Newbie Bitcoin Wallet Address Questions

[Thomas_the_Train]

Hello everyone! This is my second post. Thanks for hosting this forum where I can learn more about bitcoin.

First question - is it safe to give out the wallet addresses like I see in signature lines here and used for the purposes of drawings and donations?

Does this put the security of said wallet/bitcoin address in jeopardy?

Lastly, in coinbase, it seems each purchase of mine has its own identifier and its own "bc address" which, if I am not mistaken, is a wallet identity hosted on the coinbase server. Are these the numbers that others can send bitcoins to in drawings and rewards seen on this site?

-Triple T

[Jacce]

I'm pretty sure it's safe to post your address.

[raspcoin]

Bitcoin addresses are somewhat analogous to e-mail addresses. If you give your address, you will not be anonymous anymore, but your security will not be jeopardized.

[Thomas_the_Train]

Thanks, but what do you mean 'you won't be anonymous anymore'?

What sort of details can you find out about someone from a bitcoin address?

[raspcoin]

Thanks, but what do you mean 'you won't be anonymous anymore'?

What sort of details can you find out about someone from a bitcoin address?

Bitcoin transactions are public - everyone can follow where money is sent from any address. By revealing an address, people will be able to see which transactions are made from it. Note that you will still be pseudonymous, as no one will know your real identity. If you do not want to have all your transactions associated with the same pseudonym, you can simply create multiple addresses and use them for different purposes.

[odolvlobo]

Lastly, in coinbase, it seems each purchase of mine has its own identifier and its own "bc address" which, if I am not mistaken, is a wallet identity hosted on the coinbase server. Are these the numbers that others can send bitcoins to in drawings and rewards seen on this site?

I believe they are permanently associated with your account, but you should really check with coinbase. Having said that, it is unwise to store your bitcoins in someone else's wallet. Every few months, there is a report of an online wallet being hacked or lost and customers losing all their bitcoins. No site is immune, though some might be more susceptible than others. If you store your bitcoins in your own wallet, and you encrypt and back up your wallet (in that order) you will be much safer.

[serves-two]

First question - is it safe to give out the wallet addresses like I see in signature lines here and used for the purposes of drawings and donations?

Does this put the security of said wallet/bitcoin address in jeopardy?

Reusing addresses puts the privacy of you (lots) and everyone else (a bit, because everyone you send to/receive from is now linked to you whether they like it or not) in jeopardy.  Don't put one in your sig.  Make a fresh one every time.

[Sindelar1938]

Giving out your public address is fine

Never let anyone other than yourself control your private keys