Addressing Ordinal Concerns: Bitcoin Decentralization And Block Space By Craig Deutsch What are some of the concerns over the decentralization of Bitcoin and the use of block space due to the increasing number of inscriptions on the network? For one, the storage space used by inscriptions continues to increase, adding approximately 210.24 GB of data to the chain each year if the block space is consistently used to its full extent. This could cause concerns for Bitcoin's future decentralization if running a full archival node becomes costly, leading to centralization of the ledger. While fees required to create inscriptions have dropped, the number of pending transactions in the mempool remains high, with no signs of letting up in the short term. The theory is that inscriptions will become a buyer of last resort for block space in times when fees are low and fewer people are transacting on-chain. This is an excerpt from a recent edition of Bitcoin Magazine PRO, Bitcoin Magazine's premium markets newsletter. To be among the first to receive these insights and other on-chain bitcoin market analysis straight to your inbox, subscribe now. |