BUIP025: BU "Bronze Sponsor" at Scaling Bitcoin, Milan, Italy

[solex]

Executive BUIP asking members for approval to spend BU funds.

This BUIP proposes that BU becomes a "bronze sponsor" for the Scaling Bitcoin conference in Milan, Italy. This will be the third "Scaling Bitcoin" conference and will be held October 8-9th. Although this conference series is arguably biased towards the "small block" perspective, the conferences have been well run and the talks have received wide exposure. Face-to-face meetings like this are important for sharing ideas and avoiding some of the "harshness" of on-line-only debates. As per the BU Articles, funds can only be allocated to sponsor this event if this BUIP is passed. Here are the details:

Cost:
- $1000 less the amount in Directed donations.
- To be paid from BU Project fund (current balance of $2650)

Benefits:
- Our Bitcoin Unlimited logo would be displayed on the conference website
- Two tickets would be reserved for BU members who want to attend
- Public show of support for the initiative.
- Opportunity to formally present Xthin and Xpedited to the dev community

Conference Website:
https://scalingbitcoin.org/milan2016/

Directed donations address:
3PhyFZZkvtAu4sMkhFVFJtVTz5c6nG6Bvd
If directed donations reach $1000 equivalent then no vote on the BUIP will be required.

Thanks to @Peter R for promoting this which is part of our ongoing attempt to win hearts and minds in the wider development community. Unlike the first two scaling conferences this one is being held at a time when Bitcoin's network effect has been arrested. It is a last throw of the dice to get real support for on-chain scaling.

EDIT: Ample funds are now received for BU Bronze-level sponsorship of this event.

 

[Peter Tschipper]

great idea!

 

[Domrada]

Suggest that you post an address and ask for donations for this purpose, so that the entire amount need not come from the project fund balance.

 

[freetrader]

>Opportunity to formally present Xthin and Xpedited to the dev community

If this can be ensured, then I think it's a good opportunity!

 

[Tomothy]

Yeah, I wouldn't want to spend a full $1000 but could probably give $50 or something. What about a gofundme or one of those things? Or just a btc address
[doublepost=1470840920][/doublepost]Also, assuming the $1000 was paid, would it be possible for you guys to attend or would you need more funds to make attendance possible. Any chance to speak too?

 

[Peter R]

Thanks for posting this @solex!

To clear up a few points, becoming a sponsor should be unrelated to whether we are able to present. To present, one must submit a proposal and have that proposal accepted. The purpose of becoming a sponsor is for the advertising and to support the initiative.

Regarding @Tomothy's question, developers and researchers can apply for $1,500 travel stipends to offset the cost of attending the conference. These are normally awarded to all speakers who apply.

Regarding @Domrada's suggestion about a donation address, I think that's a good idea. Maybe @solex can post a donation address and QR code in the above post (just create a new address in our Bitcoin Unlimited CoSign wallet).

 

[solex]

Thanks @Tomothy and everyone for the feedback. I have created an address for directed donations:
3PhyFZZkvtAu4sMkhFVFJtVTz5c6nG6Bvd

The vote will only need to authorise the shortfall (if any) between the $1000 and the balance of the address above.

 

[solex]

Massive thanks to the benefactor(s) who just donated 3.3368 BTC specifically for this initiative.
https://tradeblock.com/bitcoin/address/3PhyFZZkvtAu4sMkhFVFJtVTz5c6nG6Bvd

No vote on BUIP025 is required now.

 

[freetrader]

Wow, great news! Thanks whoever donated!

 

[Peter R]

Oh wow! Thank you so much for the generosity! I love the support the community shows for Bitcoin Unlimited!

 

[Peter R]

(notice logo at bottom left)

 

[Tomothy]

Also just wanted to give a thank you to the community member who helped support sponsorship. Speechless with the generosity.