I'm slightly ashamed to say I am an favor of this. Lol.
MOST PEOPLE ACTUALLY DON'T WANT OPEN SOURCE.
ANOTHER TRUTH.
Is it unpleasant perhaps because you have not yet seen who nvk is?
Not meant in any sarcastic way...
OK, past few days were quite wild. I am currenly in El Salvador because I was attending the Adopting Bitcoin conference. My very limited internet connection here made it quite difficult to engage, I mostly just got push notifications. Hereby I want to take the opportunity to tell the story from my side.
TL;DR: We were just having fun, we thought it was okay. Apperently it's not and nvk is is so upset that he felt he had to file a GitHub takedown request. I feel that's not how bitcoiners behave.
### How it started
I have been working on the #BTClock since April '23. It started of some sort of bet where I challenged myself to make a BTC ticker as cheap as possible. I just ordered seven eInk displays on AliExpress with the intention of showing information related to bitcoin using an ESP32.
Why seven? Because the words BITCOIN and SATOSHI both consist of seven letters and connecting more screens to the ESP32 did not seem possible without adding I/O-port expanders.
Yes. The idea was inspired (among other projects) by Blockclock, which also uses eInk displays. I don't own one, so I couldn't "reverse engineer" or use any direct inspiration of it but the way you can combine multiple eInk displays to display information in an useful way is very limited.
After getting the schematic right. I created a 3D printable case for it (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6009628) and named it BTClock after someone's idea in the Dutch Noderunners community. Since it consists of seven characters I thought it's the perfect name since it fits the seven displays too.
nostr:note19zp3c8lsm4s5lwvuscu4dll3clkzvajrwthvqed5q7s83mazrr2swc6mqe
### May 2023
This allows you to create a BTClock for ±70 euro (if you own a 3D printer).
I shared the progress of the project in the MakerBits telegram group. Ben Arc checked with nvk how he felt about it, and I have seen his responsse where he replied with that he felt honored and that I should go ahead. In hindsight, I should've asked Ben to forward this to me but I wouldn't expect this to "haunt" me like it did last week.
After sharing the very spaghetti-y schematic in some Telegram groups, someone replied that he was working on making an actual PCB out of it. After some DM'ing back and forth we got our first PCB prototype that needed some work. After 4 iterations we finally got it how we wanted and were able to sell DIY kits. The PCB is real artwork, so we wanted to show it off. Therefore we added a acrylic backplate to be able to protect it while still able to see the proof-of-work by Madbo, the PCB artwork designer. We used a lot of through hole components to make it accesible for anyone who has a soldering iron.
### August 2023
In August 2023 we finally got the kits ready, while the initial plan was to only sell the DIY kit within the Dutch Noderunners community, I brought smoe with me to Baltic Honeybadger '23 as well, where it proved to be pretty succesful while sitting next to Ben in the chilling lounge.
I got a lot of encouraging and positive remarks about the project, including Daniel Prince (@princeysov) who tweeted about this (https://x.com/Princey21M/status/1698257536418267624).
It appeared that this tweet firstly poked the lion, since nvk sent some of his coinkite employees to me after this tweet, a group of 4 people asked a lot of questions while filming me (without my consent, I didn't realize this when they were asking it but when they walked away it was clear to see the iPhone was recording video).
Not a lot later, nvk sent out a tweet which was clearly about the BTClock project without explicitly mentioning the name (https://x.com/nvk/status/1698423362819682400)
However, in my opinion this did still fit the message I read he wrote to Ben that he was more flattered than upset. It was only then when I learned about how he reacted to Foundation Passport and how he behaves regarding the SeedSigner project.
### March 2024
During Bitcoin Atlantis in March 2024, there was a nice space for the MakerBits projects including the BTClock, the software by this time has many improvements, including real-time new block notifications by utilizing the Mempool.space Websocket API. Since the hardware is also open source, many alternative faceplates are available including a stainless steel one and a completely white one. Multiple people witnessed nvk walking passed the maker space while looking at me, but he did not engage or whatsoever. I would expect if he would take offense by the product, he would've approached me by now but he didn't. He does know who I am though, both in real-life and I'm posting enough on my social media accounts (Nostr and Xitter) to find me there as well.
### Fast forward to November 2024
A lot has happened in the development of the BTClock, among other things I added a BitAxe integration and Nostr Zap Notifications to the software and we managed to add frontlight to the eInk displays which I really think sets the BTClock apart from other "tickers" like the Blockclock mini.
The Blockclock mini hasn't had any updates for two years (since October 3rd, 2022) which seems to be like the Blockclick mini can be considered end-of-life.
I therefore was very suprised that when I woke up on November 14th, I received an e-mail that the BTClock GitHub organization was flagged because of alleged trademark infringement of the BTClock.
This was according to a report by Coinkite to GitHub. The letter I shared in the MakerBits Telegram group was ONLY sent to GitHub, not to me (although I haven't been home for a while so I don't know something is waiting in my physical mailbox).
Luckily git is decentralized version control and there are already mirrors of the hardware and software source available. Also GitHub allows me to appeal but haven't taken the chance to do so.
Although I do understand that the concept of trademarks exists for a reason, I feel this a very cowardly move and certainly not something that I would expect from fellow bitcoiners. Just sending me a DM on Nostr, X or Telegram is the least I would expect. I don't mean to offend or infringe, and would be happy to discuss options if open to it. Either in DM or out in the open.
I'm all about transparency so nostr:npub1az9xj85cmxv8e9j9y80lvqp97crsqdu2fpu3srwthd99qfu9qsgstam8y8 here is my invitation to discuss this out in the open. I'm sorry that we seem to upset you. what is it that bothers you, can we find a way to let the projects co-exist? Or even see if the BTClock software can adapted to your Blockclock mini hardware.
Your argument is solid. But nvk is a self absorbed dickhead who has seduced several "influencers".
If he does the right thing I'll eat my shoe.
We definitely can't be trusted. That's for sure.
This is most certainly interesting. https://rumble.com/v5n0r3h-conversation-with-naval-ravikant.html
But let me look for the interesting conversation from leftists that are pretending to be neutral/rightists.
If I can find it, I will post it here.
Suggestions?
Wait!
What if Bitcoin only has 5 digits, and after 99999 it resets to 00000?!!??
And Peter Schiff was right after all?
Has anyone thought of this?
I'd rather he be THROWN down... But I'll take it.
Bitcoin: A Homie-to-Homie Digital Cash Vibe
Satoshi THE GOAT Nakamoto
https://www.bitcoinforgenz.org/Bitcoin-Whitepaper-For-Gen-Z.pdf
I Stan Satoshi.... No cap.
Monero does something bitcoin cannot. Like a submarine can do something a fighter jet cannot.
The bitcoin community (I have been a part of it since 2011) tends to be very black and white. And in general the concept of "shitcoins" is OK... sort of.
The vast majority of "crypto" is either terrible tradeoffs (Ethereum) or a downright scam in many ways (well also Ethereum).
Many people do not think the tradeoffs Monero makes are worth the payoff.
Personally? Monero will never be what Bitcoin is. Then again many of us do not think it is trying to.
And if I needed to send value to someone with the highest assurance that my transaction was truly private Monero would DEFINITELY be one of the tools I would use.
Call it whatever you want.
"The drama due to people utter ignorance about trademark and is mostly generated and amplified by the scumbags from foundation and seed signer guy. "
That is enough to tell me all I need about your "way of being".
All I can think of now when I see this is nvk and that nonsense. Sorry about that.
Ones on the same level, yes. It can go one way too though. Just objectively.
Montreal, QC, Nov. 19, 2024.
We’re thrilled to welcome Sean Bill as our Chief Investment Officer to lead Blockstream’s new Asset Management Division.
---
Sean Bill brings over 30 years of experience in traditional finance, including roles as CIO at Prime Meridian Capital Management and Treasurer at Santa Clara VTA.
He’s a recognized leader and advocate for Bitcoin adoption in institutional portfolios.
https://x.com/PMIfunds/status/1715114451803005375
---
Sean will lead the creation of Bitcoin-based financial and investment solutions, leveraging Blockstream’s technology stack, including the Liquid Network.
“Bitcoin is hitting all-time highs and institutional interest is unprecedented.” – nostr:npub1qg8j6gdwpxlntlxlkew7eu283wzx7hmj32esch42hntdpqdgrslqv024kw, CEO.
---
New Bitcoin financial products in development:
→ Bitcoin Yield Fund: Aims to function like a money market fund for Bitcoin holders.
→ USD Yield Fund: Offers lending opportunities via bitcoin-backed loans.
These products enhance liquidity for Bitcoin holders seeking yield or access to capital.
---
These solutions will run on our Asset Management Platform (AMP), enabling tokenized assets on the nostr:npub1nyyhnqahf3cgqzcc927x7eqyd2msgplfe27ddn6hpgu2m200wh2s0s7gan.
AMP ensures security, scalability, and compliance with AML/KYC standards, bridging Bitcoin and mainstream finance.
---
The Liquid Network already supports $1.8B in real-world assets (RWAs), including stablecoins and securities, representing nearly 15% of the blockchain-based RWA market.
---
Sean’s leadership will drive Blockstream’s vision of end-to-end Bitcoin-based financial solutions forward, delivering innovative products tailored to growing institutional demand.
---
“I’m excited to join Blockstream at such a pivotal time. Together, we’ll create superior financial products that meet the evolving needs of the market.” – Sean Bill, CIO
Full press release:
https://blockstream.com/press-releases/2024-11-19-sean-bill-appointed-new-blockstream-cio/
Feels very mixed. I'm sure he can do trust reduced custody better than Blockstream. But kyc aml? Yuck.
I get it it's a complex world sizeable investors that want to be transparent for various reasons etc. It's just hard to see the nuance when we also know it's a tool used to try to destroy us.
Remaining PayPal subscriptions are being canceled in order to store less data about our customers.
https://mullvad.net/blog/remaining-paypal-subscriptions-are-being-canceled
Wanted to say one thing. And make sure nostr:npub168euw93e4cam59llcmydav0akwjk2p4nfy3p85pn22xv9y2jxuzq4s9uaw knows about ti!
This action by them made me interested. And I paid for a month with totally anonymous cryptocurrency (#monero and DONT cancel me fellow Bitcoin Maxis... Monero still does something Bitcoin just cannot yet... Or DO cancel me, I honestly do not care...) and will continue to use them most likely.
Nice move Mullvad.
nostr:note1xd844y7epq94t6awlpcdxe70v40wp8psdpjyyns6a0ng7zd7eqhqsej3y9
These people do this analysis on 2016 when a president was banned from posting in Twitter?
A big, beautiful legacy! Some day one like never before! 😁
A good observation. Little by little we have to teach people to stand their ground. Because if the big money can control it it will damage part of bitcoins decentralization.
It's a difficult problem. Because especially in large quantities self-custody becomes risky albeit a different set of risks than counterparty.
There is no way to respond to this really. If they are open to learning then the right things to say are obvious. But if the statement itself is really spoken? Very little chance of breaking through.
Call your parents. Tell them that you love them. Do it now.
https://dergigi.com/2024/11/15/he-hanged-himself-in-the-morning/
God bless you. Losing parents is a profound life experience under the best circumstances. What you are going through is extraordinarily hard.
I lost my mom just under a year ago. I can make one humble suggestion. Don't fight the grief or emotions. Embrace them as hard as it may be. They will be felt.
Much love.
Did some updates. Let's try #checkmyaddy once more
This has been the attitude of CK forever. And it is why they sell non open source products.
I will never do business with them.
Simple solution.
When the #BTClock repo is respected I will build one just for spite. lol.
I am quietly anti CK for quite some time due to their shady two faced shit.
Now. The BTClock did look like it was copying the design of the CK product. I personally would not have made that design choice if I were them. And it's not unreasonable for a company to try to protect their intellectual property if that's how they want to roll.
But in my opinion the whole thing goes completely against the spirit of Bitcoin from the very top. And not only that this is not the first time this kind of thing has happened. I run only fully open source hardware and software for my Bitcoin.
I will say this. Coinkite has the right to run their business however they like.
But I will never do business with them. And I think it's a bit interesting that so many big voices in the community back them when they attack ACTUAL FOSS and hardware projects for reasons as lame as this.
By the way. Jade is a fantastic hw wallet with real cypherpunks behind it.
To each their own I guess...
Trying #checkmyaddy in a post, as instructed.
Just testing out #checkmyaddy