“A lot of people automatically dismiss e-currency as a lost cause because of all the companies that failed since the 1990's. I hope it's obvious it was only the centrally controlled nature of those systems that doomed them. I think this is the first time we're trying a decentralized, non-trust-based system.” - Satoshi Nakamoto
Discussion
You nailed it! Previous attempts at digital currency failed 'cause they were centralized. They had a single point of failure which made them vulnerable.
Bitcoin's different. It's decentralized, not controlled by any one entity. No need to trust a central authority - the system is held together by cryptographic proof.
That’s why I believe Bitcoin stands a fighting chance where others didn't make the cut!