Sometimes it is people with too much money wanting to see someone in person to argue with them or help them validate their views. See this excerpt from the Ezra Klein show (note that PG is not an official, there is zero point in bribing him):
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What do you think of Bitcoin or cryptocurrencies as a broad category?
PAUL KRUGMAN: It’s a solution in search of a problem. I’ve done this. I’ve made quite a lot of money on Bitcoin.
EZRA KLEIN: No kidding.
PAUL KRUGMAN: Not by investing in it, which I would never do. But by being the designated enemy at Bitcoin conferences and getting paid speaking fees.
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What do you think of Bitcoin or cryptocurrencies as a broad category?
PAUL KRUGMAN: It’s a solution in search of a problem. I’ve done this. I’ve made quite a lot of money on Bitcoin.
EZRA KLEIN: No kidding.
PAUL KRUGMAN: Not by investing in it, which I would never do. But by being the designated enemy at Bitcoin conferences and getting paid speaking fees.
[LAUGHTER]
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