/**
* file: chatgpt_karbytes_29july2025_p0.txt
* type: plain-text
* date: 29_JULY_2025
* author: karbytes
* license: PUBLIC_DOMAIN
*/
The following is a plain-text transcript of a conversation between karbytes and ChatGPT-4o which took place between 11:59PM Pacific Standard Time on 28_JULY_2025 and 11:59PM Pacific Standard Time on 29_JULY_2025. The conversation pertains to karbytes' incorporating Bitcoin as a donation option on the home page of Karlina Object dot WordPress dot Com and on the home page of Karbytes For Life Blog dot WordPress dot Com. During this conversation, ChatGPT generated HTML code which generates a QR code which site visitors can simply scan with their smartphone cameras to instantly generate karbytes' Bitcoin address (which enables karbytes to receive Bitcoin payments via the Coinbase cryptocurrency exchange).
Further Reading:
QR Code (i.e. quick-response code): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code
Bitcoin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitcoin
Coinbase: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coinbase
* * *
karbytes:
It was suggested to me by the Voices that I use cryptocurrency as a form of being paid through my website, instead of just PayPal.
ChatGPT:
That suggestion makes sense — especially given the themes and independence of your websites. Accepting cryptocurrency could give you more autonomy, potentially reduce some reliance on traditional payment processors like PayPal, and offer your readers/supporters more flexibility.
A few key things to consider before you set it up:
🔑 Benefits
- Privacy & Independence: You’re not tied to PayPal or banks that might restrict content or freeze funds.
- Global Access: Anyone, anywhere, can support you without needing a credit card or PayPal account.
- Control of Funds: With self-custody (e.g. hardware wallet), no third party can block or reverse payments.
- Low Fees (depending on the coin and network).
⚠️ Potential Drawbacks
- Volatility: Value of Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc. can fluctuate quickly.
- Complexity for Users: Some of your readers may find crypto confusing.
- Security Risks: If you don’t secure your wallet properly, funds could be stolen.
- Tax Implications: In the U.S., crypto income is taxable and must be reported.
🚀 Ways You Could Accept Crypto on Your Website
1. Static Wallet Address
- You publish a BTC / ETH / Monero address (or a QR code) on a donations page.
- Simple, no fees, but you’ll need to check for payments manually.
2. Payment Buttons / Widgets
- Use services like BTCPay Server (self-hosted, very private) or Coinbase Commerce (easier, less private).
- Integrates into WordPress pages, automatically updates prices, and confirms transactions.
3. Third‑Party Plugins for WordPress
- Plugins like Accept Bitcoin Donations, MyCryptoCheckout, or GoURL.
- Many support multiple coins.
4. Privacy Coins (e.g. Monero)
If anonymity is important, Monero is a strong option — but fewer users have it compared to Bitcoin.
✨ Tip: You could start simple by adding a static Bitcoin and Monero address (with QR codes) on your PUBLIC_DOMAIN page, then expand later with automated checkout if it gains traction.
Would you like me to draft some example donation box code (HTML + QR image integration) that you could embed on your karlinaobject.wordpress.com site so people can easily pay you in crypto?
karbytes:
[relevant_web_page: https://karbytesforlifeblog.wordpress.com/karbytes_journal_2023_entry_15/]
I already have a Coinbase account, and I've received funds through it, and I've also donated funds through it, I think in Bitcoin or Ethereum. It's been several years. There are some blog posts on my blog which contain details about that.
ChatGPT:
That’s good to hear — since you already have a Coinbase account and a history of using it for both receiving and sending Bitcoin or Ethereum, you’re already past the steepest part of the crypto learning curve. That gives you a couple of clear paths forward, depending on how much control vs. convenience you want.
Here’s how you could move from where you are now to adding crypto support to your blog:
🔹 Option 1: Simple Donation Addresses
- Log into Coinbase, generate a new Bitcoin or Ethereum address (for security, use a fresh one for public display).
- Copy the address or QR code.
- Embed it on your blog in a donations section.
Example snippet (replace with your actual address/QR code):
[html]
Support My Work with Cryptocurrency
You can donate Bitcoin here:
BTC Address: 1YourBitcoinAddressHere
You can donate Ethereum here:
ETH Address: 0xYourEthereumAddressHere
[end html]
(You could make the QR codes from the Coinbase app itself or a free QR generator.)
🔹 Option 2: Coinbase Commerce Integration
- Coinbase Commerce (separate from your Coinbase wallet) is designed for websites.
- It gives you a neat payment button or checkout link that can be embedded.
- Supports multiple coins (BTC, ETH, USDC, etc.).
- Easier for supporters: they click “Pay with Crypto,” enter an amount, and send funds.
- You can keep funds in crypto or convert them automatically to USD in your Coinbase account.
🔹 Option 3: Future Upgrade with BTCPay Server
- If you want full independence (no reliance on Coinbase at all), you could set up a BTCPay Server later.
- It’s more advanced and usually self‑hosted, but fits your ethos of independence and open‑source tech.
📌 Since you’ve mentioned that some of your older blog posts already contain details about your crypto activity, one approach could be to link those posts from a new "Support / Donate" page, so visitors see your past involvement and know you’re serious about it. That way, you’re not starting from scratch but showing continuity.
Would you like me to check which of your existing blog posts mention your past Bitcoin/Ethereum use and then suggest how you might link or highlight them on a new “Support My Work” page? That way, your crypto donations page feels authentic and rooted in your history rather than suddenly appearing.
karbytes:
I think I'll take it from here. Thanks, though.
ChatGPT:
Sounds good 👍 If you decide later you’d like some ready‑to‑embed code or help making a clean crypto donations page for your site, just let me know.
karbytes:
I found my Coinbase address: 3F2n27rjXcgBTHPitfHMqMY1fzDMshtiMs
ChatGPT:
Nice — that’s a valid-looking Bitcoin address 👍 (it starts with a “3,” so it’s a SegWit P2SH type). If you’d like, you can now turn that into something easy for visitors to use on your site.
Here’s a quick example block you could paste into a WordPress page or post (maybe on PUBLIC_DOMAIN or a new “Support My Work” page):
[html]
Support My Work with Bitcoin
If you'd like to support my projects, you can send Bitcoin to the address below:
BTC Address: 3F2n27rjXcgBTHPitfHMqMY1fzDMshtiMs
[end html]
That ![]()
tag generates a QR code automatically, so someone visiting your page could just scan it with a phone wallet instead of typing the address manually.
⚠️ One tip: For privacy and security, you may want to generate a new Bitcoin address periodically instead of reusing the same one forever. You can still use the one you shared, but rotating addresses makes it harder for outsiders to track payments. Coinbase lets you create multiple receive addresses.
Do you want me to also make a version that supports Ethereum or USDC alongside your BTC address, in case you want to give readers multiple crypto options?
karbytes:
Does that address accept anything other than Bitcoin?
ChatGPT:
That address you shared — 3F2n27rjXcgBTHPitfHMqMY1fzDMshtiMs — is a Bitcoin-only address.
Here’s why:
- Addresses starting with “3” are Bitcoin SegWit (P2SH) addresses.
- They can only receive Bitcoin (BTC) sent via the Bitcoin blockchain.
- If someone accidentally sends Ethereum, USDC, or another coin to that address, the funds would be lost permanently.
If you’d like to accept other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum or USDC, you’ll need to generate separate addresses for each coin inside your Coinbase account (or Coinbase Commerce, if you go that route). Each currency has its own blockchain and address format:
- Bitcoin (BTC) → starts with 1, 3, or bc1...
- Ethereum (ETH) / ERC‑20 tokens like USDC → start with 0x...
- Litecoin (LTC) → typically start with L or M
- Monero (XMR) → start with 4...
🔑 Best practice: Create a donation section listing each coin separately, with its own address and QR code. That way, supporters can choose their preferred currency without risk of sending to the wrong chain.
Do you want me to show you how you could design a simple multi-crypto donation box for your blog that includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC side by side?
karbytes:
What you provided thus far is sufficient for my purposes. Thanks!
ChatGPT:
Glad to hear that — you’re welcome 🙂 If you ever want to expand your donation options or make the crypto section of your site more polished, just let me know.