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Whether the block size should be increased to 20MB has created more controversy than any other question in Bitcoin's recent history. For some, it is an urgent and necessary step in Bitcoin's evolution. Their view is that leaving the block size at 1MB would be irresponsible inaction with potentially catastrophic consequences. Others see increasing the block size as unnecessary and a dangerous first step down a slippery slope towards a more centralized Bitcoin.

We were joined by Mike Hearn, along with Gavin Andresen the most outspoken supporter of a block size increase. He is also the creator of Bitcoin XT, a modified fork of Bitcoin Core, that may become the vehicle for the push for bigger blocks if no agreement is reached regarding Bitcoin Core. Don't miss this crucial conversation!

Topics included:
- What would happen if blocks started being consistently full
- Whether bigger blocks create a centralization risk
- Why Bitcoin core development has become pervaded with toxic division
- What Bitcoin XT is and how it differs from Bitcoin Core
- The roadmap ahead and how a transition to BitcoinXT would occur
- Update on Lighthouse

Links mentioned in this episode: 

- The Capacity Cliff: http://bit.ly/1Ap8NRP
- Crash Landing: http://bit.ly/1HrOhNd
- Let's Talk Bitcoin! #217 The Bitcoin Block Size Discussion: http://bit.ly/1dXmOvU
- Gavin Andresen Moves Ahead with Push for Bigger Blocks: http://bit.ly/1FKzgFf
- Bitcoin Dev Mailing List: http://bit.ly/1QEhsS8
- Lighthouse: http://bit.ly/1eXxwCP

Sponsors: 

- CoinCap: Crypto-currency market cap rankings, charts, and more http://coincap.io/#/
- Ledger Nano: Smart card security for your Bitcoins - Get 10% off your first order when you use the code EB09 at http://ledgerwallet.com (valid until 09/30/15)
- Vaultoro: Trade gold to Bitcoin instantly and securely starting at just 1mg at http://vaultoro.com

Show notes: http://epicenterbitcoin.com/podcast/082
YouTube: http://youtu.be/8JmvkyQyD8w


Epicenter Bitcoin is hosted by Brian Fabian Crain & Sébastien Couture.
 
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EB82 – Mike Hearn - Blocksize Debate At The Breaking Point

Epicenter is a podcast about the technologies, projects & people driving decentralization and the global blockchain revolution.

Epicenter is hosted by Brian Fabian Crain, Sebastien Couture and Meher Roy. Every week, we find the most interesting people in the industry for in-depth discussions about their projects, ideas and stories.