The case for privatizing Bitcoin Core

In a recent discussion on the Bitcoin Development Mailing List, Bryan Bishop brought up the idea of privatizing Bitcoin Core, which sparked various responses from the community. Michael Folkson, among others, contributed to the conversation by suggesting more assertive moderation on GitHub to manage the community's input more effectively. This proposal is not seen as an overreach but as a necessary step to ensure productive discussions and development progress. Folkson also hinted at the broader community's potential underutilization of existing tools such as GitHub and GitLab, which could be leveraged to mitigate coercive brigading—a form of online harassment where individuals or groups bombard a project with excessive criticism or demands. The suggestion implies that those in charge of public accounts related to Bitcoin might need additional support from individuals who are more proficient with these platforms.

Dave Scotese, another participant in the discussion, identified himself as the owner of Litmocracy and Meme Racing, as well as the webmaster for The Voluntaryist, all of which now accept Bitcoin as a form of payment. His contribution underscores the practical applications and growing acceptance of Bitcoin in various online communities and projects. By referencing a quote from Satoshi Nakamoto, "He ought to find it more profitable to play by the rules," Scotese subtly emphasizes the importance of adherence to community guidelines and the potential financial incentives for doing so within the Bitcoin ecosystem.

The discussion reflects a blend of technical and community management concerns surrounding Bitcoin Core's development. It highlights the ongoing efforts to balance open participation with the need for structured governance to thwart disruptive behaviors. Moreover, the mention of various websites accepting Bitcoin signifies the cryptocurrency's expanding role in digital commerce and content creation, further illustrating its impact beyond mere speculative investment.