Although I'm intrigued by the direction that this thread has progressed so far, I wish to get back on track with what the OP has introduced, before it forks to a discussion on the how and why the African swallows are non-migratory. Granted, all the posts are enlightening and on-topic, but I like to see how this idea can be taken to the nth degree in regards to strengthening Bitcoin's position.
With that said, I offer up the following:
Let's put bots and any security concerns to the side for the moment, because if, at the onset of Bitcoin, the founders spent all their time discussing nefarious schemes upon brainstorming the
next-great-idea, Bitcoin wouldn't be where it is today--they'll still be hashing out the what ifs. I offered up a way to not use captcha in post #21 which is, BTW, a good way to increase your mailing list. The money is in the list!
Every now and then, a Remarkable idea blossoms from the Bitcoin community. I feel that this is one such Remarkable idea. See:
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2007/01/how_to_be_remar.htmlImagine, if you will companies, of any size (not 1 or 2 or 9.5, but 100's/1,000's), incorporating this Mysterious Bitcoin innovation in their websites. These companies don't even need to embrace, nor believe in, Bitcoin to gain value by incorporating this gimmick, for lack of a better word. As an example, Moen.com could have a page showing an image of a facet (which reminds me of another idea) in the off position (not flowing). But randomly, once a day (or whatever the time frame), it start flowing--bitcoin(s). As another example, a seller of upper-end toasters has a dedicated page showing an image of a toaster with one of its levers in the down position (visualize toast being made). Again, randomly once a day that side pops up, revealing a Bitcoin. Afterwards, the lever on the other side goes down once the Bitcoin is claimed.
Every single product and service can incorporate this idea. If you doubt that statement, name an example--any example--and I'll tell you how it could be achieved provided, of course, the website owner wants it.
Another quick example: dictionary.com could have a special search box so one could type in a word (the use of cookies allows you to do this only once a day) and if it matches the magic word-of-the-day, voilà--Bitcoin(s)!
Now, further imagine a site dedicated to listing every site that has incorporated this gimmick (sorry for incorporating the word incorporated numerous times in this post, as well as the several uses of parentheses I incorporated to explain myself, but I can't help it because Bitcoin excites me--excites me so much that you may have noticed I incorporated the use of this parenthesized statement after the wrong word--but I digress). This possible site would not only list the above mentioned sites in categories, but also list the exact times (clock, as well as maybe the number of) the Bitcoin was last revealed at each site. Furthermore, it would show a "hot list" of sites fast approaching the deadline of when the Bitcoin is suppose to be revealed--colored coded red/orange/yellow. It could even list who the winners are.
As you can clearly see, more traffic is generated to each website that employs the use of the Mysterious Bitcoin (name change may be in order here--ideas?). More traffic=more sales (unless the product or service completely sucks--but Bitcoin doesn't hurt their endeavor). It'll be up to each site owner on how to implement this program to get maximum return on their $0 investment.
Although the OP has set the proverbial bar high with his Bitcoin producing flower, I'm sure other artists will soon be champing at the bit to showcase their talents, as well, to better the latest new graphic.
Remember, this is the time of year shop owners are jockeying for position to get their sites ready for the Christmas season. Here's one idea on the table they'll be hard-pressed to pass up.
Speaking of Christmas, pictured three socks hanging on the fireplace mantel...
