Coincidences are not random, and random coincidences are not coincidences.

Flooz.com is an almost forgotten story that could have become a prologue to cryptocurrencies, but turned into a dot-com tragicomedy.

At that time, the idea was innovative, one might even say revolutionary: to create a platform for buying and using electronic currency on the Internet.

Two enterprising friends, Levitan and Vaksman, thought ahead. When people were still afraid to give their credit card details on the Internet, they offered a solution. Flooz promised convenience and security, which were sorely lacking.

Users received electronic money for purchases on partner sites and could spend it in all partner online stores. Moreover, the rate was very favorable: for 800 fiat dollars, Flooz credited a thousand electronic ones. Retailers supported this payment method to increase sales, and Flooz's profit was in coins selling and repurchasing. It was profitable and convenient for everyone.

But a good idea often crashes into harsh reality. The company was launched in the late 90s, right during the dot-com bubble. Back then, billion-dollar companies burned out in seconds, not to mention small startups.

Hacker attacks that stole customer data were the last nail in the company's coffin. The money disappeared, trust collapsed. Customers, deceived and offended, did not receive their compensation, and Flooz disappeared, leaving behind only an article in the archive about an unsuccessful experiment with electronic money.

Today, it is easy to say: "If they had started a little later or a little earlier, everything could have been different."

For example, Bitcoin appeared at the right time, because the market had just recovered from the 2008 crisis. Because the market was ready for the idea that something needed to be changed. The idea of ​​decentralization was opportune.

And Flooz? They were there at the wrong time.

Therefore, timing is an important part of success. However, as well as the place, and even luck.

And, yes, random coincidences are not random.

#btc #bitcoin #dotcom #cryptocurrency