KNOTS OR CORE, WE ARE ALL BITCOINERS | Michael Tidwell

15 snips

Sep 25, 2025

In this engaging conversation, Michael Tidwell, co-founder of TABConf and host of the BlockTime podcast, shares his insights into the evolving Bitcoin landscape. He explores the debates surrounding Bitcoin Core vs. Knots and why these discussions matter for community resilience. Tidwell explains the significance of freedom communications, highlighting mesh networks and Nostr for privacy. He also touches on the essence of Bitcoin through proof-of-work and consensus, while unpacking the implications of user-activated soft forks. Prepare for a deep dive into Bitcoin's philosophical roots!

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INSIGHT

Consensus And Economic Energy Define Bitcoin

Bitcoin's identity is defined more by consensus and economic backing than by relay policy or philosophy.
Michael Tidwell argues the chain with most proof-of-work (or market-backed economic energy) becomes 'Bitcoin' in practice.

ANECDOTE

From Small Meetup To TABConf

Michael Tidwell built a large Atlanta meetup and turned it into TABConf to focus on high-signal Bitcoin education.
The meetup grew from 25 people to monthly events with workshops and speakers, then evolved into a technical conference in 2018.

ADVICE

Use Interactive Formats At Conferences

Run conferences as experiments and involve attendees with interactive formats like rotating panels and game-show explainers.
Use those formats to surface technical clarity and improve how experts communicate complex Bitcoin topics.

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