CoinDesk Podcast Network BITCOIN SEASON 2: Does Bitcoin Core Have An Identity Problem?
May 7, 2025
Udi Wertheimer, co-founder of the Taproot Wizards and a Bitcoin provocateur, delves into the heated OP_RETURN debate dividing the Bitcoin community. He discusses the increasing backlash against Core developers due to their technical communication failures. Udi highlights the disconnect between long-time enthusiasts and newer users, examining how this affects trust. He also reflects on Greg Maxwell's return and proposes ways for Core to improve engagement with the community, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding trust and simplifying complex technical discussions.
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Udi's Bitcoin Journey
- Udi Wertheimer describes himself humorously as a Bitcoin maxi cult survivor who shifted from 'middle management' to making JPEGs as protest art.
- He is now mostly known for his provocative involvement with JPEGs on Bitcoin and the Taproot Wizards.
OP_RETURN: History and Conflict
- The OP_RETURN feature in Bitcoin was initially a compromise to allow data embedding but with size limits to prevent abuse.
- This ongoing debate about relaxing OP_RETURN limits reflects technical correctness clashing with emotional resistance in the community.
JPEGs Thrive on Controversy
- JPEG spammers do not want OP_RETURN changes; they benefit from community backlash as it draws attention to their content.
- The current OP_RETURN debate is technical but amplified emotionally; JPEG creators remain indifferent to most changes.