Lighthouse is a brand new approach to all-or-nothing fund raising. Using advanced features of the Bitcoin protocol it is now possible to create Kickstarter-style fund raising initiatives in an entirely decentralised way. No middlemen unless you want them, and no fees beyond the usual Bitcoin transaction fees (just a fraction of a dollar cent).
Seems like Lighthouse would be great to use for fundraising /r/DNMAvengers drug testing. I personally would be more willing to donate if I knew I could get the money back if the funding goal was not reached.
An assurance contract (more often known these days as a crowdfund), is a way for different people to club together and raise money for a public good - something that once complete will benefit everyone, but where there is no ability to make users pay individually. The traditional textbook example is a lighthouse: all sailors would benefit from being able to see the shore more clearly but no sailor can afford to pay for the full cost themselves, and once built it's impossible to ensure only certain ships can see the light. A more modern example is peer to peer infrastructure. By gathering pledges that say "I agree to put my money in if other people also put their money in", assurance contracts can sometimes help break the deadlock and ensure the public good gets built.
Website: https://www.vinumeris.com/lighthouse
Blog with successful fundraising examples: http://blog.vinumeris.com/
FAQ: https://www.vinumeris.com/lighthouse/faq
https://www.reddit.com/r/DNMAvengers/comments/31zlwr/using_lighthouse_for_fundraising_drug_tests/
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