Udi Wertheimer discusses Bitcoin Core's controversial OP_RETURN changes, mounting community backlash, and why Core developers are losing social capital with Bitcoiners over technical decisions they can't properly communicate.

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Udi Wertheimer, co-founder of the Taproot Wizards and famous Bitcoin provocateur, joins us to talk about the explosive OP_RETURN debate dividing the Bitcoin community. We dive deep into why Bitcoin Core developers are facing unprecedented backlash, how they've lost touch with newer Bitcoiners, and what Greg Maxwell's sudden reappearance signals about Core's weakening position. Udi offers surprising insights on both sides and proposes solutions for rebuilding trust between developers and the community.

Follow our guests: @udiwertheimer

**Notes:**

• OP_RETURN controversy spans over a decade

• Greg Maxwell returns after years of silence

• Core devs disconnected from 5+ year Bitcoiners

• ~50 readers engage with Bitcoin OpTech weekly

• 6-month delay suggested for PR merge

• JPEGs benefit from controversy attention

Timestamps:

00:00 Start

03:08 OP_RETURN Debate Summary

10:21 SPAM on Bitcoin

17:17 Is this a Core blunder?

27:26 How SHOULD Core do?

34:42 What if Core doesn't communicate better?

37:38 What does a pleb do?

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