In an age where we have more access to information than any generation in human history, you’d think we’d be getting better at separating fact from fiction. Instead, we seem to be drowning in a sea of confusion, where half-truths and manipulated narratives gain traction faster than facts can keep up. The problem isn’t just the overwhelming quantity of information—it’s how that information is packaged, filtered, and consumed through the lens of our own cognitive biases. We’re no longer just reading the news; we’re being fed the version that best aligns with what we already believe. Take, for example, the infamous claim that “Haitian immigrants are eating cats.” Sure, this sounds absurd at first glance, but the claim persists because, as with most rumors, it’s directionally correct. There may not be hordes of Haitians devouring household pets, but if someone, somewhere, happens to eat a cat, suddenly the rumor feels justified. The specifics don’t matter much. It’s not about Haitians eating cats—just the idea that someone is. This is how half-baked stories morph into accepted truth: they have just enough plausibility to get a foothold and survive, like intellectual parasites feeding on our preconceptions. This is where Jonathan Haidt’s insight about how we process information comes into play. When we encounter evidence that supports our beliefs, we ask ourselves a low-bar question: “Can I believe this?” In other words, is there any flimsy justification I can latch onto to confirm what I already think? And if the evidence fits, however loosely, we embrace it. But when that same evidence contradicts our beliefs, we go into defense mode and ask a much tougher question: “Do I have to believe this?” Now, we’re searching for any reason, however small, to dismiss or deny what we’re seeing. This kind of thinking leads to two groups of people looking at the same information but coming to completely opposite conclusions. One group focuses on specifics—“It wasn’t a Haitian eating the cat, so this story is a lie.” The other group, meanwhile, is more than happy to generalize: “Maybe it wasn’t a Haitian, but someone’s eating cats, so the story is true enough.” In both cases, facts are playing second fiddle to biases, and the truth becomes a casualty of our own mental shortcuts. If this is how people react to even legitimate information, imagine how much worse it gets when the evidence itself is deliberately manipulated. Take the 2017 “fine people” hoax surrounding Donald Trump’s comments on Charlottesville. Trump did, in fact, condemn neo-Nazis and white supremacists, but a selectively edited clip of him saying there were “very fine people on both sides” was stripped of context and played on a loop by the mainstream media. That sliver of a sound bite became gospel for those who already saw Trump as a villain. The context? Irrelevant. People who wanted to believe Trump was soft on neo-Nazis got exactly the confirmation they were looking for. Even now, seven years later, in 2024, you’ll still find people who genuinely believe Trump refused to call out white supremacists. This is the dark art of selective editing. The facts themselves haven’t changed, but by cutting out key details, the entire narrative shifts. For some, this manipulated version of events is enough to keep the “Can I believe this?” train rolling full steam ahead. Meanwhile, those skeptical of the media look at the unedited footage, note that Trump did indeed disavow the neo-Nazis, and ask themselves, “Do I have to believe this?” For them, the deception is clear, and they find ways to reject the entire mainstream narrative. Again, two groups walk away with two very different realities based on the same raw information—filtered, of course, through their own biases. But this isn’t just about Trump or immigrants. It’s about the broader problem of how we digest information in a world that has become saturated with data yet starved of clarity. We now live in an age where evidence itself can be suspect—thanks to deceptively edited videos, out-of-context quotes, and the rise of AI-generated content that can fake reality with frightening precision. If we already struggle to separate fact from fiction when the evidence is legitimate, what happens when the very evidence we rely on is manufactured or distorted? We’re outsourcing our thinking, trusting intermediaries—whether they be journalists, politicians, or algorithms—to make sense of the world for us. And these intermediaries are anything but neutral. They bring their own biases, errors, and occasionally, deceptions to the table. When we outsource our critical thinking, we inherit not just the conclusions but the cognitive shortcuts and errors that come with them. The result is a kind of selective outrage, where the “truth” is little more than an echo of our preconceived beliefs, amplified by a feedback loop of misinformation. The real danger is that once an idea takes root, it’s almost impossible to dislodge, no matter how many facts you throw at it. Whether it’s a story about cat-eating immigrants or Trump’s alleged defense of neo-Nazis, these narratives persist because they’ve been carefully molded to fit into the emotional and cognitive framework we use to interpret the world. They’re not falsifiable in any meaningful way—because when the goalposts keep moving, you can’t ever pin them down. So here we are, in a world where information is infinite but understanding is finite. We navigate this ocean of data by leaning on others, trusting that they’ve done the hard work of making sense of it all for us. But those intermediaries can mislead us, intentionally or not. And once misled, it’s hard to find our way back to reality. The line between fact and perception blurs, and we become trapped in our own echo chambers, comforted by half-truths that feel good, even when they’re far from the truth. In the end, it’s not just about what we believe—it’s about how we come to believe it. And in a world where truth is up for grabs, the only thing more dangerous than being wrong is thinking you’re always right. The COVID pandemic provided a masterclass in how the flow of information can be manipulated, suppressed, and weaponized depending on whose interests are at stake. The lab leak theory is a perfect example. Early on, suggesting that COVID might have originated in a lab—specifically in Wuhan—wasn’t just dismissed, it was vilified. Anyone who brought it up was labeled a conspiracy theorist, a xenophobe, or outright racist. Platforms censored people, media outlets sneered at the idea, and it was effectively scrubbed from polite discourse. Fast forward a couple of years, and what do we have? A growing consensus among scientists and officials that the lab leak theory is, in fact, one of the most plausible explanations for COVID’s origins. This whiplash—where a once “crazy” theory is now taken seriously—exposes how information is managed not based on its truth, but on its political utility at the time. It’s a case study in how, when certain ideas become politically or socially inconvenient, they’re not debated—they’re silenced. The same thing happened with ivermectin. Here’s a drug that’s been used on humans for decades, a Nobel Prize-winning medicine, no less, known for its safety and effectiveness in treating parasitic infections. Yet, when people started talking about its potential to treat COVID, the media ran with a condescending narrative, dismissing it as “horse dewormer,” as though people were injecting themselves with straight livestock meds in some backwoods pharmacy. Yes, ivermectin is used for animals, but it’s also an FDA-approved drug for human use. The dismissiveness wasn’t about facts—it was about delegitimizing an alternative treatment that, crucially, wasn’t under patent. It wasn’t profitable for the pharmaceutical giants that were working on patented vaccines and treatments. So, why was there such a harsh crackdown on discussions around ivermectin? Again, follow the money. Unlike the vaccines, ivermectin was dirt cheap, widely available, and off-patent. The idea that something inexpensive and readily accessible might be effective against COVID presented a massive financial threat to Big Pharma, which had billions tied up in the development, production, and distribution of new treatments. Combine that with governments and tech companies getting involved in controlling the narrative, and you have a situation where an established, safe drug is reduced to a punchline. The heavy hand of the state wasn’t just regulating public health—it was regulating the conversation itself. What this all highlights is the sheer danger of centralized control over information, particularly in the digital age. The power to not only spread misinformation, but to silence dissent, has never been greater. Social media platforms, under pressure from governments and corporations, can decide what’s acceptable discourse and what’s “misinformation” with the flick of a switch. Overnight, entire narratives are erased, not because they’re false, but because they’re inconvenient. The COVID pandemic was a grim revelation for many of us who might’ve once trusted these institutions, but now see how easily they can abuse their power. This goes beyond just media and medicine—it’s about the control of thought itself. When you have Big Tech, Big Pharma, and Big Government working in concert to manage what people are allowed to think and say, that’s not just dangerous—it’s dystopian. You don’t have to be a right-wing conspiracy theorist to feel deeply uncomfortable about the way power is concentrated in the hands of a few, and how those few can shape reality for the rest of us. Like many of you, I come from an emotional and intellectual space that’s more liberal-leaning. I believe in public health, in collective responsibility, in protecting the vulnerable. But after witnessing how COVID narratives were manipulated—how legitimate questions were squashed, how cheap, effective treatments were mocked and marginalized—I can no longer ignore the inherent dangers of centralized power. Whether it’s the government, corporations, or tech giants, the more concentrated that power becomes, the more vulnerable we are to its abuses. This isn’t a left or right issue. It’s about control—control of information, control of dialogue, and ultimately, control of what we’re allowed to think. And when you realize how easily that control can be wielded, it’s hard not to feel cynical. It’s hard not to question whether what you’re being told is true, or just another layer of convenient lies wrapped in the flag of public safety. But let’s not sink into cynicism! The fact that we’ve recognized the problem is the first step toward a solution, and there **are** solutions! Enter NOSTR—Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays. It’s a mouthful, but the concept behind it is simple, and more importantly, revolutionary: decentralized, censorship-resistant communication. A system where control doesn’t sit in the hands of a few powerful entities but is distributed, open, and unstoppable. The beauty of NOSTR lies in its architecture. Instead of relying on centralized servers, where Big Tech or governments can swoop in and control the flow of information, it uses relays. Think of these as independent nodes, any one of which can carry your message. No single relay is in charge, so even if one goes down or gets blocked, your message can still find its way through other relays. It’s the digital equivalent of Hydra—cut off one head, and two more pop up. The system is resilient by design. Here’s the kicker: it’s not just about censorship resistance. It’s about taking back control over your own communication. With NOSTR, you own your identity and your data. You’re not at the mercy of some algorithm that decides whether your content gets throttled, shadow-banned, or erased. It’s a communication protocol that can’t be stopped or manipulated by outside forces, which means you’re finally free to speak your mind without fear of being silenced by the gatekeepers of the digital world. Remember when platforms like Twitter or Facebook started de-platforming voices they didn’t agree with, or when fact-checkers suddenly became the arbiters of truth? Those days don’t exist in the world of NOSTR. It doesn’t matter what side of the political spectrum you fall on; the core principle here is simple: free, unstoppable communication. No more worries about having your account shut down for sharing a controversial opinion or an inconvenient truth. If someone wants to block you? No problem—just use another relay. It’s not just a pipe dream, either. We’ve already seen how decentralized systems like Bitcoin have challenged the traditional financial world by eliminating middlemen and putting control back into the hands of individuals. NOSTR does the same thing, but for communication. It takes the power out of the hands of Silicon Valley and returns it to the people who actually need it: all of us. This is the antidote to the censorship that we’ve seen escalate over the last few years. Whether it was the suppression of the lab leak theory, the mocking of alternative COVID treatments, or the broader crackdown on anyone stepping outside the approved narrative, NOSTR provides the infrastructure to ensure that these ideas still have a place to be heard. In an era where information is power, decentralized communication protocols like NOSTR give that power back to the individual. It’s a solution that not only combats censorship but also provides a blueprint for a more open, transparent future, where ideas—both popular and unpopular—can compete on an equal playing field. Here’s the crucial part: NOSTR isn’t a product, it’s a protocol. It’s not a platform controlled by some mega-corporation or subject to the whims of a CEO, and it’s not tied to any particular app or service. It’s just a set of rules that allows anyone to build their own app, service, or interface that interacts with the broader system. This is why it’s such a game-changer—it’s a foundation, not a walled garden. Anyone, anywhere, can develop an application that taps into this decentralized network of communication, and each app can look and feel totally different, depending on who builds it. But the core principle stays the same: unstoppable, censorship-resistant communication. Now, let’s get into the identity aspect, because this is where NOSTR really pulls away from the centralized platforms we’re used to: Most social media platforms own your identity. You sign up with an email or phone number, and from there, your identity and everything tied to it—your friends, followers, posts, interactions—are locked into that one platform. If you get banned, shadow-banned, or just want to leave? Tough. You’re stuck starting from scratch somewhere else. NOSTR throws that model out the window. Your identity is tied to public and private keys—not some account managed by Twitter or Facebook. Think of it like having your own digital passport, one that no platform or company can take away from you. Your public key acts as your username or ID, while your private key is your password, securing your identity. This means you control your identity, not the platform you’re on. If you don’t like one app or interface, you can pick up your entire social graph—your followers, your posts, your interactions—and move it to another app without losing anything. You take your identity with you wherever you go, untethered from any one company or platform. And this isn’t just about portability—it’s about resilience. Your identity and your social graph can’t be deleted by some tech overlord. If you get booted off one relay or app, it doesn’t matter. You still exist in the NOSTR network because you control the keys to your identity. It’s a system that guarantees your ability to communicate remains intact, no matter what roadblocks someone tries to throw in your way. In essence, this isn’t just about speaking freely—it’s about owning your digital self. With NOSTR, you’re not at the mercy of any one platform’s policies, and you’re not trapped in a system where your data and identity can be erased at the push of a button. It’s robust, decentralized, and designed for a future where individuals, not corporations, own their digital lives. The persistence of your identity in a system like NOSTR isn’t just a technical detail—it’s a transformative tool for taking control of the way you interact with information. When you’re locked into centralized platforms like Facebook or Twitter, you’re at the mercy of their algorithms. These algorithms are driven by perverse incentives—often prioritizing engagement (and, by extension, profit) over truth. That means they’re engineered to feed you content that provokes the strongest emotional reactions, not necessarily the most accurate or nuanced information. Outrage sells; truth, unfortunately, tends to sit quietly in the back. But with a protocol like NOSTR, where your identity is yours to carry from one app to the next, you control how you filter information. You can choose your own algorithms or create your own filters based on what you actually want to see—whether that’s verified, nuanced reporting, or even just a broader range of opinions that challenge your perspective. You’re no longer subject to what some opaque corporate algorithm decides is “relevant” or “trending.” In the current media landscape, the platforms you use decide what’s important for you to see, driving echo chambers and feeding you the content that keeps you scrolling and clicking. But with NOSTR, the power shifts back to you. You can create or adopt algorithms based on trust, transparency, and diversity of thought, rather than algorithms designed to harvest your attention. Instead of having your reality mediated by Facebook’s or Twitter’s content farms, you curate your own information landscape, choosing the sources, voices, and perspectives that you want to engage with. This isn’t just a subtle shift. It’s foundational. It allows for a more honest, individualized approach to truth. Rather than letting Zuckerberg or some shadowy content moderator decide which “facts” are fit for your consumption, you become an active participant in shaping your own information diet. Want to see more diverse viewpoints? You can set up filters that prioritize those voices. Want verified experts? You can configure your experience to highlight content from trusted sources without burying them under a pile of conspiracy theories or viral clickbait. The persistence of your identity in NOSTR allows you to move through different applications, preserving your network, your preferences, and the integrity of your interactions. And since no single company or platform owns you, they can’t manipulate what you see, who you follow, or what content is pushed to the top of your feed. You’re no longer a passive consumer of information being served to you by algorithms that prioritize profit. Instead, you become the architect of your own reality—able to engage with information in a way that’s thoughtful, self-directed, and resistant to manipulation. In a world where truth is often a casualty of the attention economy, systems like NOSTR offer a way to reclaim not just free speech, but free thought. No longer a mere cog in someone else’s engagement machine, you are actively participating in the pursuit of truth, on your own terms. The shift from passive consumption to active curation—where you control the flow of information—changes the entire game. With NOSTR, you’re not just scrolling through a feed dictated by an algorithm designed to maximize profit by feeding you outrage or distraction. You are the architect of your own digital environment. You can prioritize content from trusted sources, craft your own filters, and choose algorithms that emphasize depth over clickbait. You regain control over how you engage with ideas, filtering out the noise and allowing truth to take center stage. But it doesn’t stop there. This paradigm shift gets even more profound when you introduce Zaps into the equation. Unlike traditional social media metrics—likes, retweets, or upvotes—which are essentially free and therefore hollow, Zaps carry real value. A Zap is not just an empty gesture; it’s a micro-transaction using Bitcoin, the world’s first decentralized digital currency. Now, I know for some, Bitcoin can seem niche or counterintuitive, so let’s break it down: Bitcoin has a fixed supply—there will only ever be 21 million Bitcoin. That’s it. Its scarcity makes it valuable, like digital gold. (Much like a dollar is divided into 100 cents, each Bitcoin can be divided into 100 million “satoshis”, or “sats”.) So when someone sends you a Zap, they’re not just clicking a button—they’re sending you satoshis, actual money tied to a finite resource. This means Zaps are fundamentally different from likes or upvotes. Sending a Zap requires spending something of real value. Unlike the likes you hand out on Facebook by the dozens, a Zap forces the sender to put some real skin in the game. That’s why it’s so much harder to game this system. Yes, bots can still exist—but every time a bot Zaps content, it’s spending satoshis, burning through real currency. Spamming Zaps costs real money, making it far more difficult (and expensive) to manipulate the system. Now, imagine a world where Zaps become part of the algorithm itself. Instead of sorting content by shallow engagement—measured in meaningless clicks—you can rank it by the value people are attaching to it in the form of Zaps. You could filter your content feed by how much real currency has been exchanged in support of different posts, giving you a more accurate signal of what’s truly valuable, insightful, or meaningful. It’s a shift from attention-driven metrics to value-driven ones. In this new system, creators aren’t incentivized to churn out low-quality content for the sake of clicks and likes. Instead, they focus on producing work that’s meaningful enough for people to Zap—because a Zap reflects genuine, monetary support. It transforms the economy of content from one built on mindless engagement to one based on authenticity and real value. And this entire system—this exchange of value—happens over the Lightning Network. For those unfamiliar, the Lightning Network is a second-layer solution built on top of Bitcoin, designed to enable nearly instantaneous, low-cost transactions. When you send a Zap, it’s processed through the Lightning Network, and the transaction is final—there are no middlemen skimming fees off the top, no centralized payment processors taking a cut. It’s peer-to-peer, direct and immediate. Contrast this with the current systems we rely on—banks, payment processors, ad networks—all of which take their pound of flesh at every turn. There are fees, delays, and often a host of third parties between you and your money. With the Lightning Network, that friction disappears. You can Zap someone from across the globe in seconds, with the transaction finalized and the sats transferred instantly. No waiting, no approvals, no gatekeepers. And here’s the most amazing thing about all of this: it’s not a dream. It’s not some far-off goal. It’s a practical reality. This system already exists today. NOSTR, Bitcoin, Zaps—this isn’t the future we’re waiting for. The future is here. It’s just not evenly distributed yet. The tools to break free from the grip of centralized platforms and take back control of communication, content, and value are already in our hands. The genie is out of the bottle. The toothpaste is out of the tube. These are more than technologies—they are ideas. And here’s the thing about ideas: you can’t kill them. Bitcoin and NOSTR aren’t just systems—they represent a new way of thinking about ownership, value, and freedom. And once an idea takes hold, it’s unstoppable.

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Version 2 Abstract BOOMSCROLL is a decentralized commissioning system, built on NOSTR, Bitcoin, and the Lightning Network, that enables backers to post public bounties tied to an ask, where sats are irrevocably locked and only claimable by the target NPUB upon posting a completion note. This locking mechanism—while a technical challenge to perfect—is at the heart of the system’s trust-based framework. Once locked, the sats cannot be retrieved by the backer and can only be released when the creator signs off on their work, giving them unilateral control over the completion event. The system operates entirely on trust and reputation, without coercion or guarantees. Backers put sats on the line, and creators claim them based on the quality of their work—or lack thereof. Every action is public, and every participant’s reputation is at stake. BOOMSCROLL introduces five new note types to extend NOSTR’s functionality for public asks, parallel submissions, endorsements, and bounties, with the goal of creating a trustless system that thrives on voluntary exchanges. In BOOMSCROLL, 21 sats carry more value than 21 million likes because they represent real skin in the game. The system doesn’t guarantee outcomes—it simply provides the framework for people to commit to each other publicly, transparently, and without coercion. The ultimate value lies in the integrity and trust of those who choose to participate. **************** The Analog Example – Trust-Based Agreements Imagine a simple, old-school scenario. You need a job done—say, a house painted or a piece of furniture built. You trust someone to handle it, so you place the money on the table and say, "The funds are yours when the work is done." No one else is involved. You aren’t haggling over the details or setting arbitrary standards for quality. You’ve made a clear, upfront offer, and the person you’re commissioning can claim the money once the task is finished to their own satisfaction. The power of this arrangement lies in the trust between you and the person doing the work. You trust them to do the job well, and they trust that the money will be there when the work is complete. It’s a direct, transparent exchange: voluntary, clear, and non-coercive. In this analog example, the agreement is simple: the money is there, visible, waiting to be claimed. Both parties know the terms, and everything hinges on trust. Now, BOOMSCROLL takes this same concept and moves it into a trustless, decentralized digital system, using Bitcoin, NOSTR, and the Lightning Network. Instead of cash on the table, there are sats locked upfront—real, committed value visible to all. Instead of a verbal promise or handshake, there are public asks and completion notes, posted in a trustless and immutable system where everything is transparent and irreversible. But the key principle remains: once the sats are committed, they’re locked until the task is completed, with no intermediaries and no backing out. This is trust by design, rather than by relationship or personal connection. It's a voluntary agreement, carried out in full view of the public, with no room for dispute once the process is set in motion. The simplicity of this trust-based system remains intact, but the mechanics are digital—public keys replace personal identities, zaps replace handshakes, and sats replace cash. Everything else follows naturally, from the initial public ask to the final completion note, and each step is voluntary, non-coercive, and entirely based on public visibility. *** The Moving Parts – What Already Exists and What We’re Building At the heart of BOOMSCROLL is something that’s both new and familiar—a gadget built mostly from already-existing technology, with just a few critical additions. Like Bitcoin itself, BOOMSCROLL isn’t reinventing the wheel. Instead, it’s assembling a Rube Goldberg machine from components that are largely proven, using them in a new configuration to unlock a powerful way to create and deliver value. NOSTR NOSTR (Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays) is the decentralized protocol for public communication. Users create notes, sign them with their private keys (NSECs), and post them to relays. Each user is identified by their NPUB, a public key that acts like an address on NOSTR. NOSTR handles the public visibility of every ask, zap, and completion note in BOOMSCROLL. NPUBs and NSECs Every NOSTR user has a pair of keys: an NPUB (public) and an NSEC (private). The NPUB is the user’s identity, and the NSEC is used to sign messages. In BOOMSCROLL, the NPUB ties every action to a verifiable identity, ensuring that all interactions—from posting bounties to claiming them—are publicly tied to the creator’s key pair. This is the trustless foundation of the system. Zaps Zaps are Lightning-powered transactions between users on NOSTR. With Lightning, sats can be sent quickly and with minimal fees. In BOOMSCROLL, zaps are used to power snowballing (adding to a bounty) and to reward completed work. Zaps are already a standard feature of NOSTR interactions and can be used seamlessly within BOOMSCROLL to transfer real value between users. Sats Locking Mechanism The sats locking mechanism is essential to the public ask. When a user posts a public ask, they need a way to commit real value upfront—locking sats into a bounty that anyone can see. The challenge is ensuring these sats are locked until the task is completed and cannot be withdrawn or altered. While the precise implementation of this lock is still being refined, we’re confident it can be achieved. In fact, this locking function might be the only part of BOOMSCROLL that requires significant development beyond what already exists. Lightning Prisms Lightning Prisms are a mechanism that allow for the automatic distribution of zaps to backers who contributed to the original bounty. In BOOMSCROLL, this would ensure that the people who zapped the public ask get rewarded with a percentage of any future zaps made on the completion note. This already exists today, though it may need adjustments to suit BOOMSCROLL’s specific use case. For now, it’s enough to say that Lightning Prisms allow us to reward early backers while keeping the system automated and trustless.* **** Parallel Submissions • Parallel submissions allow other creators to post their own work in response to a public ask, even if they have no claim to the original bounty. This concept ensures that BOOMSCROLL remains open to creative competition, with creators able to contribute their own solutions without interfering with the original ask. • While parallel submissions don’t unlock the original bounty directly, they still benefit from the social signal that the bounty exists—proof that there is demand for this kind of work. More importantly, by entering a parallel submission, you’re at least implicitly putting yourself in the ring to be endorsed by the original target of the ask. Even if your goal wasn’t to claim the bounty, your work now has the potential to win an endorsement, effectively becoming the completion note and unlocking the bounty for yourself. • This creates an additional layer of creative meritocracy within BOOMSCROLL: while you might be submitting work purely for its own sake, the very fact that you’ve entered a public space with a parallel submission means you could end up receiving an unexpected endorsement. This mechanism fosters a rich ecosystem of competition where high-quality work can rise to the top, even when multiple creators are involved. Endorsement Mechanism • The endorsement mechanism is a purely social signal within BOOMSCROLL. When a creator like Matt O'Dell endorses someone else’s work (e.g., BTC Sessions), the bounty is transferred to the endorsed creator, but Matt receives no financial reward. • This lack of financial tie is key to keeping the endorsement mechanism clean and non-exploitable. It’s a simple way to reward high-quality work while building social capital, and while it might seem counterintuitive in a system built around sats, it’s what makes BOOMSCROLL trust-based at its core. This mechanism leverages the public transparency of the system—every action and decision is visible, so reputation matters. Where We Stand: Mostly Here, Partly Conceptual At this stage, most of the BOOMSCROLL components already exist. NOSTR, NPUBs, zaps, and public notes are all here today, functioning in a decentralized, permissionless system. Even Lightning Prisms have been implemented in certain contexts, though they may need refinement for BOOMSCROLL’s specific use case. The only major technical hurdle we foresee is in designing the sats locking mechanism—the function that ensures the bounty is committed and cannot be withdrawn until the task is completed. Once that’s in place, we’re confident the rest of the system will fall into place, leveraging the trustless infrastructure of Bitcoin and NOSTR to create a seamless process for public asks, creative work, and rewards. *** BOOMSCROLL in Action – Mechanics and Scenarios Scenario 1: The Public Ask The process starts with a public ask. Let’s say Kanye West posts a request for a cold card tutorial with a bounty of 10 million sats, locking it upfront via a sats locking mechanism. This bounty is publicly visible, signaling that real value is on the table. Transparency: Everyone on NOSTR can see the ask and bounty, creating an open, trustless system. Snowballing: Others can zap additional sats to increase the bounty, growing it as more people get interested. Scenario 2: The Creator’s Response Matt O'Dell sees the ask and begins working on the tutorial. He knows the funds are locked and reserved for him as long as he finishes the work and posts the completion note. Unilateral Control: Matt decides when to declare the work done by posting the completion note, at which point the sats are transferred. Scenario 3: The Completion Note – The New Event The completion note is central to BOOMSCROLL—it serves as the fulcrum for the system. Once posted, it triggers the release of the locked sats and marks the completion of the public ask. But the completion note is also the entry point for the Lightning Prisms. What the Completion Note Does: It publicly declares the work finished, and its posting is what unlocks the bounty. Importantly, it’s a new note event on NOSTR, visible to everyone. This event becomes the object of zaps from the community. New Zone of Interest: The completion note is not only a signal that the bounty has been fulfilled; it also becomes the new focal point for future zaps. Anyone can zap the note to show their appreciation or further reward the creator for the work. Scenario 4: The Lightning Prisms – Rewarding Backers Once the completion note is posted, Lightning Prisms come into play. This is the mechanism that allows a portion of future zaps on the completion note to be distributed back to the original backers, rewarding them for supporting the project early on. How Lightning Prisms Work: Whenever someone zaps the completion note, a percentage of the zap is automatically sent to the backers in proportion to their original contribution. For example: Kanye posted the original 10 million sats bounty, so he gets a share proportional to his contribution. Peter and Jack added 1 million and 2 million sats, so they receive smaller, but still proportional shares. Fulcrum of Interaction: The completion note now becomes a new zone of economic interest—zaps directed at this note continue to reward both the creator and the backers, creating a positive feedback loop where high-quality work can generate ongoing value. The Lightning Prisms system ensures that early backers are financially rewarded if the work they supported continues to gain appreciation. Scenario 5: The Endorsement Mechanism – Social Signal With Lightning Prisms in place, we can now introduce the endorsement mechanism. If Matt O'Dell completes his work but decides that BTC Sessions’ parallel submission is better, he can endorse BTC Sessions instead of posting his own completion note. This endorsement effectively coronates BTC Sessions’ work as the completion note, transferring the bounty to him. No Financial Gain for Endorsement: Matt doesn’t receive any zaps from endorsing BTC. This is a purely social signal—by endorsing BTC Sessions, Matt is passing on the financial reward while increasing his own reputation as a fair and honest creator. Coronation of BTC Sessions: Once endorsed, BTC Sessions’ submission effectively becomes the completion note, unlocking the bounty and starting the Lightning Prisms process for future zaps. His work now becomes the zone of interest for future zaps and financial support. Endorsement as Meritocratic Mechanism: The endorsement mechanism serves as a meritocratic feature, ensuring that the best work rises to the top, even if it wasn’t produced by the original target of the bounty. This creates an incentive for creators to endorse work they genuinely think is better, further reinforcing BOOMSCROLL's focus on quality and trust. Scenario 6: Parallel Submissions – Potential for Endorsement Parallel submissions don’t unlock the original bounty, but they still play a critical role. Creators like BTC Sessions, who post work in parallel, are implicitly opening themselves up for an endorsement from the original target (in this case, Matt O'Dell). While they may not intend to claim the bounty, the fact that they’ve submitted work means they could potentially receive an endorsement. Proof of Demand: Parallel submissions gain value simply by being visible in a space where there is proven demand for the work, as signaled by the original bounty. A Social System: Even if a parallel submission doesn’t unlock the bounty, it can still generate social capital and financial support through zaps, creating a dynamic and competitive ecosystem for creators. *** *** Trust, Reputation, and Endorsements – The Social and Philosophical Layer of BOOMSCROLL Trust-Based Interactions in a Trustless System BOOMSCROLL is built on a trustless infrastructure (Bitcoin and NOSTR), but it creates an environment where social trust becomes the key currency. Every action—whether it’s a public ask, a zap, or an endorsement—is a public signal of trust. Unilateral Power: Imagine Matt O'Dell accepts a 10 million sat bounty to create a Bitcoin tutorial. Once he posts a completion note, the funds are released to him. But here’s the kicker: Matt could post anything. He could create a serious tutorial, or he could post a video of himself wiping his ass, take the sats, and run. Nobody could stop him. And yet, the system works. Why? Because trust and reputation are at stake. Public Trust and Consequences: While Matt could technically act in bad faith, doing so would destroy his reputation in the eyes of the entire community. His actions would be visible to everyone on NOSTR, and his reputation as a serious creator would be tarnished. It’s this social pressure that ensures creators act in good faith, even though the system itself doesn’t force them to. No Technical Coercion: The beauty of BOOMSCROLL is that the rules are transparent. There’s no technical enforcement beyond the release of sats. The system doesn’t coerce anyone—it relies on the social trust layer to ensure quality work is produced. Everyone can see what Matt does with the bounty, and his actions speak louder than any rules. Reputation as a New Currency In BOOMSCROLL, reputation is the true currency. Every interaction leaves a permanent social footprint, and these footprints build a creator’s standing within the community. Creators and Reputation: If Matt O'Dell consistently delivers high-quality tutorials, his reputation grows, and people will trust him more. But if he posts nonsense just to claim a bounty, that reputation is shattered. The next time a bounty comes up, people might hesitate to trust him with their sats. This is how reputation acts as a self-regulating force within the system. Trust in a Trustless System: Even though the system itself is trustless, creators and backers alike earn trust through their actions. Matt’s reputation would have to be strong for someone like Kanye West to even post a bounty in the first place. Once that trust is built, it becomes a currency that creators rely on to continue earning bounties, endorsements, and zaps. Endorsements as a Pure Social Signal The endorsement mechanism in BOOMSCROLL is another powerful signal of trust. For example, if Matt decides BTC Sessions produced a better tutorial, he can endorse BTC’s work, passing the bounty along. This purely social gesture is a huge signal of trust and increases Matt’s standing in the community. No Financial Gain, Only Reputation: Matt receives no financial reward for endorsing BTC Sessions. But his social capital grows. He’s seen as someone who values quality over personal gain, which bolsters his reputation even more. In a system where reputation is everything, endorsing quality can be just as valuable as creating it. Parallel Submissions – A Competitive and Collaborative Ecosystem Parallel submissions don’t compete for the original bounty, but they still benefit from the social signal created by the public ask. Even if BTC Sessions can’t claim the original bounty, the fact that there’s real demand for the work signals that his submission has value. Endorsement as a Possibility: BTC Sessions might not have intended to compete for the bounty, but his work can still be endorsed if Matt believes it’s better. This creates a dynamic ecosystem where creators can collaborate and compete to produce the best work, knowing that their submissions are visible to everyone and that endorsements are possible. Trustlessness and Voluntary Participation One of the key features of BOOMSCROLL is that every action is voluntary, and every step is irreversible. There are no middlemen, no trust-based bottlenecks, and no coercive mechanisms. Uncoerced Choices, Real Consequences: Matt can choose to take the sats and run, but he can’t undo the social consequences of his actions. Every decision is public and irreversible, and the consequences play out in real time for everyone to see. *** Long-Term Implications The combination of trustless mechanics and trust-based social signals creates a system with profound long-term implications for how we commission and reward work. • Incentives for Quality: The system naturally incentivizes creators to produce quality work because reputation and social standing are at stake. While it’s technically possible for someone to act in bad faith, the reputation cost is high enough to ensure that most creators act responsibly. • A Meritocratic Future: BOOMSCROLL creates a meritocratic system where trust, quality, and reputation govern outcomes. Those who produce the best work, or who endorse the best work, will naturally rise to the top, while those who act in bad faith will quickly find themselves without backers. *** Real-World Applications – BOOMSCROLL Beyond Bitcoin Now that we've covered the technical and social mechanics, it’s time to explore how BOOMSCROLL could be applied in the real world. While Bitcoin tutorials are an obvious use case, the system has far broader applications across different industries. BOOMSCROLL offers a revolutionary way to commission and reward work, incentivize public accountability, and facilitate creative collaboration. Let’s explore several real-world scenarios where BOOMSCROLL could have a transformative impact. 1. Creative Content Creation – Subverting the Patreon Model In today’s creative economy, platforms like Patreon allow fans to financially support creators, but they come with significant drawbacks: platform fees, censorship risks, and centralization. BOOMSCROLL presents a trustless alternative that puts creators fully in control of their work and rewards, while removing intermediaries. • Webcomics or Independent Artists: Imagine an artist who creates a webcomic and traditionally relies on Patreon for support. With BOOMSCROLL, this artist could instead post a public ask, allowing fans to zap sats upfront in exchange for continued work. The artist’s reputation would act as collateral, ensuring that fans know the artist will continue to produce content. Every comic panel or piece of artwork could be tied to a completion note, releasing the bounty. • No Platform Censorship or Fees: Unlike Patreon, BOOMSCROLL is completely decentralized, meaning the creator never has to worry about censorship or deplatforming. Additionally, there are no significant fees—the sats go directly to the creator, with any optional fees being transparently directed to development initiatives (e.g., via Lightning Prisms to support the open-source ecosystem). • Fan-Initiated Bounties: Fans could even initiate bounties on their own, offering to fund the artist’s work for a specific project. If a group of fans really wants a certain comic arc, they could pool their sats, post a public ask, and entice the artist to complete it. As more fans contribute, the bounty grows, increasing the likelihood that the artist will take on the project. 2. Public Accountability – A Tool for Transparency Another fascinating use case for BOOMSCROLL is public accountability. In an age where public figures—whether politicians, celebrities, or CEOs—are often asked to take a stance or explain their actions, BOOMSCROLL could provide a transparent system for demanding accountability. • Commissioning Public Figures: Imagine a scenario where the public collectively wants a politician to explain their stance on a controversial issue. A public ask could be created, and sats would be locked into a bounty. The politician could then respond with a completion note that either addresses the issue or signals that they’ve chosen to remain silent. The public nature of the transaction means that everyone can see if the politician engages with the bounty or not. • Non-Coercive Pressure: There’s nothing forcing the politician to respond, but the social pressure created by the bounty’s existence is undeniable. The sats are real, and the public’s desire for a response is real. If the politician chooses to take the sats, they’re acknowledging the request in a way that’s visible to everyone. • Transparent Funding for Causes: This could also be used for public causes. Imagine a group of environmental activists offering a bounty for a company to adopt greener practices. The bounty would be visible for all to see, and the company could either take the sats and make changes, or ignore the bounty and deal with the public consequences of doing so. 3. Decentralized Software Development – Bounties for Open Source Projects Open-source development often relies on volunteers or small grants from foundations, but it can be challenging to coordinate funding and incentivize developers to focus on certain features or fixes. BOOMSCROLL provides a solution by allowing users to commission developers for specific work. • Targeted Bounties for Code: Suppose there’s an important feature missing from a widely-used piece of open-source software. A user could post a public ask, offering a bounty for the feature to be implemented. Developers could then submit parallel work, and the original requester could either accept the work or endorse another developer’s submission. • Collaborative Development: As bounties grow, more developers might become interested in the project. This fosters collaboration and allows developers to contribute to projects that have real value locked upfront. The system incentivizes quality by allowing endorsements and rewards based on merit, not on who gets there first. 4. Journalism and Investigative Reporting In the current media landscape, investigative journalists often struggle to find funding for important stories. BOOMSCROLL could offer a decentralized way for the public to fund independent journalism and investigative reporting, ensuring that critical stories get the attention they deserve. • Crowdsourced Reporting Bounties: A public ask could be created to investigate a particular topic or event, with the sats locked into a bounty. Journalists could compete to produce the best work, and the first to complete the story would claim the bounty via a completion note. • Transparent Funding: This approach ensures that funding is transparent and that there are no conflicts of interest. Journalists can take on stories that are important to the public, rather than being tied to the interests of media conglomerates or advertisers. Conclusion: Trust, Not Coercion The beauty of BOOMSCROLL lies in its simplicity and its refusal to coerce anyone into action. The system works because of what it does not do. It doesn’t force anyone’s hand, doesn’t require central oversight, and doesn’t offer any guarantees. What it does is facilitate trust-based exchanges between backers and creators, allowing real value—sats—to be put on the line. The backer locks up their sats, the creator accepts the risk of their reputation, and everything is visible. The sats locking mechanism is the linchpin of this system. Once a backer posts a bounty, those sats are publicly and irrevocably locked. The backer can’t get them back. They’re tied to the ask, and the only way for the creator to claim them is by signing the completion note. And this part is critical: the creator has complete unilateral control over when—or whether—they decide to sign the note. They might post excellent work, or they might post something trivial and claim the sats in bad faith. The system can’t stop them. That’s the point. It’s a system built on reputation and accountability, not rigid enforcement. A backer might post a random, meaningless ask and risk losing their sats. A creator might deliver subpar work and take the bounty. But every action is public, and every decision has consequences. Trust becomes the currency in this system, and the value of that trust is determined by the community. BOOMSCROLL doesn’t do what most systems do—it doesn’t try to guarantee outcomes. Instead, it allows the social fabric to weave itself, through voluntary actions, public commitments, and the weight of reputation. And in a world where 21 sats carry more weight than 21 million likes, the value comes not from the system’s enforcement but from the integrity of those who participate.

https://evolensart.com/article-introducing-boomscroll.php (Working on an automated system to parse article text and embed into the html/php/js on my website. Something glitched and the formatting is lost….) Which is kinda funny, as this is effectively a “whitepaper”. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Anyway…. This is a proposal-for-a-proposal for a public bounty system built on NOSTR, utilizing Lightning Prisms. I’m not technical enough to know for sure, but my hunches are: 1) it might not be that hard to pull off 2) it might actually be pretty cool Can I get a gut check? https://evolensart.com/article-introducing-boomscroll.php

Here’s a vocabulary list with key terms and concepts relevant to the **BOOMSCROLL** system. This includes both existing terminology and novel, speculative functions or mechanisms that we’re using in this system. Each term is followed by a short description that explains its role within the system: --- ### **Vocabulary List** - **Nostr (Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays):** A decentralized protocol used to create and sign messages in a public manner, enabling transparent, trustless interactions between users. It forms the backbone of **BOOMSCROLL**. - **NPUB (Nostr Public Key):** A public key on Nostr that identifies an individual user. In **BOOMSCROLL**, NPUBs are used to target specific individuals for bounties and commissions. - **NIP (Nostr Improvement Proposal):** A standardized method of proposing new features or changes to the Nostr protocol. **BOOMSCROLL** might be proposed as a new NIP, introducing the ability to handle bounties, endorsements, and fund transfers within the Nostr ecosystem. - **Satoshis (Sats):** The smallest unit of Bitcoin. In **BOOMSCROLL**, all transactions and bounties are denominated in **sats**, representing **real value** that is publicly visible and committed upfront. - **Public Ask:** A public request for work, where someone (e.g., a backer like **Kanye West**) posts a request for a creator to complete a task in exchange for a locked bounty. This is visible to anyone on Nostr, adding a layer of transparency to the system. - **Initial Bounty:** The original amount of **sats** locked into a bounty when the public ask is made. This is tied to the **NPUB** of the individual being commissioned, ensuring only they can claim it. - **Snowballing Sats:** The process by which additional users zap (contribute) more sats to the bounty, increasing the total amount as more people become interested in the project. This creates a **positive feedback loop** where growing interest leads to a higher reward. - **Zap:** A direct contribution of sats from one user to another via the **Lightning Network**. In **BOOMSCROLL**, zaps are used to add to bounties or to reward completed work. - **Proof of Work (Completion Note):** A **note** posted by the commissioned creator (e.g., **Matt O'Dell**) signaling that the task is complete. This note often includes a link to the final product (e.g., a tutorial), and serves as the **trigger** for the **transfer of funds**. - **Completion Event:** The moment when the creator decides the work is done and posts a **completion note**. This event is public and visible to all, ensuring that the funds are released only when the creator is satisfied with their work. - **Acceptance Mechanism:** The process by which a creator posts their **completion note** and claims the bounty. The creator has unilateral control over when to declare the work finished and receive the funds. - **Transfer of Funds:** The automated transfer of the **sats** from the bounty to the creator’s wallet, triggered by the posting of the **completion note**. This is executed on the **Lightning Network**, ensuring fast and transparent transactions. - **Public Nature of Transactions:** A defining feature of **BOOMSCROLL**—all asks, endorsements, completions, and fund transfers are **public** and visible to anyone on Nostr, reinforcing the **social trust** layer of the system. - **Endorsement Mechanism:** A unique feature in which the commissioned creator can choose to endorse another creator’s work (e.g., **Matt O'Dell** endorsing **BTC Sessions**). This publicly transfers the bounty to the endorsed creator, signaling that their work is of high quality. - **Lightning Prisms:** A speculative mechanism that allows for **fund distribution**. After the completion of the work, **Lightning Prisms** automatically split incoming zaps proportionally among the **backers** who contributed to the original bounty, rewarding them for their early support. - **Reputation System:** The cumulative effect of **endorsements**, **public asks**, and **completion notes** that builds a user’s reputation over time. Both creators and backers gain social capital based on their contributions and endorsements, and this reputation is publicly verifiable through Nostr. - **Backer:** A person who contributes to the initial bounty, or later zaps additional sats into a project. **Backers** are rewarded for their contributions through the **Lightning Prisms** mechanism if the work they support receives zaps after completion. - **Positive-Sum System:** A term used to describe the **BOOMSCROLL** model, where multiple creators can submit work in response to a single ask, without interfering with the original bounty. Each creator can be rewarded based on the merit of their work, and the system encourages more contributions and collaboration. - **Trustless:** A key characteristic of **BOOMSCROLL**. The system operates without the need for intermediaries or trust in a central party. Everything is verifiable through cryptographic signatures and public visibility on Nostr. --- This vocabulary list covers the major concepts and terms that drive **BOOMSCROLL**. It establishes the core mechanics of the system, as well as speculative elements like **Lightning Prisms** and the **endorsement mechanism**. Let me know if you want to expand on any specific term or add new concepts! ********* ### i. Introduction Welcome to **BOOMSCROLL**: a decentralized, trustless system for public commissioning, where **real value** is exchanged in a **transparent and open environment**. Built on the **Nostr protocol**, **Bitcoin**, and **Lightning Network**, BOOMSCROLL unlocks the potential for a new way of collaborating, commissioning, and rewarding work—not with fiat money or social media engagement metrics, but with **satoshis**, the hardest money ever created. In today’s world of content platforms and algorithm-driven interactions, **likes, retweets, and upvotes** have become the dominant currency. But in truth, they hold no real value—they’re cheap, easy to manipulate, and ultimately hollow. **BOOMSCROLL** flips this model on its head. **21 sats is worth more than 21 million likes**, because it represents **real energy** and **commitment** from the people behind the transaction. This system is built on **public accountability**, where every ask, every proof of work, and every receipt of funds is visible and verifiable by anyone. But what truly sets BOOMSCROLL apart is that it’s not just a product or a platform—it’s a **protocol**. **Nostr** allows users to **create and manage their own algorithms**. You’re not tied to a central entity or a predefined algorithmic feed. Instead, the data flows through the protocol, and you can **filter, rank, and organize** how you interact with bounties, backers, and creators. Whether you’re interested in **high-stakes bounties**, backers with **proven track records**, or creators whose **reputations are on the rise**, BOOMSCROLL gives you the power to build and customize the experience that fits your goals. In this white paper, we’ll explore how BOOMSCROLL works, why it matters, and the long-term impact it could have on the way we collaborate and create in a decentralized, Bitcoin-native economy. We’ll break down the system’s mechanics, examine real-world use cases, and explore the **social trust system** that drives its long-term success. ### Ii. Public Commissioning: The Core Idea At the heart of **BOOMSCROLL** is the concept of **public commissioning**, a simple yet powerful way for individuals to offer satoshis as a bounty for completing work, all in the open for the world to see. While the concept can be as straightforward as one person putting money on the table and saying, “Here’s the deal, finish this work and the sats are yours,” BOOMSCROLL takes this to the next level by **scaling it publicly**. #### **The Mechanism:** 1. **The Ask** A backer (let’s say someone like **Kanye West** or **Jack Dorsey**) publicly posts a request for work using Nostr. This could be anything from a **cold card tutorial** to a **Bitcoin-related educational resource**. The funds, in satoshis, are locked through the **Lightning Network**, and the conditions for completion are set. The entire request is visible to anyone on Nostr, ensuring transparency from the start. 2. **Public Visibility** The beauty of this system is that everything is **public and transparent**. Anyone with access to Nostr can see the bounty, how much is locked, and what work is being requested. This sets the stage for both potential contributors and interested backers to follow along as the process unfolds. 3. **Real Stakes** By using **satoshis**, real value is being offered upfront. Unlike fiat-based crowdfunding, where payment often comes after the work is completed or in stages, BOOMSCROLL works by having the money **locked in advance**. The creator knows the funds are there, ready to be claimed once the work is done. 4. **Growing the Bounty** What starts as a single request from one backer can **snowball**. Anyone in the community can contribute additional satoshis to the bounty, increasing the reward and encouraging participation. This ensures that the stakes can grow naturally over time as more people see value in the proposed work. More funding means more eyes on the project, and more incentive for the creator to deliver high-quality work. #### **Example in Action** Imagine **Kanye West** posts a bounty offering 10 million sats for a detailed, high-quality **cold card tutorial**. The request is simple: create the best cold card tutorial out there, and the funds are yours. However, as people in the **Bitcoin community** see this public request, more well-known backers, like **Peter McCormack** and **Jack Dorsey**, might start adding to the bounty, zapping more sats onto the project. Suddenly, the total bounty grows to 13 million sats, and the competition heats up. At this point, multiple creators might step forward, attracted by the growing reward. Each of them knows that their work, if accepted, will be publicly verifiable, and their reputation in the community will grow alongside the bounty. The **public commissioning** process is simple, transparent, and based entirely on **social trust**. Every interaction—whether it’s a backer adding to the bounty or a creator deciding to take on the project—is driven by **real value**, not speculative engagement metrics. This is about **sats on the table** and **trust** in the creator to deliver. ### 3. The Completion Note and Fund Distribution In the **BOOMSCROLL** system, the moment of **completion** is both simple and powerful. It’s the point at which the creator—the person who has been commissioned—declares the work finished. In this example, **Matt O'Dell** completes the cold card tutorial commissioned by **Kanye West**. This is where the system really comes to life, as the **completion note** serves as the **proof of work** and initiates the transfer of the locked sats. #### **The Completion Note** Once Matt decides his work is complete, he posts a **completion note** on Nostr. This is essentially a **public declaration** that the job is done, and it includes a link to the tutorial itself, which could be hosted on YouTube, a personal blog, or wherever the final product lives. The completion note serves as **proof of work**, and it’s entirely **Matt’s decision** when to post it. Matt’s note might look something like this: *"Here it is, the definitive cold card tutorial! 20 minutes of detailed instructions, from setup to multisig. Appreciate the trust, Kanye. I’m claiming the 10 million sats. Link below."* **#Bitcoin #ColdCard #BitcoinEducation** #### **Initiating the Transfer** Once the **completion note** is posted, the **Lightning Network** triggers the **transfer of the locked sats** from the bounty to Matt’s wallet. The funds are immediately released, no middlemen involved, and the transfer is completely **transparent**. The entire community sees that Matt has declared the work complete, and the funds are his to claim. #### **Generating a New Note for Zapping** But the system doesn’t stop there. Once Matt’s completion note is up, it becomes a **new object of value** in itself. The tutorial, linked in the completion note, can now be **zapped** by the community. In this way, the tutorial itself becomes a public good that others can support through further zaps. For example, users who find the tutorial valuable—perhaps because it answers their questions about the cold card—can zap the note directly, offering additional sats as appreciation for the work. The completion note becomes a **second wave of value creation**, turning the tutorial into something that continues to generate sats well after the bounty is claimed. #### **Lightning Prisms: Rewarding the Original Backers** Here’s where **Lightning Prisms** come into play. As new zaps come in on the completion note, the system automatically **splits the sats** among the original backers in **proportion to their contributions** to the initial bounty. Let’s break this down with our example: - Kanye West originally posted the 10 million sats bounty. - Peter McCormack and Jack Dorsey added 1 million and 2 million sats, respectively, for a total of 13 million sats. - When new zaps come in on Matt’s completion note, the **Lightning Prisms** mechanism distributes a **portion of those zaps** back to the original backers. Here’s how it works: - Kanye receives a percentage proportional to his 10 million sats contribution (roughly 77% of the original bounty). - Peter gets a portion based on his 1 million sats contribution (roughly 7.7%). - Jack receives a percentage based on his 2 million sats (roughly 15.3%). This means the **original backers** benefit not just from seeing the tutorial completed, but from the ongoing appreciation it generates in the form of additional zaps. The **more valuable** the community finds the tutorial, the more the backers are rewarded. This creates a **positive feedback loop** where high-quality work incentivizes more public engagement and more value flowing back to the people who believed in it from the start. ### 4. Competitive Submissions: A Positive-Sum System In the **BOOMSCROLL** model, the public nature of commissioning means that even though a bounty is **locked to a specific NPUB**, the system itself remains **open to the community**. This creates an environment where **competitive submissions** can emerge without interfering with the original bounty. The key here is that it's a **positive-sum exercise**—more work, more value, more engagement for everyone. #### **Parallel to the Original Bounty** Once **Kanye West** posts the original bounty tied to **Matt O'Dell’s NPUB**, no one else can touch those locked sats except for Matt. They’re his to claim when the work is complete, and the system guarantees that only he can take them. However, because all of this is happening **in the open**, it naturally invites others to engage in parallel ways. For instance, as Matt O'Dell works on his cold card tutorial, other creators might see the growing interest in the topic and decide they want to **submit their own tutorials**. One such creator could be **BTC Sessions**, another prominent figure in the Bitcoin education space. BTC might not be able to claim the original bounty, but he can create and publish his own tutorial, tied back to the original ask through Nostr’s **public system of notes and NPUBs**. #### **Public Visibility and Zapping Multiple Submissions** Because all of this is happening **in public**, the community can see not only Matt O'Dell’s work but also any other submissions that emerge alongside it. Importantly, these other submissions—like BTC Sessions’ tutorial—don’t interfere with the **original bounty**. That 13 million sats are still locked for Matt O'Dell, but the community can choose to support BTC Sessions’ work **in parallel**. Let’s imagine BTC Sessions posts his own tutorial with a note like: *"Here’s my take on using the cold card wallet. Appreciate all the amazing Bitcoin educators out there. Zaps appreciated if you find this useful!"* **#Bitcoin #ColdCard #BTCsessions** Now, anyone following the original bounty can see BTC’s submission. They might decide BTC’s work is equally valuable, or they might just appreciate having multiple resources on the same topic. The community is free to **zap BTC Sessions’ note** directly, offering him sats for his contribution without touching the original bounty tied to Matt O'Dell. #### **A Positive-Sum Exercise** What’s key here is that this process is **positive-sum**. BTC Sessions’ submission doesn’t detract from Matt O'Dell’s work—it enhances the **ecosystem of content** and gives the community more value. It’s not a competition for the bounty in the traditional sense; it’s about who can create the most value for the public, knowing that **multiple creators can thrive** in the same space. - **More creators** submitting work means the community gets **more resources** and **better content**. - **More zaps** can flow to each creator based on the merit of their work, without anyone "losing" the original bounty. - **The backers’ investment in Bitcoin education** sees greater returns, as their original bounty not only motivates Matt O'Dell but also creates **additional engagement and content** from other educators. #### **Community-Driven Engagement** Because Nostr is open and transparent, people can follow **all related submissions** in real-time, choosing which works to support. They might decide to **add more sats to Matt’s bounty**, or they might start zapping BTC Sessions directly. The key is that the **community drives the engagement**. No algorithms dictate which work gets more attention—it’s purely about **merit** and what the public values. This makes **BOOMSCROLL** more than just a tool for commissioning work. It’s a **platform for decentralized collaboration**, where the community can discover, support, and reward quality content without being restricted by a single bounty or creator. ### 5. Endorsements: A Trust-Driven Inflection Point Let’s paint the picture: **Matt O'Dell** missed the initial bounty posted by **Kanye West** for a cold card tutorial. Maybe he was busy, or maybe the original 10 million sats didn’t seem worth his time. But as the days go by, the bounty grows. **Peter McCormack** zaps another million sats. Then **Jack Dorsey** adds two million more. Suddenly, the total bounty is sitting at 13 million sats, and Matt starts reconsidering. Should he jump in? This is where **BOOMSCROLL** creates a **dilemma** for the creator. Matt knows that if he decides to take the bounty, it’s all **public**. Everyone on Nostr will see him claim the 13 million sats, and his **reputation** is on the line. If his tutorial is **subpar**, people will know. He can take the sats and run, but the **social risk** looms large. Alternatively, Matt could just post his own work, even if he’s late to the game. That’s the **second option**: make a public declaration that he’s completed the work, post his tutorial, and claim the sats. But that, too, carries risks. If his work doesn’t match up to the growing bounty or meet community expectations, he knows it will reflect on him. Then there’s the **third choice**—the one that **BOOMSCROLL** brings into play. **Endorsement**. Instead of taking the sats for himself, Matt can publicly recognize the excellence of someone else’s work. Let’s say **BTC Sessions** submitted a tutorial that Matt genuinely thinks is better than anything he could have produced. **BOOMSCROLL** gives Matt the option to say, “I’m endorsing BTC’s work. He deserves the bounty, not me.” #### **Signing the Note: The Inflection Point** Matt posts his **completion note**, but instead of claiming the sats, he endorses BTC Sessions. The note might look something like this: *"BTC Sessions, your cold card tutorial is top-tier. I’m endorsing your work. The 13 million sats are yours."* **#Bitcoin #Endorsement #ColdCard** Once Matt signs this note, the **bounty transfers** entirely to BTC Sessions. This act is public, transparent, and a major **social signal**. Matt could have taken the bounty and dealt with the consequences, but instead, he chose to pass it on, trusting BTC Sessions' work. #### **The Transition of Matt O'Dell’s Role** At this point, Matt becomes **another backer** alongside Kanye, Peter, and Jack. Any future zaps directed toward BTC Sessions’ work will be distributed via **Lightning Prisms** back to the original backers, including Matt. And this is where we keep things open to further development. In theory, **Matt could continue to receive a share** of future zaps proportional to his role as a backer. However, the **exact technical workings** of this need to be gamed out. Should Matt’s involvement end entirely after the endorsement, making the endorsement a pure **social gesture**? Or should Matt remain part of the **reward loop**, receiving a portion of future zaps as a **stakeholder** in BTC Sessions' success? #### **Let’s Get Real: A Layer of Speculation** Okay, so here’s where I have to step back a bit. We’re calling this a **white paper**, but I’m not a developer or coder. I’m just putting ideas out there to get torn apart and dissected by people smarter than me. And if there’s any part of this system that deserves close scrutiny, it’s this moment—the **mechanics of what happens after an endorsement**. How do we balance the game theory here? Do we keep Matt involved after the endorsement, or does his role end when he passes on the bounty? **I’m agnostic on this point.** There’s definitely a way to game this out correctly, and while this is an important aspect, it’s not a **dealbreaker** for the broader system. We’re focusing on **maximizing transparency** and ensuring the system can’t be gamed, while also keeping the core incentive structure intact. #### **Endorsement as a Social Signal** In any case, what’s undeniable is that **Matt’s endorsement** sends a **clear message** to the community: **BTC Sessions** produced something of value. Matt’s decision to endorse BTC over claiming the sats himself is an act of **trust** that’s now on full display. The system provides **creators with flexibility** while maintaining the integrity of the bounty. **Social trust** and **reputation** remain at the heart of the BOOMSCROLL system, incentivizing creators and backers alike to focus on quality and merit. ### 7. Open-Source Structure and Revenue Model This is, without a doubt, the most **speculative** section of the paper, because the truth is, **BOOMSCROLL** might not need a structured revenue model at all. It could be as simple as creating a new **Nostr Improvement Proposal (NIP)**, where the **endorsement mechanism** and **competitive submissions** are just added features that clients choose to implement. If that’s the case, there may be **nothing to sustain** beyond the initial work required to integrate it into the Nostr ecosystem. But for the sake of exploring all possibilities, let’s look at scenarios where **BOOMSCROLL** might involve a bit more **backend infrastructure** and how it could operate as an **open-source project** that allows for additional services or business models to emerge on top of it. #### **A Self-Sustaining, Open-Source Stack** In one scenario, BOOMSCROLL could operate similarly to something like **mempool.space**, which is an **open-source stack** that anyone can implement on their own. The software is freely available, and anyone with the technical ability can set up their own **BOOMSCROLL infrastructure** to run on top of Nostr. This keeps the spirit of **decentralization** and **permissionless use** intact, ensuring that no one is dependent on a central entity to run the system. However, for users or businesses who prefer not to host the infrastructure themselves, **BOOMSCROLL** could offer additional services, such as **managed hosting** or **custom integrations**. This is where a **business layer** might come into play. By offering a **convenient, managed solution** for people who don’t want to deal with the technical side of hosting, a company could provide value while still keeping the core system open and accessible to everyone. #### **Optional Transaction Fees for Continued Development** Another way **BOOMSCROLL** could sustain itself would be through **optional transaction fees** baked into the system. This wouldn’t be a mandatory fee, and anyone who forks the open-source stack could easily **remove** it or configure it to their own needs. But for the **default version** of BOOMSCROLL, there could be a small skim on transactions—perhaps **1% to the company** and **9% to a Bitcoin-focused organization like OpenSats**, which funds open-source development for the broader Bitcoin ecosystem. The fee structure would be minimal and transparent, ensuring that **90% or more** of the funds go directly to creators. The **10% skim** would ensure the system can **continue evolving** while also supporting the **open-source community** that makes it possible. Community-Led Development Of course, it’s entirely possible that BOOMSCROLL could be maintained by the community itself, much like many open-source projects are. Developers might contribute code, run infrastructure, and evolve the system based on user feedback and real-world use cases. This would ensure that BOOMSCROLL remains a true public good, developed by the people who use it. The beauty of Nostr and Bitcoin is that they both foster permissionless innovation, meaning that anyone can build on top of them without needing approval from a central authority. In the same way, BOOMSCROLL could become a foundational protocol, allowing developers and businesses alike to create their own implementations, whether they involve custom clients, new features, or additional services built around the core functionality. What the Future Holds At the end of the day, this section is all about possibilities. BOOMSCROLL could remain a simple, elegant solution that operates purely as a protocol-level improvement within Nostr, or it could evolve into something with more infrastructure behind it. The key is that it remains open-source and flexible, so users and developers can shape it into whatever best serves the community. ### 8. Conclusion: The BOOMSCROLL Vision At its core, **BOOMSCROLL** is powerful because of its **simplicity**. It’s a system that cuts through the layers of complexity we often associate with traditional models of commissioning, payments, and social engagement. By placing **sats on the table first**, BOOMSCROLL fundamentally changes the dynamics of value creation—it’s a **value-first system**, where trust is built into the interaction from the beginning. There’s no need for credit, intermediaries, or centralized control. The system is **unstoppable**, as it runs purely on **Nostr** and **Bitcoin’s Lightning Network**, with the transparency of each transaction being **publicly verifiable**. This permissionless and decentralized structure puts the **onus on the creator and the commissioner**. The backer (like Kanye West in our example) publicly locks up sats and sets the conditions for the bounty. The creator (like Matt O'Dell or BTC Sessions) knows the sats are there, waiting to be claimed, but the **social trust** layer ensures that they won’t claim the bounty until they’ve completed the work to their own satisfaction and the community’s standards. It’s a system designed to incentivize **quality**, **accountability**, and **socially-driven merit**. What makes BOOMSCROLL especially robust is the recursive nature of its layers, which only add to its strength. It’s a system where there’s no credit extended, no promises of future value—everything is upfront, visible, and rooted in the actual work that’s being done. And as endorsements, competitive submissions, and public zaps accumulate, BOOMSCROLL’s **social trust** system grows organically, allowing creators and backers to build **long-term reputations** based on **real value** rather than speculative engagement. In the future, whether this system evolves into a simple **NIP** or becomes something with infrastructure behind it, BOOMSCROLL will remain a **decentralized, permissionless, and transparent** tool for **public collaboration and value exchange**. It’s a system that aligns perfectly with the ethos of Bitcoin—hard money for hard work—and the open, unstoppable nature of **Nostr**. In the end, **BOOMSCROLL** is about creating a **trust-first marketplace**, where creators and backers alike can thrive in a system that prioritizes **merit, transparency, and value** above all else. This is a new model for how we commission and reward work, and its simplicity is its greatest strength. ### Epilogue: The Future of Public Accountability in a BOOMSCROLL World Imagine a world where **BOOMSCROLL** has become ubiquitous, embedded deeply into the social fabric, and known by everyone. The implications are **fascinating** and, in many ways, provocative. It’s no longer just a system for commissioning work or rewarding creators; it’s become a tool for **public accountability**—one that applies **social pressure** in ways we’ve never quite seen before. Let’s take this to an extreme example: a **public figure**, someone who’s universally reviled or has caused outrage in the public eye. The community, collectively, could commission this person to **“go fuck themselves”**, in a very literal sense. Over time, **sats** accumulate, as people from around the world zap more and more value into the bounty. Maybe it starts as a joke, but with each new zap, the **social pressure grows**. The entire system, because it’s so **public**, turns into a kind of social experiment. The target of this commission is now faced with a **dilemma**. On one hand, they could just take the money and walk away. There’s no explicit “task” here, except to claim the bounty. But the **public nature** of the bounty changes everything. If the public figure decides to claim the sats, it becomes an **implicit acknowledgment** of the request. In a strange, recursive way, by taking the money, they are **complying** with the very thing the bounty asked of them. They might not literally “go fuck themselves,” but in the public eye, **the act of taking the sats** is itself an acknowledgment that they’ve accepted the social request. This takes **BOOMSCROLL** beyond just a system for commissioning work and into the realm of **public pressure and accountability**. The **public nature of these transactions** forces people to confront requests and decisions in ways that are **inescapable**. Everything is **out in the open**, and the social implications of either taking or ignoring the bounty carry weight. #### **Public Figures and Accountability** Imagine this system applied to a **political figure**. The public might collectively commission them to **clarify a stance** on an issue or to explain why they switched positions on a controversial topic. If enough people care, sats accumulate into the bounty, and the public figure is then faced with a decision: ignore the bounty and risk losing social credibility or claim the sats and publicly address the question. Either way, the **system ensures that the act is seen**—nothing can happen behind closed doors. It’s all on the **open ledger** for everyone to see. And now, think even further. Imagine someone like **OJ Simpson**—someone who’s been living under public scrutiny for decades. In this hypothetical BOOMSCROLL world, the public could commission him to finally **admit to the murders**, and the sats would start piling up. The public pressure becomes real, and once again, the **nature of the system** forces a kind of reckoning. By taking the money, the individual is **implicitly acknowledging the request**, even if no formal action is taken. #### **The Social Contract in a BOOMSCROLL World** This speculative future shows how **BOOMSCROLL** transforms the very concept of **social contracts**. It’s no longer about what’s said in private or what deals are made behind the scenes. In a **BOOMSCROLL world**, everything is done in the open, and the system becomes a **tool for public pressure**, public requests, and **public accountability**. Whether for commissioning art or for pressuring political figures into taking a stance, **the system forces people to respond**—if not to the request itself, then to the growing social pressure attached to it. The future of **public accountability** may very well look like this: a world where sats accumulate not just as rewards for work, but as **social signals**, pressuring individuals and public figures to address the demands of the community. ***** Disclaimer and License Notice: I want to make it clear from the outset that I’m not a developer or coder—this project is the product of my curiosity and exploration, rather than deep technical expertise. The ideas presented here are speculative, and while they might be sound conceptually, I fully expect that others with more technical know-how will find areas to improve, refine, or even overhaul. To encourage this process, I’m releasing BOOMSCROLL under the GNU General Public License v3.0 (GPL-3.0). This means anyone is free to use, modify, and distribute the work, provided that the same freedoms are preserved for others. My goal is to contribute to the Bitcoin and open-source communities in the spirit of collaboration and innovation, and I welcome anyone who wants to help push this concept forward.

CPI is NOT inflation! Inflation is the increase in the money supply—period. CPI is just a trick (a cheap one!) used to keep you ignorant of the deception and the real theft happening through money printing. #scarcity #21million #btc #inflation #cpi View quoted note →

Dude. I need to chew on this. You blew my mind, and/or I’m misunderstanding this. Ship of Theseus comes to mind… View quoted note →

I came to Bitcoin late, but when it clicked, it hit hard. I’m not a developer or coder, just someone obsessed with the intersection of Bitcoin, AI, and freedom tech. A couple of decades ago, I dabbled in web development, back when everything was done by hand. I used Notepad to write raw HTML and CSS, and even developed simple systems using MySQL databases, teaching myself as I went. It wasn’t in-depth, but I wore many hats as a small business manager, including the role of webmaster. Back then, everything I did was self-taught, done from scratch—an approach that shaped how I think about technology. That was over 20 years ago, though. Fast forward to now: when I needed to build a new website, I thought I’d try WordPress, since it’s the standard these days. But honestly, I hated it. WordPress made the easy things harder and took away the fine-grained control I was used to. It frustrated me. So, I decided to return to hand-coding—but with a modern twist. Enter ChatGPT. I’m using LLMs to help me build the site from scratch, and it’s a completely different process from two decades ago. I’m still teaching myself, but now with AI as my assistant, I can work through problems faster while maintaining the control I’m used to. This website is a work in progress—not ready for a grand opening, but taking shape. It feels a bit like that XKCD comic where someone builds a system to pass the salt: sure, it seems like I’m spinning my wheels, but it’ll save time in the long run. Right now, I’m building the system to build the system, using AI to explore AI, and thinking about thinking. It’s recursive, and as I figure things out, a critical mass is finally starting to come together. This is my proof of work—a place to share ideas, even while they’re still rough around the edges. I believe in open-source collaboration, and I’m excited to contribute to the broader conversation about decentralization, resilience, and how freedom tech—from Bitcoin to AI—can reshape the world. More than anything, I welcome criticism. I’m not putting this out there to be praised, but to learn. If I’m wrong about something, I want to know, because that’s how I’ll get better. Every rough draft, every idea I’m sharing here, is part of the process—of working things out in public and learning as I go. I’ve always believed in learning by doing, and this project is a reflection of that. Articles and Links: 1. Thank God for Bitcoin Bitcoin isn’t just money—it could serve as the foundation for universal ethics. 🌍 https://evolensart.com/blog-thank-god-for-bitcoin.php 2. Invisible Chains The intersection of Bitcoin and AI is a game-changer. Their combined impact is unpredictable. 🤖 https://evolensart.com/article-invisible-chains.php 3. Law of Bitcoin Valuation The future value of Bitcoin will always exceed your expectations—even when you take into account the law of Bitcoin valuation. 📈 https://evolensart.com/article-law-of-bitcoin-valuation.php 4. Bitcoin Macro Spiral Clock This concept reinterprets Bitcoin’s price trajectory through a logarithmic spiral. 🌀 https://evolensart.com/article-bitcoin-macro-spiral-clock.php Bitcoin Memes: 5. Bitcoin is a Strange Game Bitcoin is a strange game—the only losing move is not to play. 🎮 https://evolensart.com/btc-memes-strange-game.php 6. 1 BTC = 1 BTC Forget fiat comparisons. Bitcoin’s value stands on its own. 💰 https://evolensart.com/btc-memes-1-btc.php 7. 21 Million Fixed supply. Absolute scarcity. The 21 million cap is why Bitcoin stands apart. 🔒 https://evolensart.com/btc-memes-21-million.php 8. Don’t Trust, Verify Trust is a trap. The Bitcoin ethos is about verifying for yourself. 🔍 https://evolensart.com/btc-memes-dont-trust-verify.php 9. Bitcoin Only No shitcoins. No distractions. Focus on Bitcoin, the one true decentralized money. 👑 https://evolensart.com/btc-memes-bitcoin-only.php 10. Get Rich Slow Bitcoin isn’t about quick gains. It’s about saving long-term. 🐢 https://evolensart.com/btc-memes-get-rich-slow.php 11. Not Your Keys, Not Your Bitcoin Control your keys, control your Bitcoin. If you don’t hold your keys, someone else does. 🔐 https://evolensart.com/btc-memes-not-your-keys.php 12. Not Your Node, Not Your Rules To have full sovereignty, you need to run your own node. ⚙️ https://evolensart.com/btc-memes-not-your-node.php 13. Shitcoiners Get Rekt Chasing altcoins? Prepare for ruin. Stick to Bitcoin or get rekt. 💩 https://evolensart.com/btc-memes-shitcoiners-get-rekt.php 14. Stay Humble, Stack Sats Stay grounded. Keep stacking sats, and let Bitcoin’s long-term power do the work. 💪 https://evolensart.com/btc-memes-stay-humble-stack-sats.php 15. TikTok, Next Block A meditation on Bitcoin’s resilience. No matter what happens, Bitcoin marches forward, block by block. ⏳ https://evolensart.com/btc-memes-tick-tock-next-block.php

The Law of Bitcoin Valuation: “The future value of Bitcoin will always exceed your expectations, even when you adjust your expectations to account for the Law of Bitcoin Valuation.” Hofstadter’s Law: “It always takes longer than you expect, even when you take into account Hofstadter’s Law.” I wrote a thing! With LLM help. Am I full of shit? https://evolensart.com/article-law-of-bitcoin-valuation.php

The Law of Bitcoin Valuation **The Law of Bitcoin Valuation:** *The future value of Bitcoin will always exceed your expectations, even when you adjust your expectations to account for the Law of Bitcoin Valuation.* **Hofstadter’s Law:** *It always takes longer than you expect, even when you take into account Hofstadter’s Law.* “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” —Yogi Berra At first glance, the Law of Bitcoin Valuation might seem like a clever tautology, a self-referential quip that hints at Bitcoin’s unpredictable nature. But when you pair it with Hofstadter’s Law, a deeper and more nuanced truth emerges—one that makes the Law of Bitcoin Valuation more than just a precept, but a practical reality.

I love the utility of #ChatGPT, but i hate sharing everything with #OpenAI. But UX trumps all else for me, in some ways. The fact that I can use voice mode and actually SPEAK to the thing (while doing something else!) is amazing. It’s also nice to have different modalities. Just as there isn’t a right or wrong way to compose a melody - pluck a guitar, hum it, or use a keyboard/mouse in a DAW - there isn’t a BEST way to interact with an #LLM. Sometimes I want to be surgical (use keyboard); sometimes I just need to rant and rave (speak!). ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

#introductions I’m a low-grade polymath, blue-collar autodidact. I work with my hands, which leaves my ears free to listen to audiobooks and podcasts. I wasn’t nihilistic per se, but definitely kinda “meh” about the future until I got infected with BTC. Optimistic about the future we are creating with unstoppable open networks.

Bitcoin + AI = !?!?! https://evolensart.com/article-invisible-chains.php

I made a thing: https://evolensart.com/article-thank-god-for-bitcoin.php

“Invisible Chains” *** “The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding.” — Louis D. Brandeis ### **Introduction: The Spectrum of Possibilities** Let’s be honest: the world we’re stepping into looks nothing like the one we’re leaving behind. For the first time in history, we’ve got a couple of technologies on our hands—Bitcoin and Artificial Intelligence (AI)—that aren’t just changing the game; they’re rewriting the rules entirely. If you’re still thinking about these in terms of what came before, you’re already missing the point. These aren’t just shiny new tools; they’re tectonic shifts, and the ground under our feet is still trembling. Bitcoin, with its promise of decentralized finance, is more than just digital money. It’s a shot across the bow of the entire financial system, a system that has been running on fumes for too long. AI, on the other hand, is like that all-seeing eye we’ve always dreamed of—or feared, depending on your perspective. It’s poised to redefine everything from how we work to how we think. And when these two forces collide? Buckle up, because the ride’s going to get wild. But before we go any further, let’s get one thing straight: we’re not here to peddle utopian dreams or dystopian nightmares. The future, as the saying goes, is already here—it’s just not evenly distributed. Some of us are already living in the world Bitcoin and AI are creating, while others are still trying to figure out what the hell just happened. That’s the reality we’re dealing with—a mosaic of possibilities, some bright, some dark, but all interconnected. This isn’t just another tech revolution; it’s a philosophical one. We’re talking about technologies that cut deeper than any policy debate or political squabble. They demand that we reconsider the fundamentals—what it means to be free, to work, to earn a living. These aren’t questions that fit neatly into left or right, conservative or liberal. They’re questions that transcend all that noise. And if we’re going to get this right, we need to start thinking about these things from the ground up. So, let’s dive in. We’re going to explore the best and worst of what’s possible, map out the mosaic reality we’re already living in, and reflect on what it all means. If you’re looking for easy answers, you’re in the wrong place. But if you’re ready to engage with the big questions—questions that are going to shape the world for generations to come—then let’s get started. Worst-Case Scenario: A Dystopian Future As we stand at the precipice of unprecedented technological change, it’s worth contemplating the darker possibilities—the scenarios where things don’t just go wrong, but go horribly wrong. We’re talking about a future where Bitcoin, despite all its revolutionary potential, never fulfills its promise, and where AI, instead of being a tool for empowerment and creativity, becomes a mechanism of control and manipulation on a scale we’ve never seen before. First, let’s consider the failure of Bitcoin. Imagine a world dominated not by a decentralized, open financial network, but by Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)—digital cash controlled entirely by governments. In this world, Bitcoin’s potential for financial sovereignty and decentralization is squashed by heavy-handed regulation, sidelining it as a fringe technology while CBDCs become the standard. Every transaction is tracked, every dollar is programmable, and your financial freedom becomes nothing more than an illusion. This isn’t some distant dystopia; it’s a reality that’s already taking shape. Consider the recent trucker protest in Canada, where individuals who peacefully petitioned their government for redress found their bank accounts frozen, their access to funds cut off. This was a clear and troubling display of how financial control can be wielded as a weapon to stifle dissent and enforce conformity. Now, imagine that on a global scale, with CBDCs giving governments the ultimate tool of financial repression. It’s a world where freedom is sacrificed on the altar of control, where your financial life is no longer your own. But that’s just one side of the coin. The other side is what happens with AI—a technology so powerful that it could reshape every aspect of our lives. In the worst-case scenario, AI doesn’t become the great equalizer; it becomes the great oppressor. Imagine a world where the immense capabilities of AI are monopolized by a few powerful corporations or government entities. Instead of being tools for creativity, empowerment, and individual freedom, AI systems are turned into instruments of control. Think about the amount of personal information people already share online, often without a second thought. It’s beyond Big Brother’s wildest dreams. Now, add AI to the mix—AI that can analyze, predict, and manipulate human behavior on a massive scale. In this world, surveillance isn’t just pervasive; it’s subtle, insidious, and incredibly effective. It’s one thing to have news anchors subtly influence public opinion, but it’s a whole different ballgame when AI is incorporated at every level, shaping the narratives, filtering the information you see, and even subtly manipulating your emotions and thoughts. This dystopian future is one where control isn’t imposed with brute force; it’s achieved through nuanced, almost invisible mechanisms. AI, in the hands of a few powerful actors, could become the ultimate tool of manipulation, nudging entire populations towards conformity, suppressing dissent before it even has a chance to take root. The diversity of thought, the vibrancy of human creativity, and the freedom to chart your own course—all these things could be eroded, replaced by a homogenized reality dictated by those who control the AI. When you put these threads together—Bitcoin’s potential stifled, AI’s power monopolized—you get a picture of a future where the fundamental promise of technology is turned on its head. Instead of ushering in an era of greater freedom and opportunity, these technologies become the chains that bind us, the tools that enforce a new kind of tyranny. The most chilling aspect of this dystopian future isn’t just the loss of freedom; it’s the fact that it could happen so quietly, so gradually, that we might not even realize it until it’s too late. We’re already living in a world where digital life offers unprecedented convenience and connectivity, but also unprecedented vulnerability. The amount of data we share—willingly or not—combined with the power of AI to process and exploit that data, creates a scenario where control can be exerted not just overtly, but subtly, in ways that are almost impossible to detect. This is the real nightmare scenario: a world where Bitcoin fails to fulfill its promise of financial sovereignty, where AI becomes a tool of control rather than empowerment, and where the vast potential of these technologies is harnessed not to liberate us, but to enslave us in ways that are difficult to see and even harder to resist. If we don’t recognize these dangers now—if we don’t take steps to ensure that these technologies serve humanity rather than control it—we could find ourselves in a world where the future we’ve been promised turns into a future we desperately want to escape. ### **Best-Case Scenario: A Utopian Vision** Now that we've faced the darkness, let’s turn our gaze to what’s possible if we get this right. Imagine a world where Bitcoin and AI fulfill their promise, not just as tools, but as transformative forces that reshape society for the better. This is the future where the ideals of decentralization and open-source technology aren’t just theoretical—they’re the foundation of a new era of human freedom and innovation. In this best-case scenario, Bitcoin isn’t just another financial instrument—it’s the backbone of a new, decentralized economy. Gone are the days of centralized control over money, where governments and banks can inflate away your savings or deny you access to the financial system. Instead, we have a global, peer-to-peer network that allows anyone, anywhere, to participate in the economy on equal footing. It’s a world where financial sovereignty isn’t just for the elite; it’s for everyone. But Bitcoin is just the beginning. When we pair it with AI—particularly open-source AI—we unlock even greater potential. AI becomes a tool not just for the few who can afford proprietary systems, but for anyone with the creativity and drive to use it. It’s a democratization of knowledge and power, where innovation isn’t confined to corporate labs, but happens in garages, basements, and remote villages. This is a world where energy, once considered a limiting factor, becomes a new kind of currency. Bitcoin’s unique ability to monetize stranded energy sources—whether it’s excess solar power in the desert or untapped hydroelectric potential in a mountain village—creates a virtuous cycle. Energy is turned into money, money is used to build infrastructure, and that infrastructure generates more wealth. It’s a system that incentivizes green energy production and drives sustainable development, all while breaking down the barriers that have kept billions out of the global economy. And let’s talk about access. In this future, the combination of Bitcoin and open-source AI creates a world of maximal freedom and choice. People aren’t locked into monolithic systems run by megacorporations or governments. Instead, they have a rich tapestry of options—free and open-source solutions existing alongside commercial products, each offering something different. Whether it’s a decentralized financial app built on Bitcoin or an AI tool designed to help farmers in developing countries, the possibilities are endless. The beauty of this future is its diversity. It’s a world where different people, with different needs and values, can choose the tools and systems that work best for them. It’s a world where technology serves humanity, not the other way around. And it’s all made possible by the principles of decentralization, transparency, and openness that Bitcoin and AI embody. And here’s the thing: this isn’t about some misguided pursuit of “equity,” that all-too-popular buzzword on the political left. Equality of outcome is a fantasy, a fool’s errand. Why? Because people aren’t clones. We’re different—different in our talents, our ambitions, our values. Forcing everyone into the same mold, pretending we can all have the same outcomes, is not just unrealistic—it’s downright destructive. It ignores the very things that make us human. What we should be striving for, instead, is equality of opportunity—a world where everyone has the chance to succeed, where the barriers to entry are as low as we can make them, and where innovation and effort are rewarded. But let’s be real: even equality of opportunity is something we can only approach, never fully achieve. It’s an asymptote, a goal to keep reaching for, knowing we’ll never hit it perfectly, but that we must keep trying nonetheless. This is the promise of Bitcoin and AI: a world where opportunity is as widespread as possible, where diversity of thought and action drives progress, and where individuals have the freedom to chart their own course. It’s a future worth fighting for, and it’s within our grasp if we’re willing to embrace it. Let’s not waste our time chasing impossible dreams of making everyone the same. Let’s focus on what really matters—giving everyone the tools and the freedom to be their best, whatever that looks like for them. ### **Bitcoin as a Check Against Runaway AI: Anchoring the Digital to the Physical** We’ve already discussed Bitcoin’s unique ability to monetize stranded energy through its proof-of-work consensus mechanism, but let’s dive deeper into what makes Bitcoin truly special—and how it might be our best defense against runaway AI or any other centralizing force. At its core, Bitcoin is tied to the physical world in a way that few other digital systems are. The proof-of-work mechanism, often misunderstood or criticized, is what anchors Bitcoin to reality. Every Bitcoin mined requires real-world energy, making it a digital asset with a direct link to physical resources. This isn’t just a technical detail; it’s a fundamental feature that gives Bitcoin its resilience and its ability to serve as a check against any entity—AI or otherwise—that might seek to amass too much control. Now, imagine a world where AI systems become increasingly powerful, potentially threatening to centralize resources and decision-making on an unprecedented scale. Without a robust check, there’s a risk that these systems could outmaneuver human controls, concentrating power and resources in ways that could undermine individual autonomy and freedom. But Bitcoin, with its decentralized and distributed nature, provides a formidable counterbalance to this risk. Here’s why: ownership and control of Bitcoin are distributed among millions—eventually billions—of individuals and economic actors. Each of these actors holds their Bitcoin behind public/private key cryptography, with self-interest guiding their actions. This widespread distribution means that no single entity, not even a powerful AI, can easily centralize control over the network or the resources tied to it. In essence, Bitcoin’s architecture ensures that power remains diffuse. Any attempt by a centralizing force—be it a runaway AI or a government—to control the network would be met with resistance from millions of independent actors, all acting in their own self-interest. This isn’t a coordinated effort; it’s the result of the natural push and pull of decentralized systems, where the incentives are aligned to prevent any one actor from gaining too much control. This distributed ownership and the physical anchoring of Bitcoin make it a practical check against the potential dangers of centralized AI systems. By tying the digital world to the physical one, Bitcoin ensures that no matter how advanced or autonomous AI systems become, they remain grounded in a reality where power is inherently distributed and difficult to consolidate. Bitcoin isn’t just a digital currency; it’s a safeguard against the concentration of power. It’s a mechanism that ensures that even as AI grows in capabilities, the resources it needs to function remain under the control of a diverse, global network of human actors. This decentralized control serves as a counterweight to any force that might seek to dominate the system, making Bitcoin not just a financial tool, but a critical component in maintaining the balance of power in an increasingly digital world. As we move forward, this role of Bitcoin as a check against runaway AI and other centralizing forces will only become more important. It’s yet another reason why understanding and nurturing these technologies is essential—not just for economic freedom, but for preserving the very structure of our society in the face of rapid technological change. ### **The Mosaic Reality: A Mixed Global Landscape** If you’ve been paying attention, it’s clear that Bitcoin and AI aren’t just futuristic concepts—they’re active, transformative forces already reshaping our world. The future, as William Gibson famously put it, is here—it’s just not evenly distributed. And that’s exactly what we’re seeing: a mosaic reality where the impact of these technologies varies dramatically depending on where you are, who you are, and what resources you have at your disposal. In some parts of the world, Bitcoin is already a lifeline, providing financial stability where traditional systems have failed. Take Venezuela, where hyperinflation has rendered the local currency nearly worthless. Here, Bitcoin isn’t just a speculative asset—it’s a means of survival, a way for people to preserve their wealth and transact in a global economy that would otherwise be closed off to them. In places like these, Bitcoin is already fulfilling its potential as a decentralized, censorship-resistant financial network. Meanwhile, in more developed economies, Bitcoin is still largely seen as a speculative asset—a digital gold, if you will. While some are using it to hedge against inflation or diversify their portfolios, its true potential as a tool for financial sovereignty and decentralization has yet to be fully realized. Regulatory uncertainty, combined with a lack of understanding, has kept Bitcoin on the fringes of the mainstream financial system, at least for now. AI, too, is painting a complex picture. In Silicon Valley, AI is driving the next wave of innovation, with startups and tech giants alike racing to build smarter, faster, and more capable systems. These technologies are transforming industries, from healthcare to finance to entertainment, creating new opportunities and new challenges along the way. But while some reap the benefits, others are left behind, either because they lack access to the technology or because they’re caught in the crossfire of rapid change. And then there’s the rest of the world—places where the promise of Bitcoin and AI is still more theory than reality. In many developing nations, access to these technologies is limited by infrastructure, education, or simply the lack of capital needed to get started. The result is a patchwork of outcomes, where some regions are leaping ahead while others struggle to keep up. This uneven distribution of technological progress isn’t just a quirk of history—it’s a fundamental challenge we need to address. The mosaic reality we’re living in means that while some are stepping into the future, others are being left behind. And this divide isn’t just about technology; it’s about opportunity, power, and ultimately, freedom. But here’s the thing: the fact that these technologies are unevenly distributed today doesn’t mean they always will be. The regions that are early adopters of Bitcoin and AI are not just beneficiaries—they’re proof of concept. They demonstrate what’s possible when these technologies are embraced, and they can serve as examples for the rest of the world. The successes—and failures—of these early adopters will shape the broader narrative of how Bitcoin and AI are integrated into the global landscape. They’ll influence policy, investment, and innovation, creating a ripple effect that will eventually reach those who are currently on the margins. But this will only happen if we recognize the mosaic for what it is—a snapshot of a world in transition, where the future is being written one piece at a time. This mosaic reality isn’t just a technological issue; it’s a human one. It challenges us to think about how we can ensure that the benefits of Bitcoin and AI are shared as widely as possible, without falling into the traps of centralization or control. It forces us to confront the fact that the future we want—a future of decentralized power, economic freedom, and technological empowerment—isn’t going to build itself. It requires effort, vigilance, and a commitment to making sure that no one is left behind. As we navigate this complex landscape, we need to keep our eyes on the bigger picture. The mosaic reality of Bitcoin and AI is both a challenge and an opportunity—a chance to build a future that’s as diverse and dynamic as the world we live in. The pieces are already in place; it’s up to us to put them together in a way that benefits everyone. ### **Navigating the Future: Small Course Corrections, Big Consequences** Let me be upfront about something: I’m not an expert. I’m just a humble layman, watching Bitcoin and AI maybe a little closer than the average person, but without any illusions of deep expertise. I don’t have a PhD in computer science or a background in cryptography. What I do have is a decent ability to put pieces together, to see the writing on the wall, and to understand the stakes. And let me tell you, the stakes couldn’t be higher. As an American, I’ve grown up in a world where the left-right, conservative-liberal divide has shaped our politics and policies. But here’s the thing—those divides are becoming increasingly irrelevant when it comes to Bitcoin and AI. These technologies are so transformative, so fundamentally disruptive, that clinging to old political identities is like trying to navigate the ocean with a map of the desert. It’s not going to get us where we need to go. We need to recognize that small course corrections made today—whether in policy, regulation, or even in public perception—will have massive consequences down the line. We’re dealing with forces that are still in their early stages, but they’re growing rapidly. A wrong turn now, no matter how minor it might seem, could snowball into something catastrophic. Conversely, the right small move could set us on a path toward a future that’s more equitable, free, and prosperous for everyone. Let’s start with Bitcoin. The most important thing the United States could do right now? Leave it the hell alone. Seriously. Just let it exist. Bitcoin is a force of decentralization, a check against the concentration of power, and an opportunity for financial sovereignty on a global scale. The last thing we need is for the government to start messing with it, throwing on layers of regulation that could stifle its potential. But if we’re talking about doing something proactive—something that would really grease the wheels—it’s this: make Bitcoin-to-dollar transactions non-taxable events. That’s it. One small policy change that could have a huge impact. It would normalize Bitcoin as a currency, not just a speculative asset, and would integrate it more deeply into the economy. It’s a simple move, but one that could make all the difference. And let’s not forget the missed opportunities. Just recently, President Biden vetoed bipartisan legislation that would have made it easier for banks to custody Bitcoin on their customers’ behalf. This could have been another huge step forward, allowing people to use the infrastructure they’re already comfortable with—letting banks hold Bitcoin just as they hold cash or stocks. Bipartisan support shows that this isn’t about left or right; it’s about common sense. And yet, Biden shut it down. As someone who has been a lifelong liberal, who has voted left my entire life, this was a wake-up call. This year, I’m voting Republican because I think the left is getting it wrong on this issue. They’re missing the forest for the trees, and it’s too important to ignore. And it’s not just Biden. Elizabeth Warren, someone I used to admire tremendously, has been a vocal critic of Bitcoin. I once believed she was looking out for the little guy, but her stance on Bitcoin has made me rethink everything I respected about her. Either she fundamentally doesn’t understand Bitcoin, or she’s cynically opposed to it for reasons that don’t sit well with me. Neither possibility is comforting, and frankly, I’ve lost all respect for her on this issue. I don’t consider her an ally anymore. Now, let’s talk about AI. We’re already seeing its utility and necessity across a wide range of industries. Commercial AI is here to stay, and that’s not a bad thing—innovation needs to be driven by competition, by the pursuit of economic goals. But here’s the kicker: we’ve got to make sure that open-source AI alternatives continue to exist. This isn’t just about keeping options on the table; it’s about ensuring that the power of AI remains distributed, accessible, and resistant to monopolization. The best approach? Again, don’t over-regulate. Don’t try to box AI into a corner with heavy-handed policies. Instead, focus on maintaining an environment where open-source projects can thrive alongside commercial ones. Give people the freedom to innovate, to experiment, and to build the future on their own terms. The bottom line is this: these technologies are too important to get wrong. They’re going to shape the future in ways we can’t fully predict, but we can certainly influence. The decisions we make now—whether it’s how we treat Bitcoin or how we regulate AI—will echo through the decades. If we try to control them too tightly, we risk killing the very innovation that makes them so powerful. If we let them flourish, we open the door to a future of unprecedented freedom and opportunity. So, let’s be smart about this. Let’s recognize that the old political divides aren’t going to help us here. Let’s focus on what really matters: creating a world where technology serves humanity, not the other way around. Let’s make the small course corrections that could lead to big, positive changes down the road. Because if we don’t, the consequences could be far more than we bargained for. ### **Conclusion: The Stakes and the Path Forward** As we wrap up, there are a couple of crucial points to emphasize—points that should guide our thinking as we navigate the intersection of Bitcoin and AI. When it comes to AI, the real danger isn’t the technology itself, whether we’re talking about AI, superintelligent AI, or AGI. The biggest threat is how governments and corporations might use the fear of AI to justify draconian policies. These policies could lead to censorship, pervasive surveillance, and the manipulation of public opinion—an erosion of the freedoms that we hold dear. It’s not the machines we need to fear; it’s the people who might exploit them for control. Jeff Booth, in his insightful book *The Price of Tomorrow*, makes a compelling case that technology should be a deflationary force. As we get better at doing things, as technology improves, the cost of goods and services should decrease, moving closer to the marginal cost of production. This is how a healthy economy should function—technology making life easier, faster, cheaper, and better for everyone. But we don’t have that right now. We have a broken monetary system based on fiat currency, which inflates and quietly robs the populace. Bitcoin changes that. In a world where Bitcoin is fully embraced, technology can serve its proper role as a deflationary force, driving down costs and increasing prosperity. This is why a world with AI and no Bitcoin is the worst possible future for us—it’s a future where the benefits of technology are hoarded by a few, while the masses continue to suffer under inflation and economic manipulation. But a world with both AI and Bitcoin? That’s the best possible future—a future where technology drives prosperity for all, not just the few, where economic freedom is paired with technological innovation. With Bitcoin, the greatest risk is that we fail to embrace it. Bitcoin represents an unprecedented opportunity for financial sovereignty and decentralization—a check against the concentration of power. But if we don’t recognize its potential, if we stifle it with unnecessary regulation or fail to integrate it into our financial systems, we risk missing out on a tool that could empower individuals and safeguard our freedoms in a digital age. The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the decisions we make now will determine whether these technologies become forces for freedom or tools of control. Let’s make sure we get it right. @Guy Swann @Jeff Booth

### Introduction: The Law of Bitcoin Valuation **The Law of Bitcoin Valuation:** *The future value of Bitcoin will always exceed your expectations, even when you adjust your expectations to account for the Law of Bitcoin Valuation.* **Hofstadter’s Law:** *It always takes longer than you expect, even when you take into account Hofstadter’s Law.* “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” —Yogi Berra At first glance, the Law of Bitcoin Valuation might seem like a clever tautology, a self-referential quip that hints at Bitcoin’s unpredictable nature. But when you pair it with Hofstadter’s Law, a deeper and more nuanced truth emerges—one that makes the Law of Bitcoin Valuation more than just a precept, but a practical reality. Think of it like this: in mathematics, when you take a number and square it, it grows significantly. Cube it, and the growth is even more dramatic. Raise it to the fourth power, and the increase is exponential. Now apply that concept to Bitcoin. It’s easy enough to look at a price chart, maybe even on a logarithmic scale, and try to extrapolate the value. But Bitcoin is far more complex than a simple price curve. Bitcoin isn’t just a line item on a financial chart; it’s a multidimensional phenomenon with layers of utility, influence, and adaptability that go far beyond what’s immediately visible. It touches so many aspects of technology, economics, and society that its true value is not merely a function of its market price. Bitcoin operates with internal feedback loops, flywheels that build and maintain momentum, and a host of reinforcing mechanisms that make its growth more than linear or even exponential—it’s multifaceted and dynamic, ratcheting up in complexity and value over time. What we’re going to explore in this paper is how Bitcoin’s value proposition extends into these multiple dimensions, compounding in ways that defy traditional methods of valuation. Simply put, Bitcoin’s future value will always outstrip your expectations because it operates on levels that aren’t fully captured by a mere price chart, no matter how sophisticated your analysis. And here’s where Hofstadter’s Law makes its entrance: the value that Bitcoin promises will manifest, but it will do so on a timeline that tests the patience of even the most ardent believers. This interplay between Bitcoin’s compounded, multidimensional growth and the inevitable delays in its realization is what makes the Law of Bitcoin Valuation so compelling—and so frustratingly accurate. So, as we dive into this exploration, keep in mind that Bitcoin’s value isn’t just about where the price is headed next week, next year, or even in the next decade. It’s about understanding the profound, multi-layered impact that Bitcoin is having on our world, and why, no matter how high you set your expectations, Bitcoin is likely to exceed them in ways you haven’t yet considered. If you think you’ve got Bitcoin figured out, think again. The reality is far more complex, challenging, and ultimately, rewarding than you’ve prepared for. The Law of Bitcoin Valuation guarantees it—and Hofstadter’s Law ensures you’ll be waiting longer than you’d like to see it happen. --- Section 1: Hofstadter’s Law and Bitcoin Hofstadter’s Law, with its wry observation that “it always takes longer than you expect, even when you take into account Hofstadter’s Law,” is more than just a clever aphorism—it’s a fundamental truth about complex systems. And if Bitcoin is anything, it’s complex. From its inception, Bitcoin has defied traditional timelines, navigating a landscape fraught with technical challenges, regulatory obstacles, and market volatility. Yet, it’s precisely this tortuous journey that has forged Bitcoin into the resilient, decentralized network we see today. The brilliance of Bitcoin lies not just in its design but in how it handles adversity. Like any transformative process, Bitcoin’s growth has been neither linear nor predictable. It has faced countless setbacks, from the collapse of exchanges like Mt. Gox to outright bans in major economies like China. Each of these challenges could have spelled the end for a lesser technology. But for Bitcoin, these obstacles have been opportunities—forcing innovations that strengthen the network and reinforce its value. This is where Hofstadter’s Law meets the Law of Bitcoin Valuation. Every time Bitcoin encounters a delay or a setback, it emerges stronger, often in ways that surpass what even the most optimistic proponents had anticipated. This isn’t just about Bitcoin’s price recovering after a dip; it’s about the network evolving in response to challenges, becoming more secure, more decentralized, and more valuable with each iteration. The lesson here is that Bitcoin’s value isn’t just about where it stands at any given moment; it’s about the long, unpredictable path it takes to get there. Bitcoin’s progress may be slower than you expect, but when it finally does break through, it does so with a force that leaves previous expectations in the dust. In this way, Hofstadter’s Law doesn’t just apply to Bitcoin’s timeline—it’s integral to understanding why Bitcoin’s future value is consistently underestimated. To appreciate Bitcoin fully, you need to recognize that its growth is driven by a process that is as much about overcoming adversity as it is about technological innovation. Bitcoin’s recursive nature—where each challenge begets a stronger, more robust network—ensures that its ultimate value will far exceed what any of us can predict. And while it may take longer to get there, the end result will be a value proposition that transcends our current understanding. --- ### Section 2: Bitcoin’s Fractal Nature and Substrate Neutrality Bitcoin isn’t just a digital currency or a piece of software—it’s an entity that embodies the very principles of evolution. Imagine an organism that can adapt to any environment, no matter how hostile or unfamiliar. That’s Bitcoin: it’s a protocol that, much like a living system, finds ways to embed itself into every nook and cranny of our world. And just like a fractal pattern, Bitcoin’s influence replicates itself at different scales—technological, cultural, and philosophical—each reinforcing the others. At its core, Bitcoin is substrate-neutral. This means it doesn’t care where or how it exists, as long as it does. It can live on your laptop, on a piece of paper, in a hardware wallet, or even as a sequence of words stored in your mind. It’s money, but it’s also software, culture, and philosophy—all rolled into one. This adaptability allows Bitcoin to sink its teeth into various environments, influencing them and being influenced in return, much like an evolving organism that thrives through interaction with its ecosystem. Consider this: Bitcoin can be transmitted over the internet, via radio waves, or even across a blockchain satellite network. It can be stored physically as a QR code on paper or memorized through a seed phrase. This ability to transcend traditional boundaries, to exist and operate in multiple forms and modalities, is what gives Bitcoin its incredible resilience. It’s everywhere and nowhere, a pervasive force that is as difficult to pin down as it is to suppress. Bitcoin’s fractal nature is what makes it so powerful. At every level—whether individual transactions, the global financial system, or even broader cultural movements—Bitcoin’s influence is felt. It’s a network that grows stronger with each new participant, each new use case, and each new adaptation to its environment. And because it operates across so many different dimensions, its value isn’t tied to any one factor; it’s a sum greater than its parts. This cross-modal adaptability is also what enables Bitcoin to resist external pressures. Governments can ban mining or try to regulate exchanges, but Bitcoin just adapts, finds new ways to exist and thrive. It’s this evolutionary robustness that ensures Bitcoin’s long-term survival and growth. The more you try to confine it, the more it slips through your fingers, finding new forms and new ways to assert its presence. So, when we talk about Bitcoin’s value, it’s not just about price charts or market cap. Bitcoin’s true value lies in its ability to exist across multiple planes of reality—technological, cultural, philosophical—and to influence each one in ways that reinforce and amplify its overall impact. This isn’t just a currency or a protocol; it’s a living system, constantly evolving and expanding its reach, ensuring that its value continues to grow in ways that far exceed our expectations. --- ### Section 3: Bitcoin’s Antifragility and Critical Inflection Points To understand why Bitcoin’s value will always exceed expectations, we need to look at how it behaves under pressure. Nassim Taleb introduces the idea of antifragility—systems that don’t just withstand stress but actually grow stronger because of it. This concept perfectly encapsulates Bitcoin’s journey through a series of critical inflection points, each of which has tested the network’s resilience and, in doing so, has reinforced its long-term value and viability. Think of antifragility as the opposite of fragility. A fragile system breaks under stress, while a robust one can withstand it. But an antifragile system doesn’t just survive; it uses stress as fuel for growth. That’s Bitcoin. Every time Bitcoin faces a challenge—whether it’s a technological hurdle, a regulatory crackdown, or a market collapse—it doesn’t merely endure. It adapts, evolves, and emerges stronger than before. One of the most striking examples of Bitcoin’s antifragility is the collapse of Mt. Gox in 2014. At the time, Mt. Gox was the largest Bitcoin exchange in the world, handling the majority of Bitcoin transactions. Its sudden implosion, which resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of Bitcoins, could have easily been the death knell for a nascent and fragile network. But instead of collapsing, the Bitcoin community adapted. The crisis led to innovations in wallet security, the emergence of decentralized exchanges, and a renewed focus on personal custody. The result? A stronger, more resilient Bitcoin ecosystem that is far less reliant on centralized entities. Another pivotal moment came in 2021 when China, which had long been the epicenter of Bitcoin mining, imposed an outright ban on the practice. Overnight, the Bitcoin network’s hash rate—a measure of its computational power—plummeted by nearly 50%. But what could have been a catastrophic blow instead became a testament to Bitcoin’s decentralized nature. Mining operations quickly relocated to more favorable jurisdictions, and within months, the network’s hash rate not only recovered but reached new highs. This demonstrated that Bitcoin isn’t just resistant to attacks—it’s antifragile. Attempts to stifle it only make it stronger, pushing the network to innovate and diversify. These inflection points aren’t just historical anecdotes; they are proof of concept for Bitcoin’s antifragility. Each challenge that Bitcoin has faced has been a catalyst for growth, forcing the network to adapt in ways that make it more decentralized, more secure, and ultimately, more valuable. This is why Bitcoin’s value is so difficult to predict—because it’s not static. It’s a living, evolving system that thrives on chaos and uncertainty. When we talk about the Law of Bitcoin Valuation, this is a key element: Bitcoin’s value isn’t just a function of its current state; it’s the product of its capacity to grow stronger in response to stress. It’s not enough to understand Bitcoin as a stable, predictable asset—because it’s not. It’s antifragile, meaning that its most significant growth often occurs in response to its greatest challenges. So, as we look forward, we can expect Bitcoin to continue this pattern. Future crises will come—whether they’re technological, regulatory, or market-driven. And each time, Bitcoin will adapt, using the pressure to fuel its evolution and enhance its value in ways that, yet again, will exceed our expectations. --- ### Section 4: Bitcoin’s Early Adoption and the Dawn of Cultural Shift Despite all its advances, Bitcoin is still in its early days. The reality is that most people on the planet haven’t yet grasped what Bitcoin is, let alone the transformative potential it holds. If you were to stop a hundred random people on the street and ask them about Bitcoin, chances are you’d be hard-pressed to find even one who truly understands what it’s all about. But that doesn’t mean the change isn’t happening—it’s just that, as William Gibson once said, “The future is already here—it’s just not very evenly distributed.” Bitcoin’s adoption cycle is still in its infancy, and while the percentage of people who hold Bitcoin is growing, it remains a fraction of the global population. This gap between the potential of Bitcoin and the current level of understanding and adoption is both a challenge and an opportunity. It’s a challenge because it means Bitcoin’s full impact has yet to be realized on a global scale. But it’s also an opportunity, because it suggests that we’re only just beginning to see the cultural and societal shifts that Bitcoin is capable of driving. As Bitcoin continues to gain traction, it’s not just financial systems that are being transformed; it’s our very conception of value, autonomy, and power. Bitcoin is gradually shifting the way we think about money—not just as a medium of exchange, but as a store of value that is decentralized, deflationary, and outside the control of any single entity or government. This shift is subtle, but it’s profound, and it’s already beginning to influence how people interact with power structures in the digital age. Right now, the cultural impact of Bitcoin is still nascent, confined mostly to early adopters, technologists, and those who see beyond the surface of speculative investment. But the seeds of a broader revolution are being planted. As more people begin to understand the implications of a decentralized, permissionless financial system, we’ll see a gradual but unstoppable shift in how societies organize themselves, how governments interact with their citizens, and how individuals think about their own financial sovereignty. This is the dawn of a new cultural era—one that’s being driven by Bitcoin’s underlying principles of decentralization, transparency, and autonomy. And while it might not be immediately visible to everyone, the ripples of this change are starting to spread. The idea that money doesn’t have to be controlled by governments, that value can be stored and transferred without intermediaries, is radical. And like all radical ideas, it will take time to fully permeate society. But make no mistake: the future is coming. It’s just not evenly distributed yet. --- ### Section 5: Bitcoin as an Exit—The Evolution Beyond Fiat Currency For most people today, Bitcoin’s value is still measured in terms of dollars, euros, or yen. You look at the price chart and think, “Okay, my Bitcoin is worth this much in fiat currency.” And for now, that’s true. You can swap Bitcoin for dollars at a given rate and use those dollars to buy goods and services. But what happens as that rate climbs higher and higher? What happens when Bitcoin’s value is no longer just a number on a screen but something that fundamentally changes how we think about and use money? As Bitcoin’s price increases, the dynamics of its interaction with fiat currencies will inevitably change. Right now, if Bitcoin is trading at $50,000, it’s relatively easy to swap between Bitcoin and dollars. There’s liquidity, and plenty of people are willing to make the trade. But what happens when Bitcoin is worth $1 million? Or $10 million? At that point, exchanging Bitcoin for dollars becomes a different proposition entirely—not because the mechanics of the exchange are different, but because the very idea of what those dollars represent is shifting. As Bitcoin’s value climbs, it’s not just that your dollars might buy less—it’s that fewer people are going to want dollars in the first place. The demand for a currency that loses purchasing power every year will pale in comparison to the demand for an asset that not only holds its value but increases in purchasing power over time. This isn’t just speculation; it’s a reflection of the underlying economic forces at play. As Bitcoin continues to prove itself as a superior store of value, the appeal of holding dollars or other fiat currencies will diminish. This is where the true shift begins to take shape. At $50,000, Bitcoin is still largely a speculative asset—a way to potentially increase your wealth in terms of fiat currency. But at $10 million, Bitcoin becomes something entirely different. It’s no longer just an investment; it’s an alternative system. It’s an “exit” from the traditional financial structures that have dominated the world for centuries. At this stage, the idea of trading Bitcoin for fiat becomes less relevant. Why trade something that’s consistently appreciating for something that’s consistently losing value? As more people come to this realization, the role of fiat currencies in the global economy will start to wane. Bitcoin, by contrast, will grow not just as a store of value, but as a medium of exchange and a unit of account—a true currency for a new era. This shift won’t happen overnight, but it’s already underway. And as it accelerates, we’ll see a new kind of economic freedom emerge—one where individuals are no longer tied to the whims of central banks or government-controlled currencies. Bitcoin offers an exit, a way to opt out of the fiat system and into something more stable, more predictable, and ultimately, more empowering. --- ### Transition Section: The Evolution of Technology Adoption—Bitcoin’s Path from Curiosity to Necessity The trajectory of technological adoption is often predictable: what starts as a curiosity becomes a luxury, then a universal utility, and finally a necessity. This path has been followed by countless innovations throughout history, from electricity to the internet. Bitcoin, as a fundamentally transformative technology, is following the same curve. In its earliest days, Bitcoin was a curiosity—a novel experiment in decentralized digital currency, understood by few and embraced by even fewer. Early adopters were those with a deep interest in cryptography, economics, or the fringes of the tech world. For these pioneers, Bitcoin was a fascinating idea, something to explore and experiment with, but not yet something with practical, everyday value. As time went on, Bitcoin began to move into the realm of luxury. It became something that the wealthy or tech-savvy might hold, not necessarily because they needed it, but because they saw its potential as a store of value or as a hedge against traditional financial systems. At this stage, Bitcoin was still not essential—something akin to a high-end gadget or a rare collectible, valuable but not necessary. But we’re now witnessing Bitcoin’s shift into the next phase: a universal utility. As its adoption grows and its utility becomes clearer, Bitcoin is transitioning from a luxury to something that more and more people find essential for preserving wealth, securing transactions, and protecting their financial sovereignty. This is a crucial turning point in the technology adoption curve, where Bitcoin moves beyond being a choice for the few and starts to become a viable option for the many. Already, we’re seeing a microcosm of this in the behavior of certain Bitcoin holders. There’s a growing number of people who, regardless of the current exchange rate, simply refuse to trade their Bitcoin for fiat currency. For them, Bitcoin isn’t just an asset; it’s a philosophy, a new form of money that they believe in so deeply that they’d rather hold it than spend it on anything that can be bought with dollars or euros. This mindset is a harbinger of what’s to come as Bitcoin continues to move along the adoption curve. As Bitcoin shifts into the final phase—becoming a necessity—this trend will only intensify. What was once a curiosity will have become an integral part of daily life, not just for the wealthy or tech-savvy, but for everyone. And when Bitcoin reaches this stage, it won’t just be an option; it will be a requirement for anyone who wants to participate in the economy of the future. This progression sets the stage for understanding how Bitcoin will integrate with other emerging technologies, like AI, to form the foundation of a new economic ecosystem. As Bitcoin becomes a necessity, its role in the digital economy will expand, driving innovation and creating opportunities that are beyond the reach of today’s fiat-based systems. --- ### Section 6.1: The Rise of AI Services and the Need for Instant, Secure Payments Imagine you’re running an AI startup. Your company provides cloud-based AI services, processing complex data or offering advanced machine learning algorithms on demand. Business is good, and your services are gaining traction. But as with many startups, you’re operating on tight margins. You have costs—significant ones—such as server time on platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), salaries for your team, and ongoing development expenses. However, you’re making a profit, and things are looking up. Then one weekend, everything changes. Your service goes viral. Maybe it’s a tweet from a high-profile influencer, or maybe a large corporation decides to test your product at scale. Whatever the cause, by Monday morning, you’ve got a $50,000 AWS bill waiting for you. This is great news on one hand—your service is in demand! But there’s a catch: your customers paid with credit cards, and those payments might take 30 days to fully process. Worse, some of them could be reversed or disputed, and a significant portion might never make it to your account due to chargebacks. This isn’t just a hypothetical scenario—it’s a reality that many startups face. The lag between providing a service and actually receiving payment can create serious cash flow issues, especially when the costs are immediate, and the revenue is uncertain. In the time it takes for your payments to clear, you’re on the hook for that $50,000 bill. If you don’t have the capital to cover it, your company could be in serious trouble, despite the surge in demand. Now imagine a different scenario. Instead of relying on traditional payment methods, which are slow, reversible, and fraught with potential disputes, your customers pay with Bitcoin. The moment a transaction is made, it’s final. There are no chargebacks, no delays, and no third-party intermediaries taking a cut or holding up the process. You get paid instantly, securely, and in full, the moment your service is delivered. With Bitcoin, that $50,000 AWS bill is no longer a threat to your business’s survival. The funds are available immediately, and you can pay your expenses without waiting weeks for your money to clear. This kind of financial security isn’t just a nice-to-have for startups—it’s a necessity for survival in a competitive and fast-moving tech landscape. As AI services become more prevalent, the need for a payment system that matches the speed and finality of these services is critical. Bitcoin provides that system, enabling startups and businesses to operate without the constant fear of cash flow crises caused by slow or uncertain payments. --- ### Section 6.2: Autonomous AI Systems and the Case for Bitcoin As AI systems become increasingly autonomous, performing tasks that once required direct human oversight, a new question emerges: what kind of currency would an AI system "prefer" to use? While AIs don’t have desires or preferences in the way humans do, they operate within certain constraints and requirements dictated by their human creators. When you consider these constraints, the answer becomes clear—Bitcoin is the most logical choice for an AI to use as a medium of exchange. Think about it: What is an AI going to do with a bar of gold? It’s heavy, inert, and completely useless in the digital realm where AI operates. A stack of dollar bills is no better—AI systems can’t physically handle cash, and even if they could, those bills would need to be deposited into a bank account, which might require human identification or even a visit to a physical branch. This just doesn’t make sense for a system designed to function independently and efficiently in the digital world. Similarly, a traditional bank account tied to fiat currency poses problems. Banks operate on a system that’s inherently human-centric, with requirements for identification, manual oversight, and often, geographical constraints. AI systems are designed to work at a speed and scale that far outpaces human processes, making the slow, bureaucratic nature of traditional banking a poor fit for autonomous operations. Bitcoin, on the other hand, is perfectly suited to the needs of autonomous AI systems. It’s digital, borderless, and doesn’t require human identification or intervention. Transactions are fast, secure, and final—exactly what’s needed for AI systems that might be executing thousands, or even millions, of transactions per second. And because Bitcoin is programmable, it can be integrated directly into the operations of these systems, allowing them to function autonomously and efficiently. From a practical standpoint, if an AI could "want" something—speaking metaphorically, of course—it would want Bitcoin. Not because it has desires like a human, but because Bitcoin aligns perfectly with the operational needs of AI systems. It’s the only currency that makes sense in a digital world where speed, security, and decentralization are paramount. But it’s not just about the needs of the AI systems themselves. It’s also about the humans who create and operate these systems. As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, people will increasingly delegate certain tasks and responsibilities to these systems. Whether it’s managing finances, optimizing supply chains, or even negotiating contracts, these AI systems will need the ability to transact on their human operators' behalf. By endowing AI systems with Bitcoin budgets, humans can ensure that these systems have the financial autonomy they need to operate effectively. This doesn’t just streamline processes—it also opens up new possibilities for innovation and efficiency, allowing AI systems to interact with each other and the world in ways that were previously impossible. In this way, Bitcoin becomes more than just a currency for humans—it becomes the financial infrastructure that enables the next generation of AI systems to function and thrive in a fully digital economy. --- ### Section 6.3: Bitcoin as a Practical Check Against Runaway AI As AI systems advance towards greater autonomy, the concept of runaway artificial intelligence—an AI that could potentially surpass human control—raises significant concerns. While this scenario remains largely speculative, it’s critical to consider how such intelligence might interact with the world’s economic and resource-based systems. Here, Bitcoin plays a unique and crucial role as a check against the potential for runaway AI to gain unchecked control. Bitcoin’s value is intrinsically tied to the real world. Unlike fiat currencies, which can be created at will, or other digital assets that might be produced without significant cost, Bitcoin’s supply is permanently capped at 21 million. No more Bitcoin can be created beyond this limit, introducing a concept of absolute scarcity that is unprecedented in the realm of currencies. Currently, we are in the subsidy era, where new Bitcoins are being unlocked over time as miners validate transactions and secure the network. It’s important to note that these Bitcoins aren’t being “created” from nothing—they are part of the pre-determined supply that was established when Bitcoin was first launched. This unlocking process is driven by the proof-of-work mechanism, where miners expend real-world energy and utilize specialized hardware to solve complex cryptographic puzzles. In return, they earn the privilege of adding new blocks to the blockchain, which includes a reward in the form of transaction fees and a diminishing block subsidy until the final Bitcoin is unlocked. This means that acquiring Bitcoin requires either mining, which involves significant resource expenditure, or obtaining it from someone else who already holds it. You cannot simply print more Bitcoin or generate it without cost—it must be earned through work, either directly or indirectly. This creates a fundamental connection between Bitcoin and the real world, where the currency’s existence is tied to the physical act of energy expenditure. Now, consider a future where Bitcoin has become the primary global currency, with its distribution secured by robust public-private key cryptography. The world’s resources would be controlled through the distribution of Bitcoin, held securely by millions of individuals and entities. Any runaway AI seeking to dominate the global economy would face a formidable challenge: it would need to gain control over a significant portion of the world’s physical resources to accumulate enough Bitcoin to exert influence. But the challenge for runaway AI doesn’t stop there. Bitcoin’s decentralized distribution across billions of economic actors, each acting in their own self-interest, creates a natural defense against centralization. Even if a runaway AI attempted to orchestrate a 51% attack, it would require not only computational power but also physical control over the world’s energy sources and hardware infrastructure—a near-impossible feat given the decentralized and global nature of Bitcoin mining. Moreover, the intrinsic human element in the Bitcoin ecosystem acts as an additional layer of security. With billions of people holding and transacting in Bitcoin, each with their own economic motivations, any attempt by a runaway AI to subvert the system would meet with resistance from a vast network of actors who are collectively incentivized to protect the integrity of the network. This decentralized self-interest acts as a powerful check against any single entity, human or machine, attempting to gain undue control. In this way, Bitcoin’s design doesn’t just make it a robust currency—it makes it a practical check against any potential runaway AI. The need to expend real-world resources to mine Bitcoin, combined with its finite supply and distributed ownership, creates a barrier that ensures even the most advanced AI remains grounded in a system that is inherently resistant to centralization. --- **[Recapitulation]** We’ve taken a journey through the Law of Bitcoin Valuation, a principle that boldly states: “The future value of Bitcoin will always exceed *your* expectations, even when you adjust your expectations to account for the Law of Bitcoin Valuation.” This concept is deeply intertwined with Hofstadter’s Law, which reminds us that “it always takes longer than you expect, even when you take into account Hofstadter’s Law.” Together, these laws form a framework for understanding why Bitcoin’s trajectory is so difficult to predict—because it’s operating on a different level, fueled by recursive growth and a broad array of transformative impacts. We’ve explored how Bitcoin’s value isn’t just about price charts or market speculation. It’s about Bitcoin’s multifaceted nature—its roles as money, software, culture, philosophy, and more. This multi-modal system, with its inherent resilience and adaptability, ensures that Bitcoin is more than just another digital asset; it’s an evolving, decentralized life form that’s continuously adapting and growing stronger over time. We’ve also examined Bitcoin’s role as a check against runaway artificial intelligence, with its proof-of-work mechanism tying it to the real world, making it incredibly difficult for any single entity—human or machine—to dominate. Bitcoin’s decentralized distribution across billions of economic actors creates a natural, robust defense against any attempts at centralization or subversion. At this point, however, a question might linger in the minds of some: *Is Bitcoin truly the ultimate solution, or will it be replaced by something else?* Is Bitcoin just the MySpace of digital currency, with a “Facebook” waiting in the wings to take over? This next section provides a clear answer. --- ### Section 7: Why Bitcoin Is the Revolution—Not Just a Phase To understand why Bitcoin isn’t just another passing trend, we need to dig into its foundational attributes—attributes that make it not just a contender, but the definitive solution in the realm of digital currencies. Bitcoin isn’t the MySpace of digital money; it’s the eukaryotic revolution in the world of finance. Here’s why. **1. Proof-of-Work: The Immutable Bedrock** Bitcoin’s proof-of-work mechanism is more than just a way to secure transactions; it’s what ties Bitcoin to the real world. Unlike other consensus mechanisms like proof-of-stake, proof-of-work requires actual physical resources—energy and hardware. This makes Bitcoin intrinsically resistant to manipulation. You can’t just print more Bitcoin, and you can’t fake the energy expenditure required to mine it. This grounding in physical reality ensures that Bitcoin remains a robust, immutable system, resistant to centralization and corruption. **2. First-Mover Advantage and Network Effects** Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency to achieve widespread adoption, and this first-mover advantage has established it as the gold standard. With millions of users, miners, and nodes worldwide, Bitcoin’s network effect is unmatched. The more people use and secure the network, the stronger it becomes. This creates a self-reinforcing loop where Bitcoin’s value and security increase as more people adopt it. This isn’t something that can easily be replicated by a new cryptocurrency; it’s the result of years of development, adoption, and trust-building. **3. Absolute Scarcity and Decentralization** Bitcoin’s supply is capped at 21 million, and this absolute scarcity is a feature, not a bug. Unlike fiat currencies, which can be printed indefinitely, Bitcoin’s fixed supply ensures that it will remain a deflationary asset. As demand for Bitcoin grows, its value is poised to increase. But more importantly, this scarcity is combined with a decentralized structure. No single entity controls Bitcoin, and this decentralization is key to its resilience. It’s not just the most secure and scarce digital asset—it’s the one that’s least likely to be co-opted by any central authority. **4. The Eukaryotic Revolution in Finance** Much like the eukaryotic revolution in biology, which gave rise to complex life forms by incorporating simpler organisms, Bitcoin represents a paradigm shift in finance. It’s not just a new kind of money; it’s an entirely new way of thinking about value, trust, and autonomy. Other cryptocurrencies might come and go, but they will either be absorbed into Bitcoin’s ecosystem or rendered irrelevant by its superior architecture and network effects. Just as eukaryotic cells became the foundation for all complex life, Bitcoin will become—or perhaps already has become—the foundation for a new, decentralized financial system. **5. The Noise of Alternatives** It’s tempting to think that some new cryptocurrency or blockchain project might replace Bitcoin, just as Facebook replaced MySpace. But this analogy misunderstands what Bitcoin is. Bitcoin isn’t a social network that can be easily out-innovated. It’s a fundamental breakthrough in how we understand and secure digital value. Alternatives may offer improvements in niche areas, but they lack the robustness, security, and network effects that make Bitcoin unparalleled. In essence, everything else is just noise—interesting experiments that will either complement Bitcoin or fade away. --- ### Final Recap and the Laws Revisited We began this journey with two deceptively simple but profoundly insightful laws. First, the **Law of Bitcoin Valuation**: “The future value of Bitcoin will always exceed *your* expectations, even when you adjust your expectations to account for the Law of Bitcoin Valuation.” Second, **Hofstadter’s Law**: “It always takes longer than you expect, even when you take into account Hofstadter’s Law.” These two principles are more than just clever observations; they provide a framework for understanding the incredible, and often underestimated, potential of Bitcoin. As we’ve explored, Bitcoin is not merely a digital asset or a speculative investment. It is a multi-faceted, decentralized system that touches on technology, philosophy, economics, and beyond. From its proof-of-work mechanism that grounds it in physical reality to its absolute scarcity that ensures its deflationary nature, Bitcoin is designed to be resilient, secure, and fundamentally different from anything that has come before. Bitcoin’s evolution has been marked by recursive growth and the unexpected ways in which it integrates into various aspects of life. Whether it's serving as a check against runaway artificial intelligence, offering a robust and decentralized monetary system, or simply evolving as a cultural and technological phenomenon, Bitcoin consistently surpasses expectations. Yet, what’s crucial to understand is that this journey isn’t about some abstract or collective expectation—it’s about *your* expectations. The Law of Bitcoin Valuation is personal. It tells you that no matter how well you think you understand Bitcoin, it will surprise you. Whether you’re a skeptic who doubts its longevity or a believer who dreams of its potential, Bitcoin will exceed what you think is possible. Hofstadter’s Law complements this by reminding us that while Bitcoin will outperform your expectations, it will also do so on its own timeline, often taking longer than you’d like. This interplay between these two laws—your expectations being exceeded and the timeline being longer than anticipated—creates a tension that’s essential to understanding Bitcoin’s unique place in the world. In essence, Bitcoin is not just another technological innovation; it’s a revolutionary force that’s reshaping our understanding of value, trust, and autonomy. It’s easy to look at Bitcoin’s price chart and think you’ve grasped its worth, but that’s just scratching the surface. Bitcoin’s true value lies in its ability to constantly adapt, grow, and integrate into new systems in ways that are both unexpected and profound. As we’ve seen, from its role as a currency for AI to its function as a safeguard against centralization, Bitcoin is much more than a passing phase. It’s the bedrock of a new, decentralized financial system that is here to stay, and it will continue to surprise and exceed expectations for years to come. --- ### The Footnote: Practical Wisdom In the face of Bitcoin’s complexity and the vast potential it holds, there’s a piece of practical advice that has become a mantra within the Bitcoin community: *Stay humble and stack sats.* It’s a simple yet profound meme that encapsulates the essence of the journey we’ve discussed. The traditional financial adage is “don’t invest more than you can afford to lose.” But in the world of Bitcoin, we think about it differently: it’s not about investing—it’s about *saving* in a new kind of system. When you choose to hold Bitcoin, you’re opting out of the old system and stepping into a new one. And while the potential rewards are immense, the wisdom of that old adage still applies: don’t rush in too fast. Bitcoin isn’t just a speculative asset—it’s a tool for financial sovereignty. And with sovereignty comes responsibility. It’s crucial to ensure that what you save is *secure*—not just from external threats, but from your own potential mistakes. A small amount of Bitcoin, secured properly, is far more valuable than a large amount that you end up losing because you didn’t take the time to understand how to protect it. This is why the advice to *stay humble and stack sats* is so powerful. It reminds us to approach Bitcoin with a mindset of patience and diligence. Accumulate small amounts consistently, and take the time to learn how to secure your holdings. Use hardware wallets, understand private keys, and make sure that your Bitcoin is safe—especially from yourself. There’s no rush. The journey of Bitcoin is long, and its value will continue to grow, exceeding your expectations. In this way, the mantra “stay humble and stack sats” is more than just a meme; it’s a foundational principle for engaging with Bitcoin responsibly. You don’t need to make a big splash to benefit from Bitcoin’s growth. Slow and steady wins the race. By gradually accumulating and securing your Bitcoin, you’re positioning yourself to benefit from its long-term potential without taking unnecessary risks. So, as we conclude this exploration, remember this: Bitcoin’s value will continue to exceed your expectations, but only if you approach it with humility and care. Stack sats, secure them wisely, and let Bitcoin do the rest. The journey may take longer than you expect, but the destination will be worth it.

BASED Party Platform: Bitcoin Advocates for Sane and Effective Democracy Introduction: The BASED Party is a coalition of Americans who believe in the principles of financial independence, common sense governance, and the preservation of individual freedoms. We advocate for policies that empower citizens, respect the rule of law, and ensure that democracy remains a true reflection of the people’s will. Our platform is built on six core pillars: Financial Freedom, Restoring Sanity, Effective Democracy, Law and Order, National Sovereignty, and Fiscal Responsibility. 1. Financial Freedom: We believe in the transformative power of Bitcoin as a path to financial sovereignty for every citizen. The traditional financial system often fails the average American, while Bitcoin offers a secure, decentralized alternative. • Support for Bitcoin: We advocate for policies that recognize and protect the right to own, use, and transact in Bitcoin, including the right to run a Bitcoin node. • Simplified Bitcoin Transactions: We support streamlining regulations to make Bitcoin transactions simpler and easier. Specifically, we advocate for the removal of burdensome tax obligations on Bitcoin-to-dollar transactions, ensuring that peer-to-peer transactions between Bitcoin and dollars are not classified as taxable events. This would significantly enhance the utility of Bitcoin as digital cash. 2. Restoring Sanity to Public Policy: The BASED Party stands for a return to common sense in governance. We reject polarizing ideologies and prioritize practical solutions over ideological purity. • Respect for Tradition: We value cultural and national traditions that foster unity and pride. • Balanced Policies: Governance should be driven by what works, not by narrow political agendas. • Free Speech: We protect free speech, opposing cancel culture and the silencing of dissenting voices. 3. Effective Democracy: True democracy respects the voice of the people and holds power accountable. We aim to revitalize our democratic institutions to make them more transparent and representative. • Election Integrity: We support secure voting systems and transparent election processes to ensure every vote counts. • Ranked Choice Voting: We advocate for Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) to ensure fairer, more representative elections. • Term Limits: We support term limits for Congress to prevent the monopolization of power by career politicians. 4. Law and Order: A safe and orderly society is essential to a thriving nation. The BASED Party believes in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that our communities are protected from crime and violence. • Support for Law Enforcement: We support law enforcement officers with the resources and training they need, while also advocating for fair and just criminal justice reform. • Community Safety: We support proactive measures to address the root causes of crime and provide opportunities for at-risk individuals. 5. National Sovereignty and Energy Independence: The BASED Party believes in protecting America’s borders, economy, and energy independence to ensure the prosperity and security of its citizens. • Border Security and American Jobs: We support strong borders and policies that protect American jobs from unfair foreign competition. • Nuclear Power: We unequivocally support nuclear energy as the most effective solution for achieving carbon neutrality and ensuring energy independence. • Environmental Stewardship: We advocate for nuclear power’s role in reducing greenhouse gases and advancing towards a carbon-neutral future. 6. FreedomTech and Protection of Rights: The BASED Party supports the development and proliferation of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and “FreedomTech”—tools that enhance personal sovereignty, privacy, and computational freedom. • Protection of Rights: We stand firmly for the protection of individual rights, including free speech, self-defense, privacy, and digital rights. We oppose any government actions that infringe upon these fundamental freedoms. • Support for FreedomTech: We advocate for the development and use of tools that empower individuals and oppose restrictions on personal energy use and computation. • AI as a Tool for Empowerment: We believe AI has immense potential as a tool for individual empowerment, creativity, education, and development. However, the greatest danger posed by AI—or even potential AGI—does not stem from the technology itself, but from how governments and corporations might exploit fear of these technologies. Under the guise of regulation, they may seek to stifle competition, protect their economic interests, censor dissent, or manipulate public opinion. Therefore, while we support commercial innovation in AI, it is crucial that open-source alternatives exist and flourish. These alternatives serve as a necessary check against overreach, ensuring AI remains a force for personal and collective freedom. 7. Fiscal Responsibility: The BASED Party is committed to reducing government bloat and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Responsible fiscal management is key to a prosperous future. • Ongoing Spending Reductions: We propose reducing government spending by at least 1% each year indefinitely. • Balanced Budgets: We advocate for immediately implementing balanced budgets and maintaining this discipline indefinitely. • Regulatory and Legislative Reduction: For every new law or regulation proposed, two existing ones must be removed to trim down the regulatory state. Conclusion: The BASED Party stands for a future where America is strong, free, and united. We believe in a government that serves the people, respects individual freedoms, and upholds the principles of democracy. Join us in this fight for a better America—one that is based on the values that make our nation great.

I need go-to Orange pilling material in Spanish! New coworker, from Cuba. Doesn’t like communists ha ha ha. I am capable of googling, hoping to hear from somebody with first-hand experience who is bilingual lol

Single-issue voter

**Criticism 1:** “AI cannot make art because AI does not have a brain and brains are literally magical." - **Rebuttal:** If you believe the brain is magical beyond the physical laws of the universe, then we fundamentally disagree. Human creativity, whether brilliant or banal, emerges from the same physical processes that govern all matter, including the technology we create. Good day to you. **Criticism 2:** "That's not art. You are not an artist, and you should feel bad." - **Rebuttal:** Stop being such a pretentious snob. Art is a human universal, an expression inherent to our species, regardless of the medium or method. Celebrating skill and professional accomplishments in art is wonderful, but remember, we are all evolved apes making our mark on the world, whether we're flipping burgers, welding, or using software to create. **Criticism 3:** "Okay, fine, it's art, but it's shitty art (and you should feel bad)." - **Rebuttal:** The quality of the art doesn't determine whether it's art. From my toddler's SpaghettiO sauce doodles to the Sistine Chapel, all expressions are valid forms of art. Get off your high horse, you snob. **Criticism 4:** "Okay, fine, but you're cheating because you're not physically manipulating a medium (and you should feel bad)." - **Rebuttal:** To argue that art must involve physical manipulation of a medium is to ignore the vast array of legitimate creative processes that don't. Whether it's conducting an orchestra, using digital tools like Photoshop, animating films like Toy Story, or composing music entirely on a computer, all these practices are undeniably forms of art. If you think otherwise, you might want to reconsider your definition after a moment of reflection, you walnut. **Criticism 5:** "Okay, fine, you don't have to interact physically, but there's no skill in what you do (and you should feel bad)." - **Rebuttal:** The reality, from my personal experience, contradicts this. I'm transparent about using the same tools that anyone can access for less money, yet people choose to pay me $50 for a set of four images. Clearly, there's a recognized skill in how I use the tool to achieve desired results, you walnut. **Criticism 6:** "Fine, it takes some skill, but it's just work. You're just a hired gun. You're just a systems administrator (and you should feel bad)." - **Rebuttal:** To dismiss it as mere 'work' and not 'true artistry' because it involves a machine seems to circle back to our initial discussions about what constitutes art and the source of creativity. Does the involvement of technology in the creative process diminish the emotional and artistic value of the output? If we've come to accept that there is skill involved and that these skills contribute to the final artwork, why do we devalue it simply because part of the process is mechanized? Reflect on how far we've come in our understanding of art's boundaries and who gets to define them…