The Bitcoin Magazine's stance on Bitcoin Layer 2 has sparked negative reviews

Bitcoin Magazine stands firm on its editorial policy regarding the coverage of layer two protocols integrated with the Bitcoin network.

Reevaluation of Bitcoin Script Potential

Recent developments, notably the introduction of the Ordinals protocol and the BitVM white paper in 2023, have sparked a reassessment of Bitcoin script's capabilities. This shift highlights Bitcoin's growing prominence within the broader cryptocurrency landscape, attracting demand from other blockchain networks.

Since its inception 15 years ago, developers have consistently explored avenues to enhance Bitcoin's functionality. From early ventures like Liquid and Rootstock to the promising Layer 2 solutions on the horizon, Bitcoin Magazine has remained dedicated to authentic scaling endeavors.

Combatting Venture Capital Investments Exploiting Bitcoin Layer 2 Technology Risks

Amidst this surge of interest in Bitcoin Layer 2 technologies, Bitcoin Magazine recognizes the emergence of opportunistic projects leveraging these advancements for token marketing schemes. In response, the Editorial Board seeks to clarify its stance on Layer 2 coverage.

The New Standard for Bitcoin Layer 2 Protocols

To merit coverage, a Bitcoin Layer 2 protocol must adhere to the following criteria:

• Native Asset Usage: The protocol must be fundamentally designed to utilise bitcoin as its primary asset and fee payment mechanism. Any accompanying token must be backed by bitcoin.
• Settlement via Bitcoin: Users must have the capability to exit the Layer 2 system, with funds returned to Layer 1 via a specified mechanism, whether trusted or trustless.
• Dependency on Bitcoin: The protocol must demonstrate a functional reliance on Bitcoin. Should Bitcoin encounter a catastrophic failure while the system remains operational, it would not qualify as a Layer 2 of Bitcoin.

The Inadequate Protocols of Bitcoin Layer 2

Protocols that fall outside the Layer 2 category but may still warrant coverage include:

• Meta Protocols: Examples include Counterparty (XCP) or Ordinals, which operate within the Bitcoin protocol's framework on Layer 1 without separate blockchains.
• 'Parasite' Layers: These systems rely on Bitcoin's existence but fail to meet other Layer 2 criteria. Bitcoin Magazine refrains from covering such protocols.

Mindao (Twitter Blockchain KOL) has a very sharp perspective, defining most Bitcoin layer 2 applications as bandits. Let's take a look at some interesting responses together：

"Given these three conditions, Merlin may also be considered compliant, even though @MerlinLayer2 has openly clarified that it is 'currently a sidechain, not a true BTC L2.'"

Merlin,dead,
B2 dead
Unisat scheme,dead
BEVM dead
EVM scheme, all dead

Wait and see if there are opportunities for AVM and BitVM.

The Bitcoin Layer 2 Protocol is Continuously Improving

Bitcoin Magazine reaffirms its commitment to covering layer two protocols integrated with the Bitcoin network. Recent advancements in Bitcoin Script's capabilities, such as the Ordinals protocol and BitVM white paper, highlight Bitcoin's increasing importance in the cryptocurrency landscape. The magazine emphasizes authentic scaling efforts while cautioning against opportunistic projects. Criteria for coverage include native asset usage, settlement via Bitcoin, and dependency on Bitcoin, excluding protocols that don't meet these standards like meta protocols and 'parasite' layers.

As purists in the Crypto industry, Bitcoin Magazine has always been committed to maintaining the purity of Bitcoin's lineage. From a standpoint, it continues to represent the Bitcoin community, bridging conflicts between Bitcoin miners, full node operators, and BTC holders worldwide. Its recent defense of Layer 2 standards once again delineates boundaries, serving as a blow to some projects, intentionally or unintentionally causing misguidance. However, to those projects, aren't they just attempting innovation?

Conflicts will persist, especially during bull markets when various novel projects emerge. Whether conservative or radical, Bitcoin Magazine's blanket approach indeed prevents misleading projects from deceiving investors through its reporting. Thus, by safeguarding Bitcoin's pure lineage and avoiding potential troubles stemming from investor misguidance, everything falls into place.