It's an electronic currency, which is neat. Supporters like to point out that bitcoins are not regulated by the government, so if you've got a Libertarian streak you might be drawn towards the concept. Detractors like to point out that much (non-speculative) bitcoin activity appears to be used on illegal transactions (arms, drugs, etc.), because in principle the government can't track bitcoins.
From my point of view, there are probably about four reasons to go bitcoin right now:
1) You want to be hip and ahead of the curve
2) You want to buy illegal stuff
3) You believe bitcoin will become a major (or the major) currency in the future, and you want to get in now so you're rich later
4) You believe current currency (e.g. U.S. Dollars) will collapse relatively soon, and that bitcoin won't.
If you don't fall into one of those categories, then just hold off and use cash until such time (if ever) that it makes more day-to-day sense to use bitcoin. We're still not at the stage where electronic cash (debit cards, etc.) has phased out paper cash, but it will likely come. At that point you'll have to stop carrying paper cash. And if ever bitcoin phases out U.S. Dollars, then you'll have to convert over. Until then, carry on!
