Opt Out Bitcoin and Ossification w/ Jameson Lopp
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Nov 14, 2024 In this discussion, Jameson Lopp, a Bitcoin researcher and Chief Security Officer at CASA, delves into the concept of ossification in Bitcoin. He argues against premature ossification, advocating for enhanced building blocks to foster innovation. The conversation highlights challenges Bitcoin faces, including scalability and centralization, while emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility in securing assets. Lopp also addresses the risks of quantum computing and the need for proactive measures to safeguard Bitcoin's future as a tool for freedom.
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Ossification: A Natural Network Process
- Ossification is a natural process in networks where change becomes harder as the network grows.
- This is due to increased coordination difficulty and the risk of disrupting a valuable, established system.
Premature Ossification: An Artificial Acceleration
- Jameson Lopp views premature ossification as an artificial acceleration of this process.
- This can be driven by the belief that "Bitcoin ain't broke, don't fix it", which he challenges.
Block Size Wars and Governance
- Jameson Lopp suggests the block size wars were about Bitcoin's governance, not just technical issues.
- He believes they caused trauma, hindering serious consensus change proposals for years.