Merge pull request #22 from atlantabitdevs/mastering-bitcoin-whitepaper

Mastering Bitcoin Whitepaper

content/events/2023-12-13-zero-knowledge-proofs.md

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+---
+date: '2023-12-13'
+title: 'Extending Bitcoin with Zero-knowledge Proofs'
+type: Doc
+---
+
+![Zero-knowledge Proofs](/atlanta-bitdevs-zero-knowledge-proofs.jpg)
+
+Projects like <a href="https://zerosync.org/" target="_blank">ZeroSync</a> have demonstrated that Zero-knowledge Proofs can have very interesting and powerful impacts for Bitcoin. But what are ZKPs (Zero-knowledge Proofs)? <a href="https://twitter.com/_AlexLewin" target="_blank">Alex Lewin</a> gave us a crash course on how to think about ZK.
+
+If you missed it, you can <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LYCfotPRNIyn31CVXoUcD4eQTJ8lOvZBwIw-gD3YZu4/edit#slide=id.g2a67b48c49a_1_488" target="_blank">review his slide deck here</a>.

content/events/2024-01-10-mastering-bitcoin-whitepaper.md

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+---
+date: '2024-01-10'
+title: 'Mastering Bitcoin: Whitepaper & Ground Rules'
+type: Doc
+---
+
+![Mastering Bitcoin](/mastering-bitcoin-whitepaper.jpg)
+
+Join our vibrant reading discussion group as we dive into <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Bitcoin-Programming-Open-Blockchain/dp/1098150090?crid=3FFD1FN2H7TZF&keywords=mastering+bitcoin+3rd+edition&qid=1703963363&sprefix=mastering+bitcoin,aps,153&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc" target="_blank">Mastering Bitcoin</a>, the ultimate technical guide to understanding Bitcoin. Perfect for those eager to deeply grasp the intricacies of Bitcoin, this group combines a fun and supportive environment for learning complex technical concepts.
+
+Each week, we'll explore a different pair of chapters, enriching your self-reading experience. We'll provide thought-provoking questions ahead of each session to guide your reading and fuel engaging discussions. Our meetups are not just about discussing the book; they're about building a community of Bitcoin enthusiasts and builders.
+
+Discover, discuss, and delve into the world of Bitcoin with us. Your journey towards mastering Bitcoin starts here!
+
+<a href="https://www.meetup.com/atlantabitdevs/events/298229167/" target="_blank">RSVP for Meetup Here</a>
+
+## How It Works
+
+We recommend that you read up on the <a href="/page/mastering-bitcoin" target="_blank">event format</a> before you attend.
+
+## This Session
+
+In order to give people time to obtain a copy of the book, we are going to first start with the <a href="https://spiral.xyz/bitcoin.pdf" target="_blank">Bitcoin Whitepaper</a>, which can be found as an appendix in the book, but also freely available on the internet. <a href="https://spiral.xyz/bitcoin.pdf" target="_blank">Read it here</a>.
+
+### Study Questions
+
+These questions are provided to help guide your thinking as read the material. We'll try to answer these together when we meet to discuss the chapter.
+
+1. What are some problems with finance and commerce on the internet that Satoshi describes?
+2. What is a peer-to-peer system? What is the alternative to a peer-to-peer system?
+3. Discuss the role of digital signatures in Bitcoin transactions. How do they contribute to the integrity and security of the system?
+4. What's the name of the _problem_ that bitcoin solved for the first time (while other digital currencies have struggled)? How did bitcoin address this issue?
+5. Describe the proof-of-work system used in Bitcoin. How does it contribute to the security of bitcoin?
+6. How does Bitcoin ensure the validity of transactions and prevent fraudulent activities without relying on a central authority?
+7. Discuss the incentives for participants in the Bitcoin network. How do these incentives ensure the longevity and stability of the system?
+8. Explore the concept of privacy in Bitcoin transactions. How does the system maintain a balance between transparency and user privacy?
+9. Reflect on the potential implications of Bitcoin on the future of financial transactions and digital currencies.
+
+---

content/pages/mastering-bitcoin.md

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+---
+title: 'Mastering Bitcoin Reading Group'
+---
+
+![Mastering Bitcoin](/mastering-bitcoin-poster.jpg)
+
+Join our vibrant reading discussion group as we dive into <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Bitcoin-Programming-Open-Blockchain/dp/1098150090?crid=3FFD1FN2H7TZF&keywords=mastering+bitcoin+3rd+edition&qid=1703963363&sprefix=mastering+bitcoin,aps,153&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc" target="_blank">Mastering Bitcoin</a>, the ultimate technical guide to understanding Bitcoin. Perfect for those eager to deeply grasp the intricacies of Bitcoin, this group combines a fun and supportive environment for learning complex technical concepts.
+
+Each week, we'll explore a different pair of chapters, enriching your self-reading experience. We'll provide thought-provoking questions ahead of each session to guide your reading and fuel engaging discussions. Our meetups are not just about discussing the book; they're about building a community of Bitcoin enthusiasts and builders.
+
+Discover, discuss, and delve into the world of Bitcoin with us. Your journey towards mastering Bitcoin starts here!
+
+## How It Works
+
+On your own time, read this week's chapter. Show up at this event (in-person or remotely) to discuss the chapter with other participants. Each session will follow this format:
+
+1. Introductions (~5 minutes): participants are invited to introduce themselves (we will skip this if there is nobody new in the room).
+2. Gather Questions (~5-10 minutes): then, we will go around the room to quickly discern what questions people had, what people were confused about, etc. and take note of these on the whiteboard so we can discuss further.
+3. Discussion (~60 minutes): next, we will try and collectively answer the study questions together, as well as address any issues people defined in the prior step.
+4. Post-meetup Hangout (8:00pm - whenever): afterwards, those joining in-person typically go to a restaurant or bar together to socialize.
+
+## Sessions
+
+| Chapter                                                                  | Date       |
+| ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------- |
+| <a href="/events/2024-01-10-mastering-bitcoin-whitepaper">Whitepaper</a> | 2023-01-10 |
+| _More Coming Soon_                                                       |            |
+
+---
+
+## Frequently Asked Questions
+
+### Do I have to buy the book?
+
+<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Bitcoin-Programming-Open-Blockchain/dp/1098150090?crid=3FFD1FN2H7TZF&keywords=mastering+bitcoin+3rd+edition&qid=1703963363&sprefix=mastering+bitcoin,aps,153&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc" target="_blank">You can buy the book here</a>, and we recommend buying it if you plan to keep up with the reading. However, it's up to you how you do the reading. There is an older version of the book you can read for free on GitHub, but it is many years outdated compared to the 3rd Edition we'll be discussing.
+
+When buying, ensure that you are getting the **3rd Edition** and that <a href="https://twitter.com/hrdng" target="_blank">**David Harding**</a> is listed as one of the authors.
+
+### Can I join remotely?
+
+Yes, <a href="https://atlantabitdevs.org/telegram/" target="_blank">join our Telegram room</a> to be a part of the Atlanta BitDevs community chat. Here, we'll share a Jitsi link before the event where you can join the discussion.
+
+### Can I join if I haven't read this week's chapter?
+
+Even if you haven't kept up with the reading, feel free to join us! While our discussions will center around the week's selected chapters, there's always room for everyone. And don't miss the chance to continue the conversation over dinner, where any and all Bitcoin-related questions are welcome.