# Gavin Andresen
# 2011-08-09 14:45:56
# https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=35532.msg443305#msg443305

Alternative algorithms for determining the "best" block chain would be a good research topic, I think. @p{par}

Model or simulate either a 'natural' block-chain splits (X% of the network gets disconnected for time T) or attacks (attacker with 51+% of hashing rate double-spends a transaction by surprising the network with a N-length better block chain). @p{par}

Then see what the behavior is like under different potential algorithms for determining the best chain@p{--} the one we have now (most difficulty always wins) or some variant (like more recent blocks are given greater weight). @p{par}

And think really hard about potential attacks, especially mixed-mode attacks (what if the attacker can mount a Sybil attack on one of the big mining pools?  Or can DOS one or more of the big mining pools? etc) @p{brk}