While there I went into the Tempe Farmer's Market a few time to get something cold. I talked with some of the employees and one of the owners. The first employee I spoke with is good with computers and linux/android. I brought up Bitcoin, He mentioned they were interested in other currencies and he suggested I speak with the owner. The owner was interested.
I had a BitBill in my pocket and used it to help explain BTC. I was about to go back in to get something else, but grabbed my Casascius coin to show him, he got even more interested. and wondered if I'd be willing to part with it.
This is how bitcoin spreads and takes root. Bitcoin has not only survived its rough start, it may ultimately have benefitted from it. There are many other payment systems out there. If Bitcoin was just another payment alternative or another currency even, how far might you've gotten in trying to persuade this farmer's market owner.
What is hard to explain is why this meeting and discussion occurred. I too carry around a Casascius coin as it is a fantastic visual aid when trying to describe how simple bitcoin really can be -- just two pieces of data. One that is kept secret and one shared publicly.
But the reason OpticBit felt compelled to engage this merchant in a conversation about Bitcoin is what is interesting. There are many payment systems and currencies, but none of them have individuals evangelizing to merchants. At least not ones who aren't on the payroll, doing it out of their leisure time on a Sunday.
