比特幣挖礦為農村社區帶來隱性賦能

威爾·福克斯利(Will Foxley) 的一部新紀錄片《The Big Empty》探討了比特幣挖礦對德克薩斯州斯普爾(Spur) 的多方面影響，這座小鎮因該行業的存在而煥發了活力。儘管對能源消耗的擔憂，但影片強調了比特幣礦工的積極貢獻，例如創造就業機會、基礎設施升級和社區參與。 Galaxy Digital 對支持 Spur 的承諾，包括重新開放城鎮泳池，顯示了比特幣挖礦在改善當地福祉以及促進科技與小鎮生活之間互利關係的潛力。

The Hidden Impact of Crypto: Unveiling the Transformational Power of Bitcoin Mining in Rural Communities

加密貨幣的隱藏影響：揭示農村社區比特幣挖礦的變革力量

In the digital realm, where the ethereal nature of cryptocurrencies often overshadows their tangible impact, a new documentary sheds light on the transformative role Bitcoin mining is playing in the lives of rural communities. "The Big Empty," directed by ex-CoinDesker turned independent crypto media mogul Will Foxley, chronicles the arrival of digital asset heavyweight Galaxy Digital in the small, desolate city of Spur, Texas, revealing an unexpected story of revitalization and community empowerment.

在數位領域，加密貨幣的虛無縹緲的本質常常掩蓋了其有形的影響，一部新的紀錄片揭示了比特幣挖礦在農村社區生活中發揮的變革作用。 《The Big Empty》由前CoinDesker 轉型為獨立加密媒體大亨Will Foxley 執導，記錄了數位資產重量級Galaxy Digital 來到德克薩斯州斯普爾這座荒涼小城的故事，揭示了一個關於復興和社區賦權的意想不到的故事。

Far removed from the intense energy consumption debate that typically dominates discussions about Bitcoin mining, "The Big Empty" places human experiences at its core. It delves into the lives of former East Coast Galaxy employees who uprooted their existence to embrace a new chapter in West Texas, the struggles and resilience of local families deeply rooted in the region, and the transformative impact of a burgeoning industry on the lives of ordinary people.

遠離通常主導比特幣挖礦討論的激烈能源消耗爭論，「The Big Empty」將人類體驗置於其核心。它深入探討了前東海岸銀河員工的生活，他們背井離鄉，在西德克薩斯州開啟了新的篇章，深入紮根於該地區的當地家庭的掙扎和恢復力，以及新興行業對普通人生活的變革性影響人們。

The documentary highlights the inherent tension embedded in Bitcoin's design, where its proof-of-work algorithm fuels an unyielding energy consumption without limits. Yet, on the ground, this debate seems muted. The looming threat of climate change and the miners' energy mix appear as distant concerns as Bitcoin itself. In Spur, residents' concerns primarily revolve around the job opportunities provided by the giant Helios mine operating a few miles away.

這部紀錄片強調了比特幣設計中固有的張力，其工作量證明演算法無限制地推動了能源消耗。然而，從實際情況來看，這場爭論似乎平淡無奇。迫在眉睫的氣候變遷威脅和礦工的能源結構似乎與比特幣本身一樣遙遠。在斯普爾，居民的擔憂主要圍繞在幾英里外運營的巨型赫利俄斯礦提供的就業機會。

"The small towns [bitcoin mines] inhabit often don't have many high paying or stable jobs," Foxley observed in an interview with CoinDesk. "There may be a few retail shops, convenience stores, things like that, but it's not a lot."

「比特幣礦場所在的小鎮通常沒有很多高薪或穩定的工作，」福克斯利在接受 CoinDesk 採訪時說道。 “可能會有一些零售店、便利商店之類的，但不是很多。”

While it would be an exaggeration to attribute the revitalization of Spur solely to Galaxy's presence, its impact is undeniable. The documentary showcases Galaxy's efforts to make a positive contribution, such as reopening a beloved public pool. However, it also emphasizes the ongoing challenge of maintaining these efforts and the importance of fostering harmonious relationships with the community.

雖然將熱刺的復興僅歸功於銀河的存在有些誇張，但其影響是不可否認的。這部紀錄片展示了銀河公司做出積極貢獻的努力，例如重新開放深受喜愛的公共游泳池。然而，它也強調了維持這些努力所面臨的持續挑戰以及促進與社區和諧關係的重要性。

Speaking about his latest documentary, Foxley explains, "It was definitely a very strong team, so I can't take all the credit. This would be my third mining specific film and fourth bitcoin doc. It's my longest by far — I personally call it my first short film. I don't know the difference between a short film or a documentary or mini doc. I'll probably submit it to some film festivals to try to get some more traction. Will definitely screen it at some bitcoin meetups and events."

談到他的最新紀錄片，福克斯利解釋道，「這絕對是一個非常強大的團隊，所以我不能把所有的功勞都歸功於我。這將是我的第三部採礦特定電影和第四部比特幣文檔。這是迄今為止我最長的紀錄片——我個人稱之為這是我的第一部短片。我不知道短片、紀錄片或迷你文檔之間的區別。我可能會將其提交給一些電影節，以嘗試獲得更多關注。肯定會在一些比特幣聚會上放映它和事件。”

Foxley witnessed firsthand the revitalizing effects of Bitcoin mining during his travels across the country. He observed, "Bitcoin miners are flocking to small towns because that's often where there's excess energy from industries that have left or cheaper power from overbuilt substations and power stations. It's a natural place for bitcoin miners to go because they have to chase cheap energy."

福克斯利在全國旅行期間親眼目睹了比特幣挖礦的振興效應。他觀察到，「比特幣礦工湧向小鎮，因為那裡往往有來自工業剩餘的過剩能源，或來自過度建設的變電站和發電廠的廉價電力。這是比特幣礦工自然而然的去處，因為他們必須追逐廉價能源。 ”

"The small towns they inhabit often don't have many high paying or stable jobs. They don't have any sort of industry at this point. There may be a few retail shops, convenience stores, things like that, but it's not a lot. To really revitalize a town you need some sort of industry," Foxley added.

「他們居住的小鎮通常沒有很多高薪或穩定的工作。他們目前沒有任何工業。可能有一些零售店、便利商店之類的東西，但這不是一個「很多。要真正振興一個城鎮，你需要某種工業，」福克斯利補充道。

Bitcoin mining presents a unique opportunity for rural communities. While the mines themselves may not generate a significant number of jobs, they stimulate a range of ancillary industries. The documentary highlights the numerous individuals employed in contracting, construction, transportation, security, and other related fields. Even the planned opening of a kitchen to feed the mine's 40 workers will create new employment opportunities.

比特幣挖礦為農村社區提供了一個獨特的機會。雖然礦場本身可能不會創造大量就業機會，但它們刺激了一系列輔助產業。這部紀錄片重點介紹了承包、建築、運輸、安全和其他相關領域的眾多人員。甚至計劃開設一個廚房來為礦場 40 名工人提供食物，這也將創造新的就業機會。

Foxley estimates that technicians in the Bitcoin mining industry typically earn double the minimum wage, with salaries ranging from $20 to $30 per hour, scaling up based on experience and responsibilities. Notably, Galaxy pays 20% above the local wage, further elevating the standard of living for many residents.

Foxley 估計，比特幣挖礦行業的技術人員的收入通常是最低工資的兩倍，工資在每小時 20 美元到 30 美元之間，根據經驗和職責而增加。值得注意的是，銀河支付的工資比當地工資高出20%，進一步提高了許多居民的生活水準。

Foxley's decision to focus on Galaxy and Spur was influenced by the company's willingness to open its doors and the town's receptiveness to a documentary crew. He was particularly drawn to the unique story of small-town integration and the participation of residents in the life of the mine.

福克斯利決定將重點放在銀河和馬刺上，是受到該公司敞開大門的意願以及該鎮對紀錄片攝製組的接受程度的影響。他對小鎮融合和居民參與礦井生活的獨特故事特別感興趣。

"The second thing — there's a lot of these Texas bitcoin mining stories that I’m not very interested in because people tend to focus on the energy or bitcoin side of things. I was really interested in the small town story, and participating in town life. Most people we talked to were immediately open to having a conversation or dialogue, which made it more attractive when we scoped it out last year,"

「第二件事 - 有很多德克薩斯州的比特幣挖礦故事我不太感興趣，因為人們傾向於關注事物的能源或比特幣方面。我對小鎮故事以及參與城鎮非常感興趣“生活。與我們交談過的大多數人都立即願意進行對話或對話，這使得當我們去年進行調查時變得更有吸引力，”