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@ 2e8970de:63345c7a
2025-05-06 15:13:49https://www.epi.org/blog/wage-growth-since-1979-has-not-been-stagnant-but-it-has-definitely-been-suppressed/
originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/972959
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@ 8f69ac99:4f92f5fd
2025-05-06 14:21:13A concepção popular de "anarquia" evoca frequentemente caos, colapso e violência. Mas e se anarquia significasse outra coisa? E se representasse um mundo onde as pessoas cooperam e se coordenam sem autoridades impostas? E se implicasse liberdade, ordem voluntária e resiliência—sem coerção?
Bitcoin é um dos raros exemplos funcionais de princípios anarquistas em acção. Não tem CEO, nem Estado, nem planeador central—e, no entanto, o sistema funciona. Faz cumprir regras. Propõe um novo modelo de governação e oferece uma exploração concreta do anarcocapitalismo.
Para o compreendermos, temos de mudar de perspectiva. Bitcoin não é apenas software ou um instrumento de investimento—é um sistema vivo: uma ordem espontânea.
Ordem Espontânea, Teoria dos Jogos e o Papel dos Incentivos Económicos
Na política e economia contemporâneas, presume-se geralmente que a ordem tem de vir de cima. Governos, corporações e burocracias são vistos como essenciais para organizar a sociedade em grande escala.
Mas esta crença nem sempre se verifica.
Os mercados surgem espontaneamente da troca. A linguagem evolui sem supervisão central. Projectos de código aberto prosperam graças a contribuições voluntárias. Nenhum destes sistemas precisa de um rei—e, no entanto, têm estrutura e funcionam.
Bitcoin insere-se nesta tradição de ordens emergentes. Não é ditado por uma entidade única, mas é governado através de código, consenso dos utilizadores e incentivos económicos que recompensam a cooperação e penalizam a desonestidade.
Código Como Constituição
Bitcoin funciona com base num conjunto de regras de software transparentes e verificáveis. Estas regras determinam quem pode adicionar blocos, com que frequência, o que constitui uma transacção válida e como são criadas novas moedas.
Estas regras não são impostas por exércitos nem pela polícia. São mantidas por uma rede descentralizada de milhares de nós, cada um a correr voluntariamente software que valida o cumprimento das regras. Se alguém tentar quebrá-las, o resto da rede simplesmente rejeita a sua versão.
Isto não é governo por maioria—é aceitação baseada em regras.
Cada operador de nó escolhe qual versão do software quer executar. Se uma alteração proposta não tiver consenso suficiente, não se propaga. Foi assim que as "guerras do tamanho do bloco" foram resolvidas—não por votação, mas através de sinalização do que os utilizadores estavam dispostos a aceitar.
Este modelo de governação ascendente é voluntário, sem permissões, e extraordinariamente resiliente. Representa um novo paradigma de sistemas autorregulados.
Mineiros, Incentivos e a Segurança Baseada na Teoria dos Jogos
Bitcoin assegura a sua rede utilizando a Teoria de Jogos. Os mineiros que seguem o protocolo são recompensados financeiramente. Quem tenta enganar—como reescrever blocos ou gastar duas vezes—sofre perdas financeiras e desperdiça recursos.
Agir honestamente é mais lucrativo.
A genialidade de Bitcoin está em alinhar incentivos egoístas com o bem comum. Elimina a necessidade de confiar em administradores ou esperar benevolência. Em vez disso, torna a fraude economicamente irracional.
Isto substitui o modelo tradicional de "confiar nos líderes" por um mais robusto: construir sistemas onde o mau comportamento é desencorajado por design.
Isto é segurança anarquista—não a ausência de regras, mas a ausência de governantes.
Associação Voluntária e Confiança Construída em Consenso
Qualquer pessoa pode usar Bitcoin. Não há controlo de identidade, nem licenças, nem processo de aprovação. Basta descarregar o software e começar a transaccionar.
Ainda assim, Bitcoin não é um caos desorganizado. Os utilizadores seguem regras rigorosas do protocolo. Porquê? Porque é o consenso que dá valor às "moedas". Sem ele, a rede fragmenta-se e falha.
É aqui que Bitcoin desafia as ideias convencionais sobre anarquia. Mostra que sistemas voluntários podem gerar estabilidade—não porque as pessoas são altruístas, mas porque os incentivos bem desenhados tornam a cooperação a escolha racional.
Bitcoin é sem confiança (trustless), mas promove confiança.
Uma Prova de Conceito Viva
Muitos acreditam que, sem controlo central, a sociedade entraria em colapso. Bitcoin prova que isso não é necessariamente verdade.
É uma rede monetária global, sem permissões, capaz de fazer cumprir direitos de propriedade, coordenar recursos e resistir à censura—sem uma autoridade central. Baseia-se apenas em regras, incentivos e participação voluntária.
Bitcoin não é um sistema perfeito. É um projecto dinâmico, em constante evolução. Mas isso faz parte do que o torna tão relevante: é real, está a funcionar e continua a melhorar.
Conclusão
A anarquia não tem de significar caos. Pode significar cooperação sem coerção. Bitcoin prova isso.
Procuramos, desesperados, por alternativas às instituições falhadas, inchadas e corruptas. Bitcoin oferece mais do que dinheiro digital. É uma prova viva de que podemos construir sociedades descentralizadas, eficientes e justas.
E isso, por si só, já é revolucionário.
Photo by Floris Van Cauwelaert on Unsplash
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@ 90c656ff:9383fd4e
2025-05-06 14:10:48Bitcoin has been gaining increasing acceptance as a means of payment, evolving from being just a digital investment asset to becoming a viable alternative to traditional currencies. Today, many companies around the world already accept Bitcoin, providing consumers with greater financial freedom and reducing reliance on traditional banking intermediaries.
- Global companies that accept Bitcoin
Over the years, several well-known companies have begun accepting Bitcoin, recognizing its benefits such as security, transparency, and low transaction fees. Among the most prominent are:
01 - Microsoft: The tech giant allows users to add funds to their Microsoft accounts using Bitcoin. This enables the purchase of digital content such as games, apps, and software available in the Microsoft Store. 02 - Overstock: One of the largest online retailers that accepts Bitcoin for the purchase of furniture, electronics, and home goods. Overstock was an early adopter, signaling a strong commitment to financial innovation. 03 - AT&T: The U.S. telecommunications company was the first in its industry to accept Bitcoin payments, giving customers the option to pay their bills with cryptocurrency through BitPay. 04 - Twitch: While Twitch does not natively support Bitcoin donations or payments, many streamers use third-party services like NOWPayments, Streamlabs (with Coinbase integration), or Plisio to accept crypto tips and donations. This opens a path for Bitcoin support through external platforms, especially within the content creator community. 05 - Namecheap: A leading domain registrar and web hosting provider that accepts Bitcoin for domain registration and hosting services, showcasing Bitcoin’s usefulness in the digital economy.
- Small businesses and local commerce
Beyond large corporations, a growing number of small businesses and local merchants are embracing Bitcoin, particularly in cities that are becoming hubs for digital innovation.
01 - Restaurants and cafés: In cities like Lisbon, London, and New York, several cafés and eateries accept Bitcoin as payment, attracting tech-savvy customers. 02 - Hotels and tourism: Certain hotel chains and travel platforms now accept Bitcoin, simplifying bookings and removing the need for currency exchange for international travelers. 03 - Online stores: Many small e-commerce businesses offer Bitcoin as a payment option or even operate exclusively using cryptocurrency, benefiting from borderless, fast transactions.
- Advantages for businesses and consumers
The growing acceptance of Bitcoin is largely driven by its advantages:
01 - Lower transaction fees: Businesses can reduce costs associated with credit card fees and payment processors. 02 - No intermediaries: Direct peer-to-peer payments cut down on bureaucracy and reduce fraud risks. 03 - Global access: Bitcoin allows for cross-border payments without the need for currency exchange, ideal for international transactions.
In summary, the adoption of Bitcoin as a means of payment continues to expand, with companies of all sizes recognizing its strategic value. From large enterprises to independent creators and local shops, Bitcoin is gradually becoming a more practical and accepted financial tool. While challenges such as volatility and regulatory uncertainty remain, the broader trend points toward a future where paying with Bitcoin could be a common part of everyday life.
Thank you very much for reading this far. I hope everything is well with you, and sending a big hug from your favorite Bitcoiner maximalist from Madeira. Long live freedom!
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@ c1e9ab3a:9cb56b43
2025-05-06 14:05:40If you're an engineer stepping into the Bitcoin space from the broader crypto ecosystem, you're probably carrying a mental model shaped by speed, flexibility, and rapid innovation. That makes sense—most blockchain platforms pride themselves on throughput, programmability, and dev agility.
But Bitcoin operates from a different set of first principles. It’s not competing to be the fastest network or the most expressive smart contract platform. It’s aiming to be the most credible, neutral, and globally accessible value layer in human history.
Here’s why that matters—and why Bitcoin is not just an alternative crypto asset, but a structural necessity in the global financial system.
1. Bitcoin Fixes the Triffin Dilemma—Not With Policy, But Protocol
The Triffin Dilemma shows us that any country issuing the global reserve currency must run persistent deficits to supply that currency to the world. That’s not a flaw of bad leadership—it’s an inherent contradiction. The U.S. must debase its own monetary integrity to meet global dollar demand. That’s a self-terminating system.
Bitcoin sidesteps this entirely by being:
- Non-sovereign – no single nation owns it
- Hard-capped – no central authority can inflate it
- Verifiable and neutral – anyone with a full node can enforce the rules
In other words, Bitcoin turns global liquidity into an engineering problem, not a political one. No other system, fiat or crypto, has achieved that.
2. Bitcoin’s “Ossification” Is Intentional—and It's a Feature
From the outside, Bitcoin development may look sluggish. Features are slow to roll out. Code changes are conservative. Consensus rules are treated as sacred.
That’s the point.
When you’re building the global monetary base layer, stability is not a weakness. It’s a prerequisite. Every other financial instrument, app, or protocol that builds on Bitcoin depends on one thing: assurance that the base layer won’t change underneath them without extreme scrutiny.
So-called “ossification” is just another term for predictability and integrity. And when the market does demand change (SegWit, Taproot), Bitcoin’s soft-fork governance process has proven capable of deploying it safely—without coercive central control.
3. Layered Architecture: Throughput Is Not a Base Layer Concern
You don’t scale settlement at the base layer. You build layered systems. Just as TCP/IP doesn't need to carry YouTube traffic directly, Bitcoin doesn’t need to process every microtransaction.
Instead, it anchors:
- Lightning (fast payments)
- Fedimint (community custody)
- Ark (privacy + UTXO compression)
- Statechains, sidechains, and covenants (coming evolution)
All of these inherit Bitcoin’s security and scarcity, while handling volume off-chain, in ways that maintain auditability and self-custody.
4. Universal Assayability Requires Minimalism at the Base Layer
A core design constraint of Bitcoin is that any participant, anywhere in the world, must be able to independently verify the validity of every transaction and block—past and present—without needing permission or relying on third parties.
This property is called assayability—the ability to “test” or verify the authenticity and integrity of received bitcoin, much like verifying the weight and purity of a gold coin.
To preserve this:
- The base layer must remain resource-light, so running a full node stays accessible on commodity hardware.
- Block sizes must remain small enough to prevent centralization of verification.
- Historical data must remain consistent and tamper-evident, enabling proof chains across time and jurisdiction.
Any base layer that scales by increasing throughput or complexity undermines this fundamental guarantee, making the network more dependent on trust and surveillance infrastructure.
Bitcoin prioritizes global verifiability over throughput—because trustless money requires that every user can check the money they receive.
5. Governance: Not Captured, Just Resistant to Coercion
The current controversy around
OP_RETURN
and proposals to limit inscriptions is instructive. Some prominent devs have advocated for changes to block content filtering. Others see it as overreach.Here's what matters:
- No single dev, or team, can force changes into the network. Period.
- Bitcoin Core is not “the source of truth.” It’s one implementation. If it deviates from market consensus, it gets forked, sidelined, or replaced.
- The economic majority—miners, users, businesses—enforce Bitcoin’s rules, not GitHub maintainers.
In fact, recent community resistance to perceived Core overreach only reinforces Bitcoin’s resilience. Engineers who posture with narcissistic certainty, dismiss dissent, or attempt to capture influence are routinely neutralized by the market’s refusal to upgrade or adopt forks that undermine neutrality or openness.
This is governance via credible neutrality and negative feedback loops. Power doesn’t accumulate in one place. It’s constantly checked by the network’s distributed incentives.
6. Bitcoin Is Still in Its Infancy—And That’s a Good Thing
You’re not too late. The ecosystem around Bitcoin—especially L2 protocols, privacy tools, custody innovation, and zero-knowledge integrations—is just beginning.
If you're an engineer looking for:
- Systems with global scale constraints
- Architectures that optimize for integrity, not speed
- Consensus mechanisms that resist coercion
- A base layer with predictable monetary policy
Then Bitcoin is where serious systems engineers go when they’ve outgrown crypto theater.
Take-away
Under realistic, market-aware assumptions—where:
- Bitcoin’s ossification is seen as a stability feature, not inertia,
- Market forces can and do demand and implement change via tested, non-coercive mechanisms,
- Proof-of-work is recognized as the only consensus mechanism resistant to fiat capture,
- Wealth concentration is understood as a temporary distribution effect during early monetization,
- Low base layer throughput is a deliberate design constraint to preserve verifiability and neutrality,
- And innovation is layered by design, with the base chain providing integrity, not complexity...
Then Bitcoin is not a fragile or inflexible system—it is a deliberately minimal, modular, and resilient protocol.
Its governance is not leaderless chaos; it's a negative-feedback structure that minimizes the power of individuals or institutions to coerce change. The very fact that proposals—like controversial OP_RETURN restrictions—can be resisted, forked around, or ignored by the market without breaking the system is proof of decentralized control, not dysfunction.
Bitcoin is an adversarially robust monetary foundation. Its value lies not in how fast it changes, but in how reliably it doesn't—unless change is forced by real, bottom-up demand and implemented through consensus-tested soft forks.
In this framing, Bitcoin isn't a slower crypto. It's the engineering benchmark for systems that must endure, not entertain.
Final Word
Bitcoin isn’t moving slowly because it’s dying. It’s moving carefully because it’s winning. It’s not an app platform or a sandbox. It’s a protocol layer for the future of money.
If you're here because you want to help build that future, you’re in the right place.
nostr:nevent1qqswr7sla434duatjp4m89grvs3zanxug05pzj04asxmv4rngvyv04sppemhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mp0qgs9tc6ruevfqu7nzt72kvq8te95dqfkndj5t8hlx6n79lj03q9v6xcrqsqqqqqp0n8wc2
nostr:nevent1qqsd5hfkqgskpjjq5zlfyyv9nmmela5q67tgu9640v7r8t828u73rdqpr4mhxue69uhkymmnw3ezucnfw33k76tww3ux76m09e3k7mf0qgsvr6dt8ft292mv5jlt7382vje0mfq2ccc3azrt4p45v5sknj6kkscrqsqqqqqp02vjk5
nostr:nevent1qqstrszamvffh72wr20euhrwa0fhzd3hhpedm30ys4ct8dpelwz3nuqpr4mhxue69uhkymmnw3ezucnfw33k76tww3ux76m09e3k7mf0qgs8a474cw4lqmapcq8hr7res4nknar2ey34fsffk0k42cjsdyn7yqqrqsqqqqqpnn3znl
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@ 90c656ff:9383fd4e
2025-05-06 13:41:50Bitcoin was created to offer a secure and decentralized alternative to traditional money, enabling financial transactions without the need for intermediaries. DeFi, on the other hand, emerged as an expansion of this concept, proposing decentralized financial services such as lending, exchanges, and yield generation. However, despite its promises of innovation, DeFi carries numerous risks, making it a dangerous bet for those who value the security of their Bitcoin.
What is DeFi?
DeFi refers to a set of financial applications that operate without the intermediation of banks or traditional institutions. These platforms use smart contracts to automate transactions, allowing anyone to access financial services without relying on third parties. In theory, DeFi promises greater financial freedom, but in practice it is full of risks, scams, and technical vulnerabilities that can compromise users' funds.
- The risks of DeFi for Bitcoin holders
Bitcoin is the most secure digital currency in the world, protected by a decentralized and censorship-resistant network. Unlike DeFi, which is still in an experimental phase and has already suffered numerous attacks, Bitcoin remains solid and reliable. When someone places Bitcoin in DeFi platforms, they give up the security of direct custody and trust weaker systems.
The main risks include:
01 - Hackers and code flaws: Smart contracts are written by programmers and may contain bugs that allow massive thefts. Over the years, billions of dollars have been lost due to vulnerabilities in DeFi platforms. 02 - Liquidation risks: Many DeFi applications operate on collateralization systems, where users lock Bitcoin to obtain loans. If the market becomes volatile, those Bitcoins can be liquidated at lower-than-expected prices, causing irreversible losses. 03 - Scams and rug pulls: DeFi is full of shady projects where creators vanish with users’ funds. Without regulation and without guarantees, those who deposit Bitcoin in these platforms may never recover their funds.
- Keeping Bitcoin safe is the best choice
Bitcoin was created to be self-custodied, meaning each user should have direct control over their funds without relying on third parties. By sending Bitcoin to DeFi platforms, that security is lost and the asset is exposed to unnecessary risks. The best way to protect Bitcoin is to store it in a secure wallet, preferably offline (cold storage), avoiding any exposure to smart contracts or vulnerable systems.
In summary, DeFi may seem innovative, but the risks far outweigh the potential benefits—especially for those who value Bitcoin's security. Instead of risking losing funds on insecure platforms, the wisest choice is to keep Bitcoin safely stored, ensuring its long-term preservation. While Bitcoin continues to be the best digital store of value in the world, DeFi remains an unstable and dangerous environment where few win and many end up losing.
Thank you very much for reading this far. I hope everything is well with you, and sending a big hug from your favorite Bitcoiner maximalist from Madeira. Long live freedom!
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@ b099870e:f3ba8f5d
2025-05-06 13:08:33A donkey that is tied to a post by a rope will keep walking around the post is an attempt to free it self,only to become more immobilize and attached to the post.
ikigai
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@ b099870e:f3ba8f5d
2025-05-06 13:04:19When you work for others, you are at their mercy. The own your work; they own you.Your creative spirit is squaded. What keeps you in such position is a fear of having to sink or swim on your own. Instead you should have a greater fear of what will happen to you if you remain dependant on others for power. Your goal in every maneuver in life must be ownership, working the corner for yourself. When it is yours to lose -you are more motivated,more creative,more alive. The ultimate power in life is to be completely self-reliant, completely yourself.
A quote from The 50th Law
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@ 90c656ff:9383fd4e
2025-05-06 13:01:45Bitcoin has revolutionized the way people conduct financial transactions worldwide. As a decentralized digital currency, it offers new opportunities for e-commerce payments and international money transfers. Its speed, security, and low costs make it an efficient alternative to traditional methods by eliminating intermediaries and facilitating global transactions.
Bitcoin in e-commerce
E-commerce has grown exponentially, and Bitcoin has emerged as an innovative solution for online payments. Large retailers and small businesses are starting to accept Bitcoin as a form of payment, offering benefits to both merchants and consumers.
- Advantages of Bitcoin for e-commerce:
01 - Low transaction fees: Unlike credit cards and payment platforms that charge high fees, Bitcoin transactions generally have lower costs. This benefits merchants, who can reduce expenses and offer more competitive prices to customers. 02 - Elimination of chargebacks: In traditional systems, chargebacks (forced refunds by banks or card operators) are a concern for merchants. Since Bitcoin transactions are irreversible, merchants avoid fraud and disputes. 03 - Global access: Anyone with internet access can pay with Bitcoin, regardless of their location. This allows businesses to expand their market internationally without relying on banks or local payment systems. 04 - Privacy and security: Bitcoin transactions protect user identity, offering greater privacy compared to credit card payments or bank transfers. Additionally, since there’s no need to share personal data, the risk of information theft is reduced.
- Challenges of using Bitcoin in e-commerce:
01 - Volatility: Bitcoin’s price can fluctuate rapidly, making it difficult to set fixed prices for products and services. However, some merchants use payment processors that instantly convert Bitcoin into fiat currency, minimizing this risk. 02 - Limited adoption: Despite its growth, Bitcoin acceptance is not yet universal. Many stores and popular platforms have not adopted it, which can make daily purchases difficult. 03 - Confirmation time: Although Bitcoin is faster than traditional bank transfers, confirmation times may vary depending on the network fee paid. Some solutions, such as the Lightning Network, are being developed to enable instant payments.
Bitcoin in money remittances
Sending money abroad has long been a bureaucratic, costly, and time-consuming process. Traditional services like banks and money transfer companies charge high fees and can take days to complete a transaction. Bitcoin, on the other hand, offers an efficient alternative for global remittances, allowing anyone to send and receive money quickly and affordably.
- Benefits of Bitcoin for remittances:
01 - Reduced costs: While banks and companies like Western Union charge high fees for international transfers, Bitcoin allows money to be sent with minimal costs, regardless of the amount or destination. 02 - Transaction speed: International bank transfers can take several days to complete, especially in countries with limited financial infrastructure. With Bitcoin, money can be sent anywhere in the world within minutes or hours. 03 - Global accessibility: In regions where the banking system is restricted or inefficient, Bitcoin enables people to receive money without depending on banks. This is particularly useful in developing countries where international remittances are an essential source of income. 04 - Independence from intermediaries: Bitcoin operates in a decentralized manner, with no need for banks or transfer companies. This means people can send money directly to friends and family without intermediaries.
- Challenges of Bitcoin remittances:
01 - Conversion to local currency: Although Bitcoin can be received instantly, many people still need to convert it into local currency for everyday use. This may involve additional costs and depend on the availability of exchange services. 02 - Adoption and knowledge: Not everyone understands how Bitcoin works, which can hinder its widespread adoption for remittances. However, growing financial education on the subject can help overcome this barrier. 03 - Regulations and restrictions: Some governments impose restrictions on Bitcoin usage, making remittances more complicated. The evolution of regulations may affect ease of use in certain countries.
In summary, Bitcoin is transforming e-commerce and money remittances around the world. Its ability to eliminate intermediaries, reduce costs, and provide fast and secure payments makes it a viable alternative to traditional financial systems.
In e-commerce, it benefits both merchants and consumers by lowering fees and enhancing privacy. In the remittance sector, it facilitates money transfers to any part of the world, especially for those living in countries with inefficient banking systems.
Despite the challenges, Bitcoin adoption continues to grow, driven by innovative solutions and recognition of its potential as a global payment method. As more businesses and individuals embrace this technology, its presence in e-commerce and international remittances will become increasingly relevant.
Thank you very much for reading this far. I hope everything is well with you, and sending a big hug from your favorite Bitcoiner maximalist from Madeira. Long live freedom!
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@ b099870e:f3ba8f5d
2025-05-06 12:55:19IN NOOKS ALL OVER THE EARTH SIT MEN WHO ARE WAITING, SCARCELY KNOWING IN WHAT WAY THEY ARE WAITING, MUCH LESS THAT THEY ARE WAITING IN VAIN. OCCASIONALLY THE CALL THAT AWAKENS-THAT ACCIDENT WHICH GIVES THE "PERMISSION" TO ACT—COMES TOO LATE, WHEN THE BEST YOUTH AND STRENGTH FOR ACTION HAS ALREADY BEEN USED UP BY SITTING STILL; AND MANY HAVE FOUND TO THEIR HORROR WHEN THEY "LEAPED UP" THAT THEIR LIMBS HAD GONE TO SLEEP AND THEIR SPIRIT HAD BECOME TOO HEAVY. "IT IS TOO LATE," THEY SAID TO THEMSELVES, HAVING LOST THEIR FAITH IN THEMSELVES AND HENCEFORTH FOREVER USELESS
Quote by Friedrich Nietzsche, currently reading The 50th Law and came across it
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@ 90c656ff:9383fd4e
2025-05-06 12:18:09Digital wallets are important tools for storing and managing Bitcoin. They allow people to keep their private keys, access their funds, and make transactions in a practical and secure way. However, with several types of wallets available and the risks of incorrect use, it is essential to understand their features and follow good security practices.
What is a digital wallet?
A digital wallet is a software or device that stores the private and public keys linked to Bitcoin. Simply put, it doesn’t “store” Bitcoin itself but provides secure access to the network to verify and sign transactions.
Private keys work like a secret password that allows spending Bitcoins, while public keys are like account numbers that can be shared to receive payments. Keeping the private key secure is very important, as whoever has access to it controls the funds.
- Types of Digital Wallets
There are different types of digital wallets, each with specific features that meet various needs, whether for daily use or long-term storage.
- Hot Wallets
Wallets connected to the internet, designed for frequent use. Examples: Mobile apps, desktop wallets, online wallets.
Advantages:
01 - Accessible and easy to use 02 - Ideal for daily and quick transactions
Disadvantages:
01 - More exposed to cyberattacks such as phishing or hacking
- Cold Wallets
Wallets that keep private keys offline, increasing security. Examples: Hardware wallets, paper wallets, dedicated USB devices.
Advantages:
01 - High protection against hackers since they are not online 02 - Ideal for large amounts of Bitcoin or long-term storage
Disadvantages:
01 - Less practical for daily use 02 - Can be physically damaged or lost if not handled carefully
- Hardware Wallets
Physical devices, like Ledger or Trezor, that store private keys offline.
Advantages:
01 - Easy-to-use and secure interface 02 - Resistant to viruses and online attacks
Disadvantages:
01 - Higher initial cost 02 - Require care to avoid physical damage
- Paper Wallets
Involve printing or writing down private and public keys on a piece of paper.
Advantages:
01 - Completely offline and immune to digital attacks 02 - Simple and low-cost
Disadvantages:
01 - Vulnerable to physical damage such as water, fire, or loss 02 - Difficult to recover if lost
- Security in Digital Wallets
Protecting a digital wallet is essential to safeguard your Bitcoins from loss or theft.
Below are important practices to improve security:
- Private Key Protection
01 - Never share your private key with anyone 02 - Keep backup copies of the private key or recovery phrase in safe places
- Use of Recovery Phrases
The seed phrase is a sequence of 12 to 24 words that helps recover funds if the wallet is lost.
01 - Store the seed phrase offline and avoid taking pictures or saving it on internet-connected devices
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
01 - Whenever possible, enable 2FA to protect accounts linked to online wallets or exchanges 02 - This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second code to log in
- Updates and Maintenance
Keep the wallet software up to date to ensure protection against vulnerabilities
01 - Use only wallets from trustworthy and reputable developers
- Choosing the Right Wallet According to Need
01 - For frequent transactions, choose hot wallets but keep only small amounts 02 - For large amounts, use cold wallets like hardware or paper wallets, which are more secure
Risks and How to Avoid Them
- Hacker Attacks
Risk: Unauthorized access to hot wallets connected to the internet Prevention: Use cold wallets for storing large amounts and avoid clicking on suspicious links
- Loss of Access
Risk: Loss of private keys or the recovery phrase, making funds unrecoverable Prevention: Regularly make backups and store information in secure places
- Social Engineering and Phishing
Risk: Hackers trick people into giving up their private keys or personal information Prevention: Be suspicious of messages or websites that request your private keys. Never share sensitive data
- Physical Failures
Risk: Damage to devices or loss of paper wallets Prevention: Store backups in locations resistant to water, fire, and other threats
In summary, digital wallets are essential for the security and use of Bitcoin. Choosing the right wallet and following good security practices are key steps to protecting your assets.
Hot wallets offer convenience for daily use, while cold wallets provide strong security for long-term storage. Regardless of the type you choose, taking care of your private keys and recovery phrase is fundamental to ensure your Bitcoin remains under your control.
By understanding the types of wallets and implementing appropriate security measures, users can safely and efficiently take advantage of Bitcoin, maximizing the benefits of this digital revolution.
Thank you very much for reading this far. I hope everything is well with you, and sending a big hug from your favorite Bitcoiner maximalist from Madeira. Long live freedom!
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@ 56cd780f:cbde8b29
2025-05-06 11:54:45I will add a picture, a hyperlink and a video. Let’s see if it works.
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@ 56cd780f:cbde8b29
2025-05-06 11:54:43Is it still working?
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@ 56cd780f:cbde8b29
2025-05-06 11:54:40Is it actually called “summary”?
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@ 56cd780f:cbde8b29
2025-05-06 11:54:39A few weeks ago, I ran into an old friend at a coffee shop. We hadn’t spoken in years, and within five minutes, she said something I’ve heard countless times:
“I just feel like I’m so behind.”
Behind who? Behind what?
There’s this idea—quiet, nagging, oddly universal—that we’re all somehow in a race we didn’t sign up for. That we’re supposed to have hit certain milestones by certain ages. That if we’re not married, promoted, rich, settled, happy (and photogenic) by 30 or 40 or pick your poison, then we’ve failed some invisible test.
Where did this come from?
Some of it’s cultural, obviously. Social media compresses timelines. You’re 27, doom-scrolling, and suddenly someone from high school just IPO’d their startup and got engaged in Rome. Another just bought a house with a kitchen island the size of a small country. You wonder if you missed a memo.
But beneath that, there’s something deeper. A belief that life is linear. That it should look like a staircase: school, job, marriage, house, kids, success. But real life? It’s a squiggle. A mess. A beautiful disaster.
Here’s the truth: You’re not behind. There’s no schedule. There’s only your path, and the courage it takes to stay on it—even when it looks wildly different from everyone else’s.
I say this as someone who has taken the “scenic route.” I changed careers in my 30s. I moved cities on a hunch. I dropped things that looked great on paper because they felt wrong in my gut. I’ve had seasons of momentum and seasons of stuckness. Both were necessary.
“Catching up” assumes there’s a fixed destination. But what if there isn’t? What if the point isn’t arrival, but presence? Progress that feels real, not performative?
If you need a permission slip to stop comparing, let this be it.
You’re not late. You’re not early.
You’re right on time. -
@ 56cd780f:cbde8b29
2025-05-06 11:54:36There’s something sacred about morning air — the way it carries just enough chill to remind you you’re alive, without pushing you back inside. I’ve been starting my days on the balcony lately. Not because it’s glamorous (it isn’t), or because I have a routine (I don’t), but because it’s the only space in my apartment that feels both open and still.
This morning I made coffee with too much cinnamon and curled up with a blanket that’s seen better days. I watched the city slowly wake up — one barking dog, two joggers, and the clatter of a recycling truck below. It’s odd how these tiny patterns become a kind of comfort.
I used to think that slowing down meant falling behind. But here, perched on the third floor with my feet on cold concrete and the sky just starting to blush, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
If you’re reading this, maybe you needed that reminder too.
— Natalie
-
@ 288ebe67:fa8e3f31
2025-05-06 11:52:34I will add a picture, a hyperlink and a video. Let’s see if it works.
-
@ 288ebe67:fa8e3f31
2025-05-06 11:52:32Is it still working?
-
@ 288ebe67:fa8e3f31
2025-05-06 11:52:30Is it actually called “summary”?
-
@ 288ebe67:fa8e3f31
2025-05-06 11:52:28A few weeks ago, I ran into an old friend at a coffee shop. We hadn’t spoken in years, and within five minutes, she said something I’ve heard countless times:
“I just feel like I’m so behind.”
Behind who? Behind what?
There’s this idea—quiet, nagging, oddly universal—that we’re all somehow in a race we didn’t sign up for. That we’re supposed to have hit certain milestones by certain ages. That if we’re not married, promoted, rich, settled, happy (and photogenic) by 30 or 40 or pick your poison, then we’ve failed some invisible test.
Where did this come from?
Some of it’s cultural, obviously. Social media compresses timelines. You’re 27, doom-scrolling, and suddenly someone from high school just IPO’d their startup and got engaged in Rome. Another just bought a house with a kitchen island the size of a small country. You wonder if you missed a memo.
But beneath that, there’s something deeper. A belief that life is linear. That it should look like a staircase: school, job, marriage, house, kids, success. But real life? It’s a squiggle. A mess. A beautiful disaster.
Here’s the truth: You’re not behind. There’s no schedule. There’s only your path, and the courage it takes to stay on it—even when it looks wildly different from everyone else’s.
I say this as someone who has taken the “scenic route.” I changed careers in my 30s. I moved cities on a hunch. I dropped things that looked great on paper because they felt wrong in my gut. I’ve had seasons of momentum and seasons of stuckness. Both were necessary.
“Catching up” assumes there’s a fixed destination. But what if there isn’t? What if the point isn’t arrival, but presence? Progress that feels real, not performative?
If you need a permission slip to stop comparing, let this be it.
You’re not late. You’re not early.
You’re right on time. -
@ 288ebe67:fa8e3f31
2025-05-06 11:52:27There’s something sacred about morning air — the way it carries just enough chill to remind you you’re alive, without pushing you back inside. I’ve been starting my days on the balcony lately. Not because it’s glamorous (it isn’t), or because I have a routine (I don’t), but because it’s the only space in my apartment that feels both open and still.
This morning I made coffee with too much cinnamon and curled up with a blanket that’s seen better days. I watched the city slowly wake up — one barking dog, two joggers, and the clatter of a recycling truck below. It’s odd how these tiny patterns become a kind of comfort.
I used to think that slowing down meant falling behind. But here, perched on the third floor with my feet on cold concrete and the sky just starting to blush, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
If you’re reading this, maybe you needed that reminder too.
— Natalie
-
@ c114f154:211357a4
2025-05-06 11:49:30And this is the regular text.
-
@ c114f154:211357a4
2025-05-06 11:49:28I will add a picture, a hyperlink and a video. Let’s see if it works.
-
@ c114f154:211357a4
2025-05-06 11:49:26Is it still working?
-
@ c114f154:211357a4
2025-05-06 11:49:24Is it actually called “summary”?
-
@ c114f154:211357a4
2025-05-06 11:49:22A few weeks ago, I ran into an old friend at a coffee shop. We hadn’t spoken in years, and within five minutes, she said something I’ve heard countless times:
“I just feel like I’m so behind.”
Behind who? Behind what?
There’s this idea—quiet, nagging, oddly universal—that we’re all somehow in a race we didn’t sign up for. That we’re supposed to have hit certain milestones by certain ages. That if we’re not married, promoted, rich, settled, happy (and photogenic) by 30 or 40 or pick your poison, then we’ve failed some invisible test.
Where did this come from?
Some of it’s cultural, obviously. Social media compresses timelines. You’re 27, doom-scrolling, and suddenly someone from high school just IPO’d their startup and got engaged in Rome. Another just bought a house with a kitchen island the size of a small country. You wonder if you missed a memo.
But beneath that, there’s something deeper. A belief that life is linear. That it should look like a staircase: school, job, marriage, house, kids, success. But real life? It’s a squiggle. A mess. A beautiful disaster.
Here’s the truth: You’re not behind. There’s no schedule. There’s only your path, and the courage it takes to stay on it—even when it looks wildly different from everyone else’s.
I say this as someone who has taken the “scenic route.” I changed careers in my 30s. I moved cities on a hunch. I dropped things that looked great on paper because they felt wrong in my gut. I’ve had seasons of momentum and seasons of stuckness. Both were necessary.
“Catching up” assumes there’s a fixed destination. But what if there isn’t? What if the point isn’t arrival, but presence? Progress that feels real, not performative?
If you need a permission slip to stop comparing, let this be it.
You’re not late. You’re not early.
You’re right on time. -
@ c114f154:211357a4
2025-05-06 11:49:20There’s something sacred about morning air — the way it carries just enough chill to remind you you’re alive, without pushing you back inside. I’ve been starting my days on the balcony lately. Not because it’s glamorous (it isn’t), or because I have a routine (I don’t), but because it’s the only space in my apartment that feels both open and still.
This morning I made coffee with too much cinnamon and curled up with a blanket that’s seen better days. I watched the city slowly wake up — one barking dog, two joggers, and the clatter of a recycling truck below. It’s odd how these tiny patterns become a kind of comfort.
I used to think that slowing down meant falling behind. But here, perched on the third floor with my feet on cold concrete and the sky just starting to blush, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
If you’re reading this, maybe you needed that reminder too.
— Natalie
-
@ 1b9fc4cd:1d6d4902
2025-05-06 11:06:40Music has always been dynamic, molding and reflecting cultural shifts across generations. From the smoky underground clubs of Northern England to the gritty, graffiti-laden walls of New York City's punk venues, and the rain-soaked streets of Seattle, the evolution of music is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of human expression. Daniel Siegel Alonso takes you on a witty and insightful journey through pivotal moments in music history: The Beatles at The Cavern Club, punk rock's birth at CBGBs, and the Seattle grunge explosion.
The Beatles do The Cavern
Close your eyes and imagine: It's 1961, and you're down in the basement of The Cavern Club in Liverpool; it's packed with sweat-drenched, eager faces, and the air thick, dripping with anticipation. On stage, four young lads who would soon become the most famous band in the world are tuning their guitars. The Beatles, with their mop-top haircuts and cheeky grins, are on the precipice of changing music for generations.
Before they were household names, John, Paul, George, and Ringo honed their craft in this humble, dimly lit venue. The Cavern Club was their proving ground, where they transitioned from covering American icons Chuck Berry and Little Richard to showcasing their original material. Here, they first captivated audiences with their infectious energy and groundbreaking sound.
The group's time at The Cavern Club was pivotal. It was where they caught the eye of Brian Epstein, who would become its manager, and later, record producer George Martin, aka the fifth Beatle. This tiny, subterranean venue was the launchpad for a nuclear cultural revolution. The Beatles didn't just play pop and rock music; they constructed an identity, a lifestyle, and, in hindsight, an era. They embodied the spirit of the Swinging 60s, melding rock 'n' roll with a bouncy pop sensibility that was both rowdy and charming.
Anarchy in the Big Apple
Daniel Siegel Alonso fast-forwards to the mid-70s, and we're in an entirely different world. Bankrupt Manhattan, in the bowels of a biker bar on the Bowery called CBGBs--a mouthful of an acronym standing for Country, Bluegrass, and Blues. The stage is dilapidated, and the sound system is a haphazard collection of amps and speakers at best. Here, the raw energy of punk rock was born, thrashing and pogoing its way into the mainstream.
CBGBs became the center of a musical revolt. Groups like The Ramones, Blondie, and Television took to the ramshackle stage, bringing with them a loud, fast, and unapologetically raw sound. Punk was a direct response to the bloated excesses of middle-of-the-road rock and bands like Yes, Chicago, and Fleetwood Mac; punk was do-it-yourself, back to basics, and in-your-face.
The Ramones epitomized this new angsty attitude with their black leather jackets and torn jeans. The songs they wrote were short, sharp, and shocking to audiences accustomed to indulgent guitar solos and elaborate stage productions. CBGBs was more than just a venue; it was a breeding ground for a cultural movement. It embraced the DIY ethic, encouraging emerging bands to play regardless of polish or professionalism. This sense of independence and defiance reverberated with a new generation of listeners disenchanted by the status quo.
The Last Great Rock Revolution
Siegel Alonso jumps ahead another decade to Seattle, a city known more for its rain than its rock-and-roll. Yet, over three decades ago, Seattle was the epicenter of grunge, a new genre that would once again redefine music. The core of this movement was a collection of venues like The Crocodile and The Off Ramp, where bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden first made their mark.
Grunge was a gritty, angst-filled reaction to the over-produced pop and ostentatious hair metal of the 80s. It combined the raw energy of punk from the previous decade with heavy metal's strength, birthing a sound that was both abrasive and softly melodic. Grunge poster boy Kurt Cobain, with his ragged sweaters and unkempt wiry hair, became the reluctant voice of the last analog generation. Nirvana's breakout album, "Nevermind," was a seismic pop culture event, forcing grunge into the global mainstream.
Seattle's grunge scene was characterized by authenticity and a sense of community. Bands often collaborated and supported each other, creating a tight-knit musical ecosystem. The city's isolation from traditional music industry hubs allowed for a unique sound to develop, one that was untainted by commercial pressures.
Connecting the Dots
What ties these three musical moments together is their grassroots beginnings. The Beatles, the first wave of punk rock, and grunge all began in small, dingy venues, driven by pure passion and a craving to disrupt the status quo. Each musical chapter mirrored and influenced the cultural zeitgeist of its time, providing a soundtrack to their respective eras' social changes and attitudes.
The Cavern Club, CBGBs, and Seattle's grunge venues were more than places where bands performed; they were incubators of innovation and rebellion. They nurtured the raw, unpolished energy that would shape the future of popular music.
As Siegel Alonso reflects on these musical milestones, a pattern of evolution emerges driven by a handful of fundamental ingredients: authenticity, community, and a bold embrace of the unknown. Music's narrative is one of constant change, and as these examples depict, it's often in the most unexpected places that the next big thing begins to take shape.
-
@ 40bdcc08:ad00fd2c
2025-05-06 14:24:22Introduction
Bitcoin’s
OP_RETURN
opcode, a mechanism for embedding small data in transactions, has ignited a significant debate within the Bitcoin community. Originally designed to support limited metadata while preserving Bitcoin’s role as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system,OP_RETURN
is now at the center of proposals that could redefine Bitcoin’s identity. The immutable nature of Bitcoin’s timechain makes it an attractive platform for data storage, creating tension with those who prioritize its monetary function. This discussion, particularly around Bitcoin Core pull request #32406 (GitHub PR #32406), highlights a critical juncture for Bitcoin’s future.What is
OP_RETURN
?Introduced in 2014,
OP_RETURN
allows users to attach up to 80 bytes of data to a Bitcoin transaction. Unlike other transaction outputs,OP_RETURN
outputs are provably unspendable, meaning they don’t burden the Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) set—a critical database for Bitcoin nodes. This feature was a compromise to provide a standardized, less harmful way to include metadata, addressing earlier practices that embedded data in ways that bloated the UTXO set. The 80-byte limit and restriction to oneOP_RETURN
output per transaction are part of Bitcoin Core’s standardness rules, which guide transaction relay and mining but are not enforced by the network’s consensus rules (Bitcoin Stack Exchange).Standardness vs. Consensus Rules
Standardness rules are Bitcoin Core’s default policies for relaying and mining transactions. They differ from consensus rules, which define what transactions are valid across the entire network. For
OP_RETURN
: - Consensus Rules: AllowOP_RETURN
outputs with data up to the maximum script size (approximately 10,000 bytes) and multiple outputs per transaction (Bitcoin Stack Exchange). - Standardness Rules: LimitOP_RETURN
data to 80 bytes and one output per transaction to discourage excessive data storage and maintain network efficiency.Node operators can adjust these policies using settings like
-datacarrier
(enables/disablesOP_RETURN
relay) and-datacarriersize
(sets the maximum data size, defaulting to 83 bytes to account for theOP_RETURN
opcode and pushdata byte). These settings allow flexibility but reflect Bitcoin Core’s default stance on limiting data usage.The Proposal: Pull Request #32406
Bitcoin Core pull request #32406, proposed by developer instagibbs, seeks to relax these standardness restrictions (GitHub PR #32406). Key changes include: - Removing Default Size Limits: The default
-datacarriersize
would be uncapped, allowing largerOP_RETURN
data without a predefined limit. - Allowing Multiple Outputs: The restriction to oneOP_RETURN
output per transaction would be lifted, with the total data size across all outputs subject to a configurable limit. - Deprecating Configuration Options: The-datacarrier
and-datacarriersize
settings are marked as deprecated, signaling potential removal in future releases, which could limit node operators’ ability to enforce custom restrictions.This proposal does not alter consensus rules, meaning miners and nodes can already accept transactions with larger or multiple
OP_RETURN
outputs. Instead, it changes Bitcoin Core’s default relay policy to align with existing practices, such as miners accepting non-standard transactions via services like Marathon Digital’s Slipstream (CoinDesk).Node Operator Flexibility
Currently, node operators can customize
OP_RETURN
handling: - Default Settings: Relay transactions with oneOP_RETURN
output up to 80 bytes. - Custom Settings: Operators can disableOP_RETURN
relay (-datacarrier=0
) or adjust the size limit (e.g.,-datacarriersize=100
). These options remain in #32406 but are deprecated, suggesting that future Bitcoin Core versions might not support such customization, potentially standardizing the uncapped policy.Arguments in Favor of Relaxing Limits
Supporters of pull request #32406 and similar proposals argue that the current restrictions are outdated and ineffective. Their key points include: - Ineffective Limits: Developers bypass the 80-byte limit using methods like Inscriptions, which store data in other transaction parts, often at higher cost and inefficiency (BitcoinDev Mailing List). Relaxing
OP_RETURN
could channel data into a more efficient format. - Preventing UTXO Bloat: By encouragingOP_RETURN
use, which doesn’t affect the UTXO set, the proposal could reduce reliance on harmful alternatives like unspendable Taproot outputs used by projects like Citrea’s Clementine bridge. - Supporting Innovation: Projects like Citrea require more data (e.g., 144 bytes) for security proofs, and relaxed limits could enable new Layer 2 solutions (CryptoSlate). - Code Simplification: Developers like Peter Todd argue that these limits complicate Bitcoin Core’s codebase unnecessarily (CoinGeek). - Aligning with Practice: Miners already process non-standard transactions, and uncapping defaults could improve fee estimation and reduce reliance on out-of-band services, as noted by ismaelsadeeq in the pull request discussion.In the GitHub discussion, developers like Sjors and TheCharlatan expressed support (Concept ACK), citing these efficiency and innovation benefits.
Arguments Against Relaxing Limits
Opponents, including prominent developers and community members, raise significant concerns about the implications of these changes: - Deviation from Bitcoin’s Purpose: Critics like Luke Dashjr, who called the proposal “utter insanity,” argue that Bitcoin’s base layer should prioritize peer-to-peer cash, not data storage (CoinDesk). Jason Hughes warned it could turn Bitcoin into a “worthless altcoin” (BeInCrypto). - Blockchain Bloat: Additional data increases the storage and processing burden on full nodes, potentially making node operation cost-prohibitive and threatening decentralization (CryptoSlate). - Network Congestion: Unrestricted data could lead to “spam” transactions, raising fees and hindering Bitcoin’s use for financial transactions. - Risk of Illicit Content: The timechain’s immutability means data, including potentially illegal or objectionable content, is permanently stored on every node. The 80-byte limit acts as a practical barrier, and relaxing it could exacerbate this issue. - Preserving Consensus: Developers like John Carvalho view the limits as a hard-won community agreement, not to be changed lightly.
In the pull request discussion, nsvrn and moth-oss expressed concerns about spam and centralization, advocating for gradual changes. Concept NACKs from developers like wizkid057 and Luke Dashjr reflect strong opposition.
Community Feedback
The GitHub discussion for pull request #32406 shows a divided community: - Support (Concept ACK): Sjors, polespinasa, ismaelsadeeq, miketwenty1, TheCharlatan, Psifour. - Opposition (Concept NACK): wizkid057, BitcoinMechanic, Retropex, nsvrn, moth-oss, Luke Dashjr. - Other: Peter Todd provided a stale ACK, indicating partial or outdated support.
Additional discussions on the BitcoinDev mailing list and related pull requests (e.g., #32359 by Peter Todd) highlight similar arguments, with #32359 proposing a more aggressive removal of all
OP_RETURN
limits and configuration options (GitHub PR #32359).| Feedback Type | Developers | Key Points | |---------------|------------|------------| | Concept ACK | Sjors, ismaelsadeeq, others | Improves efficiency, supports innovation, aligns with mining practices. | | Concept NACK | Luke Dashjr, wizkid057, others | Risks bloat, spam, centralization, and deviation from Bitcoin’s purpose. | | Stale ACK | Peter Todd | Acknowledges proposal but with reservations or outdated support. |
Workarounds and Their Implications
The existence of workarounds, such as Inscriptions, which exploit SegWit discounts to embed data, is a key argument for relaxing
OP_RETURN
limits. These methods are costlier and less efficient, often costing more thanOP_RETURN
for data under 143 bytes (BitcoinDev Mailing List). Supporters argue that formalizing largerOP_RETURN
data could streamline these use cases. Critics, however, see workarounds as a reason to strengthen, not weaken, restrictions, emphasizing the need to address underlying incentives rather than accommodating bypasses.Ecosystem Pressures
External factors influence the debate: - Miners: Services like Marathon Digital’s Slipstream process non-standard transactions for a fee, showing that market incentives already bypass standardness rules. - Layer 2 Projects: Citrea’s Clementine bridge, requiring more data for security proofs, exemplifies the demand for relaxed limits to support innovative applications. - Community Dynamics: The debate echoes past controversies, like the Ordinals debate, where data storage via inscriptions raised similar concerns about Bitcoin’s purpose (CoinDesk).
Bitcoin’s Identity at Stake
The
OP_RETURN
debate is not merely technical but philosophical, questioning whether Bitcoin should remain a focused monetary system or evolve into a broader data platform. Supporters see relaxed limits as a pragmatic step toward efficiency and innovation, while opponents view them as a risk to Bitcoin’s decentralization, accessibility, and core mission. The community’s decision will have lasting implications, affecting node operators, miners, developers, and users.Conclusion
As Bitcoin navigates this crossroads, the community must balance the potential benefits of relaxed
OP_RETURN
limits—such as improved efficiency and support for new applications—against the risks of blockchain bloat, network congestion, and deviation from its monetary roots. The ongoing discussion, accessible via pull request #32406 on GitHub (GitHub PR #32406). Readers are encouraged to explore the debate and contribute to ensuring that any changes align with Bitcoin’s long-term goals as a decentralized, secure, and reliable system. -
@ 005bc4de:ef11e1a2
2025-05-06 11:54:14May 6 marks my "Nostr birthday." This means I've been on Nostr for two years now. See my initial "Running nostr" note timestamped and archived on the Hive blockchain at https://peakd.com/bitcoin/@crrdlx/running-nostr
Two years ago, I really had no idea what Nostr was. I was asking, "What is this Nostr thing?"
And, I had no idea what I was doing then while using the front end clients. The clients were clunky and since the protocol was rather plastic (still kinda is). As evidence to my ignorance, the spinning wheels on Coracle.social just kept spinning. I didn't realize that since I was only following two people, one being myself, there was nothing to load from relays except my one "Running nostr" note. Hence, the Coracle wheels just spun in their mesmerizing manner. At least they're soothing to watch.
Yet, despite my ignorance, I had an inkling of a notion that Nostr was indeed something different, maybe special. Otherwise, I wouldn't have taken the time to capture an animated gif and make that Hive post to chronicle my first Nostr note.
For fun, I made another "Running nostr" note yesterday using Coracle.social. It still has those muted, earthy tones, but the wheels are not there anymore for long. Coracle, like Nostr, has come a long way in two years. It loads much faster now, which means less wheel spinning. I kind of miss the wheels for some reason, they build the drama and expectation of what might appear.
!HBIT