I have done a physical Bitcoin autograph of my second global warming science fiction novel “Tasneem” (FREE PDF file here). It just arrived at its destination.
I have sent 0.1 bitcoin from my address
1MXLh9u36HPRzjY7j9qJ5jDdkJexrmZBA2
to the address created for this autograph
1DgLiqUA3SL9oFhyEnNApmJHzcWH7km5WQ
I sent this before I got my address
1KfLenzmpCEjNhdNs2Y6txuaJAFLUNzfjZ
which I plan to use for all other autographs from now on. I am still developing the concept, which explains this change.
Then I put a Bitcoin paper wallet with that address into an envelope glued to the book.
For the general concept of a “Bitcoin autograph”, please refer to my previous post introducing the concept. This example shows that the same can be done with a physical book, if one is inclined to do so.
With a physical book, the value of an autograph depends on the ability of verifying that it is authentic. In some cases, they come with a “Certificate of Authenticity“.
Adding the Bitcoin element is like adding such a certificate, only stronger. If the Bitcoin spending address can be linked to the author in question, having it included rather strongly proves authenticity. In contrast a “Certificate of Authenticity” can be forged, or the certification can be done in bad faith for a forged autograph.
I am not sure myself what all of this means, since I am still in the process of developing the idea. But here are a couple of thoughts on what this means for me as an unknown author.
I can unabashedly hand out autographs, since they will always have as a minimum the value of the Bitcoin transaction involved.
I can offer PDF files or books with a negative price attached, which makes for more interesting giveaways. Actually, with a PDF file this seems to be the only way to have a meaningful giveaway. Note that Goodreads giveaways only are possible for physical books right now.
I can promote the Bitcoin network as well. People need to be familiar with the Bitcoin basics to understand this, so I can explain these basics in the process.
Anyway, I am not sure where to go with this. The main purpose of this post was, again, guarding against someone filing a patent for this rather obvious idea.
