I have mixed feelings that are difficult to reconcile. On one hand I'm very pro-shart puns, on the other I'm anti-kidnapping.

Which ones? How does it work? Can they be redeemed for gold?

Are mined currencies taxable as ordinary income?

Looks like mined currencies are taxable at your ordinary rate, then STCG or LTCG applies when selling or exchanging for another asset (including other crypto currencies)

I also found discussion of self employment tax being applicable once income is generated, although the specifics were unclear to me.

There is apparently a bill proposed that would eliminate or limit taxation on crypto transactions under $600.

Info was gleaned from various websites, and it did not appear to me the authors were tax professionals -- nor am I. If someone with experience could clarify or correct that would be useful.

One of the many things I've wondered about the crypto market is how tied it is to stability in equities.  In the US markets we've the lowest volatility in 40+ years.  That is to say does crypto serve as a proxy for volatility bets that are not fulfilled by the current markets?  Sort of a XIV on steroids - if anyone says on steroids anymore.