It's a network that is being overwhelmed. There is a long standing argument in the community about what to do with the block size; it's too small - we need seg-wit... Think of the linux platform. This is what bitcoin is...a software distribution that started out as an experiment. Since it is open source and there is no central control, these sorts of growing pains are inevitable.

Back in the day, getting access to the internet was expensive and cumbersome, and unreliable. We used modems and bought T-1 phone line bundles and hooked to servers through muxes to make bulletin boards. It was ridiculous!

I can say this though, bitcoin almost always evokes strong emotions one way or the other. It really doesn't matter what you or I, or anyone thinks about it. It is here to stay and it WILL be ubiquitous sooner than you might think.

I always say to the folks who enjoy shooting the messenger, don't worry, you don't have to come to bitcoin, bitcoin is coming to you! Sooner or later, people will wonder how we ever got along without this technology. Just like the internet.

Merry Christmas