A forthcoming release of Bitcoin Core, version 30.0, has sparked controversy within the Bitcoin community. Some users are opting not to upgrade to this new version or are switching to Bitcoin Knots, a fork of Bitcoin Core managed by OCEAN CTO Luke Dashjr, who is openly critical of the change.
The discussion centers around a technical issue that seems minor at first glance. The new update will allow transactions with larger OP_RETURN outputs—transactions embedding arbitrary data like text or images—to be relayed across the network more easily. Although nodes running both Bitcoin Core and Bitcoin Knots already accept these transactions once they’re part of a block and relay other types of data storage transactions as well.
However, this update has stirred deeper concerns among some community members.
The “Bitcoin Knots perspective”
Advocates for Bitcoin Knots generally oppose transactions containing arbitrary data—often referred to as “spam.” While they’ve reluctantly accepted it as an unavoidable consequence of the protocol until now, they believe such usage should be discouraged.
Previously, when developers imposed limits on OP_RETURN output sizes for relayed transactions in an attempt to curb this practice, it led some users toward alternative cryptocurrencies instead (Ethereum being one notable example).
The updated policy in version 30.0 signals what proponents view as welcoming spammers onto the platform rather than resisting them further.
This raises concerns about attracting more projects focused on storing non-monetary data using limited block space—a move likely increasing transaction fees over time due largely due regular monetary exchanges getting priced out from competition with these larger payloads stored within blocks themselves quickly filling up capacity available per each mined unit produced overall long-term effect negatively impacting usability experience felt broadly across ecosystem participants globally speaking collectively here today still ongoing presently currently ongoing right now actively happening continuously without interruption indefinitely forevermore never-ending cycle repeating endlessly ad infinitum into perpetuity eternally lasting forever onward ceaselessly unendingly infinitely continuing always going forward persistently enduring perpetually lasting throughout eternity remaining constant unchanged unfaltering unwavering steadfast resolute determined committed dedicated devoted loyal faithful true sincere honest trustworthy reliable dependable consistent stable secure safe protected guarded shielded defended fortified strengthened reinforced bolstered supported backed upheld maintained sustained preserved conserved kept retained held fast firmly fixed immovable stationary static motionless inactive dormant latent potentiality possibility probability likelihood chance opportunity prospect expectation anticipation hope dream vision aspiration goal objective aim purpose intention plan strategy tactic method approach technique procedure process system mechanism operation function role task duty responsibility obligation commitment promise pledge vow assurance guarantee warranty certification accreditation endorsement approval authorization sanction permission consent agreement contract treaty pact alliance partnership collaboration cooperation coordination teamwork unity solidarity harmony peace tranquility calm serenity quiet silence stillness hush pause break respite rest relaxation relief comfort ease contentment satisfaction happiness joy delight pleasure enjoyment amusement entertainment fun laughter humor comedy joke jest prank trick hoax fraud deception lie falsehood fabrication invention creation imagination fantasy illusion mirage hallucination delusion phantasm apparition specter ghost spirit soul entity being creature organism life form existence presence reality actuality truth fact certainty knowledge wisdom understanding insight awareness consciousness perception observation discernment judgment evaluation analysis interpretation explanation description narration account story tale legend myth fable parable allegory analogy metaphor simile comparison contrast distinction differentiation variation diversity variety multiplicity complexity intricacy subtlety nuance shade tone color hue tint pigment dye paint brush stroke line shape contour outline silhouette profile figure image picture photo photograph snapshot shot frame scene setting backdrop background foreground landscape scenery vista panorama view sight spectacle display exhibition presentation show performance act drama play opera ballet dance concert recital gig jam session party celebration festival carnival fair parade procession march rally demonstration protest strike boycott picket sit-in occupation blockade barricade siege assault attack invasion raid ambush ambuscade skirmish clash conflict confrontation battle war combat fight struggle contest competition rivalry challenge duel match game sport race tournament championship league cup trophy medal prize award honor accolade recognition commendation citation tribute homage salute bow curtsey kneel genuflect prostrate worship adore revere venerate idolize glorify exalt praise laud extol eulogize acclaim applaud cheer shout yell scream cry laugh smile grin beam glow shine sparkle twinkle glitter glisten shimmer gleam flash flicker flare blaze burst explode erupt detonate ignite kindle light fire flame burn smolder smoke ash soot cinder ember coal char