If You Hate Ordinals, You Might Undervalue The Bitcoin Network By Mark Maraia In this opinion editorial, Mark Maraia, a professional development author and Bitcoin researcher, argues that the Bitcoin network is undervalued compared to the bitcoin asset itself. Maraia observes a debate between Bitcoin purists who believe the network is solely for sending value (bitcoin) and those who support additional uses such as inscriptions and BRC tokens. He highlights the difference between bitcoin the asset and the immutable digital ledger, or "the timechain," stating that while the highest and best use for the ledger is holding and sending value, it is not limited to that purpose. Maraia emphasizes the importance of valuing the network and protocol, seeing it as a place where messages can be permanently recorded. He references the Declaration Of Monetary Independence (DoMI), which was recorded on the timechain, and argues that the market undervalues the network. Maraia suggests that inscriptions and BRC tokens increase the perceived value of the timechain and believes that the cost for putting data on it is significantly below its potential value. The author urges humility and reverence towards the immutable ledger, recognizing that individuals may value and use it in different ways. He compares it to carving a message into a majestic oak tree, where the tree itself remains neutral. Maraia concludes by stating that instead of arguing about specific uses of the timechain, he will follow the neutral stance of the network and appreciate its potential value. |