Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Nobody Sells Laptops for The Price of Silver

If you haven't already, I recommend that you take 20 minutes and read "Nobody Sells Gold for the Price of Silver" by Cormac Herley and Dinei Florencio. (PDF Link) This is an excellent analysis of the research into and press coverage of the underground economy. It's a fascinating read, and they make a cogent argument that the underground economy is more myth than reality. I don't want to say more because it will ruin it for you.

Now I have an excercise for you. First, read the Herley/Florencio article. Then, read Bruce Schneier's experiences with trying to sell a laptop on eBay. Now think about the implications of the "Ripper Tax" on eBay. Now ask yourself why you haven't already sold any stock you own in eBay.

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