Busking on Bitcoin: How Lightning Network outperforms Ethereum for tipping

The Canadian band The Carbons got a bit more than only a tip throughout a live show in Kelowna, Bc. When passerby Ben from BTCSessions, a Youtuber and Bitcoin (BTC) educator, saw the band recognized Bitcoin, he’d to transmit some magic internet money their way.

The Carbons’ guitar situation. Source: Tomy, the frontman

Tomy (frontman for that Carbons) have been into crypto since 2017, but like lots of people a new comer to crypto, he thought he’d “missed the boat.” The cost per BTC was around $2500. He told Cointelegraph he started research in serious as he:

“Realized it had become essentially an insurance plan for that current financial system. At that time, it had been around $8000. It has been an outrageous ride since that time, however i am playing the lengthy game :)”

Go forward to his live show in Kelowna a few days ago, and Tomy marketed he recognized crypto as payment. Regrettably, his phone was from juice at that time that Ben walked past, therefore the pair linked on Instagram afterwards. As reported by the screenshots from the Instagram conversation, Tomy shared an Ethereum (ETH) address to get a donation and be The Carbon’s first crypto donor.

However, as Ben is really a Bitcoin maximalist, he stated he’d gladly send some Bitcoin–not Ethereum–his way. Ben told Cointelegraph that, amongst other things, it’s “The foundational rules that govern the network, and also the ease (or lack thereof) that they may be altered,” that guide his Bitcoin conviction.

Ben pointed Tomy towards installing a Bitcoin Lightning wallet, and moments later, these were delivering one another Bitcoin instantly within the Lightning Network (LN). Transaction pricing is near free around the LN, and microtransactions are easy, which motivated Tomy’s response, “that’s fucking awesome.” In comparison, delivering money over Ethereum–even at its cheapest levels in 2 years–costs more than $1.

Tomy busking at sunset using the crypto register view. Source: Tomy

Tomy told Cointelegraph it had become his first experience while using LN, also it required “an hour of research online to select a wallet after which another couple of minutes to learn how to utilize it.”

“I had not learned about the Lightning Network until a week ago! It can make me wish to trade my Litecoin and ETH for Bitcoin!”

The Carbons have since received three BTC donations, adding that “all the guidelines help,” however it most likely hasn’t moved the needle on their own Spotify revenues at this time. Bitcoin expert Ben told Cointelegraph that he’s used the Lightning Network since 2018, when it had been “clunky and hard, however it labored.” LN has since explore his daily schedule:

Unquestionably, LN is well-recognized to the Bitcoin community and it has spread roots around the world. From settling up lunch within the Uk to sorting sims in Mozambique to having to pay for parties in Portland, U . s . States, it’s acquired traction.

Related: The United kingdom ‘Bitcoin Adventure’ shows BTC is really a family theme

However, understanding of the LN is weak one of the crypto and broader community. Ben explains why this can be the situation:

“There is going to be SOME who’re incentivized to stay not aware since they’re deeply invested into coins whose value is determined by Bitcoin the inability to scale. However, many people likely just haven’t attempted it!”

Ben encourages users to test the LN, that they comes even close to “magic.” Throughout the IG conversation with Tomy, he recommends while using Muun Wallet, a totally free self-custodial wallet for Android and iOS:

For Tomy, he told Cointelegraph he’s now seriously thinking about selling all his altcoins for Bitcoin. Then he joked on Twitter he might alter the band’s name to “The Bitcoin Buskers.”

On the sincere note, and considering the disastrous impact the Covid-19 Pandemic has already established on performing arts, Tomy told Cointelegraph, “It’s been a difficult couple years for musicians,” adding the support and community are greatly appreciated.

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