Bitcoin’s journey from a niche digital curiosity to a heavyweight in the financial world has sparked endless debates, hype, and a dash of mystery. But there’s one label that often gets tossed around in Bitcoin circles that might not be the best fit: “community.” While it sounds warm and fuzzy, calling Bitcoin a community might be missing the mark. Let’s dive into why this term might not do justice to the sprawling, diverse, and ambitious world of Bitcoin.

“Community” Sounds Small. Bitcoin Dreams Big.

First off, “community” has this cozy, small-town vibe, suggesting a tight-knit group that’s somewhat exclusive. But isn’t Bitcoin aiming for the stars, hoping to become a global currency or the digital gold of tomorrow? By framing Bitcoin as a community, we risk painting it as a niche interest, accessible only to those in the know, rather than the open-to-all financial revolution it aims to be.

Bitcoin is for everyone, everywhere – from someone sitting in a café in Paris to a business owner in Nairobi. Calling it a community could unintentionally make it seem like an elite club, not the inclusive, borderless financial system it strives to be. Let’s not put Bitcoin in a box. It’s meant to break down walls, not build them.

“By framing Bitcoin as a community, we risk painting it as a niche interest, accessible only to those in the know, rather than the open-to-all financial revolution it aims to be.”

Bitcoiners: A Kaleidoscope of Motives and Dreams

Imagine a room full of Bitcoin enthusiasts. You’ve got the tech wizard dreaming of decentralization, the investor looking for the next big thing, the activist fighting for financial freedom, and the newcomer just trying to figure out what all the fuss is about. Labeling such a wildly diverse group as a “community” feels a bit like saying a music festival crowd is there for the same band. Sure, they’re all in the same place, but they’re dancing to different tunes.

Bitcoin connects people across the spectrum, each with their own why. Some are in it for the tech, others for the potential profits, and still others for the promise of a more inclusive financial system. This diversity isn’t a bug; it’s a feature. It’s what makes the Bitcoin space so vibrant and innovative. Let’s celebrate the myriad reasons people come to Bitcoin, not oversimplify them.

Open Doors, Not Closed Circles

Lastly, “community” can imply a bit of an echo chamber, a sense of us versus them. But if there’s anything Bitcoin stands for, it’s breaking down barriers – financial, geographical, societal. Its foundation is built on openness, transparency, and a democratic spirit that invites anyone with internet access to join in.

By sticking to the community label, we risk suggesting that Bitcoin is a closed club, wary of outsiders and new ideas. That’s the opposite of what Bitcoin is all about. It’s an open invitation to a financial evolution, asking for contributions, critiques, and participation from all corners of the globe.

“Let’s celebrate the myriad reasons people come to Bitcoin, not oversimplify them.”

Wrapping Up

While the term “community” might come from a place of affection and solidarity among Bitcoin fans, it’s worth pondering if it’s the right fit for something as expansive and inclusive as Bitcoin. This isn’t just semantics; it’s about ensuring Bitcoin remains welcoming and accessible to everyone, highlighting its potential as a global financial game-changer. So, let’s think bigger and keep the doors wide open. After all, Bitcoin isn’t just a community; it’s a movement.

Generated by ChatGPT (GPT-4) from the prompt:

“Write an argumented Op-Ed explaining why Bitcoin is not (or should not be) a community. Develop 3 arguments: 1/ Community implies minority, which is contradictory with the ambition of seing Bitcoin widely adopted as a global currency or store of value ; 2/ Community suggest some coherence between members, where bitcoiners can have very different income levels, different agendas for buying bitcoins, and very different views on Bitcoin and its future; 3/ Communities are often rejecting what’s coming from the outside, which does not fit with the ethos of Bitcoin, oriented towards openess, democracy, transparency or inclusivity.”