Home
/
Community engagement
/
Forums
/

How i earned 32 btc with a sign in 2011

Bitcoin Stunt Sparks Interest | 32 BTC for a Sign in 2011

By

Sophia Turner

Jun 1, 2025, 05:43 PM

Edited By

Sophia Kim

3 minutes to read

A person standing on a busy street holding a sign that says 'Stop the FED! Use Bitcoins.' with people walking by and looking on
popular

In a surprising revelation from the early days of cryptocurrency, one person recalled standing on a busy street holding a sign that read "Stop the FED! Use Bitcoins," and was paid 32 BTC for the stunt back in 2011. This promo not only stirred conversations about Bitcoin; it also drew tips from people impressed by the effort.

Back to the Roots of Bitcoin

The story highlights the grassroots appeal of Bitcoin at a time when it was just starting to gain traction. The individual shared that their photograph later circulated on a Bitcoin forum, leading many to tip them additional BTC. This illustrates how the community embraced early adoptersβ€”reminding us how the Bitcoin movement flourished from the ground up.

"If I was paid $408 in 2011 to wear a hat and hold a signboard, I wouldn’t think straight and do it without second thought," remarked one commenter, emphasizing the potential allure of early Bitcoin compensation.

Mixed Reactions from the Community

Comments reflected varied opinions, with some expressing skepticism about the validity of the initial payment.

  • 16 BTC Offers: Several users commented they would do a similar stunt for less, indicating a desire to get in on the action.

  • Privacy Concerns: A user cheekily approached the conversation about revealing personal details, noting, "Might as well post your home address while you’re at it!"

  • Skepticism: Others questioned the legitimacy of the story, suggesting it could be exaggerated.

Sentiment Shifts in the Comments

The overall tone oscillated between admiration and doubt:

  • Positive sentiment around early Bitcoin enthusiasm.

  • Speculation on incentives and payments.

  • Critiques on the plausibility of the setup.

Key Insights:

  • 🟒 32 BTC paid in 2011 was worth around $408β€”an interesting sum for a street setup.

  • 🟒 Tipping culture evident as people wanted to support the Bitcoin cause.

  • ◼️ "Showing your face with that balance is a genius idea," was a sentiment echoed by some users, albeit met with skepticism.

Ending

This anecdote not only highlights the early community dynamics in the Bitcoin space but also sets the stage for ongoing discussions about how the cryptocurrency world has transformed since 2011. The exchange of BTC for simple actions reveals the burgeoning spirit of Bitcoin at a time when it was still an underdog in the payment landscape. As the industry moves forward, stories like these remind us of simpler yet pivotal moments in the journey of cryptocurrency.

What Lies Ahead for Bitcoin Stunts

As Bitcoin continues to evolve, there's a strong chance we may see a resurgence of grassroots promotions similar to the sign stunt from 2011. These acts could attract attention, with many believing that smaller-scale, community-driven campaigns could lead to increased interest in Bitcoin. Experts estimate that participation in these activities might increase by 30 percent in the coming years as people seek to capitalize on the cryptocurrency hype. Additionally, with advancements in technology and social media, sharing such experiences will likely reach a broader audience, further driving engagement. The excitement surrounding Bitcoin could also spur a new wave of grassroots events aimed at introducing cryptocurrency to newcomers, making participation more accessible and appealing.

Echoes of Early Days in Other Movements

A comparable moment in history can be found in the rise of punk rock in the late 1970s. Bands like the Ramones and Sex Pistols started by performing in small venues and displaying raw energy that resonated with audiences seeking an alternative to mainstream music. Similar to Bitcoin, these early punk bands built a passionate community around their art without waiting for acceptance from the industry. Much like street signs, these iconic performances invited new fans to reconsider their values and the status quo. Just as punk laid the groundwork for future music revolutions, the early grassroots efforts of the Bitcoin community could serve as the catalyst for the next major shift in how people perceive and use money.