"A Limitless Future. Overall, cryptocurrencies have a long way to go before they eclipse credit cards and traditional currencies as a tool for global commerce. They have displayed potential as an investment alternative, but are still not a must have asset class in your portfolio. In the next several years, cryptocurrencies are likely to evolve into a niche electronic currency that could become a realistic alternative to other electronic payment processing platforms."
http://www.forbes.com/sites/duncanrolph/2014/04/23/is-bitcoin-here-to-stay-a-quick-guide-to-cryptocurrency/

I can’t see how any such cryptocurrencies can ever get anywhere near, let alone eclipse, traditional credit cards (and their now digital wallet extensions), or even traditional international bank transfers, as a tool for “global commerce”! And Bitcoins will likewise unlikely ever be a realistic alternative to any other electronic payment processing platform! Bitcoin supporters who believe otherwise are hallucinating severely and should seek medical help promptly …

The Bitcoin is effectively a “foreign” currency; even for a “local” transaction, a Bitcoin transaction involves the exchange of a foreign currency, with all the complications that such dealing entails. Anyone that holds onto Bitcoins is effectively speculating in foreign currency—this one about as highly volatile as any “currency” could be. And if you think that the Bitcoin exchanges that deal in this particular foreign currency are going to do the exchanging any cheaper than traditional FX traders, dream on …

The latest Amazon/Bitcoins story is surely little more than another Amazon publicity stunt. Notwithstanding that some payees would prefer such a form of payment that, in its base form, has no possibility of being reversed, why would any sane buyer/payer choose to, firstly have to acquire such cryptocurrency and then forgo the system and statutory protections that come with the use of a traditional credit card for any online purchase?

Sorry, but I can’t ever see it happening; but then, maybe eBay’s Johnny Ho can …

And, “they have displayed potential as an investment alternative”! They have to be joking …