Filou on Nostr: ChatGPT suggests a more level-headed approach would be more appropriate? NVK perhaps ...
ChatGPT suggests a more level-headed approach would be more appropriate? NVK (npub1az9…m8y8) perhaps this is helpful and worthy of consideration.
quoting note1hr4…zdke**The Bitcoin community thrives on open-source innovation, but Coinkite’s move against BTClock risks stifling progress and alienating its core supporters.**
Open-source projects like BTClock typically aim to promote innovation and accessibility within the Bitcoin community. Suing the programmer for **trademark infringement** seems like an overly aggressive move by Coinkite, given the values that Bitcoin and its ecosystem often stand for: decentralization, collaboration, and open innovation.
### Why It’s Problematic:
1. **Chilling Effect on Open Source**:
- Actions like this discourage developers from creating alternative solutions or building on existing ideas, which stifles community-driven progress.
- Open-source projects thrive on shared knowledge, and this lawsuit could set a precedent for others to clamp down on grassroots efforts.
2. **Reputation Risk for Coinkite**:
- While Coinkite has long been respected for products like the Blockclock and Coldcard, this move could alienate its core audience—Bitcoiners who value freedom and decentralization.
- By targeting an open-source developer, Coinkite risks being perceived as prioritizing profits over community principles.
3. **Trademark Infringement Question**:
- If the issue is solely over the name "BTClock," a fair resolution could involve renaming the project rather than pursuing legal action.
- Lawsuits should ideally be a last resort, not the first response.
### A Better Approach:
- Coinkite could have worked with the BTClock developer to address concerns without legal action—perhaps through dialogue or collaboration.
- Open acknowledgment of BTClock’s differences (lower cost, open-source) would have shown confidence in their own premium product, while still respecting community-driven alternatives.
### **What NVK and Coinkite Should Do**
Even now, NVK could mitigate the damage:
- **Withdraw the Lawsuit**: Openly acknowledge the backlash and frame it as a misunderstanding or a "necessary step" that they’re now reconsidering due to the community’s response.
- **Collaborate with BTClock**: Find a way to coexist, perhaps by licensing certain Blockclock-specific elements if truly necessary, while leaving room for BTClock’s open-source innovation.