In proof of work, miners compete to produce blocks that satisfy a computational target. Rewards and transaction fees create incentives, while other participants still verify that blocks follow the rules. A miner cannot make an invalid transaction valid simply by including it.
Mining economics depend on equipment, energy, competition, rewards and asset price. Buying a cloud-mining promise adds counterparty risk and does not guarantee returns. Distinguish network security concepts from an investment sales pitch.
Worked example
If competition rises while your equipment stays unchanged, your expected share of rewards can fall even if the token price is stable.
Check your understanding
Do miners alone decide whether a block is valid?
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No. Other network participants independently enforce consensus rules.
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