Posted by Murch
Dec 2, 2025/00:29 UTC
In the ongoing discussion about the Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) review process, there seems to be some confusion regarding the decision-making mechanism for establishing rough consensus on BIPs. The clarification made emphasizes that the evaluation of whether there is a rough consensus is not a unilateral decision but a collective one, as indicated by the use of "we" in previous communications. This approach underlines the collaborative nature of the decision-making process, aiming to involve multiple stakeholders rather than relying on a single individual's judgment.
Historically, the number of BIP Editors has been limited, with no more than two active until the recent increase last April. The suggestion to require two non-author BIP Editors to make amendments to Process BIPs raises concerns due to the traditionally low number of BIP Editors. This requirement could potentially hinder the ability to add more BIP Editors under normal circumstances, suggesting a need for flexibility in the process to accommodate varying levels of participation and to ensure operational feasibility.
The discussion also touches on the specific case of activating BIP 3, with an acknowledgment that the call for its activation would not solely rely on an individual's discretion. This indicates an ongoing consideration of how best to implement criteria for achieving consensus, highlighting the complexity of managing a decentralized development process. The conversation reflects a broader dialogue within the Bitcoin development community on optimizing governance mechanisms to effectively manage and evolve the cryptocurrency's underlying technology.
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Nov 5 - Dec 16, 2025
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