Very interesting. Checking my understanding: In 2012 there was no reputable middleman you could buy or sell Bitcoin to at the current market price, so you had to hunt down a counterparty each time. Coinbase stepped in as a middleman who would always trade with you in either direction at a fair price. Does this sound right?
If memory serves me correctly Mt. Gox didn't have the greatest UI. If you weren't a techie you would need the guidance of one.
I do remember it was quite a big deal when the first bitcoin machine arrived in Lansing. Eventually several arrived and left but the original one is still at the Fledge, at least before COVID arrived.
