Hacker News Reader

Why? Wanted a decentralized database of memorable places I've visited.

Proof? The key pair signing the transaction proves it originated from this service. HTML5 geolocation data could be incorrect in the same way a Foursquare check-in doesn't prove one is actually at a given venue.

View on HN

But why put it into the block chain instead of a database?

My guess would be the decentralized nature of it. Even if this service goes away (like Foursquare could), your check-ins with service won't (at least until the blockchain dies, which is presumably longer than an individual company).

I thought of that, too, but then - with bitcoin still in its infancy and far from sure to survive the next five years - I think that a cloud service is a far safer bet than the block chain. Or just have your own database on the site hosting the website.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com