On the eve of Bitcoin 2023 in Miami, Elisha Owusu Akyaw from Cointelegraph spoke with journalist Joe Hall about the current state of the Bitcoin network and what it means to be a Bitcoin supporter. Their conversation touched on various aspects of Bitcoin, from living on the Bitcoin standard to the different labels within the community.
Joe Hall’s first experience with Bitcoin came from buying things online, and his initial impression was that it had its difficulties. However, over the years, as his research deepened, Hall began to recognize the revolutionary potential of Bitcoin in global finance.
The Bitcoin ecosystem has evolved to include a variety of philosophies intending to define its place in the broader cryptocurrency market and reflect the views of its community members. Hall points out that multiple labels, such as purists, minimalists, moderates, and maximalists, have emerged from these philosophies. These labels can sometimes create a toxic environment, but at the same time, there’s a good reason for their existence and use.
When it comes to identifying as a Bitcoin maximalist, Hall explains that these individuals aim to maximize the impact of Bitcoin and use it exclusively, without holding or using any other cryptocurrencies. While his line of work requires experimentation with other crypto-related platforms, Hall still shares his experiences living on the Bitcoin standard for the past few years.
According to Hall, living on Bitcoin is easier than living on the British pound because more people accept BTC in different places compared to the pound. However, he also acknowledges the challenges of using Bitcoin, such as tax payment and price volatility. On the other hand, some might argue that price volatility can occasionally serve as an advantage.
The conversation between Akyaw and Hall sheds light on the diverse perspectives within the Bitcoin community. As Bitcoin continues to grow in influence and popularity, understanding these varying views will become increasingly important for both new and seasoned enthusiasts. By exploring the pros and cons of different aspects of the network, such as the Bitcoin standard and various philosophies, this discussion offers valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of the first cryptocurrency.
To learn more about this and other crypto-related topics, be sure to check out the latest episode of Hashing It Out featuring Joe Hall, available on various podcast platforms, and visit the Cointelegraph Podcasts page.
Source: Cointelegraph
