Busking on Bitcoin: How Lightning Network outperforms Ethereum for tipping

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canadian band carbons Got little more than just a tip during a live performance in Kelowna, British Columbia. When passerby Ben of BTCSessions, a Youtuber and Bitcoin (BTC) teacher, noticed that the band accepted bitcoin, he had to send some magical internet money his way.

Carbon guitar case. Source: Tommy, Frontman

Tommy (frontman for The Carbons) had been in crypto since 2017, but like people new to crypto, he thought he “missed the boat.” The price per BTC was around $2500. He told Cointelegraph that he began research seriously when he:

“It felt like it was basically an insurance policy for the current monetary system. At the time, it was about $8000. It’s been a wild ride since then, but I’m playing the long game :)”

Fast forward to his live performance in Kelowna this weekend, and Tommy advertised that he accepted crypto as payment. Unfortunately, his phone broke while Ben was walking, so the pair later joined on Instagram. According to screenshots of an Instagram conversation, Tommy shared an Ethereum (ETH) address to receive donations and become Carbon’s first crypto donor.

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However, as Ben is a bitcoin maximalist, he said he would be happy to send some bitcoin – not ethereum – in his own way. Ben told Cointelegraph that, among other things, it is “the fundamental rules governing the network, and the ease (or lack thereof) with which they can be changed,” that guide his bitcoin conviction.

Ben pointed Tommy to download a bitcoin Lightning wallet, and moments later, they were instantly sending each other bitcoins over the Lightning Network (LN). Transactions on LN are virtually free of cost, and micro-transactions are easy, which prompted Tommy’s response, “That’s awesome.” By comparison, sending money on Ethereum—even at its lowest level in two years—costs more than $1.

Tommy settling in at sunset keeping the crypto sign in mind. Source: Tommy

Tommy told Cointelegraph that this was his first experience using LN, and “took an hour of research on YouTube to decide on a wallet, and then a few more minutes to figure out how to use it.”

“I didn’t hear about the Lightning Network until last week! It makes me want to trade all my Litecoin and ETH for Bitcoin!”

Carbones has since received three BTC donations, stating that “all tips help,” but it probably hasn’t moved the needle on their Spotify revenue just yet. Bitcoin expert Ben told Cointelegraph that he has been using the Lightning Network since 2018, when it was “vulgar and difficult, but it worked.” LN has since become a part of his routine:

Undoubtedly, LN is well known to the bitcoin community and has spread its roots around the world. From setting up lunches in the United Kingdom to sorting out SIM cards in Mozambique to paying for parties in Portland, United States, it’s gained traction.

related: UK ‘Bitcoin Adventure’ Shows BTC Is a Family Affair

However, awareness of LN among crypto and the wider community is weak. Ben explains why this can happen:

“There will be some who are encouraged to remain clueless as they invest deeply in coins whose value does not depend on bitcoin. However, most people probably haven’t tried it!”

Ben encourages users to try out LN, which he likens to “magic”. During IG’s conversation with Tommy, he recommended using Mun Wallet, a free self-custodial wallet for Android and iOS:

As for Tommy, he told Cointelegraph that he is now seriously considering selling all his altcoins for bitcoin. he then jokingly said on Twitter that he might change the band’s name to “The Bitcoin Buskers”.

On a heartfelt note, and in light of the devastating impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the performing arts, Tommy told Cointelegraph, “It’s been a difficult couple years for musicians,” adding that the support and community support Much appreciated.