bitcoin-dev

Adding New BIP Editors

Adding New BIP Editors

Original Postby Michael Folkson

Posted on: April 21, 2024 17:57 UTC

The discourse provided sheds light on the nuanced role of Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) editors within the Bitcoin development ecosystem.

It emphasizes that BIP editors do not possess the authority to dictate which soft forks are activated on the Bitcoin network, likening their responsibilities to those of a janitorial nature. This clarification arises from a question regarding whether BIP authors have carte blanche to include any content, even potentially false or misleading statements, in their BIPs once a number is allocated to them.

Further elaboration reveals a distinction between the operational duties of BIP editors and the expectations placed upon them. While it is noted that BIP editors are not empowered to make unilateral decisions regarding the acceptance or rejection of changes based on content quality or veracity, there's an implicit expectation for them to ensure that BIPs maintain a high standard of quality and do not contain misinformation. This expectation stems from the understanding that false or misleading information could significantly derail the process of activating new features on the Bitcoin network.

A hypothetical scenario is proposed to underscore the potential consequences of a laissez-faire approach to BIP content management: if a BIP author—or champion—were to publish unverified claims about the activation status of a soft fork, it could mislead participants about its implementation status, especially claims suggesting endorsement or future integration by significant projects like Bitcoin Core. This scenario illustrates the critical balance BIP editors must strike between not overstepping their bounds and preventing the dissemination of harmful misinformation.

The conversation concludes with a reflection on the fragility of the BIP process. A single malicious actor with the ability to author a BIP could, theoretically, undermine the credibility and functionality of the entire BIP editing and approval mechanism. This observation points to the broader challenges faced by decentralized systems in maintaining integrity and trust, especially when governance roles are limited in scope and authority.