I always liked the idea of a decentralized exchange. It is a brilliant solution to Bitcoin's Mt Gox problem. But I had never used one until relatively recently. I've been using Openledger (Bitshares), and while I've got some minor issues with it, I've been enjoying the platform.

I decided to try out Counterparty/XCP by getting some PEPECASH. Being familiar with the concept of a DEX, it was easy enough to open and fund an account. I ran into a small snag when I tried to purchase the PEPECASH, because I had only funded my account with XCP, not BTC. Since the Counterparty platform is based on the Bitcoin blockchain, it requires BTC miners' fees.

This highlights two advantages of Openledger. The platform is based on Graphene, with 3 second block times which provide lightning fast transactions. And the BTS fees are much lower than those you pay when making Bitcoin transactions.

After waiting for the excruciatingly slow network to confirm my deposit (I'm spoiled now, I guess), I was able to complete my purchase of the desired PEPECASH.

<center>http://i.imgur.com/sPGNgJZ.jpg</center>

Now... my intent was not to be a long term HODLer of PEPECASH. I just wanted to kick the tires a bit, and familiarize myself with Counterparty. I decided to sell it back, and since there wasn't much compelling about the platform I would probably not sit on the XCP either.

Here's where things got **UGLY** and turned my ambivalence into anger. The BTC I put in the account was not enough to cover a second market transaction... Annoying.

I sent what should have been enough BTC to cover the fee, and attempted to place my order once again. Only to find that the fee they demanded had increased! And now it was well beyond an acceptable amount for a transaction of $100 or less.

<center>http://i.imgur.com/b0KaGCA.png</center>

This is where I started taking screenshots, because things were starting to seem a bit *off* about this whole thing. I was getting frustrated at this point, and just wanted to get my funds off the platform and move on... So I rolled my eyes and sent some BTC, which should have been enough to cover the fee.

...and I waited... and waited... because BTC.

<center>https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/98/ea/b9/98eab9177fda2822943ce3f7207035e1.gif</center>

The last thing I wanted to see when I tried to place the order again was...

<center>http://i.imgur.com/sSVRJrF.png</center>

They now wanted more!

<center>http://i.imgur.com/Y8Ov42u.png</center>

And more!

I funded my account with $6+ of Bitcoin by now:

<center>http://i.imgur.com/UHYuj8I.png</center>

Surely, that would be the end of this game. Right? *Right?!*

<center>http://i.imgur.com/kmsZyvW.png</center>

**WRONG!!**

So now here I am, sitting with some dumb meme token I didn't expect to be HODLing, on a platform I don't trust... But at least it has given me a new sense of appreciation for BitShares and Openledger.

With the quick transactions, minimal fees, and wide selection of coins and assets available to be held in the wallet or traded in the market, Openledger can truly replace centralized exchanges. And best of all, you can **trust** the platform, the blockchain, and the many dedicated witnesses.

I'm grateful for it.