Why do I like Steem and Bitshares? Because they ADDING REAL VALUE, not just solving [difficult math] problems.

There aren't many Christian pastors who are computer geeks.  I'm one of them... and I'm glad to be here!

It's taken me some time to "get on board" with cryptocurrency.  The biggest reason?  I really think that Bitcoin, and many of the other the "big names" in cryptocurrency are really nothing but huge scams.  

I'm sorry - but it's true.  

Sure, there are some parents who will pay their highschool student for good grades in math, but I don't think that expending huge amounts of effort doing math problems is quite the same as meaningful work.  After all, if that was the case, college math and accounting students wouldn't need to pay big money for the privilege of offering "proof-of-work" to their professors!

But along comes some fancy new maths done by super fast computers --- and people are willing to fork over cash when the computer comes up with a magical answer.  Seriously?!?!  I mean, really.... I never got cash for proving my work in math class! (Ok, maybe a little jealousy too....)

Now, I admit, that's a bit of hyperbole and a bit of an over simplification.  But considering the resources expended in "mining" these first generation cryptocurrencies and the reality that the great majority of the (so-called) cryptocurrency bubble is because speculators simply see these cool new shiny things that they neither understand and, worse, are paying to get ahold of something that doesn't inherently create value, and I found very little good about crypto - and instead had great cause for concern that "cryptocurrency is just a flash in the pan."

Enter STEEM and BITSHARES.  The value of these currencies is not in the magic numbers that somehow capture the value of doing difficult mathematical proofs.  Rather, they are an economic tool that captures the efforts of individuals and groups who have invested in solving real problems and creating real value for others.  They allow people to contribute value to the system, and they reward those who do.  THAT is the purpose of a currency.  And THAT is what brought me here.

What do *I* hope to do here?  A little of everything.  My interests are varied - from theology to web technology to politics,  you'll probably see me posting on a little bit of everything.  I'm very excited to be here and see what others are doing as well!