LNUSDT
LINK / Tether USD
crypto

It did not stay conservative. It stayed crippled and fossilized.
https://imgur.com/a/blocksize-limit-ccTL3Jv
The 1MB block of 2009 is the 100MB block of today. Yet BTC doesn't even optimize the node for faster cheaper node running (it is possible) That tells you all you need to know. You know what is conservative? BCHs algorithmic blocksize limit. That is actually conservative.
>The real question now is whether utility can expand around BTC while keeping self custody and minimizing new trust assumptions.
Self custody on BTC is already gone for 99%. Trust will be maximized because the only way BTC+L123456 will scale is custodial. You can already see this with LN.

>Is rhis a good time to start buying BTC?
Is this a good time to start planting trees? That's how your question sounds like, mate.
Read/bookmark this guide and make sure to learn along your journey.
Congrats on the move, it's never too late, [despite new people thinking otherwise](https://old.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/rskpuf/i_have_only_600_bitcoinsi_missed_the_bus/). ONLY INVEST MONEY YOU CAN AFFORD TO LOSE.
Invest in your knowledge, learn about Bitcoin as much as you can. The Bitcoin Standard book is a must read. So is Broken Money by Lyn Alden.
Also, **don't reply any DMs**, emails, private messages on other social media, promising to buy Bitcoin from them or get rich quick by investing into some website. They all are scammers. Even the hot Asian chick, he's a scammer too.
**Price wise, nobody knows what the price will be tomorrow, next week or at the end of the year.**
**Try "Bitcoin ONLY" strategy for at least the first 210,000 block cycle**, you'll sleep much better. Newcomers lose so much money, holding garbage tokens just because someone on YT told them to. If you don't like losing money in [failed coins](https://www.coingecko.com/research/publications/how-many-cryptocurrencies-failed), avoid.
Going DCA is probably the best approach, IMHO. Once a week works best for me, but I'm getting paid weekly. If there's a 10% drop in the price since my last buy, I usually double my buy. This [DCA calculator](https://dca.bitnob.com/) might help to decide what will work best for you. In a few years, even $10 dollars a month can make a massive difference. This [DCA blog](https://er-bybitcoin.com/) is pretty interesting too and compares buying bitcoin VS stocks.
Now, don't buy some fake bitcoin at a spot ETF place or similar, **get the real thing** that you can withdraw anytime you want. Register at a proper exchange and buy real Bitcoin. Any of these will do [https://bitcoin-only.com/get-bitcoin](https://bitcoin-only.com/get-bitcoin)
Install (or buy - in case you're getting Bitcoin in Thousands of $) one or more of these wallets.
**A few good wallet choices:**
[https://blockstream.com/app/](https://blockstream.com/app/) \- Top Security Features, Open Source and Non-Custodial
[https://bluewallet.io](https://bluewallet.io/) \- excellent, easy to use wallet, Open Source and Non-Custodial
[https://www.sparrowwallet.com](https://www.sparrowwallet.com) - top desktop wallet
[https://electrum.org](https://electrum.org/) \- Solid choice, Open Source and Non-Custodial, one of the oldest and most trusted Bitcoin Wallets. I prefer the desktop version but it works on mobile too.
**Lightning wallets** to consider (cheaper and faster transactions, great for small amounts):
[https://phoenix.acinq.co/](https://phoenix.acinq.co/) \- Phoenix - very good wallet, uses Tor for extra privacy, easy for anyone new
[https://blixtwallet.github.io/](https://blixtwallet.github.io/) \- Blixt - great UI, fast and clean. The app runs a full LND node on your phone and you have the ability to easily open channels to whatever nodes you like.
[https://zeusln.com/](https://zeusln.com/) Zeus - impressive wallet with many features, can even generate Nostr keys
[https://breez.technology](https://breez.technology/) \- Breez - excellent POS for small business owners as well as integrated Bitrefill
Note: Breez does also a hybrid liquid/LN wallet called Misty Breez - the sats being on liquid means no need for channels although the payments take a few extra seconds. You'll also can get a free customable LN address.
While talking about hybrid wallets, there's also Aqua Wallet although not IMHO as good as Misty Breez.
There are also custodial LN wallet but I would honestly avoid using them because you have to trust the wallet operator not to steal your money. Their only advantage is that they are incredibly easy to use, although it might cost you big one day.
To keep up to date with spending wallets, visit r/TheLightningNetwork at least once a while and perhaps r/RGB in the future.
**Hardware Wallets** (to store larger amounts):
[Trezor](https://trezor.io/) \- Easy to use, no matter how new in Bitcoin you're. Use the Bitcoin only firmware as it's safer than a multi coin software.
[ColdCard](https://coldcardwallet.com/) - air gapped, Bitcoin only, has advanced features but a new user will do fine with one of the great tutorials available.
[BitBox02](https://bitbox.swiss/bitbox02/bitcoin-only/) - another great little device, opt for the more secure Bitcoin ONLY version (less coins = less code = less chance for a hidden bug or a backdoor)
[Jade](https://blockstream.com/jade) - air gapped, fully open source, Bitcoin only, great features. There's a newer version called Jade Plus, it has much better camera and overall is a better, although a bit more expensive, option.
You can even [build it on your own](https://github.com/Blockstream/jade/), if you feel adventurous.
[Seedsigner](https://github.com/SeedSigner/seedsigner) - another DIY, fully open source, air gapped, Bitcoin only hardware wallet, not for you if you're just starting up but something to consider later.
[Krux wallet](https://selfcustody.github.io/krux/) - one more DIY hardware device, I love this one for many reasons. Similar to Seedsigner, it's fully open source, air gapped, Bitcoin only hardware wallet, that is not for you right now if you're just starting up, but something to consider at a later stage and/or to up the security of your bitcoin.
There's also Ledger, but I wouldn't recommend it as it's not fully open source, keep and already leaked customers' details, recently said they're capable of sending customers' keys out just with a firmware update, etc. **Stay away**, save yourself a headache in the future.
Whatever wallet you'll decide to buy, purchase DIRECTLY from the manufacturer, no eBay, no Amazon.
Make sure the device is NOT preset, and you will generate your own seed words. Write them down on any piece of paper as well as the receiving address. Now wipe the wallet and generate a new wallet. If the seed words are different from the first set, you're safe to use it.
Find an option to set a passphrase and use it. This will boost the security to another level. Never store the seed words and passphrase together. Use a different medium if possible. If somebody finds both, they'll be able to steal your coin.
This little device will hold the keys to your money, that's the reason why you have to be a bit more careful. Also, no worries, if it breaks, you can replace it - as long as you keep your seed words and passphrase(s) safe.
Welcome to the rabbit hole and don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions anytime during your Bitcoin journey.
Also, [check the sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/about) that's filled with lots of great info and if you have any questions, visit r/BitcoinBeginners or r/Bitcoin and look for the answers.

It did not stay conservative. It stayed crippled and fossilized.
https://imgur.com/a/blocksize-limit-ccTL3Jv
The 1MB block of 2009 is the 100MB block of today. Yet BTC doesn't even optimize the node for faster cheaper node running (it is possible) That tells you all you need to know. You know what is conservative? BCHs algorithmic blocksize limit. That is actually conservative.
>The real question now is whether utility can expand around BTC while keeping self custody and minimizing new trust assumptions.
Self custody on BTC is already gone for 99%. Trust will be maximized because the only way BTC+L123456 will scale is custodial. You can already see this with LN.

>Is rhis a good time to start buying BTC?
Is this a good time to start planting trees? That's how your question sounds like, mate.
Read/bookmark this guide and make sure to learn along your journey.
Congrats on the move, it's never too late, [despite new people thinking otherwise](https://old.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/rskpuf/i_have_only_600_bitcoinsi_missed_the_bus/). ONLY INVEST MONEY YOU CAN AFFORD TO LOSE.
Invest in your knowledge, learn about Bitcoin as much as you can. The Bitcoin Standard book is a must read. So is Broken Money by Lyn Alden.
Also, **don't reply any DMs**, emails, private messages on other social media, promising to buy Bitcoin from them or get rich quick by investing into some website. They all are scammers. Even the hot Asian chick, he's a scammer too.
**Price wise, nobody knows what the price will be tomorrow, next week or at the end of the year.**
**Try "Bitcoin ONLY" strategy for at least the first 210,000 block cycle**, you'll sleep much better. Newcomers lose so much money, holding garbage tokens just because someone on YT told them to. If you don't like losing money in [failed coins](https://www.coingecko.com/research/publications/how-many-cryptocurrencies-failed), avoid.
Going DCA is probably the best approach, IMHO. Once a week works best for me, but I'm getting paid weekly. If there's a 10% drop in the price since my last buy, I usually double my buy. This [DCA calculator](https://dca.bitnob.com/) might help to decide what will work best for you. In a few years, even $10 dollars a month can make a massive difference. This [DCA blog](https://er-bybitcoin.com/) is pretty interesting too and compares buying bitcoin VS stocks.
Now, don't buy some fake bitcoin at a spot ETF place or similar, **get the real thing** that you can withdraw anytime you want. Register at a proper exchange and buy real Bitcoin. Any of these will do [https://bitcoin-only.com/get-bitcoin](https://bitcoin-only.com/get-bitcoin)
Install (or buy - in case you're getting Bitcoin in Thousands of $) one or more of these wallets.
**A few good wallet choices:**
[https://blockstream.com/app/](https://blockstream.com/app/) \- Top Security Features, Open Source and Non-Custodial
[https://bluewallet.io](https://bluewallet.io/) \- excellent, easy to use wallet, Open Source and Non-Custodial
[https://www.sparrowwallet.com](https://www.sparrowwallet.com) - top desktop wallet
[https://electrum.org](https://electrum.org/) \- Solid choice, Open Source and Non-Custodial, one of the oldest and most trusted Bitcoin Wallets. I prefer the desktop version but it works on mobile too.
**Lightning wallets** to consider (cheaper and faster transactions, great for small amounts):
[https://phoenix.acinq.co/](https://phoenix.acinq.co/) \- Phoenix - very good wallet, uses Tor for extra privacy, easy for anyone new
[https://blixtwallet.github.io/](https://blixtwallet.github.io/) \- Blixt - great UI, fast and clean. The app runs a full LND node on your phone and you have the ability to easily open channels to whatever nodes you like.
[https://zeusln.com/](https://zeusln.com/) Zeus - impressive wallet with many features, can even generate Nostr keys
[https://breez.technology](https://breez.technology/) \- Breez - excellent POS for small business owners as well as integrated Bitrefill
Note: Breez does also a hybrid liquid/LN wallet called Misty Breez - the sats being on liquid means no need for channels although the payments take a few extra seconds. You'll also can get a free customable LN address.
While talking about hybrid wallets, there's also Aqua Wallet although not IMHO as good as Misty Breez.
There are also custodial LN wallet but I would honestly avoid using them because you have to trust the wallet operator not to steal your money. Their only advantage is that they are incredibly easy to use, although it might cost you big one day.
To keep up to date with spending wallets, visit r/TheLightningNetwork at least once a while and perhaps r/RGB in the future.
**Hardware Wallets** (to store larger amounts):
[Trezor](https://trezor.io/) \- Easy to use, no matter how new in Bitcoin you're. Use the Bitcoin only firmware as it's safer than a multi coin software.
[ColdCard](https://coldcardwallet.com/) - air gapped, Bitcoin only, has advanced features but a new user will do fine with one of the great tutorials available.
[BitBox02](https://bitbox.swiss/bitbox02/bitcoin-only/) - another great little device, opt for the more secure Bitcoin ONLY version (less coins = less code = less chance for a hidden bug or a backdoor)
[Jade](https://blockstream.com/jade) - air gapped, fully open source, Bitcoin only, great features. There's a newer version called Jade Plus, it has much better camera and overall is a better, although a bit more expensive, option.
You can even [build it on your own](https://github.com/Blockstream/jade/), if you feel adventurous.
[Seedsigner](https://github.com/SeedSigner/seedsigner) - another DIY, fully open source, air gapped, Bitcoin only hardware wallet, not for you if you're just starting up but something to consider later.
[Krux wallet](https://selfcustody.github.io/krux/) - one more DIY hardware device, I love this one for many reasons. Similar to Seedsigner, it's fully open source, air gapped, Bitcoin only hardware wallet, that is not for you right now if you're just starting up, but something to consider at a later stage and/or to up the security of your bitcoin.
There's also Ledger, but I wouldn't recommend it as it's not fully open source, keep and already leaked customers' details, recently said they're capable of sending customers' keys out just with a firmware update, etc. **Stay away**, save yourself a headache in the future.
Whatever wallet you'll decide to buy, purchase DIRECTLY from the manufacturer, no eBay, no Amazon.
Make sure the device is NOT preset, and you will generate your own seed words. Write them down on any piece of paper as well as the receiving address. Now wipe the wallet and generate a new wallet. If the seed words are different from the first set, you're safe to use it.
Find an option to set a passphrase and use it. This will boost the security to another level. Never store the seed words and passphrase together. Use a different medium if possible. If somebody finds both, they'll be able to steal your coin.
This little device will hold the keys to your money, that's the reason why you have to be a bit more careful. Also, no worries, if it breaks, you can replace it - as long as you keep your seed words and passphrase(s) safe.
Welcome to the rabbit hole and don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions anytime during your Bitcoin journey.
Also, [check the sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/about) that's filled with lots of great info and if you have any questions, visit r/BitcoinBeginners or r/Bitcoin and look for the answers.

Take these for example:
https://old.reddit.com/user/DangerHighVoltage111/comments/1ne1qyt/ln_fails/
or these:
https://www.truthcoin.info/blog/ln-blackpill/
or the simple fact that managing channels at scale will not work no matter how they fix LN, the fact is that if you want self custody on L2 you need a transaction on L1 and crippled BTC cannot provide that at scale. It can barely provide it to the top 1% a single tx every 200 days. if you forget about banks and states. The problem is, almost no one actually checked the math and therefore almost no one understands how crippled BTC really is. They all just parrot the cheerleaders.

Thanks for the knowledge drop. 👍
> Support agents will not see this in a normal wallet scan.
>
> They cannot redirect or steal anything here.
>
> But they can fail to claim it, effectively burning it unless someone internally notices.
>
> This happens more often than people want to admit.
If support can't figure it out, how many more Normies will lose coins on LN?

Why KuCoin support is confused
Exchanges typically have:
* Deposit wallets
* Hot wallets
* Cold wallets
* LN node wallets
LN node wallets are **not connected** to user account databases.
So from their perspective:
* Their accounting system does not recognize the address
* Therefore “it does not belong to KuCoin”
* But their **node key can spend it**
Those are not contradictory statements.
>
That is correct **only if this is a** `to_remote` **output**, not `to_local`.
But note this subtlety:
* The **script is still 2 of 2**
* KuCoin **cannot spend alone**
* You also cannot spend alone
This output is meant to be swept by KuCoin’s LN node software which already has both keys internally.
Support agents will not see this in a normal wallet scan.
They cannot redirect or steal anything here.
But they can fail to claim it, effectively burning it unless someone internally notices.
This happens more often than people want to admit.

Let me try mate although I still think you posted it as a satire.
>It’s been like 15 years since Bitcoin launched and I still don’t understand what real, non-speculative problem crypto actually solved.
There's your first mistake. You started the sentence about Bitcoin (the most decentralized monetary network in the world) and finished the sentence talking about crypto (a massive umbrella covering shitcoins, DeFi, NFTs, centralized exchanges, etc).
>Every time I look into it, the use cases are:
>• number go up
That's not a use case, **number go up is just a fact**. The number isn't just the USD value it's the number of blocks, number of users, number of nodes, number of this sub subscribers, number of hashes per second, etc.
>• “store of value” (except it crashes 60% every year)
Bitcoin price never crashed 60℅ every year. It's usually over 60℅ down in ONE year out of four.
>• “banking the unbanked” (except nobody actually uses it for daily payments)
I do use Bitcoin for daily payments and I'm not even unbanked. Billions of people globally are unbanked. That's just a fact. Bitcoin is open to any of them. They don't have to use it, but they can if they wish.
>• “decentralization” (except everything runs on a few centralized exchanges)
Centralized exchanges AREN'T the Bitcoin network.
>• NFTs (lol)
Agreed, lol. Also, NOT the Bitcoin network.
>• DeFi (which keeps collapsing in scams and exploits)
Again, NOT the Bitcoin network.
>• crime
Crime is also NOT the Bitcoin network. Criminals can use Bitcoin. They also use cars, phones, cash, water, shoes, and the internet. Would you say the use case of a car or water is crime? Silly, isn't it.
>• tax evasion
Bitcoin being an open ledger makes it a really poor tool for tax evasion. Cash is much better for that.
>• ransomware
Very good tool for moving money from a stranger to another stranger. Some people would call it the perfect money.
>• gambling with extra steps
Why do you think people use extra steps? Because they are forbidden to use their own money in online casinos so they use something that actually works as permission less money. That's another example of perfect money.
>And every actual mainstream use case people promised:
>• faster payments
r/TheLightingNetwork does that
>• cheaper remittances
Again, r/Thelightningnetwork.
>• smart contracts replacing lawyers
The LN is built on smart contracts. Also, r/RGB
>• decentralized social media
Nostr, bitchat.
>• Web3 apps replacing Web2
Most of web3 is just scammers IMHO.
>Either never happened or turned into worse versions of existing systems.
Comparing apples and oranges, mate. If you're expecting nostr overtaking Instagram or reddit anytime soon, you're just naïve.
>At this point it feels like crypto isn’t a technology anymore, it’s a speculative asset class with a tech aesthetic.
Crypto is just a bunch of scammers, distinguish it from Bitcoin if you want to have a discussion about Bitcoin.
>Like:
>If you strip away:
>• price charts
>• hype cycles
>• VCs
>• influencers
>• Telegram groups
>• memes
>• “we’re early” cope
>What’s actually left?
>A slow, expensive database that can’t be changed and burns electricity to agree on numbers.
Money is just numbers. You don't have to have any. The life just gets much more difficult.
>I’m not even anti-crypto.
I am.
>I just don’t get why people still act like mass adoption is “just around the corner” when every real-world attempt at using it keeps failing.
I believe the adoption will keep going up. I don't think the mass adoption is just around the corner, though.
>So what’s the actual killer app here?
Magic internet money. Always has been.
>Not future promises.
>Not “in theory.”
>Not “number go up.”
>What concrete thing does crypto do better than existing systems today?
Not crypto, Bitcoin. You already mentioned some use cases where Bitcoin is the preferred option like online gambling, banking the unbanked.
Perhaps read the white paper, **Bitcoin is money nobody can duck with**. If you're happy with the existing systems, stick to them, **nobody is forcing you to use Bitcoin**.

Nobody believes that dusty meme anymore. People dropped the medium of exchange line over half a decade ago when LN failed to solve scaling.

The lightning network is a second-layer solution on top of the Bitcoin blockchain that enables quick, cheap and scalable Bitcoin payments.
Here is the place to discuss and learn more about lightning!
Ask your questions about lightning
Provide reviews, feedback, comparisons of LN apps, services, websites etc
Learn about new LN features, development, apps
Link to good quality resources (articles, wikis etc)
Resources:
* Here is an awesome list of resources compiled by Jameson Lopp: https://bitcoinfo.org/lightning.html
* Want to test out your lightning fire power? tip the Bitcoin devs! https://bitcoindevlist.com/
* Previous threads: [Search](https://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/search?q=Lightning+Thursday&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=new&t=all)
* Lnbook getting closer towards being finished and can already be seen at: https://github.com/lnbook/lnbook
* Lightning Dedicated YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/renepickhardt
* Also there is the playlist by chaincode labs: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpLH33TRghT17_U3as2P3vHfAGL8pSOOY
* Lightning stores: https://www.lightningnetworkstores.com/
* Learn more and talk about lightning right here in r/Bitcoin, r/bitcoinbeginners, r/thelightningnetwork, and [the BitcoinDiscord.com chat](https://discord.gg/qE3rWBRNqh)