[jechen]

Its initial concept of beaming money with Palm Pilots certainly was. What it eventually pivoted and grew into was less so, but I do agree that PayPal played an important role in the evolution of web technologies.

My point remains that we shouldn't be so quick to judge the altruistic intentions of entrepreneurs based on their first ventures; it may be a means to a more noble end. I'm sure many, if not most, aspire to contribute more to society beyond photo sharing apps. In fact, PayPal was voted one of the worst companies when it debuted, so I'm willing to give everyone the benefit of doubt.