The crypto-verse is truly holding its breath as Gary Gensler of the SEC shifts his gaze towards the challenges presented by artificial intelligence. In the whirlwind domain of cryptocurrencies, where values swing wildly in the blink of an eye, it's rare for a single person's actions to stir up so much speculation and excitement across the entire industry. 

Yet, that's exactly what's happening with Gary Gensler, the Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as he zeroes in on the hurdles posed by AI. It's like a sudden plot twist in a gripping movie, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. But the stakes are much higher this time, and the outcome could determine the destiny of an entire economic sector.

Gensler's tenure as the SEC Chair has been all about taking the reins in cryptocurrency regulation. He's brought lawsuits and investigations against significant players in the crypto field, aiming to establish more explicit guidelines and clamp down on possible fraud or deceptive practices. This bold approach marks a clear departure from the more hands-off attitudes of the past. However, just when everyone thought they had the storyline figured out, the narrative took an unforeseen twist.

Gensler, recognized for his deep understanding of financial regulation and emerging technologies, has made a surprising choice to shift the SEC's focus toward the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. This unexpected move has raised eyebrows among those in the industry and those observing from the sidelines. With the crypto market booming and regulations still a work in progress, the question arises: Why would Gensler shift his attention to a whole new frontier?

The crypto sector now stands at a crossroads, uncertain about the path ahead. With Gensler's attention toward AI, those invested in cryptocurrencies can't help but wonder how this chapter will unfold. Will it be a story of collaboration and forward movement or a tale filled with suspense and hurdles? Only time holds the key to revealing the upcoming exciting chapter in this ongoing saga.

Regulatory Concerns and the SEC

The SEC wears the hat of a regulatory guardian, ensuring that securities are handled fairly, and markets run smoothly. When it comes to the realm of cryptocurrencies, their mission extends to safeguarding investors against fraud and unethical practices. They meticulously monitor Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) to guarantee compliance with securities laws. Think of them as the lawmen of the digital Wild West, where crypto-cowboys roam.

But the plot has taken an interesting twist. The SEC's head honcho, Gary Gensler, has unveiled a change of focus. Instead of exclusively zeroing in on cryptocurrencies, he's turning his attention to the hurdles posed by artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial arena. The US watchful regulators are now keeping tabs on the potential influence of our future robot overlords.

This shift has thrown the crypto industry into a state of suspense. What does this mean for the fate of cryptocurrencies? Will they finally break free from the chains of regulatory uncertainty, or could they find themselves overshadowed as AI takes center stage? The answer is yet to be unveiled. 

But one thing is sure: Gary's shift might divert attention and resources from overseeing cryptocurrencies. This could bring a sigh of relief to those yearning for less interference or raise eyebrows among those advocating for stricter control. The industry is undoubtedly in for some turbulence as this transformation unfolds. It's akin to riding a rollercoaster with no map of its twists and turns. 

The crypto industry has weathered many ups and downs before and is well-equipped to navigate this latest twist. It's all part of the wild and unpredictable nature that makes this industry so intriguing. Moreover, who knows the ways in which AI could revolutionize the cryptocurrency landscape? Picture self-trading coins or wallets that seem to possess a mind of their own. The potential seems boundless!

So, as we await the SEC's strategies to tackle AI challenges, let's keep our gaze fixed on the ultimate goal. Cryptocurrencies have come a long way, and their journey is far from over. As the industry matures and adapts, we'll continue to rise above whatever hurdles come our way. After all, these very challenges shape us and fuel the evolution of this exciting sector.

SEC Chair Gensler speaking before the National Press Club on July 17. Source: SEC

In his speech at the National Press Club, Gary Gensler underlined a significant truth: While the cryptocurrency arena has its fair share of issues like scams, hacks, and money laundering, the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) poses even more significant financial hazards for folks in the US and other nations. As he delved into the topic, Gary spotlighted various risks tied to the ongoing AI surge, which could shake up trillions of dollars worth of assets traded on markets overseen by the SEC.

Looking closely, Gary explains that amidst this AI boom, there's a flip side to the coin. On one hand, AI-generated investment suggestions could revolutionize the customer experience within financial institutions. Sounds promising, right? 

However, he doesn't shy away from pointing out a potential drawback. This emerging technology could also be used to blur the lines of accountability when things go wrong. If errors or failures occur, AI could be exploited to shroud responsibility.  AI-driven trading bots can potentially manipulate financial markets, particularly in unregulated sectors like cryptocurrency. This manipulation can deceive investors into buying assets at inflated prices, resulting in financial losses.

Phishing scams used to stand out due to their misspellings or grammar mistakes, but with the advent of generative AI, creating well-written emails in any language has become effortless. This technology can craft convincing messages that mimic native speakers. In simpler terms, Gary is raising a flag on the potential upsides and downsides of AI's influence on the financial world. It's like navigating a brand-new terrain where incredible opportunities and unforeseen pitfalls are equally likely. As he steers this conversation, Gary is essentially shining a light on the unknown pathways that lie ahead in the realm of AI.

Phishing scams used to stand out due to their misspellings or grammar mistakes, but with the advent of generative AI, creating well-written emails in any language has become effortless. This technology can craft convincing messages that mimic native speakers. In simpler terms, Gary is raising a flag on the potential upsides and downsides of AI's influence on the financial world. It's like navigating a brand-new terrain where incredible opportunities and unforeseen pitfalls are equally likely. As he steers this conversation, Gary is essentially shining a light on the unknown pathways that lie ahead in the realm of AI.

Image source: X [Twitter]

The Waiting Game

Gary Gensler has been quite vocal about his criticisms of the crypto world, accusing it of being filled with hackers, fraudsters, and scams. He's been attacking the industry with full force, making us all wonder what his next move would be. But then, out of nowhere, BlackRock, the giant investment firm, steps in and expresses its interest in crypto. 

They see the value and potential in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. And just like that, Gary's tone changes. He suddenly shifts his focus to AI and suggests we can address the crypto world later. It's almost like that schoolyard bully who picks on a kid, only to back off when he realizes the kid has a strong older sibling to protect them. BlackRock is that older sibling defending crypto against Gary's attacks.

This turn of events is quite amusing to watch. With Gary's attention focused on AI startups, it's safe to say that those in the AI industry need to brace themselves. It seems like Gary is excited about this new direction and wants to regulate AI. As for crypto, there's a sense of relief that his aggressive attacks might lessen. 

However, remember the importance of clarity and resolution for ongoing cases. The SEC seems to be strategizing by prioritizing the current cases before moving on to new ones. After all, a win in these high-profile cases could set a legal precedent that affects the entire industry.

It is essential for the crypto community to come together and support each other in these cases. The industry can't afford to have a fragmented stance where some projects are supported while others aren't. The outcome of the SEC’s regulation against AI will impact the entire crypto industry, and it's crucial for crypto to have a strong track record. 

All the players need to understand that it's not just about supporting one project over another but rather about advocating for a fair and just resolution for all cases involving crypto. So, amid all this, we continue to watch the developments unfold. The shift from attacking crypto to focusing on AI is quite the twist, and it'll be interesting to see how it all plays out. 

The Bottom Line 

AI is making leaps and bounds in technology, with blessings and concerns in store for the cryptocurrency industry. The fusion of AI and various aspects of cryptocurrencies can make things smoother, more accurate, and super secure. Picture this: Trading strategies are automated, and fraudulent activities are identified in a snap. That's the kind of potential AI brings to the table.

But of course, there's the flip side. Cryptocurrencies' unique, decentralized, and roller-coaster nature poses a challenge for AI algorithms. Making sure these systems can keep up with the ever-shifting crypto landscape is no cakewalk. And let's not forget about the worries around privacy, data security, and biases sneaking into AI decisions. All these are real concerns that are keeping industry regulators awake at night.

Now, while the SEC's AI focus might momentarily shift away from cryptocurrency regulation, folks in the know are pretty sure it's just a temporary shift. The waiting game has begun, and everyone's busy speculating. Will we see more regulations? Will the cryptocurrency ecosystem become even more robust and secure? It's like making guesses about what's in the next plot twist.

As for how the industry is reacting to Gensler's AI interest, it's a mixed bag. Some see it as a thumbs-up, a sign that the SEC is on track with keeping up with the times and potential risks. Others have their brows furrowed, worried that too much regulation might stifle the creative spark of innovation. But no matter which side you're on, one thing's for sure: AI and cryptocurrencies are about to collide in ways that could blow our minds.

In a world that's moving faster than ever, the way to win is adaptability. As we all eagerly await the SEC's next moves, folks in the industry should gear up to be informed, ready to act, and quick on their feet. Embracing innovation while addressing valid concerns is going to be the way forward. This fusion of AI challenges and regulations promises a truly exciting future where finance and technology intertwine to change how we perceive and handle money. Get ready because it's bound to be a thrilling ride!

Tim Moseley

New Use Cases For Bitcoin. Ordinal Theory Disturbs Bitcoin Purists. Competition For Ethereum? 

Bitcoin is evolving with the introduction of inscriptions, which has caused an explosion in innovation, creating new use cases for Bitcoin that many thought it would never advocate. Some believe these use cases are inappropriate for Bitcoin's primary mission of decentralizing money and being a store of value. These use cases include BRC-20 tokens, and Ordinal Inscriptions likened to an NFT called Digital Artifacts, and many are wondering whether they will compete with NFTs and ERC-20 tokens on Ethereum. 

This article illustrates what Inscriptions, Ordinals, and BRC-20 tokens are, how they work, and evaluates what impact the Ordinal theory could have on BTC. Also, how will these protocols impact Ethereum? Could ETH lose NFT market dominance as a result? 

When Did It All Start

The history of Bitcoin's recent innovations begins with the Taproot upgrade, which went live in November 2021. Essentially, Taproot removed limits on how much data each BTC transaction can use, allowing a single transaction to fill an entire Bitcoin block. This opened the door to attaching additional data to BTC transactions, including individual Satoshis. (Sats). For context, each BTC comprises 100 million Sats, like cents to a dollar. 

Image Source: Cointelegraph

As the name suggests, inscriptions make it possible to attach data to individual Sats, including audio, video, and text. Bitcoin Ordinal inscriptions can be fungible or non-fungible, depending on who owns the Ordinal and whether they wish to preserve the individual Satoshi. 

The concept of adding data to individual Sats isn't necessarily new. In fact, Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto and early Bitcoin developer Gavin Andresen discussed creating a domain name system on Bitcoin in 2010. This eventually led to the creation of Namecoin, one of the first Bitcoin forks. In 2012, the CEO of eToro proposed the concept of colored coins, which involves attaching data to BTC transactions to tokenize real-world assets effectively. 

The main reason why these concepts failed to reach mass adoption was because of data limits on BTC transactions, which Taproot has since removed. Another reason why these inscriptions failed to reach mass adoption was because it was challenging to create or keep track of them. This is what the Ordinals protocol does. It allows anyone to inscribe individual Sats with additional data and keep track of where they are. 

Ordinal Protocol and Inscriptions

As stated on the Ordinal website, a Sat inscription is an NFT; however, "digital artifact" is used instead because it's simple and familiar to artists, collectors, and traders. The phrase "digital artifact" is highly suggestive, even to someone who has never heard the term before. In comparison, NFT is an acronym that feels like financial terminology and doesn't indicate what it means if you haven't heard it before.

Bitcoin developer Casey Rodarmor created the Ordinal protocol in late January 2023. In an interview, Casey explained that he'd been considering making the protocol since he saw generative art NFTs on Ethereum in early 2022. Casey wanted to bring similar kinds of NFTs to Bitcoin. However, Casey stepped down as the lead developer of Ordinals in late May and announced a pseudonymous developer named Raph Japh would be taking his place as he couldn't give the protocol the attention it deserves.

Interestingly, Ordinals only need two things to run the protocol: a full Bitcoin node and a Bitcoin wallet that can read and write Ordinal inscriptions. Casey explained in an interview that the Ordinal protocol was designed to require no extra infrastructure; it exists entirely on Bitcoin. Even more interesting about Ordinals is that the inscriptions apparently can't be searched using a browser, at least for now. 

Casey explained that this is because of “instability.” This means that you must search for inscriptions manually on Ordinals.com, which isn't easy because there are many. For reference, there were more than 10 million inscriptions when Casey stepped down from the protocol in late May. It’s not surprising considering that multiple NFT marketplaces had started supporting Ordinals inscriptions, and a new type of inscription was also invented, the BRC-20 token. 

Image source: X [Twitter] Ordinals Wallet

What Is A BRC-20 Token?

The BRC-20 token experiment was introduced by a pseudonymous on-chain analyst named Domo in early March 2023; that enables users to create fungible tokens natively on Bitcoin. However, before launching BRC-20, Domo stressed that the token is “simply a fun experiment.” 

The BRC-20 token standard is similar to the ERC-20 token standard commonly used on the Ethereum blockchain. However, unlike the popular token standards on Ethereum, BRC-20 tokens do not use smart contracts. Instead, users store a script file on Bitcoin and use that to attribute tokens to individual satoshis. BRC-20s embed JSON data into ordinal inscriptions to enable users to deploy, mint, and transfer tokens. BRC-20s are considered “semi-fungible” since users can only exchange BRC-20 tokens in set increments. 
 
BRC-20 tokens have limited functionality compared to their ERC-20 counterparts on Ethereum. Unlike ERC-20s, which can be used as collateral in various dApps, BRC-20s are restricted to minting and moving fungible tokens on the Bitcoin blockchain. This is why there were over 10 million Ordinals but only around 40,000 BRC-20 tokens. Each Sat inscribed with an Ordinal Digital Artifact only contains one image, video, or text, whereas each Sat inscribed with a BRC-20 can have millions of units of a single token.

BRC-20 Memecoin Craze Causes Fees To Skyrocket

Naturally, BRC-20 tokens caused the number of inscriptions to surge, and the subsequent BRC-20 memecoin craze caused transaction fees on Bitcoin to spike. By May, the market cap of BRC-20 tokens had passed $1 billion, with crypto wallets adding support and exchanges listing the biggest ones. The most popular crypto wallet for BRC-20s and Ordinal Digital Artifacts is the UniSat browser extension. The browser wallet has been downloaded over 300,000 times so far. To put things into perspective, the wallet only had 100K downloads in mid-May – a 3X increase in a month.

Screenshot: Chrome Web Store

Meanwhile, the number of non-zero Bitcoin addresses, i.e., the number of Bitcoin wallets holding more than 0 BTC, has gone parabolic over the same period. Bitcoin miners have also been raking it in from the transaction fees. The fees actually surpassed the block rewards for the first time since 2017. At the same time, innovation around both Ordinals NFTs and BRC-20s had increased. 

More Innovations Ensued

One of the most famous innovations happened in February 2023, when a crafty hacker found a way to upload a cloned version of the 30-year-old video game classic DOOM to the Bitcoin blockchain as an inscription on the network’s Ordinal protocol. You can literally play a simplified version of Doom on Bitcoin. 

More recently, another pseudonymous Ordinal developer named Leonidas introduced recursive inscriptions, making it possible for inscriptions to interact. This, in turn, makes it possible to upload playable video games larger than one Bitcoin block and unlocks other new use cases. 

In May 2023, Milady’s NFT enthusiasts launched a new Ordinals NFT standard with the help of an Ordinal Digital Artifact marketplace that makes it possible to bridge NFTs from Ethereum to Bitcoin. The catch is that the conversion is currently a one-way trip, but it foreshadows more interoperability for Ordinal Digital Artifacts and BRC-20s. 

On that note, the first BRC-20 stablecoin was launched in late May. The caveat is that the issuer of this stablecoin appears to be somewhat sketchy. Even so, it foreshadows the launch of more reputable stablecoins directly on the Bitcoin blockchain, likely resulting in even more Bitcoin adoption. 

Image source: BRC-20.io

Bitcoin Maxis Pushing Back

Not everyone is applauding Bitcoin's recent innovation, however. Many have argued that Ordinals are useless. This argument has some merit, considering that some of the earliest Ordinal inscriptions contained unsavory types of content that have since been hidden. Still, as it’s been inscribed into the blockchain, the image itself is immutable.

Some have also argued that BRC-20 tokens are harmful. This is also understandable, considering that they caused transaction fees on the Bitcoin blockchain to spike. It’s made it more expensive for people in developing countries to send BTC transactions, all because some degens wanted to trade memecoins. 

Others have argued that Bitcoin shouldn't be used for anything other than regular peer-to-peer BTC transactions. This is reasonable, considering the Bitcoin white paper says peer-to-peer electronic cash. Never mind that the more complexity you add, the more vulnerabilities you create. 

Crypto analyst Eric Wall explained in an interview that the way the ordinals protocol was coded is akin to an exploit. Crypto VC partner Nick Carter also pointed out in an interview that this unforeseen use of the Taproot upgrade could make the Bitcoin community more hesitant to approve future upgrades. Nick believes that Bitcoin won't be seeing another upgrade for a long time because of the unforeseen risks it will create. 

On the other hand, many, including Nick, have argued that the objectively useless Ordinal Digital Artifacts will be priced out due to the increased transaction fees. It makes sense because whoever pays the highest price has their transaction processed first. People won't continue to pay a high price to inscribe useless data. 

Progressive Bitcoiners Counter

Some have argued that Layer 2s will solve the blockchain bloats supposedly caused by BRC-20s like the Lightning Network. This also makes sense because higher transaction fees on the base chain create an incentive to generate scaling solutions, an incentive lacking in Bitcoin. 

Others have argued that the fees from peer-to-peer BTC transactions alone may not be enough to secure the Bitcoin blockchain as time passes, so additional use cases should be allowed. This makes sense because Bitcoin isn't just a crypto; it's the most secure network in the world, the ideal base layer. It's not just the progressive Bitcoiners saying this, either. Bitcoin OGs like Blockstream CEO Adam Back have acknowledged that Bitcoin can be used for whatever people want. 

Many Ordinal supporters have also noted the technology’s contribution to the freedom of speech. One Bitcoin observer posted on X stating, “I know everyone hates Ordinals, but whether it’s text or images, the ability to publish uncensorable information on the Bitcoin time chain effectively makes speech uncensorable worldwide forever.” 

What matters at the end of the day is the demand for block space and BTC, ideally from objectively valuable use cases. F2Pool CMO Li Qingfei underscored that Ordinals and BRC-20 tokens will eventually give rise to these objectively valuable use cases once all the hype is gone. The consensus is that both innovations are a net benefit and clear advantage to Bitcoin, but it's still too soon to say what's hype and what's here to stay. 

Ethereum Gearing Up for Competition

Many people have pointed out that conversations around Ordinal Digital Artifacts and BRC-20 tokens sound eerily similar to those around the first NFT craze and the ICO boom on Ethereum in 2017. At the time, people were also arguing about Ethereum’s future in light of these disruptive innovations. Some of you will recall how pictures of cartoon cats once caused massive congestion, jamming up the Ethereum network.

You may also know that most crypto projects launched on Ethereum were utterly worthless. Notably, all will appreciate that many of the NFTs and ERC-20s that survived are valuable and useful. Chances are that we will see the same thing happen with Ordinal Digital Artifacts and BRC-20 tokens. This means that Bitcoin could become more akin to Ethereum; if it does, it will make BTC a more direct competitor to ETH, and it appears that ETH has already been gearing up for this direct competition. 

To explain, BTC is considered to be digital gold. This is primarily because BTC's tokenomics make it an ideal hedge against currency debasement and, arguably, inflation – It is “Sound money.” Conversely, ETH is considered to be digital oil. This is primarily because ETH is the fuel that runs Ethereum, which hosts most dApps and tokens. The narrative around ETH started to change in mid-2021 with the EIP1559 upgrade. 

EIP1559 burns a portion of all transaction fees on Ethereum to refresh your memory. With enough activity, this makes ETH deflationary. Hence, the new narrative of ETH is “Ultrasound money.” Obviously, the term is meant to imply that ETH is a superior store of value to BTC due to its deflationary nature. 

Image source: X [Twitter] 

Ethereum’s transition from Proof-of-Work to Proof-of-Stake also made ETH more appealing to institutional investors because they can stake it to earn a yield, and we know institutions love earning yield. Regarding the environmental aspects of Proof-of-Work versus Proof-of-Stake, you should know that ESG-obsessed institutional investors aren't really concerned about the E part. They're worried about the G, the Governance, i.e., the control. Bitcoin can't be controlled, and ESG investors don't like that.

What Makes BTC More Appealing

Given that ETH can be deflationary and earn a yield via staking, it begs the question of what makes BTC more appealing than ETH to investors, particularly institutional investors. Many people have been asking this question lately, especially as ETH continues to change and BTC stays relatively static. The answer to the question is “security.” 

The Bitcoin blockchain is the most secure network in the world, mainly because it is static compared with all the others, which change constantly. It is the ideal base layer on which additional innovations can be built. The only thing missing was the incentives to create them. Ordinal Digital Artifacts and BRC-20s have introduced these incentives and prepared Bitcoin’s ecosystem to see the same explosive growth Ethereum did after NFTs and ERC-20s saw genuine adoption. 

The difference is that Bitcoin’s ecosystem will be much more secure due to its base layer. This is significant because security is the only thing institutional investors love more than token burns and yield. They want to be sure that the tokens they mint on a cryptocurrency blockchain will stay there forever, and Bitcoin arguably provides more certainty than Ethereum here. 

This is for many reasons, including that Proof-of-Work is more secure than Proof-of-Stake. The infrastructure used to interact with Ordinal Digital Artifacts and BRC-20 tokens exists on Bitcoin itself—the fact that Bitcoin doesn't change, and it's been around for much longer than Ethereum. Never mind that BTC is the only crypto the SEC has said is not a security. 

Bitcoin Innovation Risks

As bullish as Ordinal Digital Artifacts, BRC-20 tokens, and other Bitcoin innovations will be for BTC, there will also be risks. This is one undeniable advantage that Ethereum has: it has moved fast, broken things, and fixed them. Bitcoin hasn't broken anything yet, but unlike Ethereum, it can't afford to. 

Many argue that the most significant risks associated with Bitcoin innovation appear to be regulatory. Bitcoin evangelist Michael Saylor believes there could be regulatory risks, mainly for BRC-20 tokens. Like the ERC-20 tokens on Ethereum, Michael thinks that some BRC-20 tokens could be classified as securities by the SEC. It's ironic, considering that BTC itself is supposedly immune from scrutiny. 

Definitively, the most considerable risk associated with innovation on Bitcoin is one that's been overlooked, and that's centralization. As transaction fees on the Bitcoin blockchain rise because of the innovation, more people, mainly those who don't have much money, will switch to using Layer 2 protocols. 

The Lightning Network is Bitcoin’s Layer 2 solution for its renowned slow transaction speed. It consists of payment channels that contain large amounts of BTC. Individual payment channels between various parties combine to form a network of Lightning Network nodes that can route transactions among themselves. The interconnections between different payment channels result in the Lightning Network. 

Unless you have enough BTC and technical know-how to open your own payment channel, you must use a payment channel that a third party of some kind operates. The harsh reality is that sending BTC transactions on the lightning network using a payment channel run by a third party is no different from using a bank to send fiat transactions. 

That's because every BTC transaction is tracked, and you technically don't own your BTC, meaning it can be frozen or stolen. Because of this protocol’s current vulnerabilities, third parties must run on nodes to prevent fraud within the Lightning Network, called a watchtower, which monitors transactions.

Today's gas fees on Ethereum transactions are unaffordable for most people, forcing them to use Layer 2s, which are centralized and controlled by VC investors. It’s fair to say that's not what crypto is about and what anyone wants for Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other cryptocurrencies. All being well, Bitcoin will take a different approach to growing and scaling its ecosystem than other Layer 1s. All it takes is the right incentives. 

Image source: Ordinals Marketplace

In Closing

The developers of the Ordinal theory have expressed that the most essential thing the Bitcoin network does is decentralize money. They acknowledge all other use cases are secondary, including Ordinals. However, they believe that Ordinal theory helps Bitcoin's primary mission, at least in a small way. 

Suppose inscriptions prove to be highly sought-after digital artifacts with a rich history. In that case, they will serve as a powerful hook for Bitcoin adoption: Come for the fun, rich art, and stay for the decentralized digital money.

Ordinals and inscriptions increase demand for Bitcoin block space, which increases Bitcoin's security budget. This is vital for safeguarding Bitcoin's transition to a fee-dependent security model, as the block subsidy is halved into insignificance and ensures that Bitcoin remains secure.

Many hope that the Ordinal theory strengthens and enriches Bitcoin and gives it another dimension of appeal and functionality, enabling it to serve its primary use case more effectively as humanity's decentralized store of value.

This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Tim Moseley