The digital economy is characterized by so-called infinite shelf space, zero marginal cost, increasing returns, and friction-free transactions. These and other factors have made crypto currencies an attractive alternative to fiat currency. This essay focuses on the larger implications of cryptocurrency and its role in the economy of the digital economy. While cryptocurrencies appear to be ideal for the digital era, they also have some serious limitations such as vulnerabilities to selfish mining and lack of consumer protections.

Each "Communication Corner" essay is self-contained; however, they build on each other. For best results, before reading this essay and doing the exercise, go to the first essay "How an Ugly Duckling Became a Swan," then read each succeeding essay.

The purpose of most expository (non-fiction) text is for the reader to understand and retain as much as possible of what it has to say. Too many people who write such text seem (subconsciously) to adopt exactly the opposite point of view. Here's how not to be one of them.