The future of physical money is at stake, and the discussion about DREX, the new digital currency planned by the Central Bank of Brazil, is gaining momentum. In a candid and intense conversation, Federal Deputy Julia Zanatta (PL/SC) discussed the challenges and risks of this digital transition, also addressing her Bill No. 3,341/2024, which aims to prevent the extinction of physical currency. This bill emerges as a direct response to legislative initiatives seeking to replace physical money with digital alternatives, limiting citizens' options and potentially compromising individual freedom. Let's delve into the main points of this conversation.

https://www.fountain.fm/episode/i5YGJ9Ors3PkqAIMvNQ0

(PT-BR version here)

What is a CBDC?

Before discussing the specifics of DREX, it’s important to understand what a CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) is. CBDCs are digital currencies issued by central banks, similar to a digital version of physical money. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, which operate in a decentralized manner, CBDCs are centralized and regulated by the government. In other words, they are digital currencies created and controlled by the Central Bank, intended to replace physical currency.

A prominent feature of CBDCs is their programmability. This means that the government can theoretically set rules about how, where, and for what this currency can be used. This aspect enables a level of control over citizens' finances that is impossible with physical money. By programming the currency, the government could limit transactions by setting geographical or usage restrictions. In practice, money within a CBDC could be restricted to specific spending or authorized for use in a defined geographical area.

In countries like China, where citizen actions and attitudes are also monitored, a person considered to have a "low score" due to a moral or ideological violation may have their transactions limited to essential purchases, restricting their digital currency use to non-essential activities. This financial control is strengthened because, unlike physical money, digital currency cannot be exchanged anonymously.

Practical Example: The Case of DREX During the Pandemic

To illustrate how DREX could be used, an example was given by Eric Altafim, director of Banco Itaú. He suggested that, if DREX had existed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government could have restricted the currency’s use to a 5-kilometer radius around a person’s residence, limiting their economic mobility. Another proposed use by the executive related to the Bolsa Família welfare program: the government could set up programming that only allows this benefit to be used exclusively for food purchases. Although these examples are presented as control measures for safety or organization, they demonstrate how much a CBDC could restrict citizens' freedom of choice.

To illustrate the potential for state control through a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), such as DREX, it is helpful to look at the example of China. In China, the implementation of a CBDC coincides with the country’s Social Credit System, a governmental surveillance tool that assesses citizens' and companies' behavior. Together, these technologies allow the Chinese government to monitor, reward, and, above all, punish behavior deemed inappropriate or threatening to the government.

How Does China's Social Credit System Work?

Implemented in 2014, China's Social Credit System assigns every citizen and company a "score" based on various factors, including financial behavior, criminal record, social interactions, and even online activities. This score determines the benefits or penalties each individual receives and can affect everything from public transport access to obtaining loans and enrolling in elite schools for their children. Citizens with low scores may face various sanctions, including travel restrictions, fines, and difficulty in securing loans.

With the adoption of the CBDC — or “digital yuan” — the Chinese government now has a new tool to closely monitor citizens' financial transactions, facilitating the application of Social Credit System penalties. China’s CBDC is a programmable digital currency, which means that the government can restrict how, when, and where the money can be spent. Through this level of control, digital currency becomes a powerful mechanism for influencing citizens' behavior.

Imagine, for instance, a citizen who repeatedly posts critical remarks about the government on social media or participates in protests. If the Social Credit System assigns this citizen a low score, the Chinese government could, through the CBDC, restrict their money usage in certain areas or sectors. For example, they could be prevented from buying tickets to travel to other regions, prohibited from purchasing certain consumer goods, or even restricted to making transactions only at stores near their home.

Another example of how the government can use the CBDC to enforce the Social Credit System is by monitoring purchases of products such as alcohol or luxury items. If a citizen uses the CBDC to spend more than the government deems reasonable on such products, this could negatively impact their social score, resulting in additional penalties such as future purchase restrictions or a lowered rating that impacts their personal and professional lives.

In China, this kind of control has already been demonstrated in several cases. Citizens added to Social Credit System “blacklists” have seen their spending and investment capacity severely limited. The combination of digital currency and social scores thus creates a sophisticated and invasive surveillance system, through which the Chinese government controls important aspects of citizens’ financial lives and individual freedoms.

Deputy Julia Zanatta views these examples with great concern. She argues that if the state has full control over digital money, citizens will be exposed to a level of economic control and surveillance never seen before. In a democracy, this control poses a risk, but in an authoritarian regime, it could be used as a powerful tool of repression.

DREX and Bill No. 3,341/2024

Julia Zanatta became aware of a bill by a Workers' Party (PT) deputy (Bill 4068/2020 by Deputy Reginaldo Lopes - PT/MG) that proposes the extinction of physical money within five years, aiming for a complete transition to DREX, the digital currency developed by the Central Bank of Brazil. Concerned about the impact of this measure, Julia drafted her bill, PL No. 3,341/2024, which prohibits the elimination of physical money, ensuring citizens the right to choose physical currency.

“The more I read about DREX, the less I want its implementation,” says the deputy. DREX is a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), similar to other state digital currencies worldwide, but which, according to Julia, carries extreme control risks. She points out that with DREX, the State could closely monitor each citizen’s transactions, eliminating anonymity and potentially restricting freedom of choice. This control would lie in the hands of the Central Bank, which could, in a crisis or government change, “freeze balances or even delete funds directly from user accounts.”

Risks and Individual Freedom

Julia raises concerns about potential abuses of power that complete digitalization could allow. In a democracy, state control over personal finances raises serious questions, and EddieOz warns of an even more problematic future. “Today we are in a democracy, but tomorrow, with a government transition, we don't know if this kind of power will be used properly or abused,” he states. In other words, DREX gives the State the ability to restrict or condition the use of money, opening the door to unprecedented financial surveillance.

EddieOz cites Nigeria as an example, where a CBDC was implemented, and the government imposed severe restrictions on the use of physical money to encourage the use of digital currency, leading to protests and clashes in the country. In practice, the poorest and unbanked — those without regular access to banking services — were harshly affected, as without physical money, many cannot conduct basic transactions. Julia highlights that in Brazil, this situation would be even more severe, given the large number of unbanked individuals and the extent of rural areas where access to technology is limited.

The Relationship Between DREX and Pix

The digital transition has already begun with Pix, which revolutionized instant transfers and payments in Brazil. However, Julia points out that Pix, though popular, is a citizen’s choice, while DREX tends to eliminate that choice. The deputy expresses concern about new rules suggested for Pix, such as daily transaction limits of a thousand reais, justified as anti-fraud measures but which, in her view, represent additional control and a profit opportunity for banks. “How many more rules will banks create to profit from us?” asks Julia, noting that DREX could further enhance control over personal finances.

International Precedents and Resistance to CBDC

The deputy also cites examples from other countries resisting the idea of a centralized digital currency. In the United States, states like New Hampshire have passed laws to prevent the advance of CBDCs, and leaders such as Donald Trump have opposed creating a national digital currency. Trump, addressing the topic, uses a justification similar to Julia’s: in a digitalized system, “with one click, your money could disappear.” She agrees with the warning, emphasizing the control risk that a CBDC represents, especially for countries with disadvantaged populations.

Besides the United States, Canada, Colombia, and Australia have also suspended studies on digital currencies, citing the need for further discussions on population impacts. However, in Brazil, the debate on DREX is still limited, with few parliamentarians and political leaders openly discussing the topic. According to Julia, only she and one or two deputies are truly trying to bring this discussion to the Chamber, making DREX’s advance even more concerning.

Bill No. 3,341/2024 and Popular Pressure

For Julia, her bill is a first step. Although she acknowledges that ideally, it would prevent DREX's implementation entirely, PL 3341/2024 is a measure to ensure citizens' choice to use physical money, preserving a form of individual freedom. “If the future means control, I prefer to live in the past,” Julia asserts, reinforcing that the fight for freedom is at the heart of her bill.

However, the deputy emphasizes that none of this will be possible without popular mobilization. According to her, popular pressure is crucial for other deputies to take notice and support PL 3341. “I am only one deputy, and we need the public’s support to raise the project’s visibility,” she explains, encouraging the public to press other parliamentarians and ask them to “pay attention to PL 3341 and the project that prohibits the end of physical money.” The deputy believes that with a strong awareness and pressure movement, it is possible to advance the debate and ensure Brazilians’ financial freedom.

What’s at Stake?

Julia Zanatta leaves no doubt: DREX represents a profound shift in how money will be used and controlled in Brazil. More than a simple modernization of the financial system, the Central Bank’s CBDC sets precedents for an unprecedented level of citizen surveillance and control in the country. For the deputy, this transition needs to be debated broadly and transparently, and it’s up to the Brazilian people to defend their rights and demand that the National Congress discuss these changes responsibly.

The deputy also emphasizes that, regardless of political or partisan views, this issue affects all Brazilians. “This agenda is something that will affect everyone. We need to be united to ensure people understand the gravity of what could happen.” Julia believes that by sharing information and generating open debate, it is possible to prevent Brazil from following the path of countries that have already implemented a digital currency in an authoritarian way.

A Call to Action

The future of physical money in Brazil is at risk. For those who share Deputy Julia Zanatta’s concerns, the time to act is now. Mobilize, get informed, and press your representatives. PL 3341/2024 is an opportunity to ensure that Brazilian citizens have a choice in how to use their money, without excessive state interference or surveillance.

In the end, as the deputy puts it, the central issue is freedom. “My fear is that this project will pass, and people won’t even understand what is happening.” Therefore, may every citizen at least have the chance to understand what’s at stake and make their voice heard in defense of a Brazil where individual freedom and privacy are respected values.

You don't choose software. You choose software developers.

I've done lots of internal and external software project audits. The clue to a good audit, is that you are judging the building and the builder, because the former determines the present state of the code and the latter determines how things will be built going forward.

Here's what to look for in a good developer:

• curious : eager to learn from others
• humble : seems slightly embarrassed, when you report an issue, and tries to reproduce and fix the problem
• responsive : they try to get back to you within 24 hours, or they arrange a sub or post a notice, when they'll be away for a while. They feel bad, if they leave someone waiting, so they'll send updates, even if it's just to ask them to be patient.
• diligent : they don't leave websites rotting, abandoned. They either maintain it or pull it down. They check their repos regularly and actively manage the PRs and issues.
• egalitarian : they care about all of their users, whether they are rich or poor, famous or unknown, premium or freewarers
• agile : they don't let the system go stale, for months, and then dump a gigantic commit
• honest : they don't lie, ever. Never ever. They're not sneaky or evasive. If something they promised won't work out, they announce it. They readily admit to things that make them look bad.
• calm : they are not histrionic, hyperventilatory or prone to needing a Wellness Break, to recover from the stress of dealing with humans and code
• centered : they have a plan, for their software, that they regularly refine, but they don't flit from one Next Big Thing, to another. They resist hype and examine concepts soberly and analytically.
• concerned : they test their software before giving it to other people because they want them to have a positive experience, while using it. If something is just a prototype, they make that clear, when announcing it.

Imagine sending a private message to a friend, only to learn that authorities could be scanning its contents without your knowledge. This isn't a scene from a dystopian novel but a potential reality under the European Union's proposed "Chat Control" measures. Aimed at combating serious crimes like child exploitation and terrorism, these proposals could significantly impact the privacy of everyday internet users. As encrypted messaging services become the norm for personal and professional communication, understanding Chat Control is essential. This article delves into what Chat Control entails, why it's being considered, and how it could affect your right to private communication.

https://www.fountain.fm/episode/coOFsst7r7mO1EP1kSzV

Sections:

• Introduction
• What Is Chat Control?
• Why Is the EU Pushing for Chat Control?
• The Privacy Concerns and Risks
• The Technical Debate: Encryption and Backdoors
• Global Reactions and the Debate in Europe
• Possible Consequences for Messaging Services
• What Happens Next? The Future of Chat Control
• Conclusion

What Is Chat Control?

"Chat Control" refers to a set of proposed measures by the European Union aimed at monitoring and scanning private communications on messaging platforms. The primary goal is to detect and prevent the spread of illegal content, such as child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and to combat terrorism. While the intention is to enhance security and protect vulnerable populations, these proposals have raised significant privacy concerns.

At its core, Chat Control would require messaging services to implement automated scanning technologies that can analyze the content of messages—even those that are end-to-end encrypted. This means that the private messages you send to friends, family, or colleagues could be subject to inspection by algorithms designed to detect prohibited content.

Origins of the Proposal

The initiative for Chat Control emerged from the EU's desire to strengthen its digital security infrastructure. High-profile cases of online abuse and the use of encrypted platforms by criminal organizations have prompted lawmakers to consider more invasive surveillance tactics. The European Commission has been exploring legislation that would make it mandatory for service providers to monitor communications on their platforms.

How Messaging Services Work

Most modern messaging apps, like Signal, Session, SimpleX, Veilid, Protonmail and Tutanota (among others), use end-to-end encryption (E2EE). This encryption ensures that only the sender and the recipient can read the messages being exchanged. Not even the service providers can access the content. This level of security is crucial for maintaining privacy in digital communications, protecting users from hackers, identity thieves, and other malicious actors.

Key Elements of Chat Control

• Automated Content Scanning: Service providers would use algorithms to scan messages for illegal content.
• Circumvention of Encryption: To scan encrypted messages, providers might need to alter their encryption methods, potentially weakening security.
• Mandatory Reporting: If illegal content is detected, providers would be required to report it to authorities.
• Broad Applicability: The measures could apply to all messaging services operating within the EU, affecting both European companies and international platforms.

Why It Matters

Understanding Chat Control is essential because it represents a significant shift in how digital privacy is handled. While combating illegal activities online is crucial, the methods proposed could set a precedent for mass surveillance and the erosion of privacy rights. Everyday users who rely on encrypted messaging for personal and professional communication might find their conversations are no longer as private as they once thought.

Why Is the EU Pushing for Chat Control?

The European Union's push for Chat Control stems from a pressing concern to protect its citizens, particularly children, from online exploitation and criminal activities. With the digital landscape becoming increasingly integral to daily life, the EU aims to strengthen its ability to combat serious crimes facilitated through online platforms.

Protecting Children and Preventing Crime

One of the primary motivations behind Chat Control is the prevention of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) circulating on the internet. Law enforcement agencies have reported a significant increase in the sharing of illegal content through private messaging services. By implementing Chat Control, the EU believes it can more effectively identify and stop perpetrators, rescue victims, and deter future crimes.

Terrorism is another critical concern. Encrypted messaging apps can be used by terrorist groups to plan and coordinate attacks without detection. The EU argues that accessing these communications could be vital in preventing such threats and ensuring public safety.

Legal Context and Legislative Drivers

The push for Chat Control is rooted in several legislative initiatives:

• ePrivacy Directive: This directive regulates the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in electronic communications. The EU is considering amendments that would allow for the scanning of private messages under specific circumstances.

• Temporary Derogation: In 2021, the EU adopted a temporary regulation permitting voluntary detection of CSAM by communication services. The current proposals aim to make such measures mandatory and more comprehensive.

• Regulation Proposals: The European Commission has proposed regulations that would require service providers to detect, report, and remove illegal content proactively. This would include the use of technologies to scan private communications.

Balancing Security and Privacy

EU officials argue that the proposed measures are a necessary response to evolving digital threats. They emphasize the importance of staying ahead of criminals who exploit technology to harm others. By implementing Chat Control, they believe law enforcement can be more effective without entirely dismantling privacy protections.

However, the EU also acknowledges the need to balance security with fundamental rights. The proposals include provisions intended to limit the scope of surveillance, such as:

• Targeted Scanning: Focusing on specific threats rather than broad, indiscriminate monitoring.

• Judicial Oversight: Requiring court orders or oversight for accessing private communications.

• Data Protection Safeguards: Implementing measures to ensure that data collected is handled securely and deleted when no longer needed.

The Urgency Behind the Push

High-profile cases of online abuse and terrorism have heightened the sense of urgency among EU policymakers. Reports of increasing online grooming and the widespread distribution of illegal content have prompted calls for immediate action. The EU posits that without measures like Chat Control, these problems will continue to escalate unchecked.

Criticism and Controversy

Despite the stated intentions, the push for Chat Control has been met with significant criticism. Opponents argue that the measures could be ineffective against savvy criminals who can find alternative ways to communicate. There is also concern that such surveillance could be misused or extended beyond its original purpose.

The Privacy Concerns and Risks

While the intentions behind Chat Control focus on enhancing security and protecting vulnerable groups, the proposed measures raise significant privacy concerns. Critics argue that implementing such surveillance could infringe on fundamental rights and set a dangerous precedent for mass monitoring of private communications.

Infringement on Privacy Rights

At the heart of the debate is the right to privacy. By scanning private messages, even with automated tools, the confidentiality of personal communications is compromised. Users may no longer feel secure sharing sensitive information, fearing that their messages could be intercepted or misinterpreted by algorithms.

Erosion of End-to-End Encryption

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a cornerstone of digital security, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can read the messages exchanged. Chat Control could necessitate the introduction of "backdoors" or weaken encryption protocols, making it easier for unauthorized parties to access private data. This not only affects individual privacy but also exposes communications to potential cyber threats.

Concerns from Privacy Advocates

Organizations like Signal and Tutanota, which offer encrypted messaging services, have voiced strong opposition to Chat Control. They warn that undermining encryption could have far-reaching consequences:

• Security Risks: Weakening encryption makes systems more vulnerable to hacking, espionage, and cybercrime.
• Global Implications: Changes in EU regulations could influence policies worldwide, leading to a broader erosion of digital privacy.
• Ineffectiveness Against Crime: Determined criminals might resort to other, less detectable means of communication, rendering the measures ineffective while still compromising the privacy of law-abiding citizens.

Potential for Government Overreach

There is a fear that Chat Control could lead to increased surveillance beyond its original scope. Once the infrastructure for scanning private messages is in place, it could be repurposed or expanded to monitor other types of content, stifling free expression and dissent.

Real-World Implications for Users

• False Positives: Automated scanning technologies are not infallible and could mistakenly flag innocent content, leading to unwarranted scrutiny or legal consequences for users.
• Chilling Effect: Knowing that messages could be monitored might discourage people from expressing themselves freely, impacting personal relationships and societal discourse.
• Data Misuse: Collected data could be vulnerable to leaks or misuse, compromising personal and sensitive information.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

Privacy advocates also highlight potential conflicts with existing laws and ethical standards:

• Violation of Fundamental Rights: The European Convention on Human Rights and other international agreements protect the right to privacy and freedom of expression.
• Questionable Effectiveness: The ethical justification for such invasive measures is challenged if they do not significantly improve safety or if they disproportionately impact innocent users.

Opposition from Member States and Organizations

Countries like Germany and organizations such as the European Digital Rights (EDRi) have expressed opposition to Chat Control. They emphasize the need to protect digital privacy and caution against hasty legislation that could have unintended consequences.

The Technical Debate: Encryption and Backdoors

The discussion around Chat Control inevitably leads to a complex technical debate centered on encryption and the potential introduction of backdoors into secure communication systems. Understanding these concepts is crucial to grasping the full implications of the proposed measures.

What Is End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)?

End-to-end encryption is a method of secure communication that prevents third parties from accessing data while it's transferred from one end system to another. In simpler terms, only the sender and the recipient can read the messages. Even the service providers operating the messaging platforms cannot decrypt the content.

• Security Assurance: E2EE ensures that sensitive information—be it personal messages, financial details, or confidential business communications—remains private.
• Widespread Use: Popular messaging apps like Signal, Session, SimpleX, Veilid, Protonmail and Tutanota (among others) rely on E2EE to protect user data.

How Chat Control Affects Encryption

Implementing Chat Control as proposed would require messaging services to scan the content of messages for illegal material. To do this on encrypted platforms, providers might have to:

• Introduce Backdoors: Create a means for third parties (including the service provider or authorities) to access encrypted messages.
• Client-Side Scanning: Install software on users' devices that scans messages before they are encrypted and sent, effectively bypassing E2EE.

The Risks of Weakening Encryption

1. Compromised Security for All Users

Introducing backdoors or client-side scanning tools can create vulnerabilities:

• Exploitable Gaps: If a backdoor exists, malicious actors might find and exploit it, leading to data breaches.
• Universal Impact: Weakening encryption doesn't just affect targeted individuals; it potentially exposes all users to increased risk.

2. Undermining Trust in Digital Services

• User Confidence: Knowing that private communications could be accessed might deter people from using digital services or push them toward unregulated platforms.
• Business Implications: Companies relying on secure communications might face increased risks, affecting economic activities.

3. Ineffectiveness Against Skilled Adversaries

• Alternative Methods: Criminals might shift to other encrypted channels or develop new ways to avoid detection.
• False Sense of Security: Weakening encryption could give the impression of increased safety while adversaries adapt and continue their activities undetected.

Signal’s Response and Stance

Signal, a leading encrypted messaging service, has been vocal in its opposition to the EU's proposals:

• Refusal to Weaken Encryption: Signal's CEO Meredith Whittaker has stated that the company would rather cease operations in the EU than compromise its encryption standards.
• Advocacy for Privacy: Signal emphasizes that strong encryption is essential for protecting human rights and freedoms in the digital age.

Understanding Backdoors

A "backdoor" in encryption is an intentional weakness inserted into a system to allow authorized access to encrypted data. While intended for legitimate use by authorities, backdoors pose several problems:

• Security Vulnerabilities: They can be discovered and exploited by unauthorized parties, including hackers and foreign governments.
• Ethical Concerns: The existence of backdoors raises questions about consent and the extent to which governments should be able to access private communications.

The Slippery Slope Argument

Privacy advocates warn that introducing backdoors or mandatory scanning sets a precedent:

• Expanded Surveillance: Once in place, these measures could be extended to monitor other types of content beyond the original scope.
• Erosion of Rights: Gradual acceptance of surveillance can lead to a significant reduction in personal freedoms over time.

Potential Technological Alternatives

Some suggest that it's possible to fight illegal content without undermining encryption:

• Metadata Analysis: Focusing on patterns of communication rather than content.
• Enhanced Reporting Mechanisms: Encouraging users to report illegal content voluntarily.
• Investing in Law Enforcement Capabilities: Strengthening traditional investigative methods without compromising digital security.

Conclusion of the Technical Debate

The technical community largely agrees that weakening encryption is not the solution:

• Consensus on Security: Strong encryption is essential for the safety and privacy of all internet users.
• Call for Dialogue: Technologists and privacy experts advocate for collaborative approaches that address security concerns without sacrificing fundamental rights.

Global Reactions and the Debate in Europe

The proposal for Chat Control has ignited a heated debate across Europe and beyond, with various stakeholders weighing in on the potential implications for privacy, security, and fundamental rights. The reactions are mixed, reflecting differing national perspectives, political priorities, and societal values.

Support for Chat Control

Some EU member states and officials support the initiative, emphasizing the need for robust measures to combat online crime and protect citizens, especially children. They argue that:

• Enhanced Security: Mandatory scanning can help law enforcement agencies detect and prevent serious crimes.
• Responsibility of Service Providers: Companies offering communication services should play an active role in preventing their platforms from being used for illegal activities.
• Public Safety Priorities: The protection of vulnerable populations justifies the implementation of such measures, even if it means compromising some aspects of privacy.

Opposition within the EU

Several countries and organizations have voiced strong opposition to Chat Control, citing concerns over privacy rights and the potential for government overreach.

Germany

• Stance: Germany has been one of the most vocal opponents of the proposed measures.
• Reasons:
• Constitutional Concerns: The German government argues that Chat Control could violate constitutional protections of privacy and confidentiality of communications.
• Security Risks: Weakening encryption is seen as a threat to cybersecurity.
• Legal Challenges: Potential conflicts with national laws protecting personal data and communication secrecy.

Netherlands

• Recent Developments: The Dutch government decided against supporting Chat Control, emphasizing the importance of encryption for security and privacy.
• Arguments:
• Effectiveness Doubts: Skepticism about the actual effectiveness of the measures in combating crime.
• Negative Impact on Privacy: Concerns about mass surveillance and the infringement of citizens' rights.

Table reference: Patrick Breyer - Chat Control in 23 September 2024

Privacy Advocacy Groups

European Digital Rights (EDRi)

• Role: A network of civil and human rights organizations working to defend rights and freedoms in the digital environment.
• Position:
• Strong Opposition: EDRi argues that Chat Control is incompatible with fundamental rights.
• Awareness Campaigns: Engaging in public campaigns to inform citizens about the potential risks.
• Policy Engagement: Lobbying policymakers to consider alternative approaches that respect privacy.

Politicians and Activists

Patrick Breyer

• Background: A Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from Germany, representing the Pirate Party.
• Actions:
• Advocacy: Actively campaigning against Chat Control through speeches, articles, and legislative efforts.
• Public Outreach: Using social media and public events to raise awareness.
• Legal Expertise: Highlighting the legal inconsistencies and potential violations of EU law.

Global Reactions

International Organizations

• Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International: These organizations have expressed concerns about the implications for human rights, urging the EU to reconsider.

Technology Companies

• Global Tech Firms: Companies like Apple and Microsoft are monitoring the situation, as EU regulations could affect their operations and user trust.
• Industry Associations: Groups representing tech companies have issued statements highlighting the risks to innovation and competitiveness.

The Broader Debate

The controversy over Chat Control reflects a broader struggle between security interests and privacy rights in the digital age. Key points in the debate include:

• Legal Precedents: How the EU's decision might influence laws and regulations in other countries.
• Digital Sovereignty: The desire of nations to control digital spaces within their borders.
• Civil Liberties: The importance of protecting freedoms in the face of technological advancements.

Public Opinion

• Diverse Views: Surveys and public forums show a range of opinions, with some citizens prioritizing security and others valuing privacy above all.
• Awareness Levels: Many people are still unaware of the potential changes, highlighting the need for public education on the issue.

Conclusion of the Debate

The EU is at a crossroads, facing the challenge of addressing legitimate security concerns without undermining the fundamental rights that are central to its values. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the future of digital privacy and the balance between security and freedom in society.

Possible Consequences for Messaging Services

The implementation of Chat Control could have significant implications for messaging services operating within the European Union. Both large platforms and smaller providers might need to adapt their technologies and policies to comply with the new regulations, potentially altering the landscape of digital communication.

Impact on Encrypted Messaging Services

Signal and Similar Platforms

• Compliance Challenges: Encrypted messaging services like Signal rely on end-to-end encryption to secure user communications. Complying with Chat Control could force them to weaken their encryption protocols or implement client-side scanning, conflicting with their core privacy principles.

• Operational Decisions: Some platforms may choose to limit their services in the EU or cease operations altogether rather than compromise on encryption. Signal, for instance, has indicated that it would prefer to withdraw from European markets than undermine its security features.

Potential Blocking or Limiting of Services

• Regulatory Enforcement: Messaging services that do not comply with Chat Control regulations could face fines, legal action, or even be blocked within the EU.

• Access Restrictions: Users in Europe might find certain services unavailable or limited in functionality if providers decide not to meet the regulatory requirements.

Effects on Smaller Providers

• Resource Constraints: Smaller messaging services and startups may lack the resources to implement the required scanning technologies, leading to increased operational costs or forcing them out of the market.

• Innovation Stifling: The added regulatory burden could deter new entrants, reducing competition and innovation in the messaging service sector.

User Experience and Trust

• Privacy Concerns: Users may lose trust in messaging platforms if they know their communications are subject to scanning, leading to a decline in user engagement.

• Migration to Unregulated Platforms: There is a risk that users might shift to less secure or unregulated services, including those operated outside the EU or on the dark web, potentially exposing them to greater risks.

Technical and Security Implications

• Increased Vulnerabilities: Modifying encryption protocols to comply with Chat Control could introduce security flaws, making platforms more susceptible to hacking and data breaches.

• Global Security Risks: Changes made to accommodate EU regulations might affect the global user base of these services, extending security risks beyond European borders.

Impact on Businesses and Professional Communications

• Confidentiality Issues: Businesses that rely on secure messaging for sensitive communications may face challenges in ensuring confidentiality, affecting sectors like finance, healthcare, and legal services.

• Compliance Complexity: Companies operating internationally will need to navigate a complex landscape of differing regulations, increasing administrative burdens.

Economic Consequences

• Market Fragmentation: Divergent regulations could lead to a fragmented market, with different versions of services for different regions.

• Loss of Revenue: Messaging services might experience reduced revenue due to decreased user trust and engagement or the costs associated with compliance.

Responses from Service Providers

• Legal Challenges: Companies might pursue legal action against the regulations, citing conflicts with privacy laws and user rights.

• Policy Advocacy: Service providers may increase lobbying efforts to influence policy decisions and promote alternatives to Chat Control.

Possible Adaptations

• Technological Innovation: Some providers might invest in developing new technologies that can detect illegal content without compromising encryption, though the feasibility remains uncertain.

• Transparency Measures: To maintain user trust, companies might enhance transparency about how data is handled and what measures are in place to protect privacy.

Summary of Consequences

The potential consequences of Chat Control for messaging services are profound, affecting not only the companies that provide these services but also the users who rely on them daily. The balance between complying with legal requirements and maintaining user privacy and security presents a significant challenge that could reshape the digital communication landscape.

What Happens Next? The Future of Chat Control

The future of Chat Control remains uncertain as the debate continues among EU member states, policymakers, technology companies, and civil society organizations. Several factors will influence the outcome of this contentious proposal, each carrying significant implications for digital privacy, security, and the regulatory environment within the European Union.

Current Status of Legislation

• Ongoing Negotiations: The proposed Chat Control measures are still under discussion within the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Amendments and revisions are being considered in response to the feedback from various stakeholders.

• Timeline: While there is no fixed date for the final decision, the EU aims to reach a consensus to implement effective measures against online crime without undue delay.

Key Influencing Factors

1. Legal Challenges and Compliance with EU Law

• Fundamental Rights Assessment: The proposals must be evaluated against the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, ensuring that any measures comply with rights to privacy, data protection, and freedom of expression.

• Court Scrutiny: Potential legal challenges could arise, leading to scrutiny by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), which may impact the feasibility and legality of Chat Control.

2. Technological Feasibility

• Development of Privacy-Preserving Technologies: Research into methods that can detect illegal content without compromising encryption is ongoing. Advances in this area could provide alternative solutions acceptable to both privacy advocates and security agencies.

• Implementation Challenges: The practical aspects of deploying scanning technologies across various platforms and services remain complex, and technical hurdles could delay or alter the proposed measures.

3. Political Dynamics

• Member State Positions: The differing stances of EU countries, such as Germany's opposition, play a significant role in shaping the final outcome. Consensus among member states is crucial for adopting EU-wide regulations.

• Public Opinion and Advocacy: Growing awareness and activism around digital privacy can influence policymakers. Public campaigns and lobbying efforts may sway decisions in favor of stronger privacy protections.

4. Industry Responses

• Negotiations with Service Providers: Ongoing dialogues between EU authorities and technology companies may lead to compromises or collaborative efforts to address concerns without fully implementing Chat Control as initially proposed.

• Potential for Self-Regulation: Messaging services might propose self-regulatory measures to combat illegal content, aiming to demonstrate effectiveness without the need for mandatory scanning.

Possible Scenarios

Optimistic Outcome:

• Balanced Regulation: A revised proposal emerges that effectively addresses security concerns while upholding strong encryption and privacy rights, possibly through innovative technologies or targeted measures with robust oversight.

Pessimistic Outcome:

• Adoption of Strict Measures: Chat Control is implemented as initially proposed, leading to weakened encryption, reduced privacy, and potential withdrawal of services like Signal from the EU market.

Middle Ground:

• Incremental Implementation: Partial measures are adopted, focusing on voluntary cooperation with service providers and emphasizing transparency and user consent, with ongoing evaluations to assess effectiveness and impact.

How to Stay Informed and Protect Your Privacy

• Follow Reputable Sources: Keep up with news from reliable outlets, official EU communications, and statements from privacy organizations to stay informed about developments.

• Engage in the Dialogue: Participate in public consultations, sign petitions, or contact representatives to express your views on Chat Control and digital privacy.

• Utilize Secure Practices: Regardless of legislative outcomes, adopting good digital hygiene—such as using strong passwords and being cautious with personal information—can enhance your online security.

The Global Perspective

• International Implications: The EU's decision may influence global policies on encryption and surveillance, setting precedents that other countries might follow or react against.

• Collaboration Opportunities: International cooperation on developing solutions that protect both security and privacy could emerge, fostering a more unified approach to addressing online threats.

Looking Ahead

The future of Chat Control is a critical issue that underscores the challenges of governing in the digital age. Balancing the need for security with the protection of fundamental rights is a complex task that requires careful consideration, open dialogue, and collaboration among all stakeholders.

As the situation evolves, staying informed and engaged is essential. The decisions made in the coming months will shape the digital landscape for years to come, affecting how we communicate, conduct business, and exercise our rights in an increasingly connected world.

Conclusion

The debate over Chat Control highlights a fundamental challenge in our increasingly digital world: how to protect society from genuine threats without eroding the very rights and freedoms that define it. While the intention to safeguard children and prevent crime is undeniably important, the means of achieving this through intrusive surveillance measures raise critical concerns.

Privacy is not just a personal preference but a cornerstone of democratic societies. End-to-end encryption has become an essential tool for ensuring that our personal conversations, professional communications, and sensitive data remain secure from unwanted intrusion. Weakening these protections could expose individuals and organizations to risks that far outweigh the proposed benefits.

The potential consequences of implementing Chat Control are far-reaching:

• Erosion of Trust: Users may lose confidence in digital platforms, impacting how we communicate and conduct business online.
• Security Vulnerabilities: Introducing backdoors or weakening encryption can make systems more susceptible to cyberattacks.
• Stifling Innovation: Regulatory burdens may hinder technological advancement and competitiveness in the tech industry.
• Global Implications: The EU's decisions could set precedents that influence digital policies worldwide, for better or worse.

As citizens, it's crucial to stay informed about these developments. Engage in conversations, reach out to your representatives, and advocate for solutions that respect both security needs and fundamental rights. Technology and policy can evolve together to address challenges without compromising core values.

The future of Chat Control is not yet decided, and public input can make a significant difference. By promoting open dialogue, supporting privacy-preserving innovations, and emphasizing the importance of human rights in legislation, we can work towards a digital landscape that is both safe and free.

In a world where digital communication is integral to daily life, striking the right balance between security and privacy is more important than ever. The choices made today will shape the digital environment for generations to come, determining not just how we communicate, but how we live and interact in an interconnected world.

Thank you for reading this article. We hope it has provided you with a clear understanding of Chat Control and its potential impact on your privacy and digital rights. Stay informed, stay engaged, and let's work together towards a secure and open digital future.

Read more:

• https://www.patrick-breyer.de/en/posts/chat-control/
• https://www.patrick-breyer.de/en/new-eu-push-for-chat-control-will-messenger-services-be-blocked-in-europe/
• https://edri.org/our-work/dutch-decision-puts-brakes-on-chat-control/
• https://signal.org/blog/pdfs/ndss-keynote.pdf
• https://tuta.com/blog/germany-stop-chat-control
• https://cointelegraph.com/news/signal-president-slams-revised-eu-encryption-proposal
• https://mullvad.net/en/why-privacy-matters

Yesterday was also a day

I'm still quite bullish about using Nostr to publish, and generally for OtherStuff, but I was feeling a bit pessimistic about the microblogging (kind 01) feeds on Nostr, yesterday. And, rightly so. Mine has been grinding slowly to a halt, and not for lack of effort, on my part. I regularly hear reports, from other npubs, that they sense the same phenomenon.

Most of the people I have whitelisted on the wss://theforest.nostr1.com relay (currently 302, in number) are beginning to give up on Kind 01 clients, except for occasionally making an announcement, and are increasingly moving their chatting off-Nostr. (I'm still privy to those conversations, but most of you no longer are.)

So, my feed has been getting quieter and quieter. Even adding new people doesn't help much, as they don't tend to stick around, for long, so it's a Sisyphean task.

Some others are still bothering to show up, regularly, but they increasingly see it as a chore, or something they do to "keep up appearances". Add me to this group of wearied, diligent noters, holding down the microblogging feeds, with our exhausting attempt at #KeepingNostrWeird, while the influencers surround the gates and the Kind 01 feeds dissolve into nothing but warmed-over Bitcoin memes, GM notes, notifications from the OtherStuff, and Things Copied from X.

The problem of barren, intellectually-emptying Kind 01 feeds is further exacerbated by the fact that new entrants to the Nostrverse find it increasingly easy to "find good follows", but they're all only finding the same follows: whoever is on the trending list.

The See-Nothings

I keep complaining about this, but the responses I get are generally unhelpful. They are:

• mockery -- Oh, Miss Hoity-Toity wants more attention!
• insults -- Nobody is talking to you because you are boring and stupid, and nobody likes you.
• clueless -- You should try replying to other people, then they might reply to you.
• or they tell me to just stop looking at the list, if it upsets me.

What people are missing, by telling me to just not look at the trending lists, is that the lists are a statistic of what real humans are looking at, on Nostr. The bizarrely-high concentration of npubs, on the list, so that their entries show up multiple times, suggests that what people are primarily looking at... is the trending list.

Either directly, because they use a client that has that built in, or indirectly, as they have been onboarded with the lists or told to "just follow the people I follow", which leads to a steadily-rising concentration of follows. This concentrating effect is accelerating.

The newly-popular WoT (web of trust) relays further exacerbate this effect, as they put a premium on the npubs that have the highest WoT score, which -- surprise, surprise! -- are the same people as on the trending list.

And this is why everyone on the trending list insists Nostr is a fun, happening place, full of human interaction. A place where replying reverently to Jack and posting GM religiously will make you a sought-after conversant. It is that place. For them.

In fact, they've reached that glorious state of #PeakSocialMedia, where they have become famous for being famous, and no longer have to even pretend to be trying to appeal to anyone with their content. They can post literal garbage, and their ~~fans~~ ~~groupies~~ ~~sycophants~~ commentariat will cheer them on, and flood their replies with ardent encouragement. Less because those other npubs actually cared about what they posted, than because they are hoping to pick up new followers in those threads, since they know that everyone is looking at those threads, because those threads are trending.

It's a pyramid scheme of following.

For the rest of us... the vast majority of us... that blue line at the bottom is mostly how it feels.

The trend is to trending.

What we no longer have, is people looking directly at relay feeds, to find new people, or even their own follow list feeds, to see npubs they've already subscribed to. Even when people follow me, they usually don't respond until I'm trending, which suggests that they're also seeing me on the trending list because that is what they're primarily looking at. This is why, as soon as you get on the trending list, your replies explode. And your replies will be concentrated in a hardcore few, otherwise.

Those few are the reason I keep coming back, but as they're also often chatting with me off-Nostr, I am facing the question of: Why bother with Nostr microblogging?

This is the question I am struggling with. If kind 01 isn't for plebs chatting, anymore, (and it increasingly isn't) then it's mostly a sort of bulletin board, where we post notifications of items we've added in OtherStuff clients, or make announcements of meetups, software releases, or conferences. This, however, is compounding the dullness of the feeds and turning it into a sort of "info flyer", except for a lucky few. But, perhaps, I am simply a #NostrBoomer, who is failing to move with the times and get with the program.

I'm slowly reaching the conclusion that Kind 01 in an open, centralized market of notes, will always coalesce around a small subset of #NostrElite and turn into a largely passive form of entertainment, or a frustratingly lonely place, for everyone else. There can only be so many people talking, at once, in a public square.

The only movement I currently see, that might end the slow slide of Kind 01 into irrelevance and tedium, is to create lots of smaller, public squares, through single-relay communities. This has been such a long time, in coming, and has been resisted by client devs so ferociously, that I worry that it's merely an attempt to close the barn door after the npubs have escaped.

I sincerely hope to be proven wrong, though. Perhaps the relay devs, who have valiantly taken up the fight, will #SaveKind01. We shall see.

(Please note that this is not official financial or business advice, but rather a description of something we have done, on an informal basis.)

A long, long time ago

It's been nearly a year, since nostr:nprofile1qydhwumn8ghj7argv4nx7un9wd6zumn0wd68yvfwvdhk6tcpypmhxue69uhkummnw3ezuetfde6kuer6wasku7nfvuh8xurpvdjj7qpqs3ht77dq4zqnya8vjun5jp3p44pr794ru36d0ltxu65chljw8xjqv5atj2 came into being, mostly as a lark, involving a couple of members of our private chat group. Our initial plan was to work toward bounties, but Nostr bounties are a bit of a biased, uncertain thing, and our enthusiasm for that quickly waned.

So, what to do? Here we are, we three (nostr:npub1ecdlntvjzexlyfale2egzvvncc8tgqsaxkl5hw7xlgjv2cxs705s9qs735, nostr:npub1wqfzz2p880wq0tumuae9lfwyhs8uz35xd0kr34zrvrwyh3kvrzuskcqsyn, and I): IT professionals with little time, but plenty of intellectual energy, a Slack chat, a GitHub repo, and lots of frustration with the Nostr status quo.

We were, you see, Nostr end-users. We loved the idea of the protocol, but we were being regularly stymied by the poor quality of many implementations.

• Why can I not login? Oh, they fixed the login! Nope, still can't login.
• If I press this button, it says it sent, but it didn't send. Where note?
• They announced a new feature, but I tried it and it didn't work. Oh well.
• I noticed a bug in the client, reported it, and the issue is just rotting away in the project repo. Ignored.
• The website/relay/repo was here... yesterday. Today it has disappeared, and taken my zaps with it.

It was enough to make us want to tear our hair out. We decided that what Nostr needed... what it really needed... was a Nostr Stable Version. Nothing glamorous. Nothing exotic. Nothing busy or excitable. Just something that stayed where you initially found it, ran, and actually worked. Something where you could report a bug and receive a prompt response. Maybe even something, where you could pay a reasonable fee and be allowed to have expectations of some particular service being returned. And who better to build such a version, than people who want to use it, themselves?

Things working is an underrated concept

I know that the very idea of software running as expected and websites not appearing and disappearing suddenly, based upon what some particular developer had for lunch, tends to be met with little but scorn, from hardened, seasoned Nostriches (who are convinced that bugs are all features), but I think the majority of potential users would see it differently.

I'm with the majority, on this one.

I like to click "save" buttons and have them save. If I publish something, I want it to appear under my list of published somethings. I like to type in the website address I always type in, and have it magically appear on my screen, as if there were a little man sitting at controls in my laptop, just waiting for me to write H-T-T-P-S... and then jump to attention.

My unreasonable expectations have no bounds, it is true. But unreasonable people are also people, so we would also like to have our own unreasonable things to play with. Scorn away. My save button will save, and my published something will publish, and my website will load every damn time, just to spite you.

In the larger scheme of things, you see, we win even if we fail, if we at least increase the competition enough, that things working becomes the new standard. We can simply prove, definitively, that it is possible for Nostr things to work, if they are built by people who care if they work. If we also have fun together, learn something new, and come up with some cool, novel use cases, then that's pure profit.

We can only win, at this endeavor.

Where to start?

Name that brand

So, we had a team, we had a business idea, and we had a heck of a lot of motivation. What we didn't have, is a name. (Never underestimate the importance of naming things.)

We decided to name ourselves "GitCitadel" because "git" sounds techy, hints at our GitRepublic project, and is reminiscent of open-source development, and "citadel" reminds us of Bitcoin. The republic is at home in the citadel, naturally. All other products also live in the same citadel, hence the naming-convention of prefacing everything with "GC" (i.e. "GC Alexandria", "GC Sybil", "GC Aedile", etc.).

Brand yourself

The next thing we did, was rent a domain and run a webserver on it. This is an important step because it gives you an Internet presence, allows you to have company NIP-05 and email addresses (a form of promotion), and it's simply exciting to have one. Feels so much more "official" and it helps increase the name-recognition of your company.

Define yourself

We then sat down, together, over the Internet, and figured out who we are. Not who we individually are, but who we are, as a company. A company, after all, (according to the Cambridge Dictionary) is "an organization that produces or sells goods or services in order to make a profit". Now, a company's profits don't have to be monetary, but they should be something tangible. A company, in other words, is a team of people working toward some defined goal.

What is our goal? Well, we decided to think it over, sat down with the newer additions to the company (you can see who they are, on our project wiki page, and came up with a Vision and a Mission:

The vision is what the overall goals of the company are, whereas the mission describes how those goals shall be achieved. Now, this is a sort of lofty, abstract statement, so it was important that we posted it someplace publicly (to keep ourselves accountable) and look at it regularly, so that we can ponder it and realign whatever we are currently working on, with this statement. We know the statement is well-designed, if considering it helps us make decisions about what to do next.

Pay yourselves

(I'm going to switch from "we" to "you", here, as it's easier to write this part, but let's just pretend I didn't.)

The next thing on the list, is to arrange the finances, usually by setting up a Geyserfund, with an associated wallet, and then deciding how the funds from the wallet will be dispersed or stored. (I won't tell you how we are handling that, as that's internal company business, but I'm sure you'll think of something clever, yourselves. Or just google it.)

I would encourage you to arrange to pay yourselves profits. Not merely because your idea is going to make you all fabulously wealthy and internationally famous (although, that is obviously true), but because profits are the most pure form of communication that consumers in the market have with its producers, and one of the best ways to make decisions and measure increases in efficiency (increasing profits and/or output, while keeping prices steady or falling).

Cutting off this signal, in order to look pious to outsiders, is to shoot yourself in your free-market foot. Nobody says that you have to spend your profits on the proverbial lambo and a bimbo. You could donate them to charity, reinvest them, or store them for your nephews to inherit, but pay them out, you should. You don't have to love money, to value it as a tool and use it shrewdly. Money is a measure, and companies should regularly measure themselves: against their previous state, against their potential state, and against their competition.

(Also, you can use money to buy a lambo and a bimbo, but you didn't hear that from me.)

Organize yourselves

Once you've been working together, for a while, you'll find that you need to figure out how to organize yourselves. The first step is to...

Form a board of directors.

Stop laughing. I'm serious.

Any company has at least two roles (President and Secretary), ideally held by two different people, so any single-proprietor company is a man down. Find a different person, to be your Second, even if they're just your confident, who lets you cry on your shoulder on The Bad Days, when your code refuses to compile, and can tell people that you've become a Bitcoin millionaire and have gone on a sabbatical to hike the Himalayas and will be back in 3 months on The Very Good Days. Because business man was not meant to be alone.

If, like us, you're a small herd of people and have already been working together for a while, then this step is actually really, really fun. Just think about what people are already doing, and put a label on it. That role is now defined and it is clear who is in charge of what.

Scientists become "Chief Science Officer" or "Scientific Advisor". The person who always writes the okay, so this is what we've decided comment in the thread becomes the Secretary, the one managing the Lightning wallet and worrying over paying for the servers is the CFO, the person running the remote server becomes the CTO, and so on and etc.

And everyone knows who the CEO is. Everyone always knows. They do. Just write it down.

Agree how to disagree

Now, have the secretary write up a Member's Agreement. It's a contract between the members, about whatever the group thinks is important concerning the way the company will operate. According to Investopedia, common topics are:

Is this legally binding? Probably not. Maybe. I don't know and wouldn't tell you, even if I did. But it's emotionally binding, which is arguably more important.

Writing things down is an advanced form of naming things and it provides clarity, helps to manage expectations, and allows you to define a working agreement before Real Money shows up and taints your interaction. You're just accepting tips, at the moment. Everyone is calm and cheerful, so now is your best time to negotiate.

Keep it very simple and only address the most basic things. If you wish to incorporate, at a later date, then you just take this to a registered agent, or other experienced person, and have them tidy up any loose ends and add the fine print.

Go forth, together

This has probably taken you weeks, or even months, but you're now a company. Get a logo and a company npub, start dropping the company name into your notes, and get on with the business of being in business.

**Hey Nostriches! **

Thrilled to launch the latest YakiHonne update—Simpler, Easier, Faster! After a lot of hard work, we bring you a highly optimized, user-friendly decentralized media experience on both web and mobile. This version focuses on two main aspects:

1. Complete Redesign:

Our UI/UX now puts simplicity first, minimizing technicalities for creators and social users alike. Here’s what’s new:

• Onboarding: Easily create a non-custodial wallet with Npub & Nsec, experience zapping (Lightning payments), or browse as a guest. • Home & Discover: “Discover” is designed for creators, focusing on rich formats like long-form content, videos, and curated works. “Home” offers a social feed with short notes and curated contents, making it quick and easy for creators to share their work. • Wallet: Simple setup with easy creation, direct YakiHonne node linking, and multi-wallet support. • Dashboard: Manage all published and drafted content, check stats, and pick up right where you left off—all in one place. • Notifications: Reactions, Reposts, Mentions, Zaps, Comments, and Follows now appear in clear, categorized cards. • Settings: Completely revamped for simplicity, now including profile customization, appearance, relay settings, and wallet management.

2. Enhanced Performance: Our re-engineered core now supports the outbox model with extensive functionality. Furthermore, Thanks to @PabloF7z we now have seamless data fetching, caching, and full support of the NDK implementation.

Hope you enjoy the new decentralized media experience! 🌐✨Try it out here: •Web: yakihonne.com •App Store (iOS): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/yakihonne/id6472556189 •Google Play (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yakihonne.yakihonne&hl=en

Thank you for your incredible support on this decentralized media journey!

https://v.nostr.build/Uu1uXf8P5D9KkBw6.mp4

I believe that five years from now, access to artificial intelligence will be akin to what access to the Internet represents today. It will be the greatest differentiator between the haves and have nots. Unequal access to artificial intelligence will exacerbate societal inequalities and limit opportunities for those without access to it.

Back in April, the AI Index Steering Committee at the Institute for Human-Centered AI from Stanford University released The AI Index 2024 Annual Report.

Out of the extensive report (502 pages), I chose to focus on the chapter dedicated to Public Opinion. People involved with AI live in a bubble. We all know and understand AI and therefore assume that everyone else does. But, is that really the case once you step out of your regular circles in Seattle or Silicon Valley and hit Main Street?

Two thirds of global respondents have a good understanding of what AI is

The exact number is 67%. My gut feeling is that this number is way too high to be realistic. At the same time, 63% of respondents are aware of ChatGPT so maybe people are confounding AI with ChatGPT?

If so, there is so much more that they won't see coming.

This number is important because you need to see every other questions and response of the survey through the lens of a respondent who believes to have a good understanding of what AI is.

A majority are nervous about AI products and services

52% of global respondents are nervous about products and services that use AI. Leading the pack are Australians at 69% and the least worried are Japanise at 23%. U.S.A. is up there at the top at 63%.

Japan is truly an outlier, with most countries moving between 40% and 60%.

Personal data is the clear victim

Exaclty half of the respondents believe that AI companies will protect their personal data. And the other half believes they won't.

Expected benefits

Again a majority of people (57%) think that it will change how they do their jobs. As for impact on your life, top hitters are getting things done faster (54%) and more entertainment options (51%).

The last one is a head scratcher for me. Are people looking forward to AI generated movies?

Concerns

Remember the 57% that thought that AI will change how they do their jobs? Well, it looks like 37% of them expect to lose it. Whether or not this is what will happen, that is a very high number of people who have a direct incentive to oppose AI.

Other key concerns include:

• Misuse for nefarious purposes: 49%
• Violation of citizens' privacy: 45%

Conclusion

This is the first time I come across this report and I wil make sure to follow future annual reports to see how these trends evolve.

Overall, people are worried about AI. There are many things that could go wrong and people perceive that both jobs and privacy are on the line.

Full citation: Nestor Maslej, Loredana Fattorini, Raymond Perrault, Vanessa Parli, Anka Reuel, Erik Brynjolfsson, John Etchemendy, Katrina Ligett, Terah Lyons, James Manyika, Juan Carlos Niebles, Yoav Shoham, Russell Wald, and Jack Clark, “The AI Index 2024 Annual Report,” AI Index Steering Committee, Institute for Human-Centered AI, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, April 2024.

The AI Index 2024 Annual Report by Stanford University is licensed under Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International.

O que é Cwtch? Cwtch (/kʊtʃ/ - uma palavra galesa que pode ser traduzida aproximadamente como “um abraço que cria um lugar seguro”) é um protocolo de mensagens multipartidário descentralizado, que preserva a privacidade, que pode ser usado para construir aplicativos resistentes a metadados.

Como posso pronunciar Cwtch? Como "kutch", para rimar com "butch".

Descentralizado e Aberto : Não existe “serviço Cwtch” ou “rede Cwtch”. Os participantes do Cwtch podem hospedar seus próprios espaços seguros ou emprestar sua infraestrutura para outras pessoas que buscam um espaço seguro. O protocolo Cwtch é aberto e qualquer pessoa é livre para criar bots, serviços e interfaces de usuário e integrar e interagir com o Cwtch.

Preservação de privacidade : toda a comunicação no Cwtch é criptografada de ponta a ponta e ocorre nos serviços cebola Tor v3.

Resistente a metadados : O Cwtch foi projetado de forma que nenhuma informação seja trocada ou disponibilizada a ninguém sem seu consentimento explícito, incluindo mensagens durante a transmissão e metadados de protocolo

Uma breve história do bate-papo resistente a metadados Nos últimos anos, a conscientização pública sobre a necessidade e os benefícios das soluções criptografadas de ponta a ponta aumentou com aplicativos como Signal , Whatsapp e Wire. que agora fornecem aos usuários comunicações seguras.

No entanto, essas ferramentas exigem vários níveis de exposição de metadados para funcionar, e muitos desses metadados podem ser usados ​​para obter detalhes sobre como e por que uma pessoa está usando uma ferramenta para se comunicar.

Uma ferramenta que buscou reduzir metadados é o Ricochet lançado pela primeira vez em 2014. Ricochet usou os serviços cebola Tor v2 para fornecer comunicação criptografada segura de ponta a ponta e para proteger os metadados das comunicações.

Não havia servidores centralizados que auxiliassem no roteamento das conversas do Ricochet. Ninguém além das partes envolvidas em uma conversa poderia saber que tal conversa está ocorrendo.

Ricochet tinha limitações; não havia suporte para vários dispositivos, nem existe um mecanismo para suportar a comunicação em grupo ou para um usuário enviar mensagens enquanto um contato está offline.

Isto tornou a adoção do Ricochet uma proposta difícil; mesmo aqueles em ambientes que seriam melhor atendidos pela resistência aos metadados, sem saber que ela existe.

Além disso, qualquer solução para comunicação descentralizada e resistente a metadados enfrenta problemas fundamentais quando se trata de eficiência, privacidade e segurança de grupo conforme definido pelo consenso e consistência da transcrição.

Alternativas modernas ao Ricochet incluem Briar , Zbay e Ricochet Refresh - cada ferramenta procura otimizar para um conjunto diferente de compensações, por exemplo, Briar procura permitir que as pessoas se comuniquem mesmo quando a infraestrutura de rede subjacente está inoperante, ao mesmo tempo que fornece resistência à vigilância de metadados.

O projeto Cwtch começou em 2017 como um protocolo de extensão para Ricochet, fornecendo conversas em grupo por meio de servidores não confiáveis, com o objetivo de permitir aplicativos descentralizados e resistentes a metadados como listas compartilhadas e quadros de avisos.

Uma versão alfa do Cwtch foi lançada em fevereiro de 2019 e, desde então, a equipe do Cwtch dirigida pela OPEN PRIVACY RESEARCH SOCIETY conduziu pesquisa e desenvolvimento em cwtch e nos protocolos, bibliotecas e espaços de problemas subjacentes.

Modelo de Risco.

Sabe-se que os metadados de comunicações são explorados por vários adversários para minar a segurança dos sistemas, para rastrear vítimas e para realizar análises de redes sociais em grande escala para alimentar a vigilância em massa. As ferramentas resistentes a metadados estão em sua infância e faltam pesquisas sobre a construção e a experiência do usuário de tais ferramentas.

https://nostrcheck.me/media/public/nostrcheck.me_9475702740746681051707662826.webp

O Cwtch foi originalmente concebido como uma extensão do protocolo Ricochet resistente a metadados para suportar comunicações assíncronas de grupos multiponto por meio do uso de infraestrutura anônima, descartável e não confiável.

Desde então, o Cwtch evoluiu para um protocolo próprio. Esta seção descreverá os vários riscos conhecidos que o Cwtch tenta mitigar e será fortemente referenciado no restante do documento ao discutir os vários subcomponentes da Arquitetura Cwtch.

Modelo de ameaça.

É importante identificar e compreender que os metadados são omnipresentes nos protocolos de comunicação; é de facto necessário que tais protocolos funcionem de forma eficiente e em escala. No entanto, as informações que são úteis para facilitar peers e servidores também são altamente relevantes para adversários que desejam explorar tais informações.

Para a definição do nosso problema, assumiremos que o conteúdo de uma comunicação é criptografado de tal forma que um adversário é praticamente incapaz de quebrá-lo veja tapir e cwtch para detalhes sobre a criptografia que usamos, e como tal nos concentraremos em o contexto para os metadados de comunicação.

Procuramos proteger os seguintes contextos de comunicação:

• Quem está envolvido em uma comunicação? Pode ser possível identificar pessoas ou simplesmente identificadores de dispositivos ou redes. Por exemplo, “esta comunicação envolve Alice, uma jornalista, e Bob, um funcionário público”.

• Onde estão os participantes da conversa? Por exemplo, “durante esta comunicação, Alice estava na França e Bob estava no Canadá”.

• Quando ocorreu uma conversa? O momento e a duração da comunicação podem revelar muito sobre a natureza de uma chamada, por exemplo, “Bob, um funcionário público, conversou com Alice ao telefone por uma hora ontem à noite. Esta é a primeira vez que eles se comunicam.” *Como a conversa foi mediada? O fato de uma conversa ter ocorrido por meio de um e-mail criptografado ou não criptografado pode fornecer informações úteis. Por exemplo, “Alice enviou um e-mail criptografado para Bob ontem, enquanto eles normalmente enviam apenas e-mails de texto simples um para o outro”.

• Sobre o que é a conversa? Mesmo que o conteúdo da comunicação seja criptografado, às vezes é possível derivar um contexto provável de uma conversa sem saber exatamente o que é dito, por exemplo, “uma pessoa ligou para uma pizzaria na hora do jantar” ou “alguém ligou para um número conhecido de linha direta de suicídio na hora do jantar”. 3 horas da manhã."

Além das conversas individuais, também procuramos defender-nos contra ataques de correlação de contexto, através dos quais múltiplas conversas são analisadas para obter informações de nível superior:

• Relacionamentos: Descobrir relações sociais entre um par de entidades analisando a frequência e a duração de suas comunicações durante um período de tempo. Por exemplo, Carol e Eve ligam uma para a outra todos os dias durante várias horas seguidas.

• Cliques: Descobrir relações sociais entre um grupo de entidades que interagem entre si. Por exemplo, Alice, Bob e Eva se comunicam entre si.

• Grupos vagamente conectados e indivíduos-ponte: descobrir grupos que se comunicam entre si através de intermediários, analisando cadeias de comunicação (por exemplo, toda vez que Alice fala com Bob, ela fala com Carol quase imediatamente depois; Bob e Carol nunca se comunicam).

• Padrão de Vida: Descobrir quais comunicações são cíclicas e previsíveis. Por exemplo, Alice liga para Eve toda segunda-feira à noite por cerca de uma hora. Ataques Ativos

Ataques de deturpação.

O Cwtch não fornece registro global de nomes de exibição e, como tal, as pessoas que usam o Cwtch são mais vulneráveis ​​a ataques baseados em declarações falsas, ou seja, pessoas que fingem ser outras pessoas:

O fluxo básico de um desses ataques é o seguinte, embora também existam outros fluxos:

•Alice tem um amigo chamado Bob e outro chamado Eve

• Eve descobre que Alice tem um amigo chamado Bob

• Eve cria milhares de novas contas para encontrar uma que tenha uma imagem/chave pública semelhante à de Bob (não será idêntica, mas pode enganar alguém por alguns minutos)

• Eve chama essa nova conta de "Eve New Account" e adiciona Alice como amiga.

• Eve então muda seu nome em "Eve New Account" para "Bob"

• Alice envia mensagens destinadas a "Bob" para a conta falsa de Bob de Eve Como os ataques de declarações falsas são inerentemente uma questão de confiança e verificação, a única maneira absoluta de evitá-los é os usuários validarem absolutamente a chave pública. Obviamente, isso não é o ideal e, em muitos casos, simplesmente não acontecerá .

Como tal, pretendemos fornecer algumas dicas de experiência do usuário na interface do usuário para orientar as pessoas na tomada de decisões sobre confiar em contas e/ou distinguir contas que possam estar tentando se representar como outros usuários.

Uma nota sobre ataques físicos A Cwtch não considera ataques que exijam acesso físico (ou equivalente) à máquina do usuário como praticamente defensáveis. No entanto, no interesse de uma boa engenharia de segurança, ao longo deste documento ainda nos referiremos a ataques ou condições que exigem tal privilégio e indicaremos onde quaisquer mitigações que implementámos falharão.

Um perfil Cwtch.

Os usuários podem criar um ou mais perfis Cwtch. Cada perfil gera um par de chaves ed25519 aleatório compatível com Tor.

Além do material criptográfico, um perfil também contém uma lista de Contatos (outras chaves públicas do perfil Cwtch + dados associados sobre esse perfil, como apelido e (opcionalmente) mensagens históricas), uma lista de Grupos (contendo o material criptográfico do grupo, além de outros dados associados, como apelido do grupo e mensagens históricas).

Conversões entre duas partes: ponto a ponto

https://nostrcheck.me/media/public/nostrcheck.me_2186338207587396891707662879.webp

Para que duas partes participem de uma conversa ponto a ponto, ambas devem estar on-line, mas apenas uma precisa estar acessível por meio do serviço Onion. Por uma questão de clareza, muitas vezes rotulamos uma parte como “ponto de entrada” (aquele que hospeda o serviço cebola) e a outra parte como “ponto de saída” (aquele que se conecta ao serviço cebola).

Após a conexão, ambas as partes adotam um protocolo de autenticação que:

• Afirma que cada parte tem acesso à chave privada associada à sua identidade pública.

• Gera uma chave de sessão efêmera usada para criptografar todas as comunicações futuras durante a sessão.

Esta troca (documentada com mais detalhes no protocolo de autenticação ) é negável offline , ou seja, é possível para qualquer parte falsificar transcrições desta troca de protocolo após o fato e, como tal - após o fato - é impossível provar definitivamente que a troca aconteceu de forma alguma.

Após o protocolo de autenticação, as duas partes podem trocar mensagens livremente.

Conversas em Grupo e Comunicação Ponto a Servidor

Ao iniciar uma conversa em grupo, é gerada uma chave aleatória para o grupo, conhecida como Group Key. Todas as comunicações do grupo são criptografadas usando esta chave. Além disso, o criador do grupo escolhe um servidor Cwtch para hospedar o grupo. Um convite é gerado, incluindo o Group Key, o servidor do grupo e a chave do grupo, para ser enviado aos potenciais membros.

Para enviar uma mensagem ao grupo, um perfil se conecta ao servidor do grupo e criptografa a mensagem usando a Group Key, gerando também uma assinatura sobre o Group ID, o servidor do grupo e a mensagem. Para receber mensagens do grupo, um perfil se conecta ao servidor e baixa as mensagens, tentando descriptografá-las usando a Group Key e verificando a assinatura.

Detalhamento do Ecossistema de Componentes

O Cwtch é composto por várias bibliotecas de componentes menores, cada uma desempenhando um papel específico. Algumas dessas bibliotecas incluem:

• abertoprivacidade/conectividade: Abstração de rede ACN, atualmente suportando apenas Tor.
• cwtch.im/tapir: Biblioteca para construção de aplicativos p2p em sistemas de comunicação anônimos.
• cwtch.im/cwtch: Biblioteca principal para implementação do protocolo/sistema Cwtch.
• cwtch.im/libcwtch-go: Fornece ligações C para Cwtch para uso em implementações de UI.

TAPIR: Uma Visão Detalhada

Projetado para substituir os antigos canais de ricochete baseados em protobuf, o Tapir fornece uma estrutura para a construção de aplicativos anônimos.

Está dividido em várias camadas:

• Identidade - Um par de chaves ed25519, necessário para estabelecer um serviço cebola Tor v3 e usado para manter uma identidade criptográfica consistente para um par.

• Conexões – O protocolo de rede bruto que conecta dois pares. Até agora, as conexões são definidas apenas através do Tor v3 Onion Services.

• Aplicativos - As diversas lógicas que permitem um determinado fluxo de informações em uma conexão. Os exemplos incluem transcrições criptográficas compartilhadas, autenticação, proteção contra spam e serviços baseados em tokens. Os aplicativos fornecem recursos que podem ser referenciados por outros aplicativos para determinar se um determinado peer tem a capacidade de usar um determinado aplicativo hospedado.

• Pilhas de aplicativos - Um mecanismo para conectar mais de um aplicativo, por exemplo, a autenticação depende de uma transcrição criptográfica compartilhada e o aplicativo peer cwtch principal é baseado no aplicativo de autenticação.

Identidade.

Um par de chaves ed25519, necessário para estabelecer um serviço cebola Tor v3 e usado para manter uma identidade criptográfica consistente para um peer.

InitializeIdentity - de um par de chaves conhecido e persistente:i,I

InitializeEphemeralIdentity - de um par de chaves aleatório: ie,Ie

Aplicativos de transcrição.

Inicializa uma transcrição criptográfica baseada em Merlin que pode ser usada como base de protocolos baseados em compromisso de nível superior

O aplicativo de transcrição entrará em pânico se um aplicativo tentar substituir uma transcrição existente por uma nova (aplicando a regra de que uma sessão é baseada em uma e apenas uma transcrição).

Merlin é uma construção de transcrição baseada em STROBE para provas de conhecimento zero. Ele automatiza a transformação Fiat-Shamir, para que, usando Merlin, protocolos não interativos possam ser implementados como se fossem interativos.

Isto é significativamente mais fácil e menos sujeito a erros do que realizar a transformação manualmente e, além disso, também fornece suporte natural para:

• protocolos multi-round com fases alternadas de commit e desafio;

• separação natural de domínios, garantindo que os desafios estejam vinculados às afirmações a serem provadas;

• enquadramento automático de mensagens, evitando codificação ambígua de dados de compromisso;

• e composição do protocolo, usando uma transcrição comum para vários protocolos.

Finalmente, o Merlin também fornece um gerador de números aleatórios baseado em transcrição como defesa profunda contra ataques de entropia ruim (como reutilização de nonce ou preconceito em muitas provas). Este RNG fornece aleatoriedade sintética derivada de toda a transcrição pública, bem como dos dados da testemunha do provador e uma entrada auxiliar de um RNG externo.

Conectividade Cwtch faz uso do Tor Onion Services (v3) para todas as comunicações entre nós.

Fornecemos o pacote openprivacy/connectivity para gerenciar o daemon Tor e configurar e desmontar serviços cebola através do Tor.

Criptografia e armazenamento de perfil.

Os perfis são armazenados localmente no disco e criptografados usando uma chave derivada de uma senha conhecida pelo usuário (via pbkdf2).

Observe que, uma vez criptografado e armazenado em disco, a única maneira de recuperar um perfil é recuperando a senha - como tal, não é possível fornecer uma lista completa de perfis aos quais um usuário pode ter acesso até inserir uma senha.

Perfis não criptografados e a senha padrão Para lidar com perfis "não criptografados" (ou seja, que não exigem senha para serem abertos), atualmente criamos um perfil com uma senha codificada de fato .

Isso não é o ideal, preferiríamos confiar no material de chave fornecido pelo sistema operacional, de modo que o perfil fosse vinculado a um dispositivo específico, mas esses recursos são atualmente uma colcha de retalhos - também notamos, ao criar um perfil não criptografado, pessoas que usam Cwtch estão explicitamente optando pelo risco de que alguém com acesso ao sistema de arquivos possa descriptografar seu perfil.

Vulnerabilidades Relacionadas a Imagens e Entrada de Dados

Imagens Maliciosas

O Cwtch enfrenta desafios na renderização de imagens, com o Flutter utilizando Skia, embora o código subjacente não seja totalmente seguro para a memória.

Realizamos testes de fuzzing nos componentes Cwtch e encontramos um bug de travamento causado por um arquivo GIF malformado, levando a falhas no kernel. Para mitigar isso, adotamos a política de sempre habilitar cacheWidth e/ou cacheHeight máximo para widgets de imagem.

Identificamos o risco de imagens maliciosas serem renderizadas de forma diferente em diferentes plataformas, como evidenciado por um bug no analisador PNG da Apple.

Riscos de Entrada de Dados

Um risco significativo é a interceptação de conteúdo ou metadados por meio de um Input Method Editor (IME) em dispositivos móveis. Mesmo aplicativos IME padrão podem expor dados por meio de sincronização na nuvem, tradução online ou dicionários pessoais.

Implementamos medidas de mitigação, como enableIMEPersonalizedLearning: false no Cwtch 1.2, mas a solução completa requer ações em nível de sistema operacional e é um desafio contínuo para a segurança móvel.

Servidor Cwtch.

O objetivo do protocolo Cwtch é permitir a comunicação em grupo através de infraestrutura não confiável .

Ao contrário dos esquemas baseados em retransmissão, onde os grupos atribuem um líder, um conjunto de líderes ou um servidor confiável de terceiros para garantir que cada membro do grupo possa enviar e receber mensagens em tempo hábil (mesmo que os membros estejam offline) - infraestrutura não confiável tem o objetivo de realizar essas propriedades sem a suposição de confiança.

O artigo original do Cwtch definia um conjunto de propriedades que se esperava que os servidores Cwtch fornecessem:

• O Cwtch Server pode ser usado por vários grupos ou apenas um.

• Um servidor Cwtch, sem a colaboração de um membro do grupo, nunca deve aprender a identidade dos participantes de um grupo.

• Um servidor Cwtch nunca deve aprender o conteúdo de qualquer comunicação.

• Um servidor Cwtch nunca deve ser capaz de distinguir mensagens como pertencentes a um grupo específico. Observamos aqui que essas propriedades são um superconjunto dos objetivos de design das estruturas de Recuperação de Informações Privadas.

Melhorias na Eficiência e Segurança

Eficiência do Protocolo

Atualmente, apenas um protocolo conhecido, o PIR ingênuo, atende às propriedades desejadas para garantir a privacidade na comunicação do grupo Cwtch. Este método tem um impacto direto na eficiência da largura de banda, especialmente para usuários em dispositivos móveis. Em resposta a isso, estamos ativamente desenvolvendo novos protocolos que permitem negociar garantias de privacidade e eficiência de maneiras diversas.

Os servidores, no momento desta escrita, permitem o download completo de todas as mensagens armazenadas, bem como uma solicitação para baixar mensagens específicas a partir de uma determinada mensagem. Quando os pares ingressam em um grupo em um novo servidor, eles baixam todas as mensagens do servidor inicialmente e, posteriormente, apenas as mensagens novas.

Mitigação de Análise de Metadados

Essa abordagem permite uma análise moderada de metadados, pois o servidor pode enviar novas mensagens para cada perfil suspeito exclusivo e usar essas assinaturas de mensagens exclusivas para rastrear sessões ao longo do tempo. Essa preocupação é mitigada por dois fatores:

1. Os perfis podem atualizar suas conexões a qualquer momento, resultando em uma nova sessão do servidor.
2. Os perfis podem ser "ressincronizados" de um servidor a qualquer momento, resultando em uma nova chamada para baixar todas as mensagens. Isso é comumente usado para buscar mensagens antigas de um grupo.

Embora essas medidas imponham limites ao que o servidor pode inferir, ainda não podemos garantir resistência total aos metadados. Para soluções futuras para esse problema, consulte Niwl.

Proteção contra Pares Maliciosos

Os servidores enfrentam o risco de spam gerado por pares, representando uma ameaça significativa à eficácia do sistema Cwtch. Embora tenhamos implementado um mecanismo de proteção contra spam no protótipo do Cwtch, exigindo que os pares realizem alguma prova de trabalho especificada pelo servidor, reconhecemos que essa não é uma solução robusta na presença de um adversário determinado com recursos significativos.

Pacotes de Chaves

Os servidores Cwtch se identificam por meio de pacotes de chaves assinados, contendo uma lista de chaves necessárias para garantir a segurança e resistência aos metadados na comunicação do grupo Cwtch. Esses pacotes de chaves geralmente incluem três chaves: uma chave pública do serviço Tor v3 Onion para o Token Board, uma chave pública do Tor v3 Onion Service para o Token Service e uma chave pública do Privacy Pass.

Para verificar os pacotes de chaves, os perfis que os importam do servidor utilizam o algoritmo trust-on-first-use (TOFU), verificando a assinatura anexada e a existência de todos os tipos de chave. Se o perfil já tiver importado o pacote de chaves do servidor anteriormente, todas as chaves são consideradas iguais.

Configuração prévia do aplicativo para ativar o Relé do Cwtch.

No Android, a hospedagem de servidor não está habilitada, pois essa opção não está disponível devido às limitações dos dispositivos Android. Essa funcionalidade está reservada apenas para servidores hospedados em desktops.

No Android, a única forma direta de importar uma chave de servidor é através do grupo de teste Cwtch, garantindo assim acesso ao servidor Cwtch.

Primeiro passo é Habilitar a opção de grupo no Cwtch que está em fase de testes. Clique na opção no canto superior direito da tela de configuração e pressione o botão para acessar as configurações do Cwtch.

Você pode alterar o idioma para Português do Brasil.Depois, role para baixo e selecione a opção para ativar os experimentos. Em seguida, ative a opção para habilitar o chat em grupo e a pré-visualização de imagens e fotos de perfil, permitindo que você troque sua foto de perfil.

https://link.storjshare.io/raw/jvss6zxle26jdguwaegtjdixhfka/production/f0ca039733d48895001261ab25c5d2efbaf3bf26e55aad3cce406646f9af9d15.MP4

Próximo passo é Criar um perfil.

Pressione o + botão de ação no canto inferior direito e selecione "Novo perfil" ou aberta no botão + adicionar novo perfil.

• Selecione um nome de exibição

• Selecione se deseja proteger

este perfil e salvo localmente com criptografia forte: Senha: sua conta está protegida de outras pessoas que possam usar este dispositivo

Sem senha: qualquer pessoa que tenha acesso a este dispositivo poderá acessar este perfil.

Preencha sua senha e digite-a novamente

Os perfis são armazenados localmente no disco e criptografados usando uma chave derivada de uma senha conhecida pelo usuário (via pbkdf2).

Observe que, uma vez criptografado e armazenado em disco, a única maneira de recuperar um perfil é recuperando a chave da senha - como tal, não é possível fornecer uma lista completa de perfis aos quais um usuário pode ter acesso até inserir um senha.

https://link.storjshare.io/raw/jxqbqmur2lcqe2eym5thgz4so2ya/production/8f9df1372ec7e659180609afa48be22b12109ae5e1eda9ef1dc05c1325652507.MP4

O próximo passo é adicionar o FuzzBot, que é um bot de testes e de desenvolvimento.

Contato do FuzzBot: 4y2hxlxqzautabituedksnh2ulcgm2coqbure6wvfpg4gi2ci25ta5ad.

Ao enviar o comando "testgroup-invite" para o FuzzBot, você receberá um convite para entrar no Grupo Cwtch Test. Ao ingressar no grupo, você será automaticamente conectado ao servidor Cwtch. Você pode optar por sair do grupo a qualquer momento ou ficar para conversar e tirar dúvidas sobre o aplicativo e outros assuntos. Depois, você pode configurar seu próprio servidor Cwtch, o que é altamente recomendável.

https://link.storjshare.io/raw/jvji25zclkoqcouni5decle7if7a/production/ee3de3540a3e3dca6e6e26d303e12c2ef892a5d7769029275b8b95ffc7468780.MP4

Agora você pode utilizar o aplicativo normalmente. Algumas observações que notei: se houver demora na conexão com outra pessoa, ambas devem estar online. Se ainda assim a conexão não for estabelecida, basta clicar no ícone de reset do Tor para restabelecer a conexão com a outra pessoa.

Uma introdução aos perfis Cwtch.

Com Cwtch você pode criar um ou mais perfis . Cada perfil gera um par de chaves ed25519 aleatório compatível com a Rede Tor.

Este é o identificador que você pode fornecer às pessoas e que elas podem usar para entrar em contato com você via Cwtch.

Cwtch permite criar e gerenciar vários perfis separados. Cada perfil está associado a um par de chaves diferente que inicia um serviço cebola diferente.

Gerenciar Na inicialização, o Cwtch abrirá a tela Gerenciar Perfis. Nessa tela você pode:

• Crie um novo perfil.
• Desbloquear perfis.
• Criptografados existentes.
• Gerenciar perfis carregados.
• Alterando o nome de exibição de um perfil.
• Alterando a senha de um perfil Excluindo um perfil.
• Alterando uma imagem de perfil.

Backup ou exportação de um perfil.

Na tela de gerenciamento de perfil:

1. Selecione o lápis ao lado do perfil que você deseja editar

2. Role para baixo até a parte inferior da tela.

3. Selecione "Exportar perfil"

4. Escolha um local e um nome de arquivo.

5.confirme.

Uma vez confirmado, o Cwtch colocará uma cópia do perfil no local indicado. Este arquivo é criptografado no mesmo nível do perfil.

Este arquivo pode ser importado para outra instância do Cwtch em qualquer dispositivo.

Importando um perfil.

1. Pressione o +botão de ação no canto inferior direito e selecione "Importar perfil"

2. Selecione um arquivo de perfil Cwtch exportado para importar

3. Digite a senha associada ao perfil e confirme.

Uma vez confirmado, o Cwtch tentará descriptografar o arquivo fornecido usando uma chave derivada da senha fornecida. Se for bem-sucedido, o perfil aparecerá na tela Gerenciamento de perfil e estará pronto para uso.

OBSERVAÇÃO Embora um perfil possa ser importado para vários dispositivos, atualmente apenas uma versão de um perfil pode ser usada em todos os dispositivos ao mesmo tempo. As tentativas de usar o mesmo perfil em vários dispositivos podem resultar em problemas de disponibilidade e falhas de mensagens.

Qual é a diferença entre uma conexão ponto a ponto e um grupo cwtch?

As conexões ponto a ponto Cwtch permitem que 2 pessoas troquem mensagens diretamente. As conexões ponto a ponto nos bastidores usam serviços cebola Tor v3 para fornecer uma conexão criptografada e resistente a metadados. Devido a esta conexão direta, ambas as partes precisam estar online ao mesmo tempo para trocar mensagens.

Os Grupos Cwtch permitem que várias partes participem de uma única conversa usando um servidor não confiável (que pode ser fornecido por terceiros ou auto-hospedado). Os operadores de servidores não conseguem saber quantas pessoas estão em um grupo ou o que está sendo discutido. Se vários grupos estiverem hospedados em um único servidor, o servidor não conseguirá saber quais mensagens pertencem a qual grupo sem a conivência de um membro do grupo. Ao contrário das conversas entre pares, as conversas em grupo podem ser conduzidas de forma assíncrona, para que todos num grupo não precisem estar online ao mesmo tempo.

Por que os grupos cwtch são experimentais? Mensagens em grupo resistentes a metadados ainda são um problema em aberto . Embora a versão que fornecemos no Cwtch Beta seja projetada para ser segura e com metadados privados, ela é bastante ineficiente e pode ser mal utilizada. Como tal, aconselhamos cautela ao usá-lo e apenas o fornecemos como um recurso opcional.

Como posso executar meu próprio servidor Cwtch? A implementação de referência para um servidor Cwtch é de código aberto . Qualquer pessoa pode executar um servidor Cwtch, e qualquer pessoa com uma cópia do pacote de chaves públicas do servidor pode hospedar grupos nesse servidor sem que o operador tenha acesso aos metadados relacionados ao grupo .

https://git.openprivacy.ca/cwtch.im/server

https://docs.openprivacy.ca/cwtch-security-handbook/server.html

Como posso desligar o Cwtch? O painel frontal do aplicativo possui um ícone do botão "Shutdown Cwtch" (com um 'X'). Pressionar este botão irá acionar uma caixa de diálogo e, na confirmação, o Cwtch será desligado e todos os perfis serão descarregados.

Suas doações podem fazer a diferença no projeto Cwtch? O Cwtch é um projeto dedicado a construir aplicativos que preservam a privacidade, oferecendo comunicação de grupo resistente a metadados. Além disso, o projeto também desenvolve o Cofre, formulários da web criptografados para ajudar mútua segura. Suas contribuições apoiam iniciativas importantes, como a divulgação de violações de dados médicos em Vancouver e pesquisas sobre a segurança do voto eletrônico na Suíça. Ao doar, você está ajudando a fechar o ciclo, trabalhando com comunidades marginalizadas para identificar e corrigir lacunas de privacidade. Além disso, o projeto trabalha em soluções inovadoras, como a quebra de segredos através da criptografia de limite para proteger sua privacidade durante passagens de fronteira. E também tem a infraestrutura: toda nossa infraestrutura é open source e sem fins lucrativos. Conheça também o Fuzzytags, uma estrutura criptográfica probabilística para marcação resistente a metadados. Sua doação é crucial para continuar o trabalho em prol da privacidade e segurança online. Contribua agora com sua doação

https://openprivacy.ca/donate/

onde você pode fazer sua doação em bitcoin e outras moedas, e saiba mais sobre os projetos. https://openprivacy.ca/work/

Link sobre Cwtch

https://cwtch.im/

https://git.openprivacy.ca/cwtch.im/cwtch

https://docs.cwtch.im/docs/intro

https://docs.openprivacy.ca/cwtch-security-handbook/

Baixar #CwtchDev

cwtch.im/download/

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=im.cwtch.flwtch

書き散らす動機

残暑続きからの急な気温低下で鼻炎がひどくなる今日この頃、皆様お元気でしょうか

株主への抗議のために退職してから2ヶ月半、流石に暇を持て余してきました 時間がある上に能動的に働く気も起きず、ひたすらボーッとしたりうねうね考え事をする日々です 幸いにして人生も折り返しにさしかかる頃になり、時折「今、人生が終わって構わないのでは？」というようなことも考えたりします （鬱病既往歴ありますが私は元気です）

子どものお迎えを終えて、いつもどおり夕食をとり、またうねうねしているうちに ふと、6年前の年末に急死された、仕事でお世話になったTさんのことを思い出しました

子を寝かしつけてもまだ頭の中をぐるぐるしていたので、ここに吐き出してすっきりしようという魂胆です

Tさんとの出会い

私のキャリアの（ほぼ）スタートはVC（ベンチャーキャピタル）でした 誰のせいでもないとある経緯もあり、周囲からは警戒され避けられ、わずか6年ではありますが、 インナーサークルに入り込めない時期を過ごし、当時の上司と二人、とにかくやれることをやり続ける毎日でした

いつものようにピッチイベントに参加しているとき、近くの席にいたスーツ姿の3人組と目が一瞬合います

「事業会社の人だ」

協調投資やファンド出資のきっかけを掴むべく、その3人に話かけます

「よろしければ弊社投資先のご紹介や御社の...」

ひととおりの挨拶を済ませ、この人たちにも避けられるんだろうと思いながらも要件を切り出します

「是非やりましょう」

いつもとは違う嬉しい返事をくれたのがTさんでした

面倒見の良い他社の先輩

そのときの3人組であるMさん・Iさん・Tさんには、私の仕事人生の中で最もお世話になったと言っても過言ではありません

ファンドの営業を受けていただき、協調投資を行い、VCからの転職後にも協業相手として他部署のキーマンをご紹介いただき...

社会人になったばかりの私の、今思い返せば恥ずかしい（部下がこんな提案したら卒倒する）レベルの提案を、 誰もが知る一流企業の多忙な役職持ちであるにも関わらず、毎回一時間も割いて丁寧に対応してくださる心の広い方でした

当時、VCと接点をもつような事業会社の対スタートアップ部隊は、本業でご活躍されている方が兼任で取り組むパターンが多く、Mさん・Iさん・Tさんももちろんそう

その後も昇進され、最後には本社の取締役に。今年遂に退任され、所謂「あがり」でしょうか、子会社の取締役に異動 長い社会人人生をほぼ走りきり、有終の美を飾ろうとする時期にさしかかっています

でもTさんはそこにはいません

残される側

冒頭触れたとおり、Tさんは6年前のこの時期に急死されました 死因については、Tさんのご友人がFBに投稿していた文章を読んでも、Iさんに聞いてもわからない

悲しいかな、四十年近く生きていると、死因が明かされない理由がわかるようになる機会が一度や二度はあります Tさんもおそらくそうだったのでしょう

直前まで、Iさんと一緒にベイエリアに出張され、楽しそうなコメントと共に写真を投稿されていたのに 晩婚なのか再婚なのか、とにかくご結婚されて一年ちょっと。お子様も生まれたばかりだったのに Tさんは近い人間に心中を隠して、静かにこの世を去りました

あなたの快い返事に、どれほど私が救われたのか 転職後の提案のとき、受付で顔を出してすぐ「元気？」と声をかけてくださったことがどれほど私を安心させてくれたか あなたが声をかけてくれる度、私の社会人としての成果が生まれたことに、私は十分に感謝を伝えられていません

まだしばらく残る理由

振り返って、Tさんのように誰かの人生をenhanceできたのか？と自分に問うと、まだできたとは思えません。残念ですが

今ここで死んでも私は構わないけど、まだもうちょっと頑張るべきかな、老いてから誰かに感謝をしてもらうまで生きてみてもいいかな

そうふと思い直しているうちに日付が変わりました

If you don't know where your posts are, you might as well just stay in the centralized Twitter. You either take control of your relay lists, or they will control you. Amethyst offers several lists of relays for our users. We are going to go one by one to help clarify what they are and which options are best for each one.

Public Home/Outbox Relays

Home relays store all YOUR content: all your posts, likes, replies, lists, etc. It's your home. Amethyst will send your posts here first. Your followers will use these relays to get new posts from you. So, if you don't have anything there, they will not receive your updates.

Home relays must allow queries from anyone, ideally without the need to authenticate. They can limit writes to paid users without affecting anyone's experience.

This list should have a maximum of 3 relays. More than that will only make your followers waste their mobile data getting your posts. Keep it simple. Out of the 3 relays, I recommend: - 1 large public, international relay: nos.lol, nostr.mom, relay.damus.io, etc. - 1 personal relay to store a copy of all your content in a place no one can delete. Go to relay.tools and never be censored again. - 1 really fast relay located in your country: paid options like http://nostr.wine are great

Do not include relays that block users from seeing posts in this list. If you do, no one will see your posts.

Public Inbox Relays

This relay type receives all replies, comments, likes, and zaps to your posts. If you are not getting notifications or you don't see replies from your friends, it is likely because you don't have the right setup here. If you are getting too much spam in your replies, it's probably because your inbox relays are not protecting you enough. Paid relays can filter inbox spam out.

Inbox relays must allow anyone to write into them. It's the opposite of the outbox relay. They can limit who can download the posts to their paid subscribers without affecting anyone's experience.

This list should have a maximum of 3 relays as well. Again, keep it small. More than that will just make you spend more of your data plan downloading the same notifications from all these different servers. Out of the 3 relays, I recommend: - 1 large public, international relay: nos.lol, nostr.mom, relay.damus.io, etc. - 1 personal relay to store a copy of your notifications, invites, cashu tokens and zaps. - 1 really fast relay located in your country: go to nostr.watch and find relays in your country

Terrible options include: - nostr.wine should not be here. - filter.nostr.wine should not be here. - inbox.nostr.wine should not be here.

DM Inbox Relays

These are the relays used to receive DMs and private content. Others will use these relays to send DMs to you. If you don't have it setup, you will miss DMs. DM Inbox relays should accept any message from anyone, but only allow you to download them.

Generally speaking, you only need 3 for reliability. One of them should be a personal relay to make sure you have a copy of all your messages. The others can be open if you want push notifications or closed if you want full privacy.

Good options are: - inbox.nostr.wine and auth.nostr1.com: anyone can send messages and only you can download. Not even our push notification server has access to them to notify you. - a personal relay to make sure no one can censor you. Advanced settings on personal relays can also store your DMs privately. Talk to your relay operator for more details. - a hidden, but public relay if you want DM notifications from our servers.

Make sure to add at least one public relay if you want to see DM notifications.

Private Home Relays

Private Relays are for things no one should see, like your drafts, lists, app settings, bookmarks etc. Ideally, these relays are either local or require authentication before posting AND downloading each user\'s content. There are no dedicated relays for this category yet, so I would use a local relay like Citrine on Android and a personal relay on relay.tools

Search relays:

This is the list of relays to use on Amethyst's search and user tagging with @. Tagging and searching will not work if there is nothing here.. This option requires NIP-50 compliance from each relay. Hit the Default button to use all available options on existence today: - nostr.wine - relay.nostr.band - relay.noswhere.com

Local Relays:

This is your local storage. Everything will load faster if it comes from this relay. You should install Citrine on Android and write ws://localhost:4869 in this option.

General Relays:

This section contains the default relays used to download content from your follows. Notice how you can activate and deactivate the Home, Messages (old-style DMs), Chat (public chats), and Global options in each.

Keep 5-6 large relays on this list and activate them for as many categories (Home, Messages (old-style DMs), Chat, and Global) as possible.

Amethyst will provide additional recommendations to this list from your follows with information on which of your follows might need the additional relay in your list. Add them if you feel like you are missing their posts or if it is just taking too long to load them.

Final Considerations

Remember, relays can see what your Nostr client is requesting and downloading at all times. They can track what you see and see what you like. They can sell that information to the highest bidder, they can delete your content or content that a sponsor asked them to delete (like a negative review for instance) and they can censor you in any way they see fit. Before using any random free relay out there, make sure you trust its operator and you know its terms of service and privacy policies.

This design system has two goals: 1. Being the basis for the development of a design-first, native Nostr app focused on exceptional zapping and chatting, relay-based communities and beauty 2. Serving as inspiration for builders that need coherent UI building blocks for their own apps with a different scope but overlapping needs (chats, threads, zaps, articles, highlights, events, wikis, ...)

Design System

Check it out here.
This is by no means finished and will be continually updated and completed as we go along.

Project description

Check it out here nostr:naddr1qvzqqqrcvgpzp22rfmsktmgpk2rtan7zwu00zuzax5maq5dnsu5g3xxvqr2u3pd7qyt8wumn8ghj7mnfv4kzumn0wd68yvfwvdhk6tcpz9mhxue69uhkummnw3ezuamfdejj7qq00fshqcmgv96z6urjda4x2cm5lrswda

This is a very first bullet-point-style draft to set the tone and is open to change, hence it being a wiki.

Explanatory videos

This list of videos will also be continually updated and completed as we go along:

1. Chat as the universal interface
   https://cdn.satellite.earth/43ccc6224a373dd22b7ae92edb70a0b9a3facabef27dff037de7f4fcf3ee7f37.mov

2. Your Nostr Dashboard
   https://cdn.satellite.earth/20fa9683dbf815c7deafa8a532c1d1e99cddbaac622fbf075b33b70fb0bdef22.mov

3. Keeping Tabs on all these Content types https://cdn.satellite.earth/a15ab05b55db1787349863f0f92c465dcde828b90c2cb61a92bd712a0012e9c6.mov

4. Design entered the Chat
   https://cdn.satellite.earth/7c25215262125562c847412c0d9a7d027e087028838204b6c447b5c07830979a.mov

5. Targeted publication & The blurry edges of interoperable communities
   https://cdn.satellite.earth/160c9431f53e7be108ad37f8d368e2af840690a8a936d1caaa68b468c9b1e0a9.mov

6. Travel Back
   https://cdn.satellite.earth/36d38027e6208e91c1fa27b0560f70fbad7d3e31c22d659c9a53a5c4cf90a876.mov

Why waste time, looking at other people's stuff?

I get this question a lot, on Nostr, and it feeds immediately back to the next question: Why don't you just build your own client, if you're so smart?

This was a completely new question for me, as I'm used to collaborating with at least one other person, even when doing FOSS stuff. (No, this isn't my first such project; we just used to call it "volunteering" and "sharing the code", which sounds way less glamorous.) It never occurred to me, that a habit of collaboration and interaction was some sign of my ignorance and incompetence, or somehow proof that I can't vomit up "Hello World!" in 5 different programming languages.

I also made the deadly political mistake, when I entered the Nostrsphere, of refusing to call myself a "dev". For me, "dev" is a special title, given to someone doing a specific type of programming (fiddling with GUIs, mostly, which I've only done occasionally, as a sub), whereas the types I've done are "test automation", "development operations", "database management and data curation", "requirements engineering", and "application administration". Because it's so much easier to find someone interested in building a GUI, rather than building AnythingElse, I tend to slide into AnythingElse and it eventually became my professional specialty to be the Girl Friday of every project.

But, in Nostr, there is no AnythingElse category. There are only (GUI) client devs and AllOfTheIdiotsWhoMustBowDownToTheDevs. Which merely doubled my instinct to distance myself from the term. I do not want to join some cargo cult and be pedestalized and regarded as some sort of superhuman everyone owes fealty to, in return for raining GUI presents down on my loyal subjects.

Software engineers are simply people who are skilled craftsman, not gods, and it is fair to point out that some are more skilled than others. It is also completely fair to criticize their products, report bugs, and wonder aloud at endemic low-quality.

Which brings me back to the initial question:

What does the inquisitive dev know, that the others don't?

1) You learn an awful lot about an awful lot, by looking at specs, reviewing code, and trying out various implementations of concepts you are already familiar with. There are, in fact, n number of use cases for every event type, and I've seen so many of them, that I can conjure them up, or invent new ones, on the fly, rather than wasting time inventing similar events. 2) They don't have to explain their concept to you, later, when you interact. Each interaction brings you closer to parallel-levels of knowledge, which raises the signal-strength of the interaction, and widens your own knowledge base, for interacting with third parties. 3) You are increasingly-likely to contribute code or perform some other more-advanced task, for other people, as you don't face the hurdle of adjusting to a new repo or unfamiliar language, while being less-likely to merely fork-and-ignore because you have a standing business relationship with the other developer. 4) If the other dev stops maintaining the repo, you'll be inclined to continue on your own. You may even eventually receive administrative access, rather than needing to fork, as they trust you with their stuff. This means that the risk of the repo becoming abandoned falls, with each active dev snooping around it, even if that is not their primary project. 5) It helps you determine who to focus your energy on interacting with, further. Is this person new to software development, perhaps, but has some interesting transfer-knowledge from some other branch, that has resulted in a surprisingly novel concept? Is this person able to write very clean code, so that merely reading their code feels like mental training for your own craftsman's toolbox?

...and many more reasons, but this is getting too long, so, let's just cut to the chase.

What does a craftswoman want?

But, this still doesn't answer the question of my private motivation. Why do I want to gather all of this knowledge, from those further ahead, than I?

I think Nostr has long moved past the initial stage, where mere speed was of the essence, so that one npub could finally post a note and have it appear on the other npubs' client. That must have felt like a miracle, but it increasingly feels like a disaster, as the steadily-rising complexity of the Nostr ecosystem causes haphazardly-structured and largely-unexamined code bases to begin to atrophy, or result in developers running around at an exhausting speed, with their bug-extinguishers, to put out fire after fire.

I think the time has arrived, for a different kind of development. Maybe even for a different kind of developer. Not replacing the experimentalism that made Nostr fun, but adding the realm of production-quality software engineering. The sort of software development that requires relay administration, testing, support... collaboration, interaction, maybe even someone who does AnythingElse.

I want to build useful, elegant products people enjoy using and feel comfortable relying on. I want them to use them, naturally and happily, to accomplish tasks they consider worthwhile. I don't want them thinking about me, while they use it. The craftswoman should never be greater than her work.

I want them to feel free -- nay, be eager! -- to give me both positive and negative feedback. My assumption is always that our production is imperfect because we are imperfect, so you do us a favor, by pointing out where we can improve. That's why we wish to integrate a feedback form that produces ngit issue events, putting your questions and comments straight on our board.

And there will be an AnythingElse person, reading that board, and responding promptly, rest assured.

Güneşin kaybolmasının üçüncü günü, saat öğlen on ikiyi yirmi geçiyordu. Trenin kalkmasına yaklaşık iki saat vardı. Hepimiz perondaydık. Valizlerimiz, kolilerimiz, renk renk ve biçimsiz çantalarımızla yan yana dizilmiş, kısa aralıklarla tepemizdeki devasa saati kontrol ediyorduk.

Ama ne kadar dik bakarsak bakalım zaman bir türlü istediğimiz hızla ilerlemiyordu. Herkes birkaç dakika sürmesi gereken alelade bir doğa olayına sıkışıp kalmış, karanlıktan sürünerek çıkmayı deniyordu.

Bekleme salonuna doğru döndüm. Nefesimden çıkan buharın arkasında, kalın taş duvarları ve camlarıyla morg kadar güvenli ve soğuk duruyordu. Cesetleri o yüzden bunun gibi yerlere taşımaya başlamışlardı. Demek insanların bütün iyiliği başkaları onları gördüğü içindi ki gündüzleri gecelerden daha karanlık olduğunda hemen birbirlerinin gırtlağına çökmüş, böğürlerinde delikler açmış, gözlerini oyup kafataslarını parçalamışlardı.

İstasyonun ışığı titrediğinde karanlığın enseme saplandığını hissettim. Eğer şimdi, böyle kalabalık bir yerde elektrik kesilse başımıza ne gelirdi?

İçerideki askerlerden biri bakışlarımı yakalayınca yeniden saate odaklanmış gibi yaptım. Sadece birkaç dakika geçmişti.

“Tarlalarım gitti. Böyle boyum kadar ayçiçeği doluydu. Ah, hepsi ölüp gidiyor. Afitap’ın çiçekleri de gi-”

“Dayı, Allah’ını seversen sus. Hepimizi yakacaksın şimdi.”

Karanlıkta durduğunda, görünmez olmayı istemeye başlıyordun. Kimse seni görmemeli, nefesini bile duymamalıydı. Kimsenin de ayağının altında dolaşmamalıydın; gelip kazayla sana çarpmamalılar, takılıp sendelememeliydiler. Yoksa aslında hedefi sen olmadığın bir öfke gürlemeye başlar, yaşadığın ilk şoku ve acıyı silerek üstünden geçerdi.

İlk konuşan, yaşlıca bir adam, kafasında kasketi, nasırlı ellerine hohluyordu. Gözleri ve burnu kızarmıştı. Güneşin kaybolması onun için kendi başına bir felaket değildi. Hayatına olan pratik yansımalarından korkuyordu olsa olsa. Bir anının kaybolması, bu yüzden çoktan kaybettiği birinin biraz daha eksilmesi. Hayatta kalmasını gerektiren sebepler azalırken, hayatta kalmasını sağlayacak kaynaklarını da kaybediyordu.

Onu susturan delikanlıysa atkısını bütün kafasına sarmış, sakalı ve yüzünün derinliklerine kaçmış gözleri dışında bedeninin bütün parçalarını gizlemeye çalışıyordu. İşte o, güneşin kaybolmasının tam olarak ne anlama geldiğini anlamamış olsa bile, dehşetini olduğu gibi hissedebilenlerdendi.

Güneşin onlardan alındıktan sonra kime verileceğini sormuyorlardı. En başta onlara verildiğinde de hiçbir soru sormamışlardı zaten.

İki saat ne zaman geçer?

Midemin üstünde, sağ tarafıma doğru keskin bir acı hissettim. Karaciğerim. Gözlerimi yumdum. Yanımda biri metal bir nesneyi yere bıraktı. Bir kafesti. İçerisindeki kartalın ıslak kokusu burnuma ulaşmadan önce bile biliyordum bunu.

“Yeniden mi?” diye sordu bana kartal. Kanatları kanlı. Zamanın her bir parçası tüylerinin üstüne çöreklenmişti. Gagası bir şey, tahminen et parçası geveliyor gibi hareket ediyordu. Eski anılar kolay unutulmazmış. Şu anda kafesinin kalın parmaklıklarının ardında olsa da bunun bir aldatmaca olduğunu bir tek ben biliyordum. Her an kanatlarını iki yana uzatıverebilir, hava bu hareketiyle dalgalanarak kafesi esneterek hepimizi içine alacak kadar genişleyebilir, parmaklıklar önce ayaklarımızın altına serilir gibi gözükebilir ama aslında hepimizin üstünde yükselerek tepemize çökebilirdi.

Aşağıya baktım. Tahtalarla zapt edilmiş, hiçbir yere gidemeyen ama her yere uzanan tren rayları. Atlayıp koşsam… Çantam çok ağırdı. Daha birkaç adım atamadan, kartal, suratını bedenime gömerdi.

“Bu sefer farklı,” diye yanıtladım onu. “Yeniden diyemezsin. Tekrarladığım bir şey değil bu. Hatta bir hata yapıyormuşum gibi tonlayamazsın da. Bu sefer, insanların hak etmediğini biliyorum.”

“O zaman daha vahim. Süzme salaksın demektir.”

“İnsanların hak etmemesi, insanlığın hak etmediği anlamına gelmez ki.”

Az önce göz göze geldiğim genççe ama çökük asker hâlâ bana bakıyordu. Bir kartalla konuştuğumu anlamamıştı şüphesiz. Yanımdakilerden biriyle konuştuğumu sanmış olmalıydı. Ama konuştuğum kişiye bakmıyordum ona göre. Çekingence kafamı eğmiştim. Bir kez daha göz göze geldiğimizde içerideki diğer iki askere bir şeyler söyledi, onlar dönüp beni süzerken dışarı çıktı.

Yanımızdaki, az önce konuşan iki adam da şaşkınlıkla bir bana bir kartala bakıyordu.

“Yalnız bu sefer kalbin de kırılacak, Prometheus,” dedi kartal, bana. “Belki son olur. Biliyorsun, bir sürü soruna neden oluyor bu yaptıkların.”

Beni koruyordu sözde. En çok kanıma dokunan buydu. Kasıklarımın üstüne oturmuş, kanlı suratının ardında gözleri parlarken attığı çığlık kulaklarımda titremeye devam ediyordu. Bu tabloda kimsenin kimseyi düşündüğü yoktu. Kartalın, yanımızdaki adamların, artık arkama kadar gelmiş olması gereken askerin, tren raylarının, geçmeyen saatlerin…

Arkamı döndüğümde, asker sahiden oradaydı. Zaten öyle olması gerekiyordu; görmüştüm bunu, biliyordum. Kehanetler… Bir şeyler söylüyordu ama ağzı oynarken sesi çıkmıyordu. Yavaşlamış, kendisini saatin akışına uydurmuştu. Havada donan tükürüğünden anlaşılıyordu, sinirliydi. Korktuğu için olduğunu biliyordum. Her seferinde korkmuşlardı. Beni unutmuş olmaları işlerini kolaylaştırmıyordu. Sadece yeni bir isim vermelerine neden oluyordu. Bu seferkiyle beni lanetleyecekleri kesinleşmişti.

Olması gerekenle olanların farklı olması ne kadar acınasıydı. Olması gerekenlerin doğasının kötücül olmasıysa bir yerde buna dayanıyordu.

“Salaksın,” dedi kartal bana. Zamanı aşan bir çığlık. Hepimizin önüne geçmişti ama kimseyi durduramıyordu.

Sonsuzluğa kaç tane iki saat sıkıştırabilirsiniz?

Ben bir tane bile sıkıştıramadım.

Çantama uzanıyordum. Asker de sırtındaki tüfeğini indiriyordu. Benim acelem yoktu, onunsa eli ayağı birbirine dolaşıyordu. Oysaki her şey tam olması gerektiği anda olacaktı. Kehanet başkasının parmaklarının ucundaydı.

Güneş, bir tüfeğin patlamasıyla yeryüzüne doğdu.

Rayların üzerine serilmiş göğsümün ortasından, bir çantanın içinden.

Not: Bu öykü ilk olarak 2021 yılında Esrarengiz Hikâyeler'de yayımlanmıştır.

Kendisini aynada ilk defa gördüğü o gün, diğerleri gibi olduğunu anlamıştı. Oysaki her insan biricik olmalıydı. Sözgelimi sinirlendiğinde bir kaşı diğerinden birkaç milimetre daha az çatılabilirdi veya sevindiğinde dudağı ona has bir açıyla dalgalanabilirdi. Hatta bunların hiçbiri mümkün değilse, en azından, gözlerinin içinde sadece onun sahip olabileceği bir ışık parlayabilirdi. Çok sıradan, öyle sıradan ki kimsenin fark etmediği o milyonlarca minik şeyden herhangi biri. Ne olursa.

Ama yansımasına bakarken bunların hiçbirini bulamadı ve diğer günlerden hiç de farklı başlamamış o gün, işe gitmek için vagonunun gelmesini beklediği alelade bir metro istasyonunda, içinde kaybolduğu illüzyon dağılmaya başladı.

İlk önce derisi döküldü. Tam olarak dökülmedi aslında, daha çok kıvılcımlara dönüşüp bedeninden fırlamış ve bir an sonra sönerek külleşmiş, havada dağılmıştı. Ardında da, kaybolmadan hemen önce, kısa süre için hayal meyal görülebilen, bir ruhun yok oluşuna ağıt yakan rengârenk peri cesetleri bırakmıştı. Beklenenin aksine, havaya toz kokusu yayıldı.

Dehşete düştü elbette. Dehşete düştüler. Panikle üstlerini yırtan 50 işçi. Her şeyin sebebiyse o vagon.

Saçları da döküldü. Her tel, yere varmadan önce, her santimde ikiye ayrıla ayrıla yok oldu.

Bütün yüzeylerin mat olduğu, hiçbir şeyin yansımadığı, suyun siyah aktığı ve kendine ancak kameralarla bakabildiğin bir dünyada, vagonun içine yerleştirilmiş bir aynadan ilk defa kendini görmek.

Gözlerinin akları buharlaşıp havada dağıldı, mercekleri boşalan yeri doldurmak için eriyip yayıldı. Gerçeği görmemek için yaratılmış, bu yüzden görmeye hazır olmayan ve hiç olmayacak gözler.

Her şeyin o anda sona erdiğini sanabilirdi insan. Derin bir karanlık ve ölüm. Görmenin görmek olduğu o anın bitişi.

Ben geldiğimde ölmüşlerdi.

Yani bozulmuşlardı demek istiyorum.

Belleklerini yeni taşıyıcılara takmam mümkün olmadı. Fiziksel olarak kusursuz durumdaydılar, olmayanları da tamir edebilirdim ama tüm o hengamede kendilerini baştan programlamış ve girdilerini modifiye etmişlerdi.

Belleklerden birini masanın üzerinden ileriye savurdu. Hınca hınç dolu bir barda oturuyorlardı. O ve arkadaşı.

Sırf şu kendisini insan sanan androidler travma geçirip delirmesin diye neler yapıyoruz, insanın aklı almıyor.

Eliyle arkasını işaret etti.

Polislerin söylediğine göre biri vagonun içerisine ayna yerleştirmiş. Bu zavallılar da kapı açılıp bir anda yansımalarını görünce kafayı kırmışlar.

Arkadaşı bunların ona ne hissettirdiğini sordu. Yani o kadar bozuk, insan olduğunu sanan androidi kendilerini parçalamış olarak yerde görmek onu sarsmamış mıydı?

Hayır, sonuçta belirli bir amaç için yaratılmış şeyler onlar. Kaliteli bir bilgisayarım bozulduğunda üzülürüm çünkü parasını ben vermişimdir. Bunlarsa devletin. Bana ne ki?

Arkadaşı anlayışla kafasını sallayıp suyundan bir yudum aldı. Kravatını biraz gevşetti.

Bira istemediğinden emin misin?

İstemediğini söyledi. Sahi, neden deliriyordu bu androidler?

Basit. Onların yapay zekâlarını kodlarken bir şeyler yazıyorlar. Yazılımcılar. Biliyorsun, ben donanımdayım. Bunlar da kendilerini insan sanıyorlar. Tiplerine bak.

Sesini alçalttı.

Arabalarda kaza testi yapılan mankenlere benziyor hepsi. Ağızları burunları bile yok ama şu geldiğimizden beri sakalını düzeltip duruyor mesela. Hayır, hepsi de diğerleri onun sakalı varmış sanıyor, o manyak bir şey.

Arkadaşı bunun delirmeleriyle bağlantısını çözemediğini söyledi. O da normal sesiyle konuşmaya devam etti.

Anlasana, aynayı falan ayırt edemiyor mercekleri. Lönk diye kendilerini görüyorlar. Böyle, olduğu gibi...

Nedenmiş peki? Ne gerek varmış?

Ne bileyim be abicim! Ahiret soruları gibi.

Birasına bakarak dalıp gitti. Sonra masaya abanarak arkadaşına iyice yaklaştı. Bulanık, bir tünelin ucundaki biri gibi, şekli şemalı belirsiz bir adam.

Ben seni nereden tanıyorum ki ulan? Kimsin sen?

Belleği makineden çıkardılar. İki kişiydiler. Soruşturmadan sorumlu memurlar.

─ Baştan mı başlıyoruz, diye sordu belleği elinde tutan ilk memur.

─ Bir kere daha deneyelim ama bu sefer direkt aynayı sorarak başla, diye cevapladı ikinci memur.

─ Bence de. Yeterince düzgün çalışıyor.

Simülasyon yüklenirken, ayakta, biraz arkada duran ve alnını kaşıyan ikinci memur sormaktan kendisini alamadı:

─ Bu androidleri niye böyle bir olay yerine göndermişler ki? Belli tost olacakları. İsraf. Gidip biz baksak aynayı kırıp delilleri mahvetmek zorunda da kalmazlar.

Diğer memur sandalyesinde hafifçe dönecek oldu, o sırada soruyu bilgisayarın hoparlöründen teknisyen cevapladı.

Hangi işimizde bir yamukluk yok ki be abi.

Ama bir son değildi. Üstlerindeki tüm illüzyon dağıldığında ve çıplak, cinsiyetsiz, birbirinin aynı bedenleriyle kaldıklarında sıra dünyaya gelmişti.

Yere düştüler. Elleri -bütün bedeni gibi siyah turmalinden, boğumları çelikten- yere değdiği anda, metronun zemini dağıldı.

Yerdeki karolar öncesinde beyazdı ve çok parlaktı. Tepelerindeki floresan, ışığını olduğu gibi yansıtıyor, tek bir lekenin olmadığı ve tek bir tozun uçmadığı istasyonu aydınlatıyorlardı.

Duvarlara duyurular asılmıştı. Örneğin, yarın akşam kültür merkezinde 20.00’da başlayacak bir tekno blues festivalinin cıvıl cıvıl afişi vardı. Onun yanında daha geniş, sarı puntolu harflerle yazılmış, yatay siyah kesiklerle çerçevesi çizilmiş, bir platformdan düşen çöp adamın bulunduğu “Dikkat! Sarı bandı geçmeyin!” uyarısı. Biraz ilerisinde günlük resmi gazete, onun ilerisinde bir aksiyon filminin ve başka bir romantik komedi filminin afişleri, yapılacakların ve yapılmayacakların söylendiği küçük puntolu çeşitli duyurular... Duvar uzayıp giden bir panoydu. On, on beş metrede bir tekrarlanıyordu.

Tüm istasyonun eni yüz metre kadar. Genişliği on metre civarı.

Önlerinde, açık kapısından o mendebur aynanın gözüktüğü vagon duruyordu. Metro, istasyona sığmayacak kadar uzundu. Bir kılıcın keskinliğiyle uzanıyor ama yer yer vagonların ek yerleriyle bölünüyordu.

Hiçbir vagonda pencere olmadığı için metronun içi, içlerindekiler meçhuldü.

Sonrasında karolar zerrelerine ayrılarak yükseldi. Floresanın ışığında her yeri toza boğdular ve ortalığı gri bir sisin altına gömdüler. Çok kısa bir an. Afişleri dalgalandırmadılar. Dalgalandırmaya vakitleri olmadı. Yerlerinden söküp aldılar en fazla. Işık birkaç kere sönüp yanarak direndi. Son kez söndüğünde bir daha geri gelmedi.

Yine de etraf aydınlıktı. Kırmızı, her yere eşit dağılan soluk bir ışıkla.

Yer tamamen tele dönüşmüştü. Altında çapraz hatlarla desteklenmiş demir bir iskelet. Işık birkaç metreden daha fazla aşağıya uzanamıyordu. Sonsuzluğa giden bir uçurum.

Duvarın yerini aynı teller ve demir iskelet almıştı. Arkasında, birbirine vidalarla tutturulmuş demir plakalardan oluşan, üstünden geçen boruların ek yerlerinden bazen ince buharların çıktığı ve bir süre asılı kaldıktan sonra ağır, yağlı bir havayla sürüklendiği bir koridor.

Diğer tarafta paslanmış, pencerelerindeki camlar kırıldığı için demir plakalarla kapatılmış külüstür bir metro. Kapının karşısındaki aynadan her şey olduğu gibi yansıyordu.

Bir konteynırın içini andıran bir evde, gerçi gayet de birbirine eklenmiş konteynırlardan oluşan bir şehirde “andıran” demek doğru olmayacağı için düpedüz bir konteynırın içinde, masaya mum görüntüsü vermek için koyulmuş, yarı katı yağ atıklarından şekillendirilmiş kütleleri yakmayı deniyordu. Kafasında hayvan kıllarından yapılmış grili siyahlı bir peruk. Aynı kıllardan kendisine gür bir bıyık da yapmıştı.

Üstünde mavi çöp poşetlerinden yapılmış, kravatlı, şık bir takım.

Masanın ayakları yerine oradan buradan çıkmış parçalar konulmuştu: bir arabanın şaft mili, üst üste konulmuş ve üstünde yazı okunamayan tenekeler, boş kitaplar, boş gazete balyaları... Hiçbir şeye yazı yazılmıyordu, gerek yoktu da zaten çünkü merkez veri bankası onları fark ettirmeden, merceklerden giren veriyi sentezleyerek insanlar için dolduruyordu. Yani, androidler için. Farklı şekilde isimlendirmek bir fark yaratacaksa.

Onların mercekleri için değil. Bağlantıları çok önceden kopmuştu.

─ Hayatım, sofra hazır, diye bağırdı yatak odasındaki karısına.

Sofrada tabak yerine düz, bardak yerine bükülmüş, çatal ve bıçak yerine sivriltilmiş plakalar.

Karısı salonun kapısında durakladı ve ancak kulaklarına kadar uzanan, kocasınınkine benzeyen, cansız, ölü hayvanların kıllarından ibaret peruğunu eliyle düzeltti. Dudağını, daha doğrusu dudağının olması gereken yeri koyu kırmızı bir yağ tabakasıyla renklendirmeyi denemişti. Biraz da yanaklarına sürmüştü.

─ Nasıl olmuş, diye sordu.

Sesi tek düzeydi ama hafif bir neşe olduğunu hissettiğinize yemin edebilirdiniz.

Üzerinde, çöp poşetlerinin içini yazısız gazete kağıtlarıyla doldurarak yaptığı iki parça giysi.

─ Çok güzelsin, diyerek kravatını düzeltti kocası.

─ Sen de öylesin, sevgilim.

Yaklaşıp kocasını öptü. Kocası da onu. Sonra nazikçe elinden tutarak, sandalyesini geriye çekerek oturmasına yardım etti.

Sofrada yemek niyetine hiçbir şey yoktu. Gerek de yoktu zaten.

Konteynırın kapısı gürültüyle tekmelenip içeri iki memur girene kadar birbirlerine öyküler anlattılar. O gün neler yaptıklarını. İşten erken çıkıp yemyeşil çimenlerde gezdiklerini, uçurtma uçurduklarını, kadının nasıl o elbiseyi bulmak için saatlerce gezip yorulduğunu, kocasının kısa süreliğine işe dönüp nasıl başarılı bir hamleyle yaşanan krizi çözdüğünü ve kadının yanına döndükten sonra, alışveriş merkezinde oturdukları yeni dondurmacının dondurmalarının ne kadar lezzetli olduğunu, boğazlarının ağrımasından korktuklarını...

Akşam film izleyebilirlerdi, televizyonda -boş ve mat bir plaka- güzel bir film oynayacaktı.

İki memur. Çıplak bedenleriyle birbirinin aynı. Ellerindeki silahları onlara doğrultmuşlardı. Mum ışığında, tertemiz bir örtünün serili olduğu masada, bardaklarında şaraplarla oturan ve henüz sofranın ortasındaki hindiye dokunmamış çifti gördüklerinde bocaladılar.

Hiç de androidlere bilinçli olarak zarar verebilecek gibi gözükmüyorlardı.

─ Sessiz kalma hakkına sahipsiniz, diye bağırdı içeri giren ikinci memur. Söylediğiniz her şey...

Cümlesini bitiremedi. Yatak odasındaki, masanın üzerinden gördüğü o şey, onunla aynı hareketleri yapan android, yoksa, bir aynadaki yansıması mıydı?

Bütün illüzyon o anda dağılmaya başladı.

Not: Bu öykü ilk olarak 2020 yılında Esrarengiz Hikâyeler'de yayımlanmıştır.

The Swedish government recently rejected the Transport Administration's proposal for average speed cameras. The proposal would have meant constant surveillance of all vehicles, and critics argued for instance that it would have posed a threat to national security. Given the prevalence of IT breaches and data leaks today, it's hard not to give them a point, even if the problems are often downplayed by both corporations, governments and organisations. After Facebook (now Meta) leaked account information for over half a billion users, internal mails revealed the company wanted to "normalise the fact that this happens regularly".

IT security focuses on protecting the information in our computer systems and their connections. Cybersecurity is a broader concept that also includes aspects such as human behaviour, environmental factors, and management.

Data that has not been collected cannot leak

Knowledge about cybersecurity is often insufficient. For example, it was not long ago that the Swedish Transport Agency decided to outsource the operation of the Swedish vehicle and driving licence register. This was done despite deviations from various laws and criticism from the Security Police. The operation was placed in, among other places, Serbia (which has a close relationship with Russia). The Swedish driving licence register, including personal photos, as well as confidential information about critical infrastructure such as bridges, subways, roads, and ports, became available to personnel without Swedish security clearance.

The government's decision earlier this year not to proceed with a Swedish "super register" is an example of how cybersecurity can be strengthened. The rejection of the Transport Administration's proposal for average speed cameras is another. Data that has not been collected cannot leak out. It cannot be outsourced either.

Accounts are risky by definition

But the question is bigger than that. More and more of the products and services we depend on are now subscription services, often including long documents with terms and conditions. Which few people read. If you want to control your air heat pump with your phone, you not only need an app and an account, but also agree to someone storing your data (maybe also selling it or leaking it). The same applies if you want to be able to find your car in the car park. If you do not agree to the constantly updated terms, you lose important functionality.

Every time you are required to create an account, you are put in a dependent position. And our society becomes more fragile - because data is collected and can therefore leak out. It is much harder to lose something you do not have.

At the Korean car manufacturer Kia, huge security holes were recently discovered. IT researchers could quickly scan and control almost any car, including tracking its position, unlocking it, starting the ignition, and accessing cameras and personal information such as name, phone number, and home address. In some cases, even driving routes. All thanks to a "relatively simple flaw" in a web portal.

Instead of being at the mercy of large companies' IT departments, our security would improve if we could control our air heat pump, unlock our car, or our data ourselves. The technology already exists, thanks to the breakthrough of asymmetric encryption in the 1970s. Now we just need the will to change.

This is the AI-generated full transcript of Bitcoin Infinity Show #129 with Max Hillebrand!

Check out the https://bitcoininfinitystore.com/ for our books, merch, and more!

Luke: Max, welcome for the first time to the Bitcoin Infinity Show.

The Lodging of Wayfaring Men

Knut: Yeah, so one of the first things, you have made the best book recommendations to me that I've ever gotten from anyone. And one was The Ethics of Liberty by Murray Rothbard, and the other one was Economic Science and the Austrian Method by Hans Hermann Hoppe. And now you recommended another book, which I haven't read yet, called The Lodging of Wayfaring Men.

what is that book about and why do you recommend it so much?

Max: It's a beautiful book. it's incredible. And it's written for us and for Bitcoiners, but it's over 20 years old. it was written in like 1997 to 2002 and that time period. And it's loosely based on real events, which is fascinating. the book is crazy. it goes about a group of cypherpunks who are, Building an anonymous marketplace, and the first attempts of an anonymous digital currency.

And again, this shit really happened. the story is quite wild. With, the freedom tech being built for very good reasons. people who understood the philosophical impact. and the deep reasons for why freedom is important. So they were very motivated, and, dedicated to make the world a better place in their lifetime.

And so they got their shit together and got organized and built something incredible, right? And it took them a couple attempts. and eventually they rolled it out and enabled people to trade right, to do their business, online in cyberspace, and encrypt it. And so that made a lot of people very happy because, you know, you get to live life free and undisturbed, so it got adopted by many users.

So much so that eventually the government started to notice that somehow they're making less tax revenue than before. And something's a bit fishy, you know. And then they started to investigate and You know, the NSA and FBI put a decent amount of people on the topic and tried to de anonymize the users of these services and infiltrate them.

And yeah, so the story is about this whole clash between the first and second realm, you know, people who built FreedomTag. And people who enslave others and how those two worlds kind of clash. it's a book that's very inspiring.

Knut: What was the website called?

Max: So, the author's name is Paul Rosenberg.

originally this book was published anonymously, years later, when it was safe to, associate their actual name with this, he did. he was, a teacher, an electrical engineer's teacher. He wrote 30 books on that subject, and is a very eloquent and practiced writer, but also a hardcore cypherpunk and freedom lover, and very well read,

So he has the freemansperspective. com. This is a newsletter. You can go back. It's going for, I don't know, 10, 20 years or something. And every week there's one or two short pieces of articles that he writes. And this book is actually also includes some writings that he did in the past and published. so it's somewhat a collection of his thought.

The Lodging of Wayfaring Men is a fiction book, right? It's basically a fictionalized story with, character arcs and such. the author is very technical, and he understands cryptography and how to apply it. He understands distributed networks and laying fiber optic cables and stuff like this.

So there's a lot of real computer science in this fictional world. And that makes it quite applicable to today where we're surrounded with cryptography much more than at the time when this book was written.

Knut: So, all right.

Taxes

Knut: bit of a jump here, but why is, avoiding paying taxes the most altruistic thing you can do in life?

Max: this is actually one thing that gets covered in the book, right, where,

Knut: that was the case.

Max: because this is also why this book is so interesting to recommend to newcomers, to this philosophy, because at the beginning, not everyone is convinced that this is a good idea. Even the creators of this technology don't know the end result and how other people will use this tech.

There's a lot of ambiguity there. And so this book follows characters who reason through these very difficult questions. For example, I'm going to spoil this book a bit, but everyone should read it anyway. So, there's one character who was a lawyer, right? He works together with an ex FBI agent, who both of them share this common, seeking of justice, like real justice, to stop bad guys from doing bad things, to good people.

the ex FBI guy is somewhat disillusioned. With the institution of the FBI to actually provide and establish justice. so now he is somewhat like walking this line in between the institution and, the actual free realm, vigilant justice basically.

and here then when thinking of. this case. is there a wrong being done by the FBI trying to stop this project? Or is this project actually good? Do they have justice in doing what they do? then, he, reasoned of, is the avoidance of tax, of, of taxation evil.

And, and, of course then walks through the reasonable steps of thinking. No, if, two people transact voluntarily. both people are better off after the trade than before, right? Both people are happy, both say thank you and shake hands. that's trade. That's the market, right? and then you have coercion,

Where one guy says, give me that, and the other says, no, actually, I don't want to give you that, but the guy hits him and takes it anyway. And so that means afterwards that the guy who stole it is obviously better off. He's happy, right? He got the thing, but the guy who was the victim was being stolen from is worse off.

And so humans have the capacity to do mutually beneficial things, right? To literally create value, make both of us better off than we were before. And we also have the potential to destroy value and take from others. and one is beneficial and fosters the growth of civilization and the other destroys it.

Knut: And so, you know, avoiding being stolen from is a good thing. Reminds me of one thing we go into in the new book, about the difference between lawful and illegal. I don't remember the name of the guy now, but some Dutch libertarian thinker, who emphasized on the terms, made the point that something being lawful is like lawful in an ethical sense, like the basis in Don't Steal, whereas legal is the top down government imposed legal framework, and how the two don't always align, or rather, they almost never align.

Natural vs Man Made Law

Max: Yeah, this is the difference between natural law and man made law. A natural law is one that is universal across time and space. It's always present, and it's immutable. It cannot be changed, at least not by us. And, you know, physics, for example, is a natural law. And arguably there is a natural law to ethics as well.

Specifically, as morality increases, freedom increases. And as morality decreases, freedom decreases. That's the law of gravity in the ethical realm. and, that man didn't make it, right? We just realize it because it is what it is. And then we have man made law on the other hand. this is depends on a certain territory, right?

The law in the U. S. is different from the law in Russia. And it also depends on time. I think the American law in the 1700s is very different from what it is today. and so there are these imaginary lines where these rules apply and there's Other places or times where they do not apply. So they're arbitrary, right?

And so they can be designed, to the benefit of some and at the expense of others. And that is ultimately what, politics is about.

Knut: Yeah, I think this is one of the key points that that quote unquote normies have such a hard time wrapping their head around. Natural law and like what, what makes don't steal a natural law? Like what, what is the very foundation of, libertarianism or anarcho capitalism or absolute property rights or whatever you may call it, consensualism?

And to my understanding, it has to do with homesteading. If you're the first person that acquired something, then no other person has a right to take that away from you. And you can logically deduct your way to that being true. Like, what's your view on that? And what's your understanding of that? And how would you explain that to a layman?

Max: Well, the reality is such that we have limited scarce resources. If we have one piece of steak on the table and three guys who are hungry, like some are gonna go home on an empty stomach, right? We literally don't have enough food to feed us all, right? And one piece of something can only be used by one person at one time, right?

We cannot duplicate one piece of steak into many and satisfy everyone. So this is a natural form part of reality, right? That's just how things are, you know? So there's a potential of conflict over who gets to allocate these scarce resources. And there's a couple solutions to it, right, that have been proposed.

Like one would be like, nobody owns it, right? Nobody gets to eat it because it's natural and it's not part of your body, so don't touch it, right? But then we die, you know, all

Knut: that's the problem with that.

Max: That's kind of a problem.

Knut: Yeah.

Max: so

Knut: Yeah.

Resource Allocation

Max: So let's rule that option out. another solution is, of course, we all own it. Right?

And we all, get to use it. But, that doesn't really work either, right? Because, sure, we all own it, but who actually gets to eat it? Because there's three different mouths and the food only goes into one of them. we can't all actually own something if we cannot all use it.

It is limited and only a few can use it. So, everyone owns it isn't the solution to the problem. Because everyone cannot own it, there's not enough for everyone. So again, that's an issue. Ultimately, we all starve. And another option would be, we vote.

We somehow pick who gets to allocate these resources. But then, I mean, we're 8 billion people. How are we all going to vote on who gets to stake? Right? Like That's, that's going to be impractical. Like, how are we even going to communicate, all 8 billion of us, to get together in a vote? So again, until we have the result of the vote, nobody eats the steak, so we all starve again.

It's not really a good solution either. And then we have one option that, like, a small subset of the people gets to make the choice of, you know, how to allocate these resources. And we can just pick them, vote for them, for example. But here again, now other people are allocating the resources for others, right?

Like, and some bureaucrat, a hundred kilometers away, is not gonna know, like, who of us is vegetarian and doesn't want the meat. Right? and that just means that someone who's far off doesn't have the knowledge to actually allocate the resources in a proper manner. And that leads to misallocations, right?

We starve, again. Because the guy who doesn't want the meat gets it and then it rots. And the guys who would actually like it never get access to it and they starve. So that's the fundamental problem of socialism, basically, of some priest class allocating the resources for others. So again, the solution doesn't work either.

So we're not left with much. But one thing that seems to work is private property rights. Again, as you said, the person who creates something, the butcher, or the farmer who raised the cow, can now decide what to do with it. Does he butcher it himself? Does he sell it to a butcher? So the person who created something gets to own it, and gets to decide how to allocate this, and then he has the right to either consume it himself, or to abdicate the consumption of this good.

So to say, I won't use it, I will trade it, I will give it to you, right? And he can make it a gift. Just say here, half the entire cow, like, I like you, I like your family, you, like, I'm happy that you're happy, right? Great, that's possible, right? Or, of course, he would want something from you in return, like, give me a bar of gold, or, a bushel of wheat, or something else.

we now have a way that we can allocate resources in a clear, simple rule set, the person who created it. can decide what to do and have a contractual agreement to transfer this ownership to someone else. the people who actually have the problem now have the power to allocate the resources to solve those problems and not some guy far away, but just you and me who created stuff.

Ownership of Information

Knut: And as you said, this only applies to scarce resources. So what, would be an example of a resource where you could eat the steak, but I could have it too. And, the thing that comes to mind, is information, of course. So, can you own information?

Max: No, like, because that, that doesn't really make sense, right? To own means to allocate, how to allocate these, to decide how to allocate these resources. All right. And then, that's a solution to a problem of a lack of resource allocation, right? or for a lack of resources that need to be allocated rather.

But with information, there is no lack. Like if I have a PDF, I can copy it to you and I can send it to you, and I can send it to a hundred other people, and I still have the exact same high fidelity version. Of the information that I shared with others, and of course it's the same with words, right? The words that I speak, they're not lost on me, right?

I still retain them and the information that they represent. and that means we don't need to be, stingy with information. We can give it to everyone. and it doesn't degrade the quality quite on the contrary, right? without information there is no production.

imagine yourself on an island, and you have all the raw materials, all the machinery, like everything there, but you don't know anything about physics, or material science, or just production stages of how to build things. If you don't know any of that, the raw material is worth nothing to you.

Nothing. Because you don't know how to allocate, how to shape this raw material into other things so that it actually solves your problems in the end. we need information in order to produce things. That's the theory behind it. The blueprints, so to say. the cool thing is, we don't have to be stingy with the blueprints.

We can give every human on this planet Equal access to all of the information that we as humans have accumulated, and now all of a sudden you will never be stranded on an island not knowing how to do something, because you can just look it up. In the grand database of accumulated human knowledge, of course, technology has made that much more possible and low cost.

Back in the day, in order to share an information, you needed to speak verbally to it, right? So you're limited to time and space, or you need to scratch it on some stone or clay or write it on a piece of paper, And then still, you have the scarcity of the paper, right? There's only one book.

And there's a hundred people who want to read it. So again, information is limited. Not because the information itself is limited, but because the medium of the information is scarce. And that was a big tragedy that we were never able to communicate at a large scale, and remember these conversations and easily access them.

Until the cypherpunks who came up with computers, right? And realized that we can build this realm of information That is so cheap to transfer and store information, that we can just basically do it for free, for anybody, for 8 billion people. And all they need is a rather cheap form of silicon, and like, nicely arranged.

but of course people try to hold on to the protection schemes that extract money from others, and capital from others, and You know, nation states have enforced intellectual property rights and patents and such, and that just harms people. It doesn't bring forward the best out of humanity. And that's a big shame.

Knut: Now, very well put. this has been Praxeology 101 with Max Hillebrand.

Bitcoin and Praxeology

Knut: where I want to follow on, follow up here is, how does this apply to Bitcoin? Because Bitcoin is only information, so how can anyone theoretically ever own a Satoshi? Do you really own it, or what is it?

Max: What is actually a Satoshi? Look into the Bitcoin code base. There is no such thing as Satoshi, right? The transaction has a field that is an integer. But it's just an integer. It doesn't even have a unit associated to it, right? So, it's just a number. Satoshis are just numbers in a database.

And you don't own the number 270, 000 just because you have 270, 000 bitcoin. The actual number of satoshis, no, you don't control them. You don't own them. But information has another interesting thing that cypherpunks realized, right? That, once, like, when you have a secret, then you can choose to share it with others.

And then once you've shared it with one person, however, you cannot control what that person does with the information. He can keep it secret for himself, or he can tell it to the entire world. And so, there is such a thing as giving access rights to information. And this is an important part in Bitcoin, of course, right?

Our secret keys should be secret, privately kept just for us, because if you do share your secret key publicly, then all of a sudden anyone can, Signed messages, with this private key and therefore spent Bitcoin in the transaction chain of Bitcoin. and well, that's a critical part of it.

So Bitcoin basically relies on keeping information, hidden from others, in order to ensure that we, solve, like, basically Bitcoin. It's just a piece of software, right? So it is non scarce information, but it wants to be money. And money needs to be scarce, right? Because if I can spend a bar of gold first to you, and then the same bar of gold later to you, we have infinite inflation, right?

The money system just dies. so scarcity is required. It's a required feature for money and digital money therefore requires digital scarcity. And so what Bitcoin does is it establishes a set of computer code that defines the access, right? Two certain chunks of money, so to say, right? And the chunks of money are Bitcoin UTXOs, unspent transaction outputs, and the spending condition, so to say, or like the rule how to allocate this money, who gets to decide it.

Where this money goes next is defined by a script and a small computer program that evaluates either to true or to false, depending what input you provide. And so the script is the lock, and usually it's a single public key. And then the way to prove that You're actually authorized to spend this coin is by creating a valid witness.

You know, the input to the script, to the program that returns it to true rather than to false. And usually, again, that's a signature of a single private key over the transaction structure that you're actually spending the money. Bitcoin's genius realization is that. We just all have to check every transaction of everyone else.

And when we do that, we can be sure that, nobody's being stolen from, That nobody is, losing access to his money, that someone is spending the money with a wrong signature. he doesn't have the private key. He cannot produce a valid signature. So we have to make sure that such a transaction does never make it into the blockchain, right?

that's the first important aspect. And the second is we want to ensure that there's no inflation. that's Because if we can just create as many tokens as we want, then the value of the token goes to the marginal cost of production. If we can produce a token with the click of a button, then the marginal cost of that token, or the value of that token, will be zero, right?

So we need to make it, Difficult, or in fact, in Bitcoin, impossible to create additional units, you know, there's 21 million and that's it, right? That's the set of rules. And therefore, when we check each transactions, we also ensure that there is no transaction that has one Bitcoin on the input side and 10 Bitcoin on the output side, therefore increasing the total supply of Bitcoin.

And so Bitcoin is a massive verification machine to ensure that this computer system is this way of speaking to each other, actually balances the books of the system. of how many units of money are there, and who has the right to allocate these, and so it's basically a system that creates a natural resource, and then also manages the allocation of this natural resource.

Knut: so Bitcoin is almost a parallel universe where, in fact, you do own the Bitcoin, basically, but the ownership is not defined by you as a person. It's defined by the knowledge of a secret. so you prove that you have access to it by having access to the private key, which unlocks it.

Ownership of Bitcoin

Knut: On earth that can prove that you own a Bitcoin except you, the holder of the private key.

Max: If the holder of the private key reveals information to others that indicates such, one very common way that this would be is you have a mobile wallet, that does not run a Bitcoin full node, That connects to someone else's full node to check if you have Bitcoin,

You don't use Tor, so there's an IP address linked from you to the server, and so the server operator knows that this IP address just asked how much money is on this address, and so we have, a very strong indication, that this IP address owner owns

Knut: It can be a very strong indication, but in my mind it can never be proof. Because you need to sign with the actual private key to prove. Otherwise it's boating accident time.

Max: guy with the gun doesn't need proof, right, he just needs a good enough guess. For him, he needs, like, there is a praxeology to violence. thieves are actors. They live in a state of uneasiness, they have problems, and they try to find a solution to that problem. They don't have ethics, they don't have morals, and so their solution to the problem harms other people.

But nevertheless, they are still actors. And so they think that they will be better off after the action of theft than before. That's a value judgment. And it's an entrepreneurial one. So they might be correct, they might not. They break into a house, hoping that there is a bar of gold hidden under the couch, right?

Turns out there's not, right? So, if they spend a lot of money breaking into the house, and there's no loot, they're not profitable thieves. And this means that they destroyed their capital, right? They spent 10 Bitcoin on getting the equipment, and they got 0 Bitcoin back. So, that means they're 10 Bitcoin poorer, and eventually they will run out of money and starve.

So, thieves need to be profitable in order to do their thieving, and that's the genius that cypherpunks realized. If we exponentially increase the cost of attack, and exponentially decrease the cost of defense, then we make thievery unprofitable. And that's the genius of private public key cryptography and encryption, right?

It's trivial to generate a private key and then generate a public key or a signature, right? But to brute force a private key or to forge a signature without it, like, requires more energy that would collapse into a black hole, you know? So that's kind of a problem.

And for thieves, right? It's really good for the people who want to defend themselves. Because they can very cheaply do it, and it just doesn't make sense to attempt to break the encryption. But nevertheless, computer systems are very complex, and there's a lot of metadata associated with, computing and communicating between computers.

And so, there are, microphones and radio frequency scanners that you can point on computers and see the computation happening in the machine because there's a lot of radiation outside of the computer that can be correlated to which bits are being flipped you can have all types of side channel attacks to extract secrets from a computer while it's running the problem is that the holistic technology stack we have is quite susceptible to revealing information that should have been kept secret.

And again, that is a critical part, of course, to communication encryption, but even more so for Bitcoin. If we lose the assurance that only we know the private key, the money system is broken. And that's why Bitcoiners were so paranoid and started this whole thing of hardware wallets and secure elements to Really ensure that we don't leak private key material, but it's an extremely difficult task, because, well, this reality is very observable, and the cards are, to some extent, quite in favor of surveillance, unfortunately.

the guy with the gun in this case could be the government, Yeah, exactly, it can just be like a poor guy who needs to provide for his children, you know, and, he sees a way for feeding his family for the next two years, and that's a good trade off for him.

Knut: Yeah, momentarily.

Max: right?

Bitcoin and World Peace

Knut: So, if we manage to do this, on a grand scale, and if people in general manage To exponentially increase the cost of the attack while simultaneously decreasing the cost of defense. Does that lead to world peace at one point? Is that the end goal?

Max: Yeah, I think so. Oh, I mean, that makes sense. If every economically rational thief will realize that he is worse off if he does this stealing, right? Like, actually, because he needs to spend much more money in an attempted theft, and most likely he's not going to succeed. And, I mean, this exponential difference has to be huge, though, right?

Because, like, we had castles, you know? Like, castles are quite, like, quite extreme asymmetric protection. Like, if you're behind castle walls, with a well staffed militia that actually defends the walls, It's quite difficult to get to you if you just have, you know, like, humans and swords and ladders. that's, like, sieges are, in the favor of the defender.

But still, they happened a lot, right? And people were able to overcome these defenses. Because, I guess they weren't never holistically secure, you know? There was always some backdoor that enabled the attacker to go through, to get through, right? and that might just be brute force, right? You just bring a huge army and You're fine with tens of thousands of your own guys getting killed, but eventually, you know, after you throw a couple hundred thousand people at the problem, someone will succeed to break through.

Quite a brutal tactic, obviously, but it worked.

Knut: you get in.

Max: But then cryptographers came around and were like, well, but there's math.

Luke: Yeah, we can use RAM in another way. 1 plus 1 is 2. What? Are you sure?

Knut: that might be offensive.

Luke: That's a different kind of worms.

Knut: Yeah. . Yeah. So, the,

Bitcoin For Attack

Knut: so Bitcoin being this perfect defense mechanism, because all it does is increase the cost of the attack, can Bitcoin ever be used for attack in your opinion? Like, can it be used in an aggressive way?

Max: I think directly not, because again, it is just, speech and such, but on the other hand, maybe yes. Because, let's say, if someone hacked your machine, and got access to your private key, and spends the Bitcoin, like, in the context of Bitcoin itself, it's a valid signature, it's a valid transaction, and it will be included.

So, in the legalities of Bitcoin, it is no theft, right? It is a valid transaction. but, On the ethical realm, you worked hard to get these Bitcoin and you didn't want to send them to the attacker, so he is definitely stealing them from you. So, Bitcoin can be stolen, certainly, in the human analysis.

Not on a technical level, we've never seen a transaction confirmed with an invalid signature, but on the human level, There have been a lot of people that got separated from their Bitcoin against their will, right, against their consent. and, and that is theft. So, thieves can use Bitcoin, thieves can get paid in Bitcoin, thieves can take your Bitcoin and pay them to themselves, right?

that's a fact of reality too.

Aggression and Spam

Knut: Could that be used in an aggressive way?

Max: it is just the writing of bits and bytes, right? So there's, however, again, a limited amount of resources that are available specifically in Bitcoin. And not just do we have 21 million Bitcoin, we also have like, Two and a half slash four megabyte blocks, right?

And so this means there's only a certain number of transactions that can be fit into a single block. that means we have, again, a scarce resource and we need to allocate it. this is why there is a price for Bitcoin transactions, because that's how we solve the scarcity problem, right?

by whoever pays the most gets in. that's a, or it's not even whoever pays the most. It's like. You can choose who goes in by mining a block, right? You have full freedom of choice of which transaction do you include into your block. And if you don't mine, then you can propose to someone else, say, please include my transaction into a block.

But again, there's a large demand and a limited supply. so most likely people will start bribing each other and it's like, yeah, if you include my transaction in your block, I'll give you sats. And in fact, Bitcoin, the Bitcoin software launched with a anonymous peer to peer marketplace for the scarce good, which is Blockspace.

Satoshi didn't have to do that, right? Bitcoin would have totally worked, if, if you could not, like, if every input sum has to be exactly equal to every output sum, right?

There cannot be that outputs are smaller than inputs and the leftover goes to the miners, but that could have been a consensus rule, right? But then most likely we would have seen some third party external marketplace. Where people would do the bidding on please include my transaction into the block.

And then of course they would have to figure out how do we actually pay the miner to get our transaction in the block. So Satoshi had the genius to embed an anonymous marketplace. Into the core essence of the protocol, right, with the rule that outputs can be smaller than inputs, and the rule that we have this gossip peer to peer network, which like the whole peer to peer network is kind of optional, by the way, but it's just there to kind of make it easier so that we have this anonymous marketplace for Blockspace that we can propagate offers, right, and one person sends the offer and gets spread to the entire network.

So the demand side is no monopoly. Anyone can broadcast a message to the peer to peer network hoping to be included. And then on the supply side, the actual miners, there's also no monopoly. Anyone can spin up his computer and start SHA 256 hashing. On the most recent chain, right, with his own candidate block.

And nobody can stop you, right? That's the definition of no monopoly. New market participants are not hindered to enter the system. And so this is the most radical free market that we've seen probably ever. And it's been kind of hidden inside Bitcoin since the very beginning.

Mining vs Hashing

Knut: Yeah, you can of course also pay the miner in something else than sats to get included into a block. And if a mining pool does this, the individual miners doesn't necessarily have a claim to a piece of the pie of whatever money was paid to the mining pool owner under the table and not on the system, right?

They can't even see it. So how big of a problem is that, and can you really call yourself a miner if you're just selling hash power to a pool and the pool isn't transparent?

Max: I mean, it's actually true that we, like, there could be in the future, A alternative marketplace for block space that's not inside the Bitcoin Core client. And by the way, arguably that's better, because we have a piece of software that does one thing really well, and then, you know, we just specialize and put the two modules together.

architecturally speaking, this might be better. we see things like, for example, the mempool. space explorer, or accelerator, right, is one. Marketplace that is now establishing that that seems to work now quite well. Of course, it has the issue of there's a central, like, order book, so to say, and probably custodian for the money as well.

And so, I'm not sure, but it's one approach of doing such an alternative marketplace and there can be downsides. it's not really public of how much Volume is going through here, right? how much are people speeding up their transactions, And I guess the same goes to much earlier where we just had mining pools offering this in their own API, or a webpage.

so at least now, like we, we have a dedicated service provider. That's not a mining pool doing this, which I think is an improvement. but we could also, you know, build. A, like, off chain peer to peer network, so to say, that's not related to Bitcoin per se, but that has all of the aspects that we want just dedicated for an optimized market book for this resource.

And Bitcoin should still work, I think. Like, the marketplace inside Bitcoin Core is not essential in the long run. It was just very convenient to bootstrap it. But, you know, in 50, 100 years, I wouldn't be surprised if we have Dedicated systems for, for these things that potentially are in different repositories and such different softwares.

Knut: So, in your opinion, how damaging is a temporary fee spike over a weekend or something where it goes up to like, 2000 SATs per transaction. what impact does it have on lightning channels and lightning providers and so on? Like do you consider it an attack or what is it?

Max: it's an inevitability almost, right? If you have a hard, extremely limited supply, right? there is only two and a half megabytes in the usual block, and you have extremely fluctuating demand, and there is no way to speed up production of the good. there is bound to be extreme, differences of we have way more demand than supply or way less, right?

But it will be very rare that we will fill just exactly everyone who wanted to gets in. So to actually clean out every transaction that wanted to be made is quite rare already now and in the future, if Bitcoin continues to be used, this is even more unlikely, right?

So then the question is just how, like, do you get into the top, like, the top payers to get included in the block still? And this is where just the technology is quite difficult, because this is like, you're, you're, you're, it's an order book, right? You're trading, basically, and you don't know if the price goes up or price goes down.

And this is all at least supposed to be automated. Bitcoin wallet developers are building trading bots, block space accountants charged to purchase block space on behalf of the user. the user just clicks send and that's it. the software does all of the complexities of constructing a transaction that is of a size acceptable, right?

Because if fees are super high, you don't want to build a transaction with a hundred inputs and one output, right? You would want to have a transaction with one input, one output. It would be way cheaper if the fee spike is currently high. a smart robot should build a different structured transaction with more or fewer inputs and outputs to accommodate the current fluctuation of the market.

And of course, the fee rate is another, like what's actually your bid that you put into this marketplace? And that's trading like. How much are you going to pay for the stock? Nobody really knows, right? And so it's kind of good luck and you don't know if it goes up or goes down. And sometimes you overpay, right?

And you pay way more than was actually needed to get into that block. And so you lose money, you lose capital. And sometimes you don't pay enough and you don't get included for months, right? but there's better software that can alleviate a lot of these problems.

Spam Making Bitcoin Worse as Money

Luke: Well, so I guess another side to this question, because everything you're saying makes makes total sense from the perspective of that this stuff is definitely going to happen from from hyperbitcoinization side. There's just going to be more demand than there is supply of block space. But I think the issue that we've been exploring a lot.

Lately, is, is that when there are transactions that aren't really being made for the purpose of moving value from one person to another in the form of Satoshis, they're, they're another form of value, subjective value that is communicated through arbitrary data, or at least some other type of, of data.

Does that change the property of Bitcoin as money? That's essentially, I think the, the root of the, the argument any, anyone talking

Knut: Yeah, exactly.

Luke: the functionality of Bitcoin is

Max: Well, I think. There's a couple aspects to this, right? We have again a scarce resource block space, and there's the problem of how do we allocate this block space. And there are very stringent rules on this, right? You cannot have arbitrary data in blocks, right? There needs to be, for example, the transaction structure.

There needs to be inputs that point to previous outputs, and there need to be outputs, the sum of the inputs, sum of outputs, hashes, transaction headers, all of the stuff needs to be followed in order for this to be considered a valid block. So the Bitcoin developers have, from the very beginning, had a very, I guess, authoritarian regime to allocating these resources, which makes sense.

If you don't put stringent, like, structure in a protocol, then people just fill it with garbage and every software breaks, right? So it's like a practicality thing that we need to have a very opinionated, kind of thing. Set of rules and we need to pick one of them and like just do it because if we don't pick any then it won't work and also if we pick the wrong one it won't work either.

imagine the rules would have been like a broken hashing algorithm, for example, not SHA 256 but SHA 1 or something that's broken. People can create collisions, right? So there could be two transactions that have the exact same transaction ID. breaks the system, right? So if that would have been the set of rules, Bitcoin would have broken, right?

And now also, again, if we allow arbitrary things to be built, then people will just use it as data storage, for example, and just fill it up with megabytes of images. And again, limited amount of resources. If all of it is used for, for pictures, then none of it can be used for money transfer, right? So this is again, an inherent conflict.

the tricky thing though is, now we have this. established set of rules in the Bitcoin consensus and how do we change it, right? And that's the really tricky part of, making up man made rules. Bitcoin is not Natural in the sense, right? Like, humans came up with this shit.

Like, this is our creativity that made this happen. and so, it's not nature made, right? It's man made. Of course, men are part of nature and such. So it's a bit, wishy washy here, but ultimately, we made it, we can change it, we can make it better, and we can break it. And that's a really scary position, because I think we all realize that this is quite an important project, and we definitely have it in our power to break this thing.

I hope we do our best effort.

Caution When Changing Bitcoin

Luke: my interpretation of that is, is that, caution when making changes to Bitcoin is paramount. Would you agree with that?

Max: Well, inaction is an action too, right? And that might be even more dangerous. So, there might be critical bugs in the protocol that if not addressed will break the system and potentially they are currently being exploited, right? And so, in such a case, we should do our best to fix it as soon as possible.

Satoshi knew that from the very beginning, right? So, how exactly we do that? Who knows?

Knut: Well, if it's up to the individual miners, which it is, what blocks they want to mine, what transactions they want to include in a block. And it can be fixed that way, a sly roundabout way, if you will.

Max: Well, if we could trust the miners with stuff like this, then we could trust the miners with enforcing the 21 million, right? But we can't, right? We don't rely on anyone. We verify it ourselves, right? And so the reason why we don't have actual JPEGs in Bitcoin blocks is because your node says no to any block that actually has a JPEG in it, right?

Blocks have to have transaction in it. If not, you kick them out, right? So even if there's valid proof of work Proof of Work doesn't solve the problem of integrity of the block, right? This has nothing to do with Proof of Work. In fact, Proof of Work is one part of the rules of the integrity of the block that is defined, enforced, and verified by the full nodes itself, right?

Specifically, if you want to get rid of inscriptions, that's certainly a hard fork. Like, taproot transactions are currently valid, and if we make these taproot transactions in the future invalid, that's a hard fork, right?

It would be great to hard fork Bitcoin. We could clean so much stuff. It's just a practical reality that breaking the hard fork use of a running protocol is extremely difficult and arguably, unethical. Because people have signed up to the previous system, built businesses and, stored their money in these types of scripts.

If we now make them unspendable, what is that? No?

Mining Incentives

Knut: so, when it comes to mining, there's, minor incentives, like, the thing we talked about before, about, under the table payments to big mining pools, To me, the obvious fix to this problem is to get it into the brains of the hash salesmen, that they ought not be mere hash salesmen, but actual miners and know what block they're mining on.

Because I think the ethos among the individual miners is, better than, these bigger pools that might not be, as, concerned with the longevity of the Bitcoin experiment, but, more fiat minded and wanting a quick buck now rather than save the system in the long run.

So, right now it feels like we're trusting these bigger entities to have as much of a disincentive to destroy Bitcoin so that they won't, it's tricky. Like it's a gray zone, right? What's your thoughts?

Max: I think Satoshi's genius in designing the Bitcoin protocol was that he did his best to separate different tasks that need to be done in the system into different like conceptual entities, and then to ensure that each of these aspects is distributed as widely as possible. And this is ultimately what it means that Bitcoin is decentralized, right?

There is not one person that defines the set of rules, for example, or one person that writes the candidate block, Or one person that provides the proof of work for the candidate block, or one person that provides the signature for each transaction, right? Each of these things is distributed. And in the ideal case, in the original Bitcoin client, to every user, right?

Like, the Bitcoin software in 2009 was mining by default for everyone, right? So, literally the entire stack of the operation was at 100 percent of the users, right? There was no non validating, non mining users. In the beginning, right? We had perfect decentralization, so to say, right? And then if efficiencies kick in and economies of scale and division of labor, and we start to optimize each of these things kind of on its own and split it out into different branches of government.

Yeah, specialized entities, so to say. And if you specialize on being the best hasher that you could possibly be, you just give up on being the best block candidate creator that you could possibly be. Because if you do the one thing that you're marginally better at and focus all your attention on that, you will be the most profitable.

so, yes, it is. It is an issue. and we, Bitcoin would be better off if we further distribute the risk and responsibility of each of these tasks to as many people as possible. And I think we've done a really good job, for example, of distributing the ownership of private keys.

And like, there's, I don't know, many millions of private key holders on the Bitcoin blockchain, right? So that's, that's great. but, and we have. Probably done this as well with hashers, right? There's a decent amount of quite large independent hashing institutions, right? Not so well with mining pools and actual block candidate creation, like, that's pretty bad.

Like, there's two or three of them, so that's scary as fuck. Right there we've utterly failed and we've made Bitcoin way worse than it was before. in this one metric of resilience, of decentralization, of distribution of risks, we made it a lot more efficient, but we made it much more vulnerable to attack.

that is a problem. Thankfully, a lot of people are working on fixing it. It's a really difficult problem, right? It's not that there's some malicious, attempt of trying to break it. I mean, maybe there is, but the more likely answer is just bloody difficult computer science. it just needs an insane amount of research and development before we will have tools that are even coming close to being actually adequate.

Right? I'm not praising Satoshi's 2009 code as being perfect, because it was a pile of shit, right? And you could break it in a million ways. so we've improved a lot, but we're very far from done because to some extent the realities of the difficulty of the situation have caught on much faster than our ability to solve these.

Yeah, I mean, the problems that are currently existent in Bitcoin and that now we're at Nostriga today and talking about Nostr, this sort of related communication layer in relation to Bitcoin, you mentioned at the very beginning, Freedom Tech.

Freedom Tech and Nostr

Luke: So, we, when we last talked to you, you were focusing on Wasabi Wallet and now obviously that project has just been made open source, essentially, and so my question to you on that is, what are you focusing on in terms of Freedom Tech now?

Max: Nostr is definitely a highlight, right? Nostr is just incredibly cool. And it's so wild to think that Nostr is like two years old. it's not old, but look at the amount of stuff that we've built. In this short time frame, how powerful are we? It's incredible, right? If we get our act together and actually build on, such an open protocol and get people excited about it and people using it, it doesn't take us long to fundamentally change the pattern of speech on this planet.

Wow, that's incredible. Like, we did that. And we're just getting started. think about where Nostr is going to be in five years. It will be wild. Absolutely insane. that's very bullish and very encouraging. And it's super exciting to work at such an early stage in the protocol, because there's so many obvious improvements.

There's so many obvious use cases. There's so many low hanging fruits of how we can make it even better than it currently is. Alright, so we have something that's already great, and we know a million ways on how we can make it even better. and you can be part of making a meaningful improvement in getting this to like an exponential blow off of awesomeness.

Knut: Meaningful improvement of humanity, really.

Max: Yeah. Yeah, that's the other thing, like, that's why Freedom Tech is so exhilarating to work at, because we're ending slavery. That's kind of a big deal, you know,

Knut: Yeah, it should have been done at least 300 years ago.

Max: Yeah.

Luke: No, it's, it's amazing. And well, and actually, so a couple of things here. First of all, we've talked about this a little bit, how Nostr seems like it's the playground that people wanted as an alternative to Bitcoin. In other words, people who went and started making shitcoins were basically just wanting a playground to do all this stuff.

But now is, is, is Nostr basically the place where people can do that and channel their energies in a way that isn't going to break money?

Max: Yeah. I absolutely agree. So I'm very bullish on a lot of these use cases and one other area that currently interests me a lot, is just zero knowledge cryptography. it's wild what's possible. it's absolutely wild. Within the last five years or so. The theory has developed.

And again, a lot of shitcoin projects putting zero knowledge proofs on blockchains and such, and I'm not quite convinced that we actually need a blockchain for that. I think relays are just fine. And so I'm quite bullish on having actual zero knowledge proofs much more integrated in Nostr clients. Like, you can do amazing things with this.

Like, for example, anonymous web of trust, right? You could prove to me under an ephemeral anonymous identity, right, that you are in fact, On my follower list. Like, I'm following you, but I don't know who you are. Right? So, these types of things are trivial with zero knowledge stuff. And we don't have any size constraints or computation constraints in Nostr.

Because it is not a global consensus system. Only the people who are interested in this proof actually have to, like, download it and verify it and such. so, it's, I think we can do a lot of amazing stuff here. it seems pretty obvious wins here.

Knut: driving these 180 IQ young developers into Nostr instead of shitcoin development is, is like moving them? To do, to think more of what they should rather than what they could, because I think that's, that's sort of the main problem with this nerdy set of shitcoin developers is that they, oh, I could do this if I just do this and they, they focus on what they can do rather than what they should do.

And it's Nostr, Changing the direction of that, are people thinking more of ethical things while developing on this than

Max: it's a big claim, right? That like a piece of tech can

Knut: it's hopium

Max: improve the morality of people. it's definitely a big claim, but it seems true. Like, if you think about it in Bitcoin, like probably each of us, our level of morality before we discovered Bitcoin and what it is now.

And our understanding of morality has substantially, improved, right? And I'm not sure if it would have happened, at least to this extent, without being exposed to the Bitcoin technology. and Bitcoin is just money, you know, like, humans do a lot more than buy stuff, sure, money is incredibly important, but it's far from everything of the human experience.

And I think Nostr. We'll do a lot of the other stuff and Nostr has this freedom mindset embedded into the protocol just as Bitcoin has. And so I'm extremely bullish on seeing the people who get exposed to Nostr and what it does to them in the long run.

Hyperbitcoinization vs Hypernostrification

Max: So what happens first? Hyper ossification or hyper ization both at the same time.

Knut: does one lead to the other?

Max: there's definitely synergies here, right? and, yes, one leads to the other. there's, I met a bunch of people who got interested into Nostr first, and then used Bitcoin for the first time. It's a very common theme, actually. again, because Like, social, like, think of the, think of the, like, average screen time of people, right?

it, for sure.

I think Nostr is going to be way bigger than Bitcoin in the improvement of the human condition.

Knut: Then again, every time you press the like button or the retweet button or whatever on your social media app, even the legacy system, you are providing someone with some value. That's why your account is valuable to, Facebook's and the Twitters of the world. There is a value thing embedded into everything you do on the internet.

Max: It's just, you don't get a tradable good.

Knut: No, no,

Max: sell the like to someone else.

Knut: not at this point.

Max: They have now a star emoji. If you send the star emoji, you can send the star emoji back to the company, and they will give you money. So, voila. It's basically a shitcoin, but it's a star.

Luke: is it more important to fix money or the other stuff?

Max: Well, that's a big one. Both again, because money is only half of every transaction, right? And so maybe the earlier example of the marketplace for Bitcoin block space is perfect because why did Satoshi include the marketplace, the other stuff together with the money? Because it was kind of essential, right?

you need to have both at the same time in order to live, right? You need to speak, you need to advertise your products, you need to negotiate with the customers, right? You need to convince them of the value that you will provide to them, and then you need to receive the money and tell them that you've received it, and ultimately hand over the goods, right?

So there's a lot of human interaction into every trade, and the money aspect is just Like, one small part of this long interactive chain of protocol, basically. I think we need both at the same time. And we're just discovering upgrades to each of them as we move along. But this has always been in synergy.

Like, the internet is way older than Bitcoin, right? So arguably, we need the other stuff first, right? We needed like 20, 30 years of other stuff before we could actually come up with the money.

Knut: so fix the money, fix the world then fix the world and you fix the money.

Luke: No, but seriously, we actually talked about this. in that, maybe an analogy to, that the internet needed to develop in a centralized way because the, literally the hardware and everything, the architecture, the client server model was literally a centralized and centralizing system. Model and that needed to exist first.

And then the analogy is that gold was centralized naturally in the sense that physically the physical constraints of gold made it so that it naturally centralized into banks and then fiat solved that problem to sort of decentralize it, but it broke everything. So now the mechanism of fixing the money and decentralizing the money was gold.

Bitcoin, but the corollary for decentralizing the communication is Nostr. So both things have kind of happened in a parallel. That's, what we were discussing.

Wrapping Up

Luke: That is the alarm Oh,

Knut: Oh, okay.

Max: so we'll wrap it up.

Knut: Well, I'm

Max: Nostr for sure. Max at TowardsLiberty. com. You can send me mail, notes and sats to that, which is, by the way, crazy, right? That we can have like this unique identifier to get, like, all of your needs settled is wild. Check out, lodging of Wayfaring Men. That's, the main shill of this video.

And I made the audiobook for it. it's on a podcast. The podcast is by the author, Paul Rosenberg. And, it's called Parallel Society, right? So check that out. right now we've released the first episode. the others will come shortly thereafter. the other book recommendation I should highlight, which we haven't mentioned yet, is Cryptoeconomics by Eric Voskuhl.

Most of what I said here was very much inspired by that book. He has the most rigorous understanding of Bitcoin. It's by far the best Bitcoin book. So I also did the audiobook for that. Just search for Cryptoeconomics in your

Knut: audio book though.

Max: when you have to read tables of math formulas, it's starting to fall apart.

But there's a lot of verbal logic in the book that goes very well. Just get the free PDF for the actual graphs and

Knut: And keep using Wasabi and fire up your own coordinators and whatnot, right?

Luke: Now get on stage, Max. Don't want to make you late.

Max: Bye

the book, that's not what I said.

Luke: right, that's it.

Embarking on the journey of operating your own Lightning node on the Bitcoin Layer 2 network is more than just a tech-savvy endeavor; it's a step into a realm of financial autonomy and cutting-edge innovation. By running a node, you become a vital part of a revolutionary movement that's reshaping how we think about money and digital transactions. This role not only offers a unique perspective on blockchain technology but also places you at the heart of a community dedicated to decentralization and network resilience. Beyond the technicalities, it's about embracing a new era of digital finance, where you contribute directly to the network's security, efficiency, and growth, all while gaining personal satisfaction and potentially lucrative rewards.

In essence, running your own Lightning node is a powerful way to engage with the forefront of blockchain technology, assert financial independence, and contribute to a more decentralized and efficient Bitcoin network. It's an adventure that offers both personal and communal benefits, from gaining in-depth tech knowledge to earning a place in the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency.

Running your own Lightning node for the Bitcoin Layer 2 network can be an empowering and beneficial endeavor. Here are 10 reasons why you might consider taking on this task:

1. Direct Contribution to Decentralization: Operating a node is a direct action towards decentralizing the Bitcoin network, crucial for its security and resistance to control or censorship by any single entity.

2. Financial Autonomy: Owning a node gives you complete control over your financial transactions on the network, free from reliance on third-party services, which can be subject to fees, restrictions, or outages.

3. Advanced Network Participation: As a node operator, you're not just a passive participant but an active player in shaping the network, influencing its efficiency and scalability through direct involvement.

4. Potential for Higher Revenue: With strategic management and optimal channel funding, your node can become a preferred route for transactions, potentially increasing the routing fees you can earn.

5. Cutting-Edge Technological Engagement: Running a node puts you at the forefront of blockchain and bitcoin technology, offering insights into future developments and innovations.

6. Strengthened Network Security: Each new node adds to the robustness of the Bitcoin network, making it more resilient against attacks and failures, thus contributing to the overall security of the ecosystem.

7. Personalized Fee Structures: You have the flexibility to set your own fee policies, which can balance earning potential with the service you provide to the network.

8. Empowerment Through Knowledge: The process of setting up and managing a node provides deep learning opportunities, empowering you with knowledge that can be applied in various areas of blockchain and fintech.

9. Boosting Transaction Capacity: By running a node, you help to increase the overall capacity of the Lightning Network, enabling more transactions to be processed quickly and at lower costs.

10. Community Leadership and Reputation: As an active node operator, you gain recognition within the Bitcoin community, which can lead to collaborative opportunities and a position of thought leadership in the space.

These reasons demonstrate the impactful and transformative nature of running a Lightning node, appealing to those who are deeply invested in the principles of bitcoin and wish to actively shape its future. Jump aboard, and embrace the journey toward full independence. 🐶🐾🫡🚀🚀🚀

Tutorial feito por Grom Mestre⚡

Poste original Abaixo.

Part 1: http://xh6liiypqffzwnu5734ucwps37tn2g6npthvugz3gdoqpikujju525yd.onion/229987/tutorial-entendendo-e-usando-a-rede-i2p-introdu%C3%A7

Part 2: http://xh6liiypqffzwnu5734ucwps37tn2g6npthvugz3gdoqpikujju525yd.onion/230035/tutorial-instalando-e-configurando-o-roteador-i2p?show=230035#q230035

Part 3: http://xh6liiypqffzwnu5734ucwps37tn2g6npthvugz3gdoqpikujju525yd.onion/230113/tutorial-conectando-se-ao-xmpp-pela-i2p?show=230113#q230113

Boa tarde, camaradas do meu coeur!

Depois de muito tempo, e com o retorno da minha serotonina aos níveis basais, estou dando início a essa nova série de tutoriais. Espero que tirem muito proveito das informações passadas aqui para amplicarem o seu conhecimento da deepweb.

Esta postagem trará antes algumas considerações iniciais que podem ser úteis para quem possui pouco ou nenhum contato prévio com outras tecnologias ou tenha um entendimento torto a respeito da deepweb. Aconselho a estes que deem um boa lida antes de partirem para os tópicos do tutorial, mas saibam que ele não é um pré requisito para ele.

Dito isso, vamos prosseguir.

TÓPICOS: Introdução Instalando e configurando o roteador e o navegador Conectando-se a serviços na I2P Configurações avançadas

1. Introdução

1.1 Definindo a DeepWeb.

Muitos devem imaginar erroneamente que a deepweb se restrinja apenas à rede onion, mais precisamente aos seus hidden services, já que o Tor possui como uma das suas funções primárias proteger e burlar restrições governamentais e proteger o seus usuários através de métodos sofisticados de roteamento de pacotes e criptografia. Entretanto, ela é mais ampla do que se imagina dependendo da forma como a classificamos. 

Os ditos "profissionais" usam uma definição extremamente vaga e imprecisa do que seria a deepweb e a sua verdadeira abrangência. Para isso, criei uma definição um pouco melhor para ela: redes comunitárias, sobrepostas, anônimas e criptografadas. 

Vamos aos pontos individualmente:

São Comunitárias, pois os pontos de roteamento de pacotes na rede (relays ou routers) muitas vezes são mantidos de forma voluntária por usuários comuns. Não é necessário nenhuma infraestrutura sofisticada para ser um contribuinte na rede, basta ter um computador com acesso à internet e conhecimentos básicos para fazer a configuração.

São sobrepostas porque não estão acima ou abaixo da rede tradicional (diferente do que muitos imaginam). Os pacotes na DW trafegam entre os dados da surface e não em meios distintos (algo que não faz o menor sentido). Sabe aquele papo de camadas da DW ou aquela abobrinha da Mariana's Web? Então, tudo um monte de bosta derivado de Youtubers sensacionalistas iletrados em informática. Elitismo da minha parte? Quem sabe...

São anônimas porque não é simples determinar a origem e o destino dos pacotes entre nodes intermediários dado a natureza do roteamento. Em geral, aos menos para a rede onion, há pelo menos 3 relays entre você e o servidor, sendo que esse número duplica para hidden services (3 seus e 3 do serviço). A imagem abaixo ilustra bemocoteamento dos pacotes na onio. https://image.nostr.build/aea96f41d356157512f26b479ea8db5bce8693dd642f2bce0258d8e4b0dac053.jpg

Por fim, são criptografadas porque as conexões são fortemente protegidas por algoritmos sofisticados de criptografia. Além de não sabermos a origem dos dados, sequer podemos saber com facilidade o conteúdo dessas mensagens mesmo que os protocolos das camadas superiores (HTTP, HTTPS, FTP) sejam inseguros, dado que a criptografia da própria rede já as protege. Por isso é tão comum que sites da DW não usem HTTPS, pois as autoridades de certificados não os assinam para domínios da onion e certificados autoassinados vão disparar avisos no navegador.

A imagem abaixo ilustra bem como é o roteamento onion usado pelo Tor. Perceba que o contéudo da mensagem está enrolado em 3 camadas de criptografia (como a de uma cebola), de modo que para revelar o contéudo original seria preciso quebrar, no pior dos casos, 3 camadas. Como mencionado antes, o método usado para isso é a criptografia assimétrica, muito similar ao PGP, porém com a sua própria implementação. https://image.nostr.build/7bfaaf29211c11b82049ef8425abb67738d085c41558e9339ec13cf49ea5b548.jpg

Observação: Por mais que dentro da rede o encapsulamento proteja as mensagens internamente, entenda muito bem que isso não se aplica a sites da surface acessados pela onion. Ao desempacotar a última camada, a mensagem original é completamente exposta no exit node. Se ela não estiver protegida por uma camada adicional como TLS, seus pacotes estarão completamente expostos, algo que representa um sério risco de segurança.

As redes que caem em ao menos três dessas definições (anonimato, sobreposição e criptografia) podem ser classificadas como deepwebs. Podemos citar:

• Lokinet • Zeronet • Freenet • I2P • Tor • Gnunet 

Porém, há alguns casos interessantes que não caem diretamente nessa regra .

A Yggdrasil ( https://yggdrasil-network.github.io/ ), uma rede de topologia mesh com foco em escalabilidade e eficiência de roteamento, possui três dessas características: comunitária, sobreposta e segura. Entretanto, os nodes não são anônimos e muitas vezes podem estar desprotegidos, já que se conectar à Yggdrasil é que equivalente a ligar o seu computador diretamente na rede sem a presença de um NAT/CGNAT, correndo o risco de expor portas de serviços da sua máquina caso elas não estejam protegidas por um firewall. A Yggdrasil na prática é exposta como um dispositivo de camada 3 (tipo um VPN), mas diferente de um, apenas endereços IPv6 dentro de uma faixa bem específica de IP são roteados por ela, o que permite que ela coexista com outros dispositivos sem haver conflitos de roteamento.

Há quem argumente que a Yggdrasil é uma deepweb dado a sua sobreposição em relação à surface; outros podem argumentar que dado a falta de anonimato ela não se enquadraria nessa categoria. Independentemente disso é uma tecnologia muito interessante com ampla gama de aplicações, como encapsular tráfego de outras redes, como a I2P, e melhorar a eficiência de roteamento.

Por fim, vamos desmitificar alguns mitos da DeepWeb muito difundidos.

Não existem camadas da DW. Os pacotes da DW são sobrepostos e navegam juntos aos pacotes da surface.

DeepWeb e DarkWeb não são coisas diferentes. São termos genéricos para a mesma coisa.

DarkWeb não é o seu provedor de e-mail ou serviço de banco. Se eles não se enquadram nas categorias de um deepweb, então estão na surface.

Você não é irrastreável na DW. Adversários motivados podem foder com você com facilidade (leia a respeito de ataques de Timing, correlação e fingerprinting).

Mesmo que não seja possível ver o conteúdo de uma mensagem pela deepweb, é possível ao menos saber que você a acessou. ISPs podem ver esse tipo de tráfego como suspeito.

Você não é um hacker só porque instalou o TorBrowser, mas pode ser considerado um se expor o IP de um hidden service.

Instalando e configurando o roteador I2P

Segue agora a seção 2 do tutorial do I2P. Mas antes apenas queria falar um pouco do projeto I2P. Apesar do foco do tutorial não ser para tratar da sua história, gostaria ao menos de fazer uma breve introdução sobre ela.

O projeto I2P (Invisible Internet Protocol) é uma rede P2P descentalizada, anônima e segura para estabelecer a comunicação entre os usuários e serviços. Na I2P é possível usar serviços como mensageiros IRC, XMPP, web services, e-mail e até mesmo torrents. A I2P nasceu de um fork da Freenet no ano de 2003, porém possui diferenças drásticas em relação a ela.

Há similaridades entre a I2P e o Tor, porém vale destacar algumas de suas vantagens. Sendo elas:

• Garlic routing ( https://geti2p.net/en/docs/how/garlic-routing ) • Modelo P2P • Todos os participantes da rede contribuem para ela • Fechado na rede - não é possível acessar a surface através da I2P • Otimizado para hidden services

Apesar disso, vale lembrar que o projeto é pequeno, desenvolvido por menos voluntários se comparado ao Tor e possui menos movimentação e financiamento para o seu desenvolvimento. Além disso, o Tor é um projeto muito mais maduro e bem documentado, algo que atrai mais usuários e desenvolvedores e torna a tarefa de encontrar e corrigir bugs mais fácil de ser realizada. 

Esses são pontos importantes que devemos levar em conta ao escolher a tecnologia para as nossas necessidades. Nem sempre há tecnologias ruins, as vezes apenas as empregamos as ferramentas erradas na resolução de certos problemas.

Referências: • https://geti2p.net/en/comparison/tor • https://geti2p.net/en/docs/how/garlic-routing

• https://geti2p.net/en/about/intro

• https://i2pd.readthedocs.io/en/latest/

2. Instalando e configurando o roteador

Antes da criação do I2PBrowserBundle ( https://github.com/PurpleI2P/i2pdbrowser/releases/tag/1.3.3 ) , a única forma de se conectar à I2P era pela configuração manual de proxy no navegador. Muita gente ou não sabe ou tem MUUUUUITA preguiça de fazer isso e ficam resistentes de entrar na I2P dada essa restrição.

Como eu quero ser um bom tutor eu farei do jeito mais "difícil", pois tanto eu desejo que vocês aprendam as nuances do processo como eu sei que vocês são inteligentes o suficiente para fazer isso.

2.1 Instalação do router

Atualmente nós temos duas implementações do I2P: Uma em Java e outra em C++ (i2pd). Usaremos nesse tutorial a versão em C++ dado o seu baixo uso de recursos e facilidade de instalação.

O I2Pd está disponível para Windows, Linux, MacOS e Android e possui binários pré-compilados nas releases ( https://github.com/PurpleI2P/i2pd/releases/tag/2.50.2 ) do projeto no Github. Usuários de Linux podem instalá-lo através do respectivo gerenciador de pacotes da sua distribuição, porém algumas distros não oferecem o pacote diretamente nos reposítórios oficiais, necessitando do uso de PPAs (Ubuntu), COPR (Fedora/RHEL) e afins. Vocês podem conferir as instruções oficiais para cada sistema nessa página ( https://i2pd.readthedocs.io/en/latest/user-guide/install/ ).

Apesar desse tutorial ser voltado a usuários de desktop, o I2Pd também está disponível na loja do F-droid. Infelizmente poucos navegadores em Android permitem a configuração de proxies, porém na seção de Serviços na I2P eu tratarei brevemente de como se conectar a servidores de XMPP usando o ConversationI2P.

Para usuários de Windows, segue abaixo os binários para instalação.

• Versão 32bits ( https://github.com/PurpleI2P/i2pd/releases/download/2.50.2/i2pd_2.50.2_win32_mingw.zip )

• Versão 64bits ( https://github.com/PurpleI2P/i2pd/releases/download/2.50.2/i2pd_2.50.2_win64_mingw.zip )

• Versão para Windows XP (pois é, kk) ( https://github.com/PurpleI2P/i2pd/releases/download/2.50.2/i2pd_2.50.2_winxp_mingw.zip )

A instalação é simples e direta. Após ela apenas abram o I2Pd para que o router inicie a operação de busca e conexão com os peers. Para usuários de Linux, vocês precisam ativar o serviços através do comando 'sudo systemctl start i2pd'. Se vocês desejam que o I2Pd inicie junto com o sistema usem o comando 'sudo systemctl enable --now i2pd'.

Se tudo estiver funcionando corretamente, vocês serão capazes de abrir o webconsole do I2Pd no navegador através do endereço: 127.0.0.1:7070.  https://image.nostr.build/ab205ae1071a2b705279e5ce2d6e912d8d11cc7d6dd0dc8a26b76724a27bd94b.jpg https://image.nostr.build/fa17e14600737ccfc92a415cec2fbfba226b950b2b97af7475927ae65abdbe11.jpg

2.2 Instalação e configuração do navegador

Apesar de  qualquer navegador ser capaz de usar a I2P não é recomendado que usem qualquer um, especialmente o navegador que você usam no seu dia-a-dia. Recomendo que usem um navegador próprio para usar na I2P ou isolem suas atividades em um perfil separado.

Em navegadores baseado no Firefox isso é relativamente simples, bastando adicionar a opção '--profile' e o caminho do perfil que vocês desejam usar. Nesse tutorial eu vou mostrar como criar um perfil novo no Librewolf e configurar no lançador para iniciar o perfil e abrir em uma janela anônima. Essas instruções são análogas para todos os sistemas, excetuando aquelas configurações mais exóticas.

2.2.1 Escolhendo o navegador

Como citado, usarei o Librewolf como exemplo. Vocês podem baixar o instalador direto do site ou usar o gerenciador de pacotes do seu sistema no caso de Linux. Como é uma tarefa trivial eu não vou detalhar esse processo, pois todas as instruções estão em detalhes no site do navegador ( https://librewolf.net/installation/ )

2.2.2 Criando um perfil e configurando o lançador

Abram o navegador e digitem 'about:profiles' na barra de endereço. Criem um novo perfil clicando em 'Create New Profile' https://image.nostr.build/fa17e14600737ccfc92a415cec2fbfba226b950b2b97af7475927ae65abdbe11.jpg

Coloquem um nome no seu perfil e cliquem em Finalizar https://image.nostr.build/62059e375000940f11b27ae77b9ec011f9baadbb5a84afc910d41841ce73e82d.jpg

Perfis novos recém criados são iniciados por padrão. Se você deseja usar outro perfil por padrão deve mudar isso na seção 'about:profiles' do navegador.

Agora vamos configurar o lançador do LibreWolf para iniciar o perfil do i2p e em uma janela anônima. Usarei o XFCE como referência para essa tarefa, mas saibam que o processo é análogo em sistemas como Windows ou DEs como KDE. Se quiserem também podem lançar via terminal através do comando 'librewolf --profile caminho_do_perfil --private-window'.

Cliquem com o botão direito no ícone do Librewolf e abram as propriedades do atalho.

Na guia lançador, no campo Comando, adicionem no final a opção '--private-window' e a opção '--profile caminho_do_perfil'. O caminho do perfil é aquele mostrado na seção 'about:profiles' do Librewolf. https://image.nostr.build/a7d6515d7825cb3bdcb681ecf71a97318dccba81eea7cc87fc5377ecc06065ee.jpg

2.2.3 Configurando o proxy

Com o lançador configurado, abra o navegador nesse perfil. Vamos configurar o proxy para se conectar ao I2P agora.

Abra as configurações digitando 'about:preferences' na barra de endereço. Na seção 'Geral' abra as configurações de rede (Network Settings) https://image.nostr.build/f37157bebf15ada616914f403e756cf9fcee4c9aaaa353196c9cc754ca4d7bc5.jpg

Configure o seu proxy como na figura abaixo. https://image.nostr.build/41ebd05255a8129d21011518d400689308d9c0320408967003bf296771e0b96f.jpg

Fecha as configurações. Se o seu proxy foi configurado corretamente tente abrir algum desses eepsites.

• http://identiguy.i2p • http://notbob.i2p • http://reg.i2p

Se tudo ocorreu como conforme, a página será carregada. https://image.nostr.build/ce29ae44743f06cfed591f082208c9612c59b3429ab46d90db48131b3bc3e99d.jpg

OBSERVAÇÃO: A busca pelos peers é um pouco demorada, levando de 2 a 5 minutos para que um número mínimo necessário de peers sejam encontrados para estabelecer uma conexão estável. Você pode ver a lista de inbound e outbound tunnels na seção Tunnels do WebConsole (localhost:7070) https://image.nostr.build/285a0d765eaf5f33409f975cd720d0efa68ecc40a9da20bfd9cde0cd1f59a7b6.jpg

IMPORTANTE: Apesar do Librewolf possuir defaults seguros, eu recomendo que vocês instalem as seguintes extensões para aumentar ainda mais a sua proteção.

• noScript • JShelter

Lembrem-se que vocês precisam desativar o proxy para acessar a clearnet. Depois disso reativem-no nas configurações.

Outro detalhe: Se vocês tentarem digitar um endereço .i2p na barra de endereços do navegador sem especificar o protocolo (http), ao invés do Librewolf ir ao endereço ele vai realizar uma pesquisa. Para corrigir esse problema, vocês precisam adicionar a seguinte configuração do tipo boolean em 'about:config' como mostrado na imagem. https://image.nostr.build/4518ab817b131f7efe542b2d919b926099dce29a7b59bdd3c788caf53dbd071e.jpg

Reiniciem o navegador e testem. Se tudo deu certo vocês não precisam especificar o protocolo ao digitar um endereço .i2p, bastando apenas digitar o endereço simplificado.

Por fim, terminamos essa parte do tutorial. Na próximo parte trataremos de como podemos nos conectar a serviços hospedados na I2P como XMPP

[TUTORIAL] Conectando-se ao XMPP pela I2P

Essa é a terceira parte da série de tutoriais. Agora vamos tratar de algumas operações na rede, sendo uma delas conectando-se a um servidor de XMPP na I2P.

Não se esqueça de ligar o router e manter ele ligado por alguns minutos antes de iniciar essas operações. O router demora um pouco para encontrar os peers e estabelecer uma conexão estável. 

3.1 Escolhendo o cliente XMPP

Existem diversos clientes XMPP capazes de se conectar usando um proxy. Um dos melhores é o Gajim, um cliente escrito em Python com diversas funcionalidades como criptografia OMEMO e PGP, workspaces separados, extensibilidade via plugins e uma interface bonita e organizada.

Assim como ocorreu com o router, o Gajim está disponível por padrão na maioria das distros Linux. Use o seu gerenciador de pacotes para instala-lo. Em Windows você pode baixar o Gajim através desse link ( https://gajim.org/download/ )

3.2 Criando uma conta

Vamos primeiro criar uma conta no servidor. No nosso exemplo usarei o servidor oficial do projeto i2pd, o xmpp.ilita.i2p. Há diversos outros servidores XMPP no diretório de links notbob.i2p caso queiram explorar mais. Para criar uma conta, siga os passos abaixo:

Abra o Gajim. Na barra de tarefas vá em Contas -> Adicionar Conta. Na nova janela que aparecer, clique em Adicionar Conta https://image.nostr.build/01413e7c6d00c238420e3b0c769dd8d7f7d6522754d2135d3e98a22944f79a27.jpg https://image.nostr.build/9f015861f33990871d96f03d5ec78036a65e3ad9f8ff6a38da18c5b27d31f6d5.jpg

Na janela de adicionar contas, clique diretamente em Inscrever-se. Não precisa colocar as suas credencias como mostra a imagem (falha minha, ksksk) https://nostrcheck.me/media/c8411a22946e97467e0ee197ef7a0205ba05f2c67bde092041481ccc2cbbc66d/81938c8d278ce0562c2240341e203f3b70f51ee2db06ceb453f8a178df37fa84.webp

Digite o nome do servidor no campo abaixo. Não esqueça de marcar a opção 'Configurações Avançadas' antes de clicar em Inscrever-se https://image.nostr.build/5ee4305a6a23e5c064446b0ce7a4cbc7e790c1ba237bd2495d0237b86a4df07f.jpg

Vamos adicionar um novo proxy para essa conta. Para isso clique no botão 'Gerenciar proxies', ao lado do campo Proxy nas Configurações Avançadas https://image.nostr.build/daceb5436def55401d3974ce48d85771e5ebcec4e3f90eb1001df4609112ec12.jpg

Adicione um novo proxy clicando no sinal de '+' abaixo da lista de proxies. Preencha os campos de acordo com a imagem abaixo e em seguida feche a janela. https://image.nostr.build/140b34c4e46e9295c073311d483d206201d9339a75f613fe4e829c14f3257bfe.jpg https://image.nostr.build/d365a63d81a14d763bffceb50b30eb53d81959623f8fe812175358a41b1fba53.jpg

No campo de Proxy, selecione o proxy I2P. Preencha o restante dos campos de acordo com a imagem abaixo. Em seguida clique em 'Inscrever-se'. https://image.nostr.build/d06c11d9c6d19728bf5a58af2dd3e14d8ca0021456da09792a345ac0bfc90ad0.jpg

Nesse momento uma mensagem pode aparecer pedindo para abrir uma exceção para o certificado TLS. Isso acontece porque trata-se de um certificado autoassinado que não foi validado por uma autoridade oficial. Apenas abra a exceção e prossiga (não há imagem para isso porque eu já abri essa exceção no meu cliente). Uma nova janela vai aparecer solicitando-lhe para inserir as suas credenciais. Tome cuidado aqui, pois não é para inserir o nome completo com o domínio, apenas o seu nome de usuário (ex: descartavel). https://image.nostr.build/dde2a6736bd00080fbeeb8076754e226971a412710b370d5559f7f4d5414f8b3.jpg

Se tudo der certo, uma nova janela vai aparecer confirmando a sua inscrição. Coloque um nome e uma cor para a sua conta e clique em Conectar para concluir o processo. https://image.nostr.build/74934d3f1f3f4232eacee8e78e707936227f816c50ac6b52da5c81ec17557e69.jpg

Para finalizar, nos detalhes da sua conta, modifique as suas configurações de privacidade para diminuir o fingerprint. Na seção de 'Privacidade', desligue as seguintes opções:

• Tempo ocioso • Hora de Sistema Local • Sistema Operacional • Reprodução de Mídia https://image.nostr.build/d2ed5852a104c770b50c7b053d518d8af0b6289ced6b3ad4187492208c7ca649.jpg

3.3 Procurando por salas de bate-papo públicas

Após criar a sua nova conta, vamos descobrir alguns serviços que o servidor oferece. Para isso, vá para Contas -> Descobrir serviços https://image.nostr.build/54928d1dd0e48365858b24c72097a9fabf677794e13f329fc0568211eefbe559.jpg

Na seção 'Bate-papo em Grupo', selecione Chatrooms e clique em 'Navegar'. Ao fazer isso uma lista de chatroom públicos presentes no servidor vai aparecer. Fique a vontade para explorar, porém saiba que alguns servidores são moderados e não te permitem mandar mensagens sem sua conta ser aprovada pelo moderador (familiar?). https://image.nostr.build/1936bef51d58a1f6cfdf8bf8d84bfa64adc2a09b9c0fb1623b93a327f0b8cdd8.jpg https://image.nostr.build/89e8013b1cea1df0f80f6833bd6771c33101f404b0099b2d7330a5e57607baff.jpg

3.4 Adicionando contatos

Para adicionar contatos à sua lista, clique no símbolo de '+' ao lado do campo de pesquisa e selecione 'Add Contact'. https://image.nostr.build/d3cadea27591355f674fba93765c3815282d112b2e80a592bb77a442c13dd4f4.jpg

Coloque o endereço completo da conta que você deseja adicionar. Usarei a minha conta oficial nesse exemplo. Você tem a opção de anexar uma mensagem qualquer antes de enviar o convite. Clique em 'Adicionar Contato' para prosseguir. https://image.nostr.build/ff95b7aec2377c58d4253c5b7b3aabf141a92dd5f3e97f6e1f01ecb32a215d38.jpg https://image.nostr.build/6562e680e28c321ebbd009b5ade513f8a279aea33bc16aa9fb251f3507eb04af.jpg

Se tudo ocorrer normalmente, o novo contato vai aparecer na sua lista. Dê dois-cliques na conta para abrir o chat. Não se esqueça de ativar a criptografia OMEMO antes de enviar qualquer mensagem. Agora você está pronto para conversar de forma segura :) https://image.nostr.build/ef7f783a311ad0f68a5408137f75dc2bc6c38f6e9656dc0d68d3267f5012f658.jpg

E com isso terminamos a terceira parte da série de tutoriais.

[TUTORIAL] Criando e conectando-se a um servidor XMPP na I2P e clearnet.

Como configurar o seu próprio servidor XMPP. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ot_EmQ8xdJwy

Criando contas e conectando clientes Pidgin http://i2pd.readthedocs.io/en/latest/tutorials/xmpp/#creating-accounts-and-connecting-clients

BONUS: Conectando-se facilmente à I2P. https://youtube.com/watch?v=wGIh5tQcw68

Chef's notes

Serving these two dishes together will create a delightful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving meal, offering a perfect blend of traditional flavors with a homemade touch.

Details

• ⏲️ Prep time: 30 min
• 🍳 Cook time: 1 - 2 hours
• 🍽️ Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (about 12-14 lbs), thawed and ready to cook
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, halved
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• Apple and Sage Stuffing
• 1 loaf of crusty bread, cut into cubes
• 2 apples, cored and chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the Herb Butter: Mix the softened butter with the chopped thyme, rosemary, and sage. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare the Turkey: Remove any giblets from the turkey and pat it dry. Loosen the skin and spread a generous amount of herb butter under and over the skin.
4. Add Aromatics: Inside the turkey cavity, place the quartered onion, lemon halves, and garlic cloves.
5. Roast: Place the turkey in a roasting pan. Tent with aluminum foil and roast. A general guideline is about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
7. Next: Apple and Sage Stuffing
8. Dry the Bread: Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and let them dry overnight, or toast them in the oven.
9. Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter and cook the onion, celery, and garlic until soft.
10. Combine Ingredients: Add the apples, sage, and bread cubes to the skillet. Stir in the chicken broth until the mixture is moist. Season with salt and pepper.
11. Bake: Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, until golden brown on top.

Testing a brand new YakiHonne native client for iOS. Smooth as butter (not penis butter 🤣🍆🧈) with great visual experience and intuitive navigation. Amazing work by the team behind it! * lists * work

Bold text work!

Images could have used nostr.build instead of raw S3 from us-east-1 region.

Very impressive! You can even save the draft and continue later, before posting the long-form note!

🐶🐾🤯🤯🤯🫂💜

There was once a man, who missed an important meeting because his alarm clock didn't ring. He was a bit upset, and wished for it to be corrected, so he promptly got up, got dressed, and took the alarm clock back to the store, where he'd gotten it from.

He stood in line, patiently, at the service counter, and waited his turn. When he got to the front, the clerk asked, "How may I help you?"

"Oh, I'm having trouble with this alarm clock. You see, it doesn't ring, when the time is reached. I was wondering if that could be fixed."

"Why should we fix that? We're actually very busy building the new model. Should be out in a few weeks. Just wait for that one. Goodbye."

"What? Wait! You can't just leave it broken, like this."

"Why not? What right do you have, to demand an alarm clock that rings? Besides, how many alarm clocks have you built?"

The customer was now quite flustered and a bit ashamed of his self, "Well, none. I admit that, but..."

"Well, there you go! Outrageous, that you should criticize something someone else has accomplished, that you have not. Besides, you are incompetent to tell if anything is even wrong. Maybe this is some sort of non-ringing alarm clock. Perhaps it has lights or wave sounds..."

The second customer in line suddenly piped up, "Ahem. I'm sorry to interrupt. I must admit, I've also never built an alarm clock, but I'm a jeweler, who sells and repairs watches, and I must agree with you, sir," nods to first customer, "This is most definitely a ringing alarm clock and... See here? This bit of the bell arm has rusted through and broken off. Shoddy craftmanship, I'd say."

"Oh, Mr High-n-Mighty jeweler, claims to know how a good alarm clock is to be made, while having zero experience. I've had enough of this outrage. I'm getting the vapors and need at least a two-week sabbatical, to recover from such gross mistreatment. The store is closing immediately. Everyone out!"

"But my clock, sir!"

The door slams in his face, and he heads home, dumping his clock in the garbage bin down the street. Next time, he will simply use the alarm on his cell phone. That always rings.

The 4P's

Remember the Four "P"s of Marketing? Let's look at them, in relation to digital creative work on Nostr.

Product

The product needs to be designed to fulfill a need or desire in the market. If you are writing things nobody wants to read, singing songs nobody wants to hear, or posting pictures that nobody wants to see, then you need to reevaluate your product choices because you are spam.

You are wasting your time, which means you bear a cost for the production of these goods. Is it really worth it? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe you could do something else, or do something in addition, to make the product more appealing.

On the other hand, if you are producing something valuable to a niche audience, you might want to think more about specifically aiming for and catering to that audience, rather than wasting your energy trying to appeal to a larger, indifferent group. It is better to be loved by a few and hated by many, than to be uninteresting to nearly everyone and ignore those who love you.

Price

People should have some anchor for the price, even if you have not explicitly named a price, so that they can know what such effort is "normally" worth and orient your value-provided up or down from there. It should also be clear what they are paying for, so that they know what the scope of the payment covers.

If there is no such anchor available, you can help create one by coming up with your own personal scale for other people's works and discussing it, in public. Any listeners will react positively or negatively, but they will all now have a mental "price point" to orient their own prices around.

If you have fixed and/or variable costs, the price you name should at least cover them, otherwise you need to lower the costs or raise the price. If you name no price, expect to get nothing, and you will never be disappointed. But you may also occasionally get a lot, and have it nearly knock you off your feet, so be prepared for that, too.

Generally, things that are free are of lower quality because producers have no incentive to expend great effort to produce things nobody values enough to pay for. The only major exceptions to this are cross-financing, such as freemium or preview models (typical for things like Substack or OnlyFans), or production funded by third parties (as is the case with Linux and GitHub). In both these cases, the payment exists, but is deferred or distanced.

Many products or services therefore start off "free", during an introductory period, but if they aren't getting enough income from it, they'll eventually give up and wander off. We pay creatives for their continued efforts and continued presence.

Placement

It is of vital importance that you place your products efficiently. Things you should consider:

1. What relays will this work be accessible from? Large relays will extend your reach, but your product will appear within a sea of spam, so its relative value will decline, the same way the perceived worth of the nicest house on the block is dragged down by the houses around it.
2. Writing to large relays also destroys the perceived exclusivity of the offer, although this can be partially mitigated by encryption. A mix of wide/exclusive is probably best, since exclusive access to someone unknown is less valuable than to someone well-known.
3. Remember that the people paying for exclusive access, aren't necessarily paying for access to "better" material, they're paying for access to you, as a person, and/or they are trying to encourage you to continue your work. Rather than having your blockbusters behind a paywall, have the more personal items there and spend more time responding to the people who actually care about you and your art.
4. Do you even want the work directly accessible over Nostr? Perhaps you prefer to store the work off-Nostr and simply expand access to that, to npubs.
5. Something that covers price and placement is what sort of payment rails the hosting platform provides and/or you will accept. Some people only want to accept Lightning zaps, but others might be okay with fiat transactions of some sort, on-chain Bitcoin, gift cards, badge or NIP-05 sales, or some other method. Generally, the more payment options available, the less friction preventing payment. Lightning is arguably the payment method with the least friction, so it should go first in the list.

Promotion

Get Noticed

Who is your target audience and how can you get their attention, so that they find out which product you are offering? This one is extremely difficult, on Nostr. Mostly, everyone just screams things into the void, and people with more followers scream louder and are more-likely to be heard. So, I'd say:

• try to have more followers,
• find someone with lots of followers to help you with marketing, or
• join a "boost cooperative", where you join forces with other smaller accounts, to promote each other's notes.

Find your tribe

Use hashtags, but limit yourself to those that are truly relevant, and never have more than 3 in a note. Post to communities/topic-relays or groups, or write an article or wiki page or etc. and then cross-post to your kind 01 feed, with a hyperlink to a website that displays your work properly.

This week, it finally happened: I still had a Lightning channel open with a node that hadn't been online for the better part of a year now, so I decided to close the channel unilaterally. But force-closing a channel means you have to broadcast the latest commitment transaction, the pre-set fee of which was only ~1 sat/vB for this one.

With LND, if the channel is created as an anchor channel (by default only since version 0.12), then the commitment transaction contains small extra outputs (currently 330 sats), which let either channel partner spend one of them into a child transaction that can be created with higher fees to pay for the parent transaction (CPFP). LND even has a built-in command for that: lncli wallet bumpclosefee

However, this channel was created in the old-school way, and was thus stuck with its low fee. In fact, even the local bitcoin node refused to accept the transaction into its own mempool, so the bitcoin p2p network didn't even know it existed. So how do we get out of this pickle?

The solution

Enter the mempool.space Accelerator. It is essentially an automated way to create agreements with various mining pools to mine your low-fee transaction in exchange for an out-of-band payment. Mempool.space coordinates these agreements and out-of-band payments with miners and gets a share from the overall fee for that.

Now, if you're in the same situation as I was, you might search for the ID of your closing transaction and find that mempool.space cannot find it. Remember how the local bitcoin node (with mostly default settings) didn't accept it in the first place?

1. Get the transaction to be broadcast

In your bitcoin.conf, add the following line:

minrelaytxfee=0

This sets the minimum fee to 0, meaning it will accept and broadcast your transactions, no matter how low the fee is. Restart bitcoind and wait a little bit. LND will retry broadcasting the closing transaction every minute or so until it succeeds. At some point you should be able to find it on mempool.space.

2. Use the Accelerator to confirm it

Once you can see the transaction on mempool.space, you can just click the "Accelerate" button next to the ETA. This will bring you to a page that shows you the estimated share of miners that will include your transaction in their blocks, as well as some acceleration fee options for various transaction fee levels, which you can pay for via the Lightning Network, of course.

If you haven't looked into this service before (which I had), then the fees might be a bit of a surprise to you. This thing is not cheap! Bumping my fee from 1 sat/vB to ~9 sats/vB cost a whopping 51,500 sats (31 USD that day). Bumping it higher only seemed to add the difference in the transaction fee itself, so the service seems to have cost a flat 50K sats at the time.

Unfortunately, this channel wasn't particularly large, so the acceleration fee amounted to ~9% of my remaining channel balance. But 91% of something is better than 100% of nothing, so I actually felt pretty good about it.

Next, you will see something like this:

Time to lean back and let the miners work for you. In my case, the ETA was eerily precise. It told me that it would take ~56 minutes to confirm the transaction, and almost exactly an hour later it was mined.

3. Wait

Now that our transaction is confirmed, our channel is not closed immediately, of course. The time lock of the HTLC protects our channel partner from us broadcasting an old channel state in which our balance might be higher than in the latest state.

In my case, it was set to 144 blocks, i.e. ~24 hours. So I checked back the next day, et voilá: channel closed and balance restored. 🥳

As the title states, scratch behind my ear and you get it. 🐶🐾🫡

This is not a longform post, this is a test post cause I cannot make it post to relay yet, get a timeout error. but if you see it means it's working.

I entered STEM in the late 90s and women weren't discouraged (much), but we also weren't actively encouraged. Neither were the guys. The head of our IT department was a woman, and that was actually not that rare, back then. In fact, the % of women getting comp sci or IT majors has been steadily falling, as this article by Texas Tech University magazine notes.

I've long been puzzled by the big "Girls Coding" push, that the corporations have been engaging in. It accomplished nothing in my workspace, except causing potential colleagues to view me with increasing suspicion. Entering IT teams in the 90s, everyone assumed I must be a genius because everyone there was some sort of genius. Now, they assume that I'm there to fix their "lack of diversity". This starts me off on the wrong foot, every time.

People went into IT because they cared about the subject matter. There wasn't much money in it, so the work atmosphere wasn't cutthroat or dominated by venture capitalistic intentions. We were just a bunch of middle class mathematicians and engineers, basically, hiding out in the computer room with our nerdy friends, building stuff we thought would be useful and cracking our dorky jokes.

Destroying this wholesome atmosphere with divisive company politics, turning it into a high-stakes game for gamblers, and the constant economic precariousness of software projects, is what made women leave IT and it is what is keeping women away.

We've managed to recreate that familial atmosphere, in our nostr:npub1s3ht77dq4zqnya8vjun5jp3p44pr794ru36d0ltxu65chljw8xjqd975wz team, and that's probably why we girls like being there. Turns out, the people who are best at recognizing your talents and accomodating your personal responsibilities, are your friends on the team, who are simply happy that you're there and want you to keep showing up.

NOTE: This article has some details that are specific to America, but the overall principles are applicable to all, and I believe it will be useful for all Christians.

When it comes to things like voting, Christians tend to err to one of two extremes and seem to find difficulty finding the right balance as defined by God. Some Christians refuse to vote or get involved with politics at all. They don’t want to dirty themselves with politics. They know that their true home is heaven, so they don’t seem to care much for the nations they live in. On the other hand, some Christians are so focused on politics fixing everything and creating heaven on earth that they can become idolatrous lifting up politicians as a kind of savior.

In this article, I’m going to address both extremes, using the Bible, and hopefully help you find a Biblical balance.

Seek the Welfare of the City Where I Have Sent You

As Christians we are just passing through our time on earth. Our true, eternal home, our true citizenship, is in heaven. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t care what happens on earth. We shouldn’t be like the old saying, “some Christians are so heavenly minded that they aren’t any earthly good.” I think Christians should organize our time here on earth kind of like the Israelites were commanded to live during their 70 year exile in Babylon and Persia.

Now these are the words of the letter which Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the rest of the elders of the exile, the priests, the prophets and all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. (Jeremiah 29:1)

What did God say to the Israelites about how they should live their life in Babylon?

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, ‘Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and become the fathers of sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; and multiply there and do not decrease. Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.’ (Jeremiah 29:4-7) {emphasis mine}

Could we likewise say the same to Christians during their time on earth? “Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and become the fathers of sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; and multiply there and do not decrease. Seek the welfare of the city, state, or nation where I have sent you to live for a short while, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.”

God expects us to live fruitful lives, to marry, to have many children (multiply), and to raise them up to do the same. He also wants us to seek the welfare of the city, state, and nation where God has put us. In a city, state, or nation with democratic elections, the best way to seek its welfare is to vote for honest candidates who support godly principles. We rightly understand that in our ungodly world there are no perfect candidates. It can even be hard to find mostly honest and mostly godly candidates, but we should seek to elect the best that is available. Why are we told to do this? We are told that “for in its welfare you will have welfare.” When we fail to vote, to teach our kids or support good schools, to live productive lives, and to generally live Godly lives, we WILL see the decline of our cities, states, and nations. We will pay the price.

We are seeing exactly that decline because Christians have pulled out (and were pushed out) of the positions that influence the culture. We don’t have enough godly teachers, journalists, professors, advisors, economists, and politicians. We have given up the culture to those who oppose God, His people, and His commands.

We are paying the price for withdrawing into the safety of our churches and leaving the world to the wolves.

Political Religion

Of course we also have an opposite extreme. We have some Christians that are too focused on politics and power. They spend all of their time and energy on political endeavors and very little, to none, on sharing the Gospel and being a godly example. Many act like they think a political candidate is going to save them from the culture, the media, the bureaucracy, or the government. They forget that there is only one Savior — the Lord Jesus Christ. They forget that God said things will get worse before they get better. They make idols out of politicians and religions out of political parties.

No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Luke 16:13)

Although this verse is specifically talking about being obsessed with wealth, it is applicable to anything that takes our focus, attention, and especially our worship away from God.

When a person spends all of their time serving one candidate or party and little to no time serving God, they have chosen to serve another god and are guilty, even if inadvertently and unintentionally.

You shall have no other gods before Me.

You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. (Exodus 20:3-6)

When we look to a politician to save us from anything, we are making him/her a god before us. When we give our all to a political party, we are taking our heart away from God and giving it to an alternate religion.

We may not think that we make idols in our modern world. It is true that we don’t usually carve them out of wood or mold them out of gold, but we have just as many idols as the Israelites did. They just look different.

I hope you will seriously consider this next point because it may be very unpopular with many of my readers. There are lots of Christians that will throw as big, if not a bigger, fit at the desecration of the American flag than over the Bible. Nobody seems to fight to retain the pledge of allegiance more than a majority of Christians. I’d argue that the American flag has become a modern day idol and the “Pledge of Allegiance” has become a religious mantra repeated to the god of government. Look at the words of the pledge:

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America,\ and to the Republic for which it stands,\ one Nation under God,\ indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

I think the inclusion of the phrase “one Nation under God” makes Christians feel OK about this pledge originally invented by a socialist whose brother sold American flags. The important part, which is why I can’t say the pledge anymore, are the words, “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands.” I really appreciate the principles America was founded upon, but as a Christian, I can only pledge allegiance to God. My allegiance isn’t to a flag (an idol) or the government (a god). I refuse to go through a religious ritual that includes particular stances, reciting special words, and showing undue respect. We cannot “serve two masters.” As Christians our master should be Christ alone. Anything that becomes more important than, or even equal to, the importance of God in our lives is idolatry. We need to get our priorities right.

In the World, but Not of the World

As we live our lives here on earth, we need to remember our God ordained purpose and our true allegiance to God. We need to remember our citizenship1 and family are in heaven, not here on earth.

We want to have a positive influence on our culture, including working in influential positions and voting, but we should be most focused on personal evangelism and sharing the truth of the Bible. The best way to make a difference in our culture is to change hearts and minds through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. (John 17:13-17) {emphasis mine}

Although we want to be a light in the world, we have been warned that doing so will make us not fit in. It will cause many non-Christians (and maybe a few Christians whose priorities are not right) to hate us. No matter the consequences, we need to stand on the truth of the Word of God.

Too often, because we are living with those who are of this world, we start to look and act a lot like those of the world instead of looking and acting like our Savior.

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17) {emphasis mine}

The fact that we should not love the things of the world or take on the character of things of the world is true in every part of our lives, but since we are talking here about politics, let us discuss the way many Christians talk politics.

Many Christians talk about politics in the same manner as non-Christians — cursing, name calling, insulting, and doing whatever it takes to win, no matter whether it is moral or not. I know the “other side” cheats, lies, name-calls, etc., but we should not stoop to their level. Nobody ever won another to their point of view by cursing or name calling. There are ways to point our their errors, and even how horrific some of the things pushed are, without going so low. Jesus didn’t hold back from speaking the truth. He didn’t hesitate to point out error, but was never crude about it. We should be the same. We should shine a light in such a way that those around us see such a difference that they say something similar to what was said about the apostles:

Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)

There should be something about our words, actions, and demeanor that amazes our opponents causing them to recognize us “as having been with Jesus.”

I hope this post has been helpful, truthful, and not too offensive. In so many areas it is hard to find that perfect balance and to not allow ourselves to be pulled to either extreme to the detriment of our witness and our relationship to God.

Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:32-33) {emphasis mine}

Trust Jesus.\ \ your sister in Christ,

Christy

Test Bounty Note

This is the full AI-generated transcript of Bitcoin Infinity Show #127 featuring George Manolov!

If you'd like to support us, check out https://bitcoininfinitystore.com/ for our books, merch, and more!

BIS128 - Ben Perrin - Transcript

Knut: Ben, welcome to the Bitcoin Infinity Show. Thanks for having me, guys. Yeah, this is where we first met, in Riga, five years ago.

Yeah, that's wild. Yeah, and our lives took a turn.

Ben: Yeah. I mean, it's amazing what can happen in a seemingly short period of time. Everything is markedly different, I think, on both ends.

Knut: Yeah, but I mean, I can't believe how you do what you do, like, you do like the double amount of conferences that I do.

Ben: I think I need to slow myself down a bit.

Knut: but you've been traveling around a lot, like, with the family as well.

Ben: Yeah, we try to strike a balance. Sometimes I go solo, sometimes it's the full family. Sometimes it's, me and the missus. It really depends, but, a little bit of both all through the year.

how's it been, like, what's your, well, Yeah. I mean, the travel aspect of it is fantastic. I love seeing all these places and it's kind of cool. To be honest, seeing all the Bitcoiners just in different parts of the globe all through the year, it's like every time it's a quasi family reunion, right? In cool locations.

Knut: Who was that that called us a traveling circus? Joe, yeah, it's Joe Hall.

Ben: Yeah. Yeah. That's, I mean, accurate. I think it's based, I was just saying outside that we should just collectively, you know, buy a jet, put all the necessary stuff in it and just hop around the globe and host a bunch of events and then get it all done in a couple of months and then

Luke: It's not a bad strategy.

Knut: no, it's a low time preference

Ben: are we going to start a geyser fund for the jet,

Knut: yeah, what private jet wanted, like,

Luke: If anything, it would be a good meme anyway, right?

Ben: How many bitcoin do you think we need for a jet? Sats.

Knut: Yeah, well, it'll take a while to gather the funds and we'll call that a jet lag.

Ben: I all enjoy seeing the exorbitant amount of Bitcoin required. And then like, you know, 5, 000 sats raised so far.

Knut: Yeah, and then five years later, 5, 000 sats is enough for a jet.

Luke: there we go. Oh, absolutely.

The Origins of BTC Sessions

Luke: So can you give us a little bit of, your story, how this all started? how did you get into Bitcoin and how did you become a, cause you're not actually Mr. Sessions, but you are, you get confused for that all the

Ben: Yeah. so, prior to Bitcoin, I actually, taught kids how to breakdance for years.

Knut: Australian ladies,

Ben: Yeah, non Australian ladies, no, no, I, I taught, I was basically doing in school residencies. So, like, in, in phys ed, instead of the phys ed teacher, you know, helming the, the dance unit, I would come in as a novelty and, You know, teach the kids a routine over the course of a week and then they'd perform at the end of the week.

And, so it was a fun job, but it didn't particularly, pay the bills. So I needed a side hustle. And that side hustle for a while was, I went on a bunch of tech blogs and I just kind of learned how to tear, tear apart a MacBook and like swap out the hard drive and the RAM and things like that.

And then, so I would flip MacBooks because everybody wanted a MacBook, but you could get it used. And so I would upgrade it and then sell it and earn a few hundred bucks in an afternoon. And that felt pretty decent. But because I was on those tech blogs, the Bitcoin articles would be in front of me from time to time.

it took about a year of saying, ah, crap, I missed the boat over and over again, to finally say, maybe I should actually read into this and figure out what it was. And, I spent the better part of two years trying to learn how to use it. And searching desperately for video tutorials because I'm a very visual learner.

It was always like, Oh, go to this blog and, or, or go to this forum and halfway down in the comments, some dude described in point form how to do this. And I was like, I, I can't learn like this, but I had to. And so the channel was more like a response to the itch I couldn't scratch for myself.

And I figured if, if I wanted that, somebody might find Bitcoin tutorials useful, and, that was eight years ago. And so now, yeah, eight, eight years worth of, doing tutorials.

Knut: So, do you have any other, educational background? university studies or anything like

Ben: this was just like, it was a com, so the skills that kind of came together were, even though I was teaching dance, like, teaching a concept that can be complex to like a school kid. As long as you can break it down in a simple manner, like I had to get used to sometimes five year olds trying to learn and memorize a routine.

With very foreign movements to them. regardless of subject matter, it translates if you can break something down. And the tech aspect of it, like I was not technical whatsoever before Git. Other than like, I mean, yeah I said I tore up Macbooks, but like, if you can, put in a Nintendo cartridge.

That's like the skillset that you needed to do that. and so that was just like trial and error, you know, tearing your hair out, doing it again, trying again, learning what not to do. and then just the being comfortable, like in front of a camera, I guess, over time.

Knut: So, the stripe from tearing your hair out?

Luke: Yeah, it grew back eventually, but turned color. Yes. did you realize that you're never allowed to change your hairstyle ever again?

Ben: The first time going to a conference and, somebody coming up and saying like, Oh, I saw you from across the parking lot. And I was like, Oh crap, I'm stuck with this forever. Yeah, now it's like, I literally, but this is going to be the OPSEC thing. Cause when it's time to disappear, I just have to die this back.

And I, I'm a ghost.

Luke: Yeah, Nobody will know who I am. It's like if Knut shaves his

Ben: Yeah,

Knut: yeah, yeah, yeah.

Ben: Yeah.

Luke: Although actually the beard hasn't even been going that long, but now you're used to it.

Ben: Yeah, yeah.

What Has Changed in Bitcoin?

Luke: So, what's changed over this eight years? Because I imagine early days that you're teaching vastly different things from now in the space.

Ben: Yes and no. there's a lot more to teach now than there ever was. like the early days, I was more or less confined to whatever phone app happened to be out as a wallet, there was very limited option for hardware, like it just kind of started to pop up as I was early days. and then like Bitcoin ATMs or online exchanges, that was kind of the crop of what I could do.

And now, the list of things I would like to cover is growing faster than I can cover it. It's an impossible task to teach everything. And so, that's a great thing, because there's so much optionality out there for people. I think because of that now, we're seeing a lot more people do tutorial videos, which is fantastic.

every time I see a new person throw their hat in the ring and start making video tutorials, I'm like a mini victory. I've treated the opposite of. Competition because you can never have too much education, just as everybody should have a Bitcoin podcast.

Neutrality

Knut: Yeah, so speaking of podcasts and video tutorials, like, how do you stay neutral in terms of the products? I mean, you must be getting offers from everyone here and there, like, can you promote this for me? Can you do that for me?

Ben: so there's two aspects to it. I mean, number one, obviously the only way that I can do this full-time is to have sponsors on the show. But the sponsors that I usually have, it's typically not them coming to me. Not to say there isn't people coming to me, but the ones that come to me typically are like shitcoin casinos and stuff like that.

And saying it's a default. No. but the sponsors that I tend to have typically it's me saying, Oh, I use this and it's great. And then I reach out to that entity and say, would you like to sponsor the show? But that comes with a caveat of no matter what, The whole point of the channel is to educate people how to use things, so I will be covering your competitors and teaching people how to use them as well.

So, it's just, you gotta just be forthcoming with, like, the pros and cons of everything, and be realistic about how things work, and, yeah.

Knut: yeah, yeah. Oh, can I have that water? Sorry. yeah, this is a tricky thing, like, especially for consumers, like, how can you trust the content you're consuming, but I think, the essence of that is that, authenticity is the currency of the future, whoever said that, but, it's such a great.

Like your reputation is everything. if you're discovered to be a sellout or if people discover you're a sellout, you lose, or your sponsors too, at certain point, right. So,

Ben: It's, especially in Bitcoin, I feel like, Bitcoiners hold each other to a higher standard than fiat world does. and, Bitcoiners it's not so easy to forget, somebody. not that you can't, redeem yourself when you make a mistake as long as you own it.

I think the worst thing that you can do is just double down instead of being like, you know, fucked up kind of thing. So, yeah.

Early Days

Luke: No, exactly, and I mean, I was actually curious about this. Did you ever go to, like, when you're getting into Bitcoin, were you ever curious about some of the, checkcoins and

Ben: Oh yeah, like, especially early on, because, there was no good resources, that succinctly described the difference between Bitcoin and everything else. It wasn't until, I spent most of my time learning about Bitcoin specifically, and then, I heard little things about other shitcoins but I never gained any conviction with any of the other ones, and to me it was always considered gambling, if I had anything like that.

And so it took working at an OTC desk in 2017, like a physical walk in with cash and buy Bitcoin or shitcoins to open my eyes to just how degenerate all of that stuff was. like my experience at the peak of the 2017 bull run. Was being in a room probably about double or triple the size of this.

we had three desks, with money counters on them, and it was shoulder to shoulder people in this room, all standing with stacks of cash, Ready to buy whatever coin had gone up the most that day. Ripple hit 3. 50. I'd love 10, 000 worth of Ripple, please. and it was just that day after day after day.

And people convinced that like, oh, this is the future. This is how it's gonna be. And after going through all that and seeing the ICO craze and everything, it just put such a bad taste in my mouth witnessing that and in a way being party to it, like working and being on the other side of the desk from that, that, discussions with and working with Francis Pouliot, with BullBitcoin.

He actually poached me from that company that I was at and it was a breath of fresh air to get somewhere and focus on Bitcoin. And so that was the formation of where I'm at now.

Bull Bitcoin

Knut: In 2019, you were here with the bull Bitcoin

Ben: Mm hmm.

how many of you were here? was a lot of us. 15 Yeah, there was, there was a lot. it was like they brought a bunch of the Debs and like Madex was here. 'cause he did the shirts and everything. Yeah. Francis Dave, like, yeah.

We were all out here and it was a good time.

Knut: Bull Bitcoin is definitely the most based exchange in the world, I think. think there are exchanges nowadays that are on par with them, but if you take the historical perspective, there is no second

Ben: Yeah, well it was such a departure for Francis to come out and be like, his announcement of what BullBitcoin was going to be and to say, we are actively Bitcoin only I remember people in the room as he announced it being like, Seriously, you guys are only doing Bitcoin.

You're actively choosing not to do anything else. And, it seemed like a crazy move to a number of people that watched that announcement and it was the best thing that they could have done.

Knut: Of course. I mean, I love that before and after picture of Francis, you know, when he's in his corporate suit and everything. The before picture and the second picture, it looks like something out of Commando or

Yeah. Rolled out of the jungle. No, it's great.

Ben: Yeah, that was a formative time for sure.

Calgary Community Building

Luke: Yeah, and I mean, those were my first touch points with crypto, the 2017 run, and I mean, in the offices in Calgary, because I'm just starting my career, just out of school, and I'm working at an oil and gas company, and it's like, everyone's talking about Ethereum or Ripple,

Yeah, and so that was the only thing that I got off my ass and went and bought a little bit for a little while with some Ethereum, and as soon as everything crashed in 2017, it's just like, I'm like, Yeah, I forgot about it for four years until things started to climb again.

And so no, no regrets, like, what ifs or anything like that. But, but yeah, that, that was, that was the culture at the time though, is, is, is what I'm saying. and this, this was all like, I had no idea this was all going on around me, the Bitcoin community, in, in Calgary. Right. and so this is, this is now where.

You're active in building the community in Calgary, right?

Ben: yeah, so, we're now kind of, you know, I've reached a point where, you know, it's great using Bitcoin as a savings mechanism and all that, but, I think it was late last year. there was some announcement in and around like exchanges, basically sending out the warnings to everybody, like, Hey, if you coin join and then send to the exchange, we'll have to shut your account.

Like you've got to at least add a hop and every, and people were. We're getting angry and almost like shooting the messenger, like, Oh, like, why don't you just not comply? And it's like, well, then the business doesn't exist. So I, like, I kind of get it. But at the end of the day, I got annoyed because people were, again, shooting the messenger rather than like just trying to do something about it.

And, and so that kind of, spurred me into. You know, recognizing that the only way around that is to actively use Bitcoin peer to peer, right? Like, not just save it. Cause like, if you're, if you're saving your Bitcoin and you're putting it away and everything, and then all of a sudden, every on and off ramp, it just Disappears overnight because of regulatory overreach.

What the hell do you do? Like, yeah, you can find your, your, your peer to peer exchanges and stuff like that, but like, isn't it so much better if you can just know the place where you can get beef or, you know, your barber, if you, if you can just use your money for everything that you need and then also just save it.

Like, isn't that a far better world than having to rely on somebody somewhere to exchange for a worse money?

Vexl

Knut: Are you familiar with Vexl? Yes. looks really promising, I think. yeah, we had Grafton on. Weeks ago. And, it's great. most of the users are in Prague at the moment, but still, if we can get that going, it's like, I view it as VL being is to local Bitcoins what B2C pay server is to BitPay you're taking these centralized models and.

making them peer to peer and more decentralized.

Ben: it, yeah, it's needed, whatever the, I really like the idea of what Vexel's doing, again, like, it's thin in my area for people listing stuff on there, but, again, at the end of the day, I think in, however we can do it to kind of build out, starting from the Bitcoiners themselves, ways to meet our daily needs, just using Bitcoin, like, I've been, I've been basically living on a Bitcoin standard since 2020.

Now, 90 something percent of my income is all Bitcoin. and I use it, like I, by default, don't have dollars beyond, like, exactly what needs to come out of a bank account each month for some specific payments that I can't do externally.

Knut: So what is your reaction when people say that Bitcoin isn't money?

Ben: So you can say it, but you're fucking wrong. it's puzzling when somebody says that to me because my entire life is a refutation of that statement. Like,

Knut: that's a clip right

Ben: Yeah.

Sats Market

Luke: that's fantastic. I had no idea any of this stuff existed. I literally got into Bitcoin as I was leaving Canada and I haven't been back to Calgary in three years now. I'm super looking forward to next summer.

I'll make it to your sats market and the Bitcoin rodeo and everything. So can you tell us a little bit about the sats market

Ben: Yeah, so, I guess I kinda went off the rails when I was about to dive into that, but that knee jerk of me getting angry that people weren't doing anything about it, that spurred me into doing the first sat market, and So I was like, guys, the only way around this is to just start using Bitcoin.

And so I put out the word online and said let's do this in three weeks, let's do a market. And we got 35 merchants together in that period of time, put on a big, Christmas market. And it was great. I was surprised how many people got together and made that happen. And so now we've done three of them.

we did a spring one as kind of like a dry run, to prep for the Bitcoin rodeo one that we did in July. but now I think we're going to do two per year so that it's kind of more of an event. but then we want to actually form relationships with each other so that, you don't need the market to get the things that you want.

So like, you know, my kid shoved something in the toilet, I called the Bitcoin plumber. And he came and I paid him in sats for sorting out my shit coin problem. and I think a big part of the market was, yes, it's great having, Bitcoin related merch and goodies and stuff like that.

But like, It shouldn't be all that. It needs to be stuff that people actually need. So we have local farmers come in, and you know, they've got beef and eggs and chickens and all that. We have a lot of tradesmen, like roofers, people doing flooring, people doing all kinds of different stuff.

We've got a guy who, one of the services he's offering is teaching people how to homestead. so like there's, there's a wide variety, there's a children's author, there's a whole bunch of different stuff. and it's a very eclectic mix of a lot of different things. but also like the useful, like, oh, I need food, you know, I need my haircut.

Canada and Alberta

Knut: so, do you expect, I mean, if you look up government overreach during the early 2020s in the dictionary, you'll get a picture of a Castro's bastard doing, do you expect some kind of clamp down or like problems with this from a government side in Canada?

Ben: Well, the nice thing about it is that it's the hardest thing to prevent when I know the guy I get my eggs from. When, you know, what are you going to say? you guys can't be friends anymore. Go fuck yourself. like if I happen to go visit my buddy at his house And he happens to give me some eggs, and I happen to slip and scan a QR code then like I was to stop that Yeah

Luke: would go, Well, I mean, some calibration on this as well. I think for people who aren't familiar with how Canada is basically, Alberta and Calgary is like the heart of freedom country in Canada. Quebec is also a little bit, it's got its own flavor of that essentially, but Alberta has been going through some really interesting times in the last decade.

Ben: so It's very different from the US in that the individual states have so much more, free reign to set things how they like, and you can freely move around between states. But in Canada, the federal government has a lot more power over each individual province than I would like.

But Alberta, as of late, has been really pushing back against federal overreach, in particular, and around energy, health, and education. so there's been all of these things that have culminated in, we created the Alberta Sovereignty Act, which Gives us a conduit to any time the federal government tries to do something where they're stepping out of their wheelhouse, we basically can now refer to that and flip them the bird and say, tough.

We saw that province next to us, Saskatchewan, when they tried to impose a carbon tax, the entire province, the government just said, we're not collecting it. And so like, you're starting to see, and it's very interesting because The sovereign individual, the book, when they were discussing, the idea of local governance and the breakdown of larger nation states, when they were talking about Canada, it was written in the 90s when Quebec was voting whether it wanted to remain part of Canada.

And so one would have assumed at the time they would have said Quebec will be the first to separate from Canada. But they said no, it's more likely to be Alberta because it's so energy heavy. and we get kind of screwed by the rest of Canada, so there's what's known as equalization payments, if we produce and have a lot of industry, rather than using that as a mechanism to incentivize people to move away from areas where industry may not justify so many people living towards where the good jobs and the resources are.

they just say, Oh, you guys are doing pretty well. We're going to take, however many billions of dollars of that, and we're going to pepper it over here.

Knut: Yeah.

Ben: when you look at say Quebec versus Alberta, Alberta, I can't remember what this is. Very recently, in the past few years, there was a year where I think Alberta paid 10 billion dollars in equalization payments, and, Quebec received 11.

And, and, and so basically we just gave Quebec all the money, and that's like 40 percent of their GDP.

Knut: yeah, it's socialism. That's how socialism works. The problem with socialism is that eventually you'll run out of other people's money.

Ben: Yeah. and so, but I mean, what would have happened if that wasn't in place is there wouldn't be as many jobs in Quebec and a number of people might have said, Oh, there's more jobs over here. We're going to move to where the industry is.

Luke: Yeah. Free market. It's natural. It's what happens when you leave things be and let people cooperate and collaborate the way they want. but instead we're incentivizing people to stay put Well, and I mean, the other thing, not just the equalization, right, is that the energy is literally landlocked in Alberta, and to get the oil to market, you have to take it to a coast, that's how this stuff gets sold, and there's just been fights over building pipelines within Canada or into the United States, Barack Obama cancelled the Keystone pipeline, the Keystone XL pipeline the first time, Then Trump re approved it, and then Biden finally cancelled it, and I think they're actually giving up on it now.

But even within Canada, that's the problem, is that Quebec, who gets all of this money from Alberta, says they will not let a pipeline through their province.

Knut: yeah, it's, in the book.

yeah. yeah,

Luke: your feeling on just the political situation in general in Alberta and Canada as a whole?

Ben: it's interesting because I don't put Too much or really any trust in politicians, but the political pendulum making it's I feel like it already peaked to one side and it's about to swing back and they'll be that degree of What seems like normalcy for a while and then it'll swing too far the other direction again in the 90s growing up I felt as if These conservatives are gonna censor everything and, it was always like, Oh, we need to take this off TV and off the radio and we don't want anybody to see this In my head, I was always like, well, just don't watch it.

Don't listen to it. If you don't like Like, why are you telling others what they can or can't do or watch? And so I always grew up thinking that's where the pressure's gonna come from. But as that political pendulum swung to the left, it doesn't matter who's in power, it's just what are they censoring, right?

And so I think I leaned left, politically speaking, early in my life because it was just like a knee jerk. Against whoever was telling me not to do things, and so I felt like I swung left, and then it got to a point where I was just insufferable, like, actively, trumpeting whatever the leftist politicians would say, and it wasn't until a friend of mine actually said to me, I asked him about the election when Trudeau got elected for the first time, which I voted for, and,

Luke: Sorry.

Ben: The thing that opened my eyes to how insane I had gotten was, a friend of mine that I would have assumed for like the, who he was and kind of his lifestyle and everything like that would have, definitely been voting for Trudeau. So I asked him what he thought of the election. And he said, you made me vote conservative. And I was like, I stepped away from that conversation and took a long hard look in the mirror and realized the person that I thought I was helping by voting this way voted the opposite because I was such a loud mouth. what I ended up doing is I started searching for the exact opposite of what I would have searched for on like YouTube and all that.

And it was my first peek into how bad the algorithms get you. And because all of a sudden I was getting served inside of a couple of weeks, I was getting served the polar opposite end of the spectrum and nothing but that, and like rage bait. it made me realize like.

There's, there's no winner in that scenario.

Pendulum

Knut: it's so funny that they use the word pendulum because that's one of the chapter names from the new book. And we describe exactly that process of left and right, but also how this dynamic happens in smaller communities as well. And the danger we see in the Bitcoin community here is that, I've noticed this effect that Whenever people discover Bitcoin and realize that the government is lying to them.

The lazy thing to do is just to buy the opposite narrative and buy into all the conspiracy theories, and all of a sudden Alex Jones is not a liar, have you noticed that too, and like, are you worried about the Bitcoin community, that we're getting sloppy, buying into stuff?

Ben: Yeah, I think it's inevitable that people have that reaction in that we're at that point in time where people are deeply distrustful of every single institution. And I think it's exactly what you're saying, is that the knee jerk reaction is, so everything's a conspiracy, or everything's a scam. And, you know, kudos to the people that are a little bit more nuanced with the thinking. I can fall into that trap too. And, I think it's also, to go back to one of the other formative moments in Bitcoin for me was, as I first started getting involved. Seeing the coverage of Mt.

Gox, on the news because I had, I still knew very, very little about Bitcoin at that point. I had just started learning, but even with, a month or two of reading, I knew that all of the reporting was completely wrong. where they were saying Bitcoin got hacked. And I knew it was just a bad company, lost people's money.

And, to see every news outlet report it the same and all be wrong, and know that I've done effectively the minimal viable research, and I know that you're incorrect. It made me step back and say, well, God, like, what if other things that I know even less about are being reported incorrectly?

Knut: I know exactly what I reacted to the most, that they describe Bitcoin ma mining as solving this super complex

Ben: Yes.

Knut: Yes. When it's really just guessing a number over and over again. so it's portrayed as something that's absolutely isn't

Ben: Yeah. it's blindly throwing a dart at a dart board somewhere.

Knut: I had experiences with this earlier on where, you know, being interviewed for smaller things and just reading the interview afterwards and seeing how much they got wrong. this is so often everything.

Ben: Yeah. Cause I mean, there's people in society that are tasked with trying to distill information and present it in a friendly public facing manner. And, when you're trying to do that, it's difficult to do that accurately and also in an entertaining way that drives clicks and views and all that kind of stuff.

so I think a lot of people by default just use some of those bad habits and, you know, go for the clicks, I suppose.

Nostr

Luke: Well, and how do you feel about an antidote to this in Nostr, decentralizing communication?

Ben: Yeah, I think. With this, it definitely puts us in the right direction in that, you know, previously, the way, we've seen dissenting opinions dealt with is just shutting them down. you know, now, I still very much think that the entire world has not yet grappled with the fact that you can instantly communicate with anybody, anywhere, and get a megaphone to tell the world whatever you think.

and people have not been great at learning how to distill information and decide if the information is right and true. we're still as a species not great at that, but I think having Absolute censorship resistance puts us towards that because then the only tool you have to fight against bad information is better information.

And so people need to stop being babysat and actually be forced into a space where they have to distill information and think critically. and that's a muscle that most people haven't exercised and even myself, at times just, you know, it's easy to go the lazy way. But I think, yeah, with something like Nostr where, you can say whatever you want.

Nobody can remove it afterwards. it forces hard conversations to be had rather than trying to silence them. So I think it's a slow process and it's not gonna happen anytime soon. But it gets us stepping in the right direction.

Knut: I think communication is the thing that elevates us from barbarism to civilization, really. Because if you go down to first principles and what this is all about, it's like humans have two ways of resolving conflict, and the one is violence, And the other is communication. You agree and you argue and you come up with a solution.

And the latter is obviously preferable to the former, because we don't want violence. seeing things that way makes everything so much clearer, you realize that even without the internet communication would have won out in the long run, because it's more efficient than violence.

Violence is costly. so, and it did sort of like there were fewer wars, like in, Early 90s when the internet wasn't a thing than ever before. So like, fewer people were killed in wars. So the internet has just sped up the process. And right now you can communicate with anyone in the entire world at an instant.

And it's not only text, it's video, like without a lag. And on top of that you have bitcoin, which is, part of that, because it is communication. What bitcoin pointed out was that money doesn't have to be anything but communication. That's why I'm so extremely optimistic about it, because it is the cure all, in that sense, because it's so damn powerful,

Why Are You Bullish?

Knut: so Ben Sessions, why are you bullish?

Ben: am I bullish? in this moment, I think I'm most bullish because people haven't stopped building and they're doing so at such a breakneck pace that I guess alluding to earlier in the conversation, how that list of things for me to teach people about is growing faster than I can teach it.

And, and that's a great place to be in, given that when I started, the most common question I got from people hearing, Oh, you're doing a Bitcoin tutorial channel. I mean, you're going to run out of stuff to do, aren't you? And it's the exact opposite. and so I, when there's that much of a brain drain and, and there's so many people Interested in somehow being involved and contributing and seeing this as the seismic shift that it is.

how can you not be bullish about that? I mean, we started a company a few months ago called Bitcoin Mentor. Educators, one on ones and all that. But we put out the word that we were looking for people that wanted to be Bitcoin educators. We had 350 applicants. Isn't that insane?

Luke: It's amazing.

Knut: Yeah,

Ben: Obviously we couldn't take all 350, but we built a solid team from the people that were there and there was some really talented people there.

The Bitcoin Mentor

Ben: So can you talk us through what this is? what is the Bitcoin? It's the Bitcoin Mentors. Yeah, Bitcoin Mentor. I, have previously for a number of years done, Private one on ones with people, typically, you know, Zoom or whatever, video call. those were usually people that had gone to the free tutorials on YouTube, but they need a little bit of extra hand holding.

Maybe, like, it's either just their confidence in doing it themselves, and they just want somebody to kind of walk them through it the first time, or they hit a snag and I didn't cover it as in depth as I should have or, there's a lot of moving parts. I got to the point where I was so busy with these sessions, these one on ones, that I wasn't having time to make the tutorials anymore.

And, you know, I can't not have that. You know, that's like, it's such an important thing to have the free resource out there as well. So, I met, my co founder now, Mike, and, we just kind of formulated an idea of building a team and, yeah, so it's basically for anybody that's either like brand new and is just trying to wrap their head around, key management or hardware or whatever, or for the, you know, What I would refer to as the Bitcoin luddites, the ones that have, and this isn't at all a dig because this happens to everybody, but.

Where you come in, you learn the few things you're comfortable with, and then you stand still for a long time and you begin wondering like, is my setup still as good as I thought it was when I originally did it? Should I add to it? Should I learn something new? Or I just wanna level up and learn some new things?

We get a lot of people coming in like that, being like. Yo, I, I don't know, I got a ledger like five years ago and I set it up and I haven't done anything since. And now I think I want to try a cold card or whatever else, or now I want to run a node or now I want to, you know, I want to learn again.

Luke: And so we get a lot of those people coming in the door saying, help walk me through this. And once they've done it once, then, okay, that's a skill they've attained and they can do it themselves without any assistance after that. Oh, awesome initiative. And I mean, yeah, like obviously there's a need there for people to get involved in this stuff. And I mean, the user experience in Bitcoin is still very much, you have to do the things or else it's not quite going to work. And I mean, do you think it's ever going to be?

So simple that anyone can just quickly get on to Bitcoin in a self sovereign way. I don't, I don't think that there's ever going to

Knut: always a trade

Luke: there's

always a trade off. do you think about that?

Ben: there's always a trade off. I think, and it also depends on what our interactions with Bitcoin look like in the future, like in terms of what is the average person's experience using Bitcoin. Bitcoin, I would venture to say that their initial interaction with Bitcoin inside of Five years or less is not going to be on chain.

Like people aren't going to be onboarded directly to on chain. They're going to, I think the way that we teach needs to be completely inverted because the way I used to teach was, okay, let's attack a regular on chain Bitcoin wallet first. here's how you set it up. Here's your seed phrase on chain transactions work like this, you know, every 10 minutes, all like, here's how the fees work.

That was typically the first thing you wrapped your head around and then you would say, Oh, and now there's this thing called lightning. And this allows you, you know, for more day to day, smaller trends. And so you'd, you'd start at the base and you'd build the knowledge to the upper layers. But that's not going to be how people interact with Bitcoin because, economically speaking, that's not going to make sense.

They're going to come in from a top layer first with their first few sats.

custodial lightning. exactly. But what will be the goal is working your way down through the self sovereignty stack to hopefully get as close to the base as you can for that person. And so it's gonna be like, oh, I came in through a Fediment, or I came in through a Cashument, or I came in through a Custodial Lightning Wallet.

Knut: You'd be like, okay, great. Transactionally, you now know what you're doing, but let's see if we can give you more control. And move that direction. had a thought about the 350 applicants, because they all want to be Bitcoin mentors. I think they probably all are, just on a smaller scale. Like, all of those people are teaching their friends and family how to use things.

It's already amazing. Because you're right, all of those applicants were vying to be part of a specific group but nothing precludes them from continuing to be the bitcoin person in their group of friends that people come to for advice and help. beautiful.

What is Ben Most Excited About - Fedi(Mint)

Luke: And so you mentioned a couple of things like, Fedimint and Cashew as one example, like just new stuff that's been coming up. What are you most excited about that's, like projects that look really exciting to you right now?

Ben: I'm very interested in the Fediment stuff. I think it's really cool. Now, again, you gotta recognize that it's a trade off. But, I tend to look at things from the perspective of What is available to us right now? No, I recognize that things can change and maybe you have the ability to have shared, you know, UTXO custody in a way,

But with how Bitcoin works right now and the tools that are available to us, I think FedAmends are pretty damn good trade off, to enable a number of things that are very attractive. So like, instant, peer to peer free and perfectly private transactions within a mint. Gaining the privacy of the crowd if you spend to another mint.

and what I mean by that is, maybe you have a mint that has a thousand people in it, and another mint that has a thousand people in it. When you go to send money to somebody in the other mint, it's a lightning transaction between the two. federations, but nobody knows which person in this mint initiated the transaction and nobody knows which person in that mint received it.

yeah, it's beautiful.

so I love that. there's things like you can do offline payments. there's a lot of really cool things. and Feddy app is doing is something that I think it would be super. Useful in the context of what we're doing with the sat market in Calgary is if we had, you know, within, if we had everybody sound like a mint.

And within the Feddy app, we could have a community that in that same app with their wallet management, they also see all of the resources needed to use said Bitcoin locally. So maybe it, it, by default, we have built in there, the btcmap. org that will center in on Calgary when you tap on it within the app, maybe it has bit refill or whatever to get your gift cards.

Maybe it has whatever other, because It's like a whole ecosystem in a singular app that you can tailor for your specific community, which is, so useful, and I didn't know exactly what it was going to be until I actually physically saw it.

Yeah, Yeah, so I love it.

Now, yeah, we still have some questions about it, but we'll talk to Obi one of these, like, tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. So we're looking forward to interrogate him about the nooks and crannies about Fede. But, yeah, it's very, very promising. yeah, it's, I think that particular ecosystem is gonna make leaps and bounds in the coming years and it'll be very interesting to see how it's used and how resilient it is, in the way that they're trying to flesh out that ecosystem because at this point anybody can make a mint. And so, and that's a double edged sword, because anybody will make a mint, and some will be, they won't all be created equally.

Some will rug, for sure, some will rug pull, but others will, you know, It'll likely be done well and stand the test of time and kind of, it'll be more of a reputation based thing rather than,

Knut: that's reputation based is, is, is based. I mean it's, that's what we're excited about, about Nostr, a lot of the You know, web of trust things so that you get all the, the reputation score is basically your, you own your social graph and your friends and your connections and your posts and everything.

And that's where you get your recommendation is from. So I think that ends up, you know, killing woke disney one day because there won't be a discrepancy between user scores and critics

Ben: yes,

Knut: like so

Ben: yeah,

Knut: much going on

Ben: yeah, that's fantastic.

Luke: It's fantastic to get your perspective on this because you're probably one of the people who really actually gets in there and tries the most things

Amplifying, right? like that

Ben: I tend to tinker around with pretty much everything that I can get my hands on. there's more people that are starting to be that as well. if you were to look at my apps on my phone, it's just like a disgusting amount of different Bitcoin wallets and everything.

and those are just the ones that I have put in a folder. If you go through the entire app drawer, it's just, I don't remember when I downloaded this

Outlook for Canada and Alberta

Luke: No, it's funny, but, you're clearly bullish on Bitcoin. And what about Canada? What's your feelings on Canada, Alberta as well?

Ben: I hope Alberta secedes. So that's that would be, I'm, I'm, I'm very pro, smaller and more local governance. I, you know, I, I think that you become disconnected from, your constituents when you try to govern too many of them all at once, it's very difficult when you have. a large group of people in very, very different conditions and trying to say, you guys are all gonna live by the exact same rules.

I think more local governance is great. I feel like Trudeau will be gone next year. everybody's sick of him, including his own party, but at the same time, if I had to guess, I would say that, he'll be stubborn enough to run again. And that Polyev will probably win he's a bitcoiner but at the same time, I don't think that he'll do anything, in terms of regulatory that would be super favorable.

Luke: I think it'll just kind of be status quo. if anything, it'll at least buy some time. To build out things that make Bitcoin more resilient in the face of the next tyrant. I've still got all my family in Canada, tons of friends in Canada, I hope for the best in Canada, I'm the coward, sort of, and left, but no, no, it was more of a pull than a push, I mean, as much as things were difficult a few years ago in Alberta, I mean, like, yeah, it was other reasons, but still, of course, close to my

Knut: voted with your feet. It's good. you made a freedom footprint. That's what you

Luke: Well, yeah, awesome to have you and other great people in, in Calgary and, and Canada, you know, still bearing the torch and everything. So,

Ben: Yeah, there's a good, there's a solid group there, and yeah, the Calgary, the Alberta, generally, like all the Alberta Bitcoiners, there's something there, and I can't wait to see that blossom into what it seems to be becoming.

Luke: well, sign us up for the sats market, in June, July, next year. Cause, yeah, well, a hundred percent

Knut: We need Knut to come stampeding I can do the stampeding. yeah, apparently it's not optional.

Wrapping Up

Knut: anyway, where do you want to send our listeners? Like with btc sessions. com? Is that a thing now? Dot ca,

Ben: flair on there. if somebody's listening or watching this that is unfamiliar, and you need to learn anything, just search BTC Sessions on YouTube. you'll find it there. I'm on, Nostr, I'm on X still. you gotta be where the normies are at when you're trying to orange pill and educate, I suppose, too.

the Bitcoin Mentor stuff, you can check out at bitcoinmentor. io if you need some more hand holding on anything. There's a solid group of educators there.

Luke: fantastic. And I'm going to look at this camera now to my friends from Calgary, who I've been telling you to go attend the sats market. Get to it, talk to this guy, you won't regret it, and you know who you are.

Thanks for everything you do, and thanks for being on the show.

thanks for having me, guys. Appreciate it. Ben, thanks again. This has been the Bitcoin Infinity Show.

Intro

This short tutorial will help you set up your own Nostr Wallet Connect (NWC) on your own LND Node that is not using Umbrel. If you are a user of Umbrel, you should use their version of NWC.

Requirements

You need to have a working installation of LND with established channels and connectivity to the internet. NWC in itself is fairly light and will not consume a lot of resources. You will also want to ensure that you have a working installation of Docker, since we will use a docker image to run NWC.

• Working installation of LND (and all of its required components)
• Docker (with Docker compose)

Installation

For the purpose of this tutorial, we will assume that you have your lnd/bitcoind running under user bitcoin with home directory /home/bitcoin. We will also assume that you already have a running installation of Docker (or docker.io).

Prepare and verify

git version - we will need git to get the latest version of NWC. docker version - should execute successfully and show the currently installed version of Docker. docker compose version - same as before, but the version will be different. ss -tupln | grep 10009- should produce the following output: tcp LISTEN 0 4096 0.0.0.0:10009 0.0.0.0: tcp LISTEN 0 4096 [::]:10009 [::]:**

For things to work correctly, your Docker should be version 20.10.0 or later. If you have an older version, consider installing a new one using instructions here: https://docs.docker.com/engine/install/

Create folders & download NWC

In the home directory of your LND/bitcoind user, create a new folder, e.g., "nwc" mkdir /home/bitcoin/nwc. Change to that directory cd /home/bitcoin/nwc and clone the NWC repository: git clone https://github.com/getAlby/nostr-wallet-connect.git

Creating the Docker image

In this step, we will create a Docker image that you will use to run NWC.

• Change directory to nostr-wallet-connect: cd nostr-wallet-connect
• Run command to build Docker image: docker build -t nwc:$(date +'%Y%m%d%H%M') -t nwc:latest . (there is a dot at the end)
• The last line of the output (after a few minutes) should look like => => naming to docker.io/library/nwc:latest
• nwc:latest is the name of the Docker image with a tag which you should note for use later.

Creating docker-compose.yml and necessary data directories

• Let's create a directory that will hold your non-volatile data (DB): mkdir data
• Indocker-compose.ymlfile, there are fields that you want to replace (<> comments) and port “4321” that you want to make sure is open (check with ss -tupln | grep 4321which should return nothing).
• Create docker-compose.ymlfile with the following content, and make sure to update fields that have <> comment:

version: "3.8" services: nwc: image: nwc:latest volumes: - ./data:/data - ~/.lnd:/lnd:ro ports: - "4321:8080" extra_hosts: - "localhost:host-gateway" environment: NOSTR_PRIVKEY: <use "openssl rand -hex 32" to generate a fresh key and place it inside ""> LN_BACKEND_TYPE: "LND" LND_ADDRESS: localhost:10009 LND_CERT_FILE: "/lnd/tls.cert" LND_MACAROON_FILE: "/lnd/data/chain/bitcoin/mainnet/admin.macaroon" DATABASE_URI: "/data/nostr-wallet-connect.db" COOKIE_SECRET: <use "openssl rand -hex 32" to generate fresh secret and place it inside ""> PORT: 8080 restart: always stop_grace_period: 1m

Starting and testing

Now that you have everything ready, it is time to start the container and test.

• While you are in the nwcdirectory (important), execute the following command and check the log output, docker compose up
• You should see container logs while it is starting, and it should not exit if everything went well.
• At this point, you should be able to go to http://<ip of the host where nwc is running>:4321 and get to the interface of NWC
• To stop the test run of NWC, simply press Ctrl-C , and it will shut the container down.
• To start NWC permanently, you should execute docker compose up -d , “-d” tells Docker to detach from the session.
• To check currently running NWC logs, execute docker compose logs to run it in tail mode add -f to the end.
• To stop the container, execute docker compose down

That's all, just follow the instructions in the web interface to get started.

Updating

As with any software, you should expect fixes and updates that you would need to perform periodically. You could automate this, but it falls outside of the scope of this tutorial. Since we already have all of the necessary configuration in place, the update execution is fairly simple.

• Change directory to the clone of the git repository, cd /home/bitcoin/nwc/nostr-wallet-connect
• Run command to build Docker image: docker build -t nwc:$(date +'%Y%m%d%H%M') -t nwc:latest . (there is a dot at the end)
• Change directory back one level cd ..
• Restart (stop and start) the docker compose config docker compose down && docker compose up -d
• Done! Optionally you may want to check the logs: docker compose logs

(Member only content that has been unencrypted for use with )

Details on how to use a Burner Phone

Mobile phones are needed for communications when out in the world but they are a nightmare for privacy and security as detailed in especially when it comes to surveillance risks. This is more of a hands on guide for how to mitigate those risks.

Burner phones as the name describes is a use and "burn" device either for a single operation or for a longer period if proper precautions are taken. In case you are unaware what I mean by a burner phone; cell phones can be purchased from big box stores, gas stations, and kiosks in cash without a contract. They are usually not very expense and enable you to buy prepaid cards to use for phone and internet service.

Getting a Burner Phone:

1. Best to use a store out of town but not mandatory.
2. Do not take any electronics with you, especially another phone.
3. Park down the street in another parking lot near the store and walk over. Be mindful of security cameras.
4. Cover any tattoos or identifying marks. Wear a hat and a medical mask. (Thank you covid)
5. Use cash only to buy.
6. Leave, do not shop or buy anything else.

Setting up Burner Phone:

1. Go somewhere with free public WIFI (Starbucks, Library, whatever)
2. Do not take any electronics with you, especially another phone.
3. Open package and follow directions to activate using the public WIFI access.
4. Choose a random area code during setup.
5. Create a new random gmail account. (Do not reuse accounts or names)
6. Download and install a VPN, Signal or SimpleX, Firefox Focus Browser, Tor if needed. Delete any other unnecessary apps.
7. Change phone settings (see list)
8. Turn off and remove battery if able to (becoming harder to find) or put into a Faraday Bag.
9. Destroy packaging that came with the phone.

Phone Settings: 1. Turn off hotspot and tethering. Enable Always on VPN and Block Connections without VPN. Set DNS to automatic. 2. Turn off bluetooth and WIFI. 3. Disable all notifications, notification history, notifications on lock screen, and emergency alerts. 4. Turn off all sounds and vibrations. 5. Turn off Find my Device. Setup screen lock with password. (No bio) 6. Toggle everything in privacy: no permissions, turn off microphone, turn off usage and diagnostics, etc 7. Set Use Location to off. 8. Under Languages & Input > Virtual Keyboard > Gboard > Advanced: disable usage statistics, personalizing, and improve voice and typing for everyone.

Using a Burner Phone:

1. Never sign into any account associated with your real identity.
2. Never use it to contact anyone associated with your real identity.
3. Time and distance between burner phone and any other cell phone you own. i.e. A hour has passed and several miles from when you use and had on the other device.
4. When not in use the battery is removed or in a Faraday Bag.
5. Always use a VPN and always use private search and browser set to delete upon closing (Firefox Focus default).
6. Never actually call or text from the phone. You only want to use SimpleX or Signal for communications.
7. Do not save anything (files, pictures, history) on the phone, especially if incriminating.
8. Do not take it with you or use unless necessary.
9. When in doubt, burn it and get another one.
10. Never carry over names, accounts, whatever from old burner phone to new burner phone.

Burning a phone:

1. Factory reset the device.
2. Remove and destroy the SIM card.
3. Remove the battery because lithium batteries can explode. (may have to take it apart)
4. Smash internals.
5. Burn remains or drown in water. (Throw it in the river)

As long as you are careful to never identify yourself with the burner phone the only surveillance they can do is know that a phone was used or in a location but not who it belongs to. Be aware that if you are caught with it on your person any information or contacts on the phone may get compromised. Be mindful what you put on it.

There’s a lot of conversation around the #TwitterFiles. Here’s my take, and thoughts on how to fix the issues identified.

I’ll start with the principles I’ve come to believe…based on everything I’ve learned and experienced through my past actions as a Twitter co-founder and lead:

1. Social media must be resilient to corporate and government control.
2. Only the original author may remove content they produce.
3. Moderation is best implemented by algorithmic choice.

The Twitter when I led it and the Twitter of today do not meet any of these principles. This is my fault alone, as I completely gave up pushing for them when an activist entered our stock in 2020. I no longer had hope of achieving any of it as a public company with no defense mechanisms (lack of dual-class shares being a key one). I planned my exit at that moment knowing I was no longer right for the company.

The biggest mistake I made was continuing to invest in building tools for us to manage the public conversation, versus building tools for the people using Twitter to easily manage it for themselves. This burdened the company with too much power, and opened us to significant outside pressure (such as advertising budgets). I generally think companies have become far too powerful, and that became completely clear to me with our suspension of Trump’s account. As I’ve said before, we did the right thing for the public company business at the time, but the wrong thing for the internet and society. Much more about this here: https://twitter.com/jack/status/1349510769268850690

I continue to believe there was no ill intent or hidden agendas, and everyone acted according to the best information we had at the time. Of course mistakes were made. But if we had focused more on tools for the people using the service rather than tools for us, and moved much faster towards absolute transparency, we probably wouldn’t be in this situation of needing a fresh reset (which I am supportive of). Again, I own all of this and our actions, and all I can do is work to make it right.

Back to the principles. Of course governments want to shape and control the public conversation, and will use every method at their disposal to do so, including the media. And the power a corporation wields to do the same is only growing. It’s critical that the people have tools to resist this, and that those tools are ultimately owned by the people. Allowing a government or a few corporations to own the public conversation is a path towards centralized control.

I’m a strong believer that any content produced by someone for the internet should be permanent until the original author chooses to delete it. It should be always available and addressable. Content takedowns and suspensions should not be possible. Doing so complicates important context, learning, and enforcement of illegal activity. There are significant issues with this stance of course, but starting with this principle will allow for far better solutions than we have today. The internet is trending towards a world were storage is “free” and infinite, which places all the actual value on how to discover and see content.

Which brings me to the last principle: moderation. I don’t believe a centralized system can do content moderation globally. It can only be done through ranking and relevance algorithms, the more localized the better. But instead of a company or government building and controlling these solely, people should be able to build and choose from algorithms that best match their criteria, or not have to use any at all. A “follow” action should always deliver every bit of content from the corresponding account, and the algorithms should be able to comb through everything else through a relevance lens that an individual determines. There’s a default “G-rated” algorithm, and then there’s everything else one can imagine.

The only way I know of to truly live up to these 3 principles is a free and open protocol for social media, that is not owned by a single company or group of companies, and is resilient to corporate and government influence. The problem today is that we have companies who own both the protocol and discovery of content. Which ultimately puts one person in charge of what’s available and seen, or not. This is by definition a single point of failure, no matter how great the person, and over time will fracture the public conversation, and may lead to more control by governments and corporations around the world.

I believe many companies can build a phenomenal business off an open protocol. For proof, look at both the web and email. The biggest problem with these models however is that the discovery mechanisms are far too proprietary and fixed instead of open or extendable. Companies can build many profitable services that complement rather than lock down how we access this massive collection of conversation. There is no need to own or host it themselves.

Many of you won’t trust this solution just because it’s me stating it. I get it, but that’s exactly the point. Trusting any one individual with this comes with compromises, not to mention being way too heavy a burden for the individual. It has to be something akin to what bitcoin has shown to be possible. If you want proof of this, get out of the US and European bubble of the bitcoin price fluctuations and learn how real people are using it for censorship resistance in Africa and Central/South America.

I do still wish for Twitter, and every company, to become uncomfortably transparent in all their actions, and I wish I forced more of that years ago. I do believe absolute transparency builds trust. As for the files, I wish they were released Wikileaks-style, with many more eyes and interpretations to consider. And along with that, commitments of transparency for present and future actions. I’m hopeful all of this will happen. There’s nothing to hide…only a lot to learn from. The current attacks on my former colleagues could be dangerous and doesn’t solve anything. If you want to blame, direct it at me and my actions, or lack thereof.

As far as the free and open social media protocol goes, there are many competing projects: @bluesky is one with the AT Protocol, nostr another, Mastodon yet another, Matrix yet another…and there will be many more. One will have a chance at becoming a standard like HTTP or SMTP. This isn’t about a “decentralized Twitter.” This is a focused and urgent push for a foundational core technology standard to make social media a native part of the internet. I believe this is critical both to Twitter’s future, and the public conversation’s ability to truly serve the people, which helps hold governments and corporations accountable. And hopefully makes it all a lot more fun and informative again.

💸🛠️🌐 To accelerate open internet and protocol work, I’m going to open a new category of #startsmall grants: “open internet development.” It will start with a focus of giving cash and equity grants to engineering teams working on social media and private communication protocols, bitcoin, and a web-only mobile OS. I’ll make some grants next week, starting with $1mm/yr to Signal. Please let me know other great candidates for this money.

kind:1 maximalism and the future of other stuff and Nostr decentralization

These two problems exist on Nostr today, and they look unrelated at first:

1. People adding more stuff to kind:1 notes, such as making them editable, or adding special corky syntax thas has to be parsed and rendered in complicated UIs;
2. The discovery of "other stuff" content (i.e. long-form articles, podcasts, calendar events, livestreams etc) is hard due to the fact that most people only use microblogging clients and they often don't appear there for them.

Point 2 above has 3 different solutions:

• a. Just publish everything as kind:1 notes;
• b. Publish different things as different kinds, but make microblogging clients fetch all the event kinds from people you follow, then render them natively or use NIP-31, or NIP-89 to point users to other clients that would render them better;
• c. Publish different things as different kinds, and reference them in kind:1 notes that would act as announcements to these other events, also relying on NIP-31 and NIP-89 for displaying references and recommending other clients.

Solution a is obviously very bad, so I won't address it.

For a while I have believed solution b was the correct one, and many others seem to tacitly agree with it, given that some clients have been fetching more and more event kinds and going out of their way to render them in the same feed where only kind:1 notes were originally expected to be.

I don't think clients doing that is necessarily bad, but I do think this have some centralizing effects on the protocol, as it pushes clients to become bigger and bigger, raising the barrier to entry into the kind:1 realm. And also in the past I have talked about the fact that I disliked that some clients would display my long-form articles as if they were normal kind:1 notes and just dump them into the feeds of whoever was following me: nostr:nevent1qqsdk90k9k30vtzwpj6grxys9mvsegu5kkwd4jmpyhlmtjnxet2rvggprpmhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumn0wdmksetjv5hxxmmdqy8hwumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytnddaksygpm7rrrljungc6q0tuh5hj7ue863q73qlheu4vywtzwhx42a7j9n5hae35c

These and other reasons have made me switch my preference to solution c, as it gives the most flexibility to the publisher: whoever wants to announce stuff so it can be discovered can, whoever doesn't don't have to. And it allows microblogging clients the freedom to render just render tweets and having a straightforward barrier between what they can render and what is just a link to an external app or webapp (of course they can always opt to render the referenced content in-app if they want).

It also makes the case for microapps more evident. If all microblogging clients become superapps that can render recipe events perfectly why would anyone want to use a dedicated recipes app? I guess there are still reasons, but blurring the line between content kinds in superapps would definitely remove some of the reasons and eventually kill all the microapps.

That brings us back to point 1 above (the overcomplication of kind:1 events): if solution c is what we're going to, that makes kind:1 events very special in Nostr, and not just another kind among others. Microblogging clients become the central plaza of Nostr, thus protecting their neutrality and decentralization much more important. Having a lot of clients with different userbases, doing things in slightly different ways, is essential for that decentralization.

It's ok if Nostr ends up having just 2 recipe-sharing clients, but it must have dozens of microblogging clients -- and maybe not even full-blown microblogging clients, but other apps that somehow deal with kind:1 events in multiple ways. It's ok if implementing a client for public audio-rooms is very hard and complicated, but at the same time it should be very simple to write a client that can render a kind:1 note referencing an audio-room and linking to that dedicated client.

I hope you got my point and agreed because this article is ended.

I2P é uma rede anônima, oferecendo uma camada simples que aplicativos sensíveis à identidade podem usar para se comunicar com segurança. Todos os dados são agrupados com várias camadas de criptografia e a rede é distribuída e dinâmica, sem partes confiáveis.

O Invisible Internet Project começou em 2002. A visão do projeto, conforme descrito em uma entrevista com Lance James, era que a rede I2P "oferecesse total anonimato, privacidade e segurança no mais alto nível possível. Internet descentralizada e ponto a ponto significa não se preocupe mais com seu ISP controlando seu tráfego. Isso permitirá que (as pessoas) realizem atividades contínuas e mudem a maneira como vemos a segurança e até a Internet, utilizando criptografia de chave pública, esteganografia de IP e autenticação de mensagens. A Internet que deveria ter sido, será em breve." Desde então, o I2P evoluiu para especificar e implementar um conjunto completo de protocolos de rede capazes de fornecer um alto nível de privacidade, segurança e autenticação para uma variedade de aplicativos.

A rede I2P. A rede I2P é uma rede de sobreposição ponto a ponto totalmente criptografada. Um observador não pode ver o conteúdo, origem ou destino de uma mensagem. Ninguém pode ver de onde vem o tráfego, para onde está indo ou qual é o conteúdo. Além disso, os transportes I2P oferecem resistência ao reconhecimento e bloqueio por parte dos censores. Como a rede depende de pares para rotear o tráfego, o bloqueio baseado em localização é um desafio que cresce com a rede. Cada roteador na rede participa de tornar a rede anônima. Exceto nos casos em que seria inseguro, todos participam do envio e recebimento do tráfego de rede.

Como funciona o I2P?

O I2P usa criptografia para obter uma variedade de propriedades para os túneis que constrói e as comunicações que transporta. Os túneis I2P usam transportes, NTCP2 e SSU2, para ocultar o tráfego que está sendo transportado por eles. As conexões são criptografadas de roteador para roteador e de cliente para cliente (ponta a ponta). Forward-secrecy é fornecido para todas as conexões. Como o I2P é endereçado criptograficamente, os endereços de rede I2P são auto-autenticados e pertencem apenas ao usuário que os gerou.

A rede é composta por pares ("roteadores") e túneis virtuais unidirecionais de entrada e saída. Os roteadores se comunicam entre si usando protocolos construídos em mecanismos de transporte existentes (TCP, UDP), passando mensagens. As aplicações cliente possuem seu próprio identificador criptográfico ("Destino") que permite enviar e receber mensagens. Esses clientes podem se conectar a qualquer roteador e autorizar a alocação temporária ("lease") de alguns túneis que serão utilizados para envio e recebimento de mensagens pela rede. O I2P possui seu próprio banco de dados de rede interna (usando uma modificação do Kademlia DHT) para distribuir roteamento e informações de contato com segurança.

Sobre a Descentralização e a Rede I2P A rede I2P é quase totalmente descentralizada, com exceção dos chamados Reseed Servers. Isso é para lidar com o problema de bootstrap DHT (Distributed Hash Table). Basicamente, não há uma maneira boa e confiável de deixar de executar pelo menos um nó de inicialização permanente que os participantes que não são da rede possam encontrar para começar. Uma vez conectado à rede, um roteador só descobre pares construindo túneis "exploratórios", mas para fazer a conexão inicial, um host reseed é necessário para criar conexões e integrar um novo roteador à rede. Os servidores reseed podem observar quando um novo roteador baixou um reseed deles, mas nada mais sobre o tráfego na rede I2P.

Recursos do I2P

O I2P oferece uma série de recursos para proteger a privacidade do usuário. Alguns desses recursos incluem:

Ocultação do endereço IP: O I2P oculta o endereço IP do usuário, tornando impossível que alguém rastreie a atividade do usuário na rede.

Comunicação segura: Todas as comunicações dentro da rede I2P são criptografadas de ponta a ponta, garantindo a privacidade do usuário.

Anonimato: O I2P permite que os usuários se comuniquem de forma anônima, o que significa que sua identidade não é exposta durante a comunicação.

Sites ocultos: O I2P permite que os usuários criem e acessem sites ocultos, que só podem ser acessados dentro da rede I2P.

Vantagens do uso do I2P

O I2P oferece várias vantagens para os usuários que desejam proteger sua privacidade online. Algumas dessas vantagens incluem:

Proteção contra vigilância governamental: O I2P ajuda a proteger os usuários contra a vigilância governamental, tornando impossível rastrear o endereço IP do usuário.

Anonimato em redes públicas: O I2P ajuda a proteger os usuários contra ataques de hackers em redes Wi-Fi públicas.

Acesso a sites censurados: O I2P permite que os usuários acessem sites que estão bloqueados em sua região ou país.

O I2P é uma rede anônima de comunicação que oferece recursos de privacidade avançados para proteger a privacidade do usuário. Ele permite que os usuários se comuniquem de forma anônima e segura e cria uma solução eficaz para usuários que valorizam a privacidade e a segurança online. Se você está preocupado com sua privacidade online, o I2P pode ser uma ótima escolha.

https://github.com/i2p

Es ist besser, ein Licht zu entzünden, als auf die Dunkelheit zu schimpfen. Konfuzius

Die Bemühungen um Aufarbeitung der sogenannten Corona-Pandemie, um Aufklärung der Hintergründe, Benennung von Verantwortlichkeiten und das Ziehen von Konsequenzen sind durchaus nicht eingeschlafen. Das Interesse daran ist unter den gegebenen Umständen vielleicht nicht sonderlich groß, aber es ist vorhanden.

Der sächsische Landtag hat gestern die Einsetzung eines Untersuchungsausschusses zur Corona-Politik beschlossen. In einer Sondersitzung erhielt ein entsprechender Antrag der AfD-Fraktion die ausreichende Zustimmung, auch von einigen Abgeordneten des BSW.

In den Niederlanden wird Bill Gates vor Gericht erscheinen müssen. Sieben durch die Covid-«Impfstoffe» geschädigte Personen hatten Klage eingereicht. Sie werfen unter anderem Gates, Pfizer-Chef Bourla und dem niederländischen Staat vor, sie hätten gewusst, dass diese Präparate weder sicher noch wirksam sind.

Mit den mRNA-«Impfstoffen» von Pfizer/BioNTech befasst sich auch ein neues Buch. Darin werden die Erkenntnisse von Ärzten und Wissenschaftlern aus der Analyse interner Dokumente über die klinischen Studien der Covid-Injektion präsentiert. Es handelt sich um jene in den USA freigeklagten Papiere, die die Arzneimittelbehörde (Food and Drug Administration, FDA) 75 Jahre unter Verschluss halten wollte.

Ebenfalls Wissenschaftler und Ärzte, aber auch andere Experten organisieren als Verbundnetzwerk Corona-Solution kostenfreie Online-Konferenzen. Ihr Ziel ist es, «wissenschaftlich, demokratisch und friedlich» über Impfstoffe und Behandlungsprotokolle gegen SARS-CoV-2 aufzuklären und die Diskriminierung von Ungeimpften zu stoppen. Gestern fand eine weitere Konferenz statt. Ihr Thema: «Corona und modRNA: Von Toten, Lebenden und Physik lernen».

Aufgrund des Digital Services Acts (DSA) der Europäischen Union sei das Risiko groß, dass ihre Arbeit als «Fake-News» bezeichnet würde, so das Netzwerk. Staatlich unerwünschte wissenschaftliche Aufklärung müsse sich passende Kanäle zur Veröffentlichung suchen. Ihre Live-Streams seien deshalb zum Beispiel nicht auf YouTube zu finden.

Der vielfältige Einsatz für Aufklärung und Aufarbeitung wird sich nicht stummschalten lassen. Nicht einmal der Zensurmeister der EU, Deutschland, wird so etwas erreichen. Die frisch aktivierten «Trusted Flagger» dürften allerdings künftige Siege beim «Denunzianten-Wettbewerb» im Kontext des DSA zusätzlich absichern.

Wo sind die Grenzen der Meinungsfreiheit? Sicher gibt es sie. Aber die ideologische Gleichstellung von illegalen mit unerwünschten Äußerungen verfolgt offensichtlich eher das Ziel, ein derart elementares demokratisches Grundrecht möglichst weitgehend auszuhebeln. Vorwürfe wie «Hassrede», «Delegitimierung des Staates» oder «Volksverhetzung» werden heute inflationär verwendet, um Systemkritik zu unterbinden. Gegen solche Bestrebungen gilt es, sich zu wehren.

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

A fortnight of being real on Nostr

It's been over two weeks, since I announced that I would primarily be noting from my lesser-known Silberengel npub, and it's been an interesting experience. As with anything I ever do, I clicked around a lot, tested out a lot, and tried out a lot. Mostly, I observed.

Let me share, what I've learned

1. Nostr-related products are increasingly useless, if you don't follow anyone, or only follow a handful of people. Everything is geared to follows and you usually really do need to follow gobs of people, to have an interesting feed, by capturing the most-active people (about 10% of the people you follow). Those people tend to quote and boost other people's notes into your stream, allowing you to follow those additional people and so on, like a snowball scheme. This means that follows are actually a feed-management mechanism, rather than any indication of a relationship between npubs. It also means that 10% of the npubs decide what everyone will look at.
2. Many people collect followers, by being active for a very short time, following lots and lots of people and getting follow-backs, then they unfollow the smaller npubs or abruptly change their tone or the content (this is common with spammers and scammers). Then they have a high WoT score. What, precisely, is being trusted here? (Also, centering WoT on follows is influencer-maxxing for plebs, KWIM?)
3. Why are individuals never unfollowing these npubs? Because nobody unfollows anyone who hasn't seriously upset them. Follow-inertia is rampant and the follow lists are so long that most people don't even know who they are following. So long as the "bad npub" doesn't spam the people who are following them directly, they don't notice anything. That means following spam can inadvertently protect you from spam, whilst the same spammers throw crap at your own frens, all damned day.
4. Most relay owners/operators don't ever look directly at the feed from their own relay, so it's usually full of enormous amounts of garbage. Your clients and personal/private relays are often downloading and broadcasting all of that garbage indiscriminately, so the garbage gets passed around, like a social media virus. Many of you just haven't noticed, because you also don't look at the feed from your relays (see 1).
5. Almost all business logic (the controls, in the classic model-view-controller setup) has been placed on the client-side. This is great, if you're a client developer, as it makes relays superfluous and traps your customers in your app, by making moving to a different app more onerous. Every move requires a period of readjustment and fiddling, before they can see their feed the way that they are used to seeing it. This is less great, if you're a user and are interested in trying out a different app.
6. When I began, two weeks ago, the concept of topical, private, and personal relays interacting were mostly a pipe dream (pun intended), but I've been pleased to see, that some other people are beginning to catch on to the appeal of decentralizing and specializing the model layer. A diverse, sprawling network of relays, connected through the outbox model and negentropy syncing, is really next-generation communication, and essential for ensuring censorship-resistance, while supporting smooth interaction.
7. Once you get above a few hundred followers (which I already have, That went fast!), additional followers are increasingly spam or inactive/bot npubs, and once you get a few thousand followers, that Bot Effect goes parabolic, as your notes are spread more widely onto spammy relays. You won't notice, yourself, as anything over a few hundred becomes Some Big Number and you'll eventually stop even looking to see who they are, or caring about them, at all. Which leads directly to my next point...
8. The number of followers a person has, correlates with an increase in their disdain for people who care about follower counts, likes, reactions, or even zaps. This noblesse oblige says nothing about the usefulness or information any of these signals carry. You will please also notice that they never change npubs and rarely change profile pics because of reasons I don't need to elaborate on, further.
9. On-boarding is a lonely experience because nobody looks at the feed, and you initially have no followers. Even if you reply to people, they often can't see what you wrote because of your low WoT score. That is, unless you already know someone there, who can vouch for you. Or are lucky to get discovered by the Nostr Welcoming Committee and end up one of the biggest npubs overnight, which is like winning the follower lottery. For most new npubs, the experience is terrible and they eventually give up, for a handful the experience is absolutely fantastic and they are hooked. Obvious lesson: nobody should onboard, who doesn't know at least 1 other person: so invites only. Unlike Those Other Protocols, Nostr doesn't need a centrally-determined invite, as every client or relay can offer their own version, geared to a different audience. The goal simply needs to be: get off 1.
10. I don't get many zaps or reactions, anymore, but I still have interesting conversations, and I no longer face the surreal situation of every cough, hiccup, or sneeze I emit being front-page news. Nostr feels more like Nostr, again, and less like Twitter, and now I want communities and forums even harder.

Let's talk about baking bread

I've mentioned a few times, how large-scale central planning leads inevitably to artificial scarcity and rising prices. Allow me to illustrate -- using a completely invented allegory about bread -- that has absolutely no parallels to any economy you may already be familiar with.

We start with 20

Let us say, there is a group of 20 people in a village doing something that requires some niche skill and interest, but not inordinate amounts of talent or uncommon knowledge, such as baking loaves of bread containing emmer wheat. This is not an easy thing to do, and you'd have to read up on it and practice, to begin with, but it's not an insurmountably-high barrier for anyone who already knows how to bake.

Now, they're not baking all that much of this bread, as the market for people who want to eat it, is still rather small. But, they're happy to bake the bread, and sell it below cost (at $10), as they can see that the market is steadily growing and they know that there is a possibility of recuperating their investments, and maybe even turning some profit. They hope to eventually profit either directly (through the selling of the bread), or indirectly (as A Person Who Helped Invent Emmer Bread), or ideally some combination of the two.

They are baking away, and honing their baking skills, and scrounging up the money for bigger and better ovens or cleverly-arranging discounted contracts for slightly-larger deliveries of wheat, and more and more bakers see this activity and wander over to their village, to see how this bread is made. Well, the current bakers are starting to sink under all of the bread orders they are receiving, and customers are complaining of late deliveries, so they start to ask the 10 visiting bakers, if they would like to also set up a bakery and take some of the production off of their hands.

We now have 25 bakers

The visiting bakers consider it and 5 agree and the rest wander off again, as they already are quite busy baking the bread they've always baked, and they aren't as certain of the possibility of growth, for this new type of bread.

The 5 additional bakers take a while to setup shop and assemble staff and place wheat orders and etc., but after a few weeks or months, they are also adding to the bread supply. There are now 25 bakers, all completely booked-out, producing bread. The price of bread has fallen, to $8/loaf.

And the bread they produced! All of the bakers competing for orders and expanding their product lines and customer base quickly lead to the white emmer bread being followed by whole-grain emmer bread, emmer dinner rolls, emmer-raisin bread, and even one rebel daring to bake spelt-emmer pretzels because... Well, why not? The customer, (who, at this point, is the person eating the bread), gets to decide which bread will be baked, and the pretzels sell like hotcakes.

The emmer hotcakes also sell like hotcakes.

No baker is making much (or any) money off of the baking, but they all can see where this will end up, so they are still highly motivated and continue to invest and innovate at breathtaking speed. We now have emmer baking mixes, "We luv emmer" t-shirts, emmer baking crowd-sourcing, all-about-emmer recipe books and blogs, etc. The bakers see this all as an investment, and cross-finance their fledgling businesses through selling other bread types, their spouse's day job, burning through their savings, or working Saturday night, stocking shelves at the grocery.

Everyone can be a winner! Everyone can find their niche-in-niche! Everyone can specialize! Private enterprise for every baker, who rises and falls on his own efforts alone! And although everyone was competing with everyone else, there was no bitterness, as everyone could clearly see that effort and reward were in some sort of balance.

We are now short 3

But, alas, that was not meant to be. The joy and harmony is short-lived.

A gigantic, wealthy foundation, who is dedicated to "ensuring much emmer bread will be baked, by financially supporting emmer bakers" enters the chat.

"We have seen that there is much baking going on, here, but just think how much better and more baking could be done, if we financed your baking! Isn't that clever? Then you could really concentrate on baking, instead of having to worry about financing your business or marketing your products. All you have to do, is apply to receive our baker's grant, by signing this form, acknowledging that you will only bake products containing nothing but emmer and you will otherwise support our mission. We promise to pay you $100/loaf."

The 2 people making spelt-emmer pretzels, and the 1 person making spelt-emmer cookies, refuse to sign on, and slink off, as they are very convinced of the rightness of including spelt. One emmer-purist baker refuses on some economic principle that nobody comprehends, and immediately turns around and goes back to work in their bakery, with their shoulders hunched. But the remaining 21 bakers happily apply for a baker's grant. The mixed-grain bakers are upset about the breakup of the emmer market, and spend some time sulking, before wandering off to the new, much-smaller, spelt bread market, that is setting up, down the street. Where they sell their bread for $6 and slowly go bankrupt.

And then there were 10

2 weeks go by. 4 weeks go by. Baking has slowed. The grant hopefuls hold a meeting, where they discuss the joys of baking. Baking slows further.

Everyone is too excited, to find out if their new Universal Customer will be paying for the bread they bake. $100 a loaf! Just think of it! All of the bakers quickly do the math and realize that they not only will turn a profit, they can buy themselves a nice house and a new car and...

Nobody listens to the complaints from The Old Customers, who are the useless individual people only paying $8, despite them slaving away, all day, in front of a hot oven. They should be happy that they are getting bread, at all! Instead they complain that the bread is dry, that the delivery is late, that the bottoms are burnt. Ingrates.

And, then, the big day arrives, and the foundation happily announces that they will be giving 10 lucky bakers a grant.

The bakers are stunned. It had seemed that all of the bakers would be getting the grants, not only part of them. But, of course, the Universal Customer looked through the applications and tried to spend its money wisely. Why give grants to 5 bakers, who all produce the same type of olive-emmer bread? Give it to one, and then tell him to produce 5 times as much bread. He is then the olive-emmer bread expert and they will simply keep loose tabs on him, to nudge him to bake the bread in a sensible manner. And, of course, he shall always focus on baking olive bread, as that is what the grant is for.

The bakers stroll off, to their bakeries. Those who baked olive bread and received no grant, close up shop, as they can see which way the wind is blowing. The other grantless bakers reformulate their bakery plans, to see if they can somehow market themselves as "grant-free bakers" and wonder at how long they can stand the humiliation of selling to demanding, fickle customers at $8/loaf, when others are selling at $100/loaf, to an indifferent customer who doesn't even eat it.

The happiest 10 bakers leave for another conference, and while they are gone, their bakeries burn down. Their grants continue to flow, regardless, and the actual bread eaters are now standing in line at the last few bakeries, paying $20/loaf.

The End.

Young people, in Europe and America, started moving out at the turn of the last century. It wasn't a tradition, in those countries. Housing was formerly multigenerational, but people became steadily more transient, with industrialization and the following rise of office work and the concentration closer to cities.

Prior to then, housing (including rents) was prohibitively expensive, so everyone tried to stay in their parents' or employers' home, for as long, as possible. Both the "Go west!" and "Lebensraum!" slogans hint at that crowded past. People risked their lives, en mass, trying to find enough cheap land, to build their own home. Many people left Germany, and similarly crowded countries, to move to places like Texas, where you could own your own home and therefore marry without your employers' or parents' permission.

It is still common to have inheritance fueds, here, in Bavaria, with the children squabbling over who gets to "keep" the house and how much "payout" the other children will receive, as compensation. Because you cannot always simply move to a different home in the same area (there is little available land for building and nothing to rent), leaving the ancestral home can result in de facto banishment from the entire region.

Wages increased, after WWI created a tighter labor market, and governments and large corporations (receiving government subsidies) began building or subsidizing massive amounts of homes, while the size of each home shrank dramatically. Those factors combined to lower the relative cost of housing, to the individual purchaser.

But the resulting Baby Boom construction explosion so overwhelmed the housing and mortgage markets, that housing is a very unappealing long-term investment, now, as there is hardly anyone around, to move into those many homes, when the Boomers pass. Their children and grandchildren (if they have any) are much poorer than they are, and much fewer in number, which guarantees that the housing market in most areas will eventually begin to collapse, in real terms, as Boomers pass away, or attempt to downsize.

To stabilize prices and prevent fires or delinquency, governments will begin demolishing empty houses, as they already sometimes do, in the former East Germany. Former West Germany dealt with steadily-falling house prices by mass-importing foreigners and paying for their rent at above-market prices, to artificially reinflate the housing market, but it appears that the easterners had a more politically- and economically- sustainable model for ridding themselves of excess homes.

But the era of cheap housing is over, and will continue to be so, for the next 10-15 years, so young people increasingly stay home, well into adulthood. As some cultures now have "moving out", as a prerequisite to dating, their childrens' marriage rate has plummeted and, consequently, so has the birth rate.

In 2007, my 10-year-old business had just signed a 5-year lease on Atlanta's Peachtree Road with enough space for my partner and our wives' separate companies to continue growing. We thought we were an overnight success 10 years in the making. 14K a month split between 3 companies, all in the housing and office design industry; what could go wrong?

As I look back on those early days, I realize that our business was fueled by the fiat jet fueled housing run-up. Two couples, three businesses, and all personally guaranteed. We thought we were an overnight success, but little did we know that the housing market was about to take a drastic turn.

In 2008, I joined a Vistage CEO group, where I was tasked with presenting to the group on my approach to designing buildings for individuals. I saw an opportunity to analyze the patterns that produced good projects for happy clients, and I teamed up with a contractor buddy to work on a joint presentation. Our efforts yielded ten principles that produced the highest ROI beyond providing a primary place to live.

These principles were the foundation of our approach to architecture, and they were based on our experiences working with individuals on their custom house projects. We focused on listening to our clients, designing buildings that stood out while fitting in, creating lifetime homes, and making projects sustainable and viable.

As I reflect on our journey, I realize that the principles we developed were an interesting reflection of what was happening to our clients in the housing market of that time and how we as architects help our clients get through the process. Over time, we had to adapt and evolve to respond to changing conditions.

In 2010, we made changes to respond to a client environment where projects happened without banks. Clients spent paper on their projects, and construction loans were not available. What the subsequent buyers wanted when the house was sold was off the table. Remember being thankful our clients had cash to spend on projects in our survival predicament.

In hindsight, our clients are probably grateful as well for being able to convert paper into a hard asset. The principles evolved slowly until the COVID came in 2020. I was ready to hunker down and go to business survival mode like back in the crash, converting staff to contractors again and only paying for billable work.

But "your" government made PPP rain from the sky on our small business with employees. In addition, clients working from home who needed change or from their vacation property added gasoline to the fire. By 2022, inflation raged, described as transitory, to change the build cost from 1.2 million to a new price of 2.2 million for the new Intown infill homes. That is 83% inflation over 2 years, no matter what the CPI said.

The principles pivoted to respond: going fast to respond to inflation, managing the stuff to deal with supply chain problems, providing a viability budget before starting work to help clients understand the cost, and guiding our clients through the choppy waters of inflation.

We added a new principle about stewardship, which has become a cornerstone of our approach. We want to become architects for life for our completed projects and owners. We want to maintain relationships, observe results, and be trusted advisors as our projects age and clients' needs evolve.

Today, we are proud to say that our principles have evolved into 10 guiding principles that organize our approach to producing architecture asset architecture for the individual. We leverage the team of clients, contractors, vendors, and our time through our principle based process to produce architecture worthy of being an asset for our clients and families.

These 10 principles are:

1. Listen: Analyze and understand our client's goals, constraints, and opportunities to communicate our vision of what is possible.
2. Establish Viability: Before starting our project process, we will engage our client in a pre-project viability phase to diagnose and prescribe our solutions with a timeline and budget for client approval.
3. Be a Design Sherpa: Our process is the most important value we provide. Following our process milestones will lead new and experienced clients through the 1000’s of design decisions to evolve in the correct order at the proper time.
4. Design in Context: We believe context is the caldron of good architecture fits into its location both from the outside and inside out. Designing in context allows a building to stand out while fitting into the adjacent network of spaces around it.
5. Architecture is a team sport: We believe in custom teams for custom projects, collaborating with partners who care about our clients and believe in our process as much as we do.
6. Design for the individual: We do our most fulfilling work with clients who will live in or operate architecture explicitly created for their needs.
7. Investment iteration: We break down the design process into decision milestones, providing increasingly detailed pricing for initial ideas, building shell, and interior selections to empower clients to make informed decisions about the value they're willing to exchange for their desired architecture.
8. Create Asset Architecture: Design and execute projects that hold long-term value and provide a return on investment beyond the currency used build the project.
9. Be present: Designing and building stuff is an atypical and infrequent activity for our client. Help our clients enjoy the journey and results that could be life-changing (in a good way).
10. Stewardship—We want to Become architects for life for our completed projects and owners. We want to maintain relationships, observe results, and be trusted advisors as our projects age and clients' needs evolve.

We're an architect tribe that has refined our principles to design buildings that truly matter for the people that use them. Aspire to create hard asset architecture worth exchanging for the hardest money there is.

HODL on.

Zer da Cashu?

Cashu Bitcoinentzako Ecash protokolo irekia da, transakzio azkarrak eta doakoak eskaintzen dituena. Protokolo honen ezaugarri nabarmenetako bat pribatutasun ia perfektua eskaintzea da. Nostr nostr:npub12rv5lskctqxxs2c8rf2zlzc7xx3qpvzs3w4etgemauy9thegr43sf485vg erabiltzaileak sortu zuen.

Hona hemen Cashu eta on-chain Bitcoin alderatzen dituen taula, Bangkok 2023ko Bitcoin Konferentzian nostr:npub1cj6ndx5akfazux7f0vjl4fyx9k0ulf682p437fe03a9ndwqjm0tqj886t6-k aurkeztutako Nuts and Bolts hitzaldian oinarrituta:

| Cashu | Bitcoin (on-chain) | |-----------------------|----------------------------| | Libururik gabe | Liburu banatua | | Titulartasun tokena | UTXO (Ustiaketa Ezberdinen Irteera) | | Transakzio itsutuak | Transakzio publikoak | | Zentralizatua | Deszentralizatua | | Konfiantzazkoa | Konfiantzarik gabe | | Aldi baterako transakzioak | Betiko transakzioak |

Ikusten dugunez, Cashuk pribatutasuna hobetzeko konfiantza gabeko izaera eta deszentralizazioa sakrifikatzen ditu. Konpentsazio hauek zentzuzkoak dira zaintza-zerbitzuetan, erabiltzailea dagoeneko zerbitzu zentralizatu eta fidagarri bat erabiltzen ari baita. Zaintza tradizionaleko irtenbideek pribatutasun eskasa dute, zaintzaileak erabiltzailearen funtsak zenbat diren eta norekin ari den transakzioak egiten jakin dezakeelako. Horrek esan nahi du norbanakoak erraz helburu eta zentsura daitezkeela. Gainera, datu-erregistroek "honeypot" bihurtzeko arriskua dute, hau da, erasotzaileentzat erakargarri.

Alderantziz, Cashu-ren mint-ek zaintzaile gisa jardun dezakete, baina erabiltzaileen nortasuna, duten funtsen kopurua edo norekin ari diren transakzioak egiten ezagutzeko aukerarik gabe. Mint-ek duten datu-erregistro bakarra gastatutako sekretuen zerrenda da, berriro erabili ezin direnak, baina erabiltzaileekin lotzeko modurik gabe. Horrela, Cashu-k pribatutasuna bermatzen du, zaintzaileak ez duelako inolako informaziorik erabiltzaileen jarduerei buruz, ohiko zaintza-soluzioekin gertatzen denaren kontrara.

Cashu-ren erabilera kasu batzuk

Cashu-ren erabilera kasu batzuk honako hauek dira: bonuak, dagoeneko zentralizatuak eta zaintza-zerbitzuak dituztenak; baliabide bakoitzeko ordainketa (pay-per-resource) APIak, nostr bideratzaileak eta mixnet-ak bezalako zerbitzuetarako; sistema integratuak, kontu eta saldo eredu tradizionala ordezkatzen dutenak; eta truke/mixinge zerbitzuak, gordailuak eta ateratzeak deslotzeko, pribatutasuna hobetzeko.

Historia

Ecash David Chaum-ek 1982an asmatu zuen, sinadura itsuak erabiliz balio elektronikoaren transmisiorako protokolo gisa. Cashu Ecash-en inplementazio bat da, David Wagner-en 1996ko Chaum-en itsutze-aldaketan oinarrituta dagoena, eta nostr sortu zuen.

Terminologia

Cashu nola funtzionatzen duen ulertzen laguntzeko, lehenik eta behin funtsezko terminologia batzuk azalduko ditugu.

Mint

Cashu-ren mint-a erabiltzaileen funtsen zaintzailea da. Bere zeregina tokenak jaulkitzea eta erretzea da, baita bikoiztutako gastuak saihestea ere. Cashu-ren mint-a Lightning nodo baten gainean dago, beraz, Lightning ordainketak bidali eta jaso ditzake, beste mint batzuekin trukeak barne. Hala ere, Lightning nodoa lineaz kanpo badago ere, ecash tokenekin transakzioak egin daitezke. Lightning-ekin ez bezala, jasotzailea linean egon beharrik ez du tokenak jasotzeko.

Mint-ak ez daki nor den erabiltzailea, zenbat funts dituzten edo norekin ari diren transakzioak egiten. Hala ere, mint-a erabiltzaileen funtsen zaintzailea denez, fidagarria den mint bat aukeratu behar duzu, eta eragilea nor den jakin. Erabil ezazu funts txikiekin edo tokenak berehala trukatu.

Token

Cashu token-a mint-ak sinatutako datu-puska bat da, eta erabiltzaileak token horiek bere zorroan gordetzen ditu. Ecash tokenak testu-kate hutsak direnez, edozein testu bidezko protokoloaren bidez bidal daitezke, adibidez, nostr, posta elektronikoa, SMS, etab. Cashu-k txanpon-sistema bat erabiltzen du, zenbateko finkatuak dituena. Analogia bat eginez, hau moneta fiduziarioen billeteen zenbatekoei dagokie. Adibidez, eurotan 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 euroko billeteak daude. Cashu-n, tokenak 2ren indarren arabera sailkatzen dira. Adibidez, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 satoshi, eta horrela aurrera.

Zenbatekoak erabiltzea erabiltzaileen artean anonimotasuna areagotzeko egiten da, eta mint-ek transakzioak erabiltzaileen nortasunekin lotzea zailagoa bihurtzeko.

Nola funtzionatzen duen, 5 urteko bati bezala azaldua

Erabiltzaile Alice-k Cashu token berriak sortu nahi ditu. Horregatik, Bob mint-aren arduradunarengana joaten da eta esaten dio: "Kaixo! Cashu token berriak sortu nahi ditut."

Bob-ek erantzuten dio: "Ados, ordaindu iezadazu eta bidali iezadazu sekretu itsu bat." Sekretu itsua esan nahi du Alice-k sekretua ezagutzen duela, baina Bob-ek ezin duela sekretu hori ikusi.

Alice-k sekretu bat sortzen du, eta ondoren itsutzen du, horrela Bob-ek ez dezan jakin zein den sekretu hori.

Alice-k Bob-i ordainketa egiten dio eta ordainketaren egiaztagiria eta sekretu itsua bidaltzen dizkio. Bob ordainketa jaso duela ziur dagoenean, Alice-ren sekretu itsua sinatzen du eta sinatutako sekretu itsua itzultzen dio. Bob-ek sinatu duelako, etorkizunean ziur egon daiteke tokena baliozkoa dela.

Alice-k Carol-i ordaindu nahi dio. Horretarako, sekretua eta sinatutako sekretu itsua desitsutzeko gakoa bidaltzen dizkio Carol-i.

Carol-ek bere tokena trukatu nahi du. Beraz, Bob-engana (mint-aren arduradunera) joaten da eta Alice-k eman dion sekretua eta desitsututako gakoa erakusten dizkio.

Nola jakiten du mint-ak Carol-i zenbat satoshi eman behar dizkion?

Lehenago aipatu genuen bezala, Cashu tokenak 2ren indarren araberako zenbatekoetan banatuta daude (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32...), paperezko diru billeteen antzera. Bob mint-ak zenbateko bakoitza sinatzeko gako pribatu berezi bat du. Adibidez, 1 satoshi zenbatekoaren tokenak sinatzeko gako pribatu bat du, 2 satoshi zenbatekoaren beste bat, 8 satoshi zenbatekoaren beste bat, eta abar. Horrela, Carol tokenak trukatzera datorrenean, Bob-ek badaki zein gako pribaturekin sinatu zuen token hori, eta horren arabera, tokenak zein zenbatekotakoak diren ezagutzen du. Horrela, Bob-ek Carol-i dagokion satoshi kopurua itzuli diezaioke, sinatutako tokenaren zenbatekoa kontuan hartuta.

Zer gertatzen da itzulkinekin?

Cashu-n ez dago itzulkinik diru fisikoan bezala. Horren ordez, mint-ari (Bob-i) eskatu behar diozu token zaharrak suntsitzeko eta berriak sortzeko, zenbateko berarekin. Adibide batekin azalduz: Demagun Alice-k bi token dituela, guztira 10 satoshi balio dutenak. Bata 8 satoshi da eta bestea 2 satoshi. Alice-k 9 satoshi bidali nahi dizkio Carol-i. Horretarako, mint-ari (Bob-i) eskatzen dio bere 2 satoshi tokena bi 1 satoshi token bihurtzeko. Horrela, Alice-k 9 satoshi bidal diezazkioke Carol-i: 8 satoshi token bat eta 1 satoshi token bat erabiliz. Gainera, beste 1 satoshi tokena berarentzat gordetzen du.

Lightning sarearen papera konektatzeko elementu gisa

Zer gertatzen da Alice-k David-i ordaindu nahi dionean, baina David-ek Bob-en mint-a ez du fidatzen, eta, aldiz, Erin ezagutzen du eta bere mint-a erabiltzen du? Alice-k bere tokenak Bob-en mint-ean trukatzen ditu, eta Bob-i eskatzen dio token horiek "urtzeko" edo Lightning satoshietara bihurtzeko. Ondoren, Bob-en mint-ak Lightning transakzio bat bidaltzen dio Erin-en mint-ari. Erin-en mint-ak transakzio hori jasotzen du, eta David-entzat token berriak sortzen ditu Lightning sarearen bidez Bob-en mint-etik jasotako satoshiekin. Horrela, Lightning sareak mint ezberdinak konektatzen ditu, erabiltzaileak (Alice eta David) mint ezberdinak fidatu arren, transakzioak segurtasunez egiteko.

Zer dator hurrengoa Cashu-rentzat?

Programagarri den ecash

Cashu-ri gastatzeko baldintzak gehitu ahal izango zaizkio, mint-ak baldintza horiek betearaziko dituelarik. Horrek ahalbidetu dezake kontratu adimendun sendoak sortzea, oinarrizko katean (Bitcoin blockchain) edo Lightning sarean sartu gabe. Horrela, ordainketa publikoak, lineaz kanpokoak eta maiztasun handikoak posible izango dira.

Zorren froga eskema (Proof of Liabilities Scheme)

Zorren Froga (PoL) Eskema Cashu-rentzat zaintzailea den mint-ak erabiltzaileak iruzurrez erabiltzea zailtzen du, epoka kontzeptua aurkeztuz. Eskema honetan, zaintzaile den mint-ak epoka bakoitzean gako pribatuak aldian-aldian biratzen ditu, eta azken epokan jaulkitako eta erretako tokenen zerrenda publikoak argitaratzen ditu. Hau Erreserben Froga (Proof of Reserves) eskemarekin uztartzen da, non erreserbak katean bertan multisig batean gordetzen diren. Horrela, mint-ak ezingo du bere erantzukizunak murriztu, erabiltzaileek iruzurra detektatzeko arriskua handitu gabe. Xehetasun gehiagorako, eskema honen azalpen osoa kontsultatu dezakezu.

Saiatu Cashu

Cashu probatzeko, [Nutstash] eta [eNuts] gidak erabil ditzakezu. Horretarako Lightning zorro bat eta telefono edo ordenagailu bat besterik ez duzu behar.

พรรคชาติหน้าพัฒนา สร้างชาตินี้ เจริญชาติหน้า

นี่ไม่ใช่บทความสรุปเนื้อหาไลฟ์ ผมแค่จะหยิบเอาโควทเจ๋งๆ ของพี่ชิตมาขยายความต่อตามความเข้าใจของผมเท่านั้นนะครับ (ใครยังไม่ได้ชมไลฟ์ตัวเต็ม กดดูเลยนะครับ) Right Talk EP.1

"พรรคชาติหน้าพัฒนา" ไม่ใช่พรรคการเมืองตามนิยามทั่วไป แต่เป็นแนวคิด หรือ อุดมการณ์ (พี่ชิตนิยามว่ามันเป็นโปรโตคอล) ในการพัฒนาอย่างยั่งยืน

คำว่า "พรรค" ในที่นี้จึงเป็นการใช้ในเชิงสัญลักษณ์ หมายถึงกลุ่มคนที่ร่วมอุดมการณ์เดียวกัน (เหล่าบิตคอยเนอร์) คือการสร้างความเปลี่ยนแปลงเชิงบวกในระยะยาว

"สร้างชาตินี้" ก็คือการเน้นย้ำถึงการลงมือทำอย่างจริงจังในปัจจุบัน ไม่ใช่แค่นอนฝันหรือรอคอยอนาคต การสร้างรากฐาน การพัฒนาตนเอง การสะสมความรู้และทรัพยากร ล้วนเป็นการสร้างเพื่ออนาคต

"ชาติหน้า" ในที่นี้ไม่ได้หมายถึงชาติภพหน้าทางศาสนา แต่เป็นการเปรียบเปรยถึงอนาคตระยะยาว ผลลัพธ์ของการ "สร้างชาตินี้" อาจไม่ปรากฏในทันที แต่จะส่งผลดีในอนาคตอย่างแน่นอน เหมือนกับการลงทุนระยะยาว หรือการปลูกต้นไม้ที่ต้องใช้เวลากว่าจะเติบโตและออกดอกผลิผล

1. "Free Market Capitalism ในอดีตมันมีจุดอ่อนอยู่จุดเดียว มันยังไม่มี Free Market Money"

พี่ชิตมองว่าระบบทุนนิยมเสรีที่ผ่านๆ มายังไม่ใช่ของจริง มันเหมือนเล่นเกมส์ที่มีคนโกง คือมีรัฐเนี่ยแหละที่เป็นตัวแสบ คอยแทรกแซงตลาดอยู่ตลอด ไม่ว่าจะเป็นการควบคุมเงินตรา การออกกฎหมาย การเก็บภาษี พวกนี้แม่งโคตรบิดเบือนตลาดเลย

ทีนี้ "จุดอ่อน" ที่พี่ชิตแกพูดถึงก็คือ "Free Market Money" หรือเงินที่เป็นอิสระจากการควบคุมของรัฐนั่นเอง

คือถ้าเงินแม่งยังอยู่ในมือรัฐ มันก็จะคอยปั่น คอยแทรกแซง ทำให้ตลาดแม่งไม่เสรีจริงๆ สักที เหมือนเราเล่นไพ่ แล้วเจ้ามือแม่งแอบดูไพ่มึงเร่ เราจะชนะได้ยังไง?

แล้ว "Free Market Money" มันคืออะไรวะ?

ก็ Bitcoin ไง Bitcoin แม่งไม่มีใครควบคุมได้ ไม่มีรัฐบาลไหน ธนาคารไหนมาสั่งซ้ายหันขวาหันได้ มันเป็นเงินของประชาชนอย่างแท้จริง

พอมี Bitcoin เข้ามา ระบบทุนนิยมเสรีก็จะสมบูรณ์แบบ ตลาดก็จะเสรีจริงๆ สักที เล่นไพ่แล้วเจ้ามือแม่งยุติธรรม เล่นตามกติกา แบบนี้ถึงจะแฟร์

นี่แหละ Key สำคัญที่พี่ชิตแกพยายามจะสื่อ คือถ้าอยากให้ระบบทุนนิยมเสรีมันเวิร์ค มึงต้อง "Fix the Money" ก่อน แล้วโลกแม่งก็จะค่อยๆ ดีขึ้นเอง

2. "Fix the Money, Fix the World"

แกหมายความว่า.. ปัญหาโลกส่วนใหญ่ เช่น ความเหลื่อมล้ำ ก็มาจากระบบเงินตราที่ห่วยแตกนี่แหละ เงินเฟ้อ รัฐบาลพิมพ์เงินมั่วซั่ว พวกนี้แม่งโคตรทำลายชีวิตคน

ถ้าเราแก้ระบบเงินได้ เปลี่ยนไปใช้ Bitcoin ที่ไม่มีใครควบคุม ไม่มีใครปั่นได้ โลกมันก็จะดีขึ้นเอง ปัญหาต่างๆ ก็จะค่อยๆ หายไป

เหมือนกับการซ่อมรากฐานบ้าน ถ้ารากฐานมันดี บ้านมันก็จะแข็งแรง อยู่ได้นาน แต่ถ้ารากฐานมันพัง ต่อให้ทาสีบ้านสวยแค่ไหน สุดท้ายมันก็พังอยู่ดี

3. "Bitcoiner ก็เป็นสมาชิกพรรคพี่ชิตหมดแล้ว"

มันไม่ได้หมายความว่า Bitcoiner ต้องไปสมัครพรรคการเมืองอะไร

"พรรคชาติหน้าพัฒนา" มันไม่ใช่พรรคการเมืองจริงๆ แต่มันคือแนวคิด คืออุดมการณ์ คือวิถีชีวิต ที่เน้นการพึ่งพาตัวเอง การกระจายอำนาจ เสรีภาพ และ Bitcoin ตอบโจทย์ทั้งหมดนี้เลย

Bitcoiner ส่วนใหญ่ก็จะมี Mindset คล้ายๆ แบบนี้ คือไม่ชอบให้ใครมาควบคุม ชอบอิสระ เชื่อในการกระจายอำนาจ เพราะงั้น Bitcoiner ก็เลยเหมือนเป็นสมาชิก "พรรคชาติหน้าพัฒนา" โดยอัตโนมัติ โดยที่ไม่ต้องไปสมัครอะไรเลย มันอยู่ในสายเลือด อยู่ใน DNA ของ Bitcoiner อยู่แล้ว

4. "Work, Saving, Stacking นี่คือพวกเราทำงานให้กับพรรคชาติหน้าพัฒนา"

พวกเราที่ทำงาน หาเงิน เก็บออม แล้วเอาเงินไปซื้อ Bitcoin สะสมไว้เนี่ย มันคือการทำงานให้กับพรรคชาติหน้าพัฒนาในทางอ้อม

เพราะการที่เรา Stack sats มันคือการสนับสนุน Decentralization การต่อต้านอำนาจรวมศูนย์ และการสร้าง Free Society ซึ่งเป็นหัวใจหลักของพรรคชาติหน้าพัฒนานั่นเอง

พวกเราเป็นเหมือน "เซลล์" ที่ช่วยกันขับเคลื่อนพรรคให้เติบโต ยิ่งเรา Stack sats มากเท่าไหร่ พรรคก็ยิ่งแข็งแกร่งและเข้าใกล้เป้าหมายมากขึ้นเท่านั้น

มันเหมือนกับการที่เรา Contribute ให้กับ Open Source Project เราอาจจะไม่ได้เป็น Developer เขียนโค้ด แต่เราก็สามารถสนับสนุนโครงการได้ด้วยการบริจาคเงินหรือช่วยโปรโมทได้ ซึ่งมันก็เป็นส่วนหนึ่งในการขับเคลื่อน Project นั้นๆ ให้ประสบความสำเร็จเช่นกัน

มันคือการทำงานเพื่อ "อุดมการณ์" เพื่อ "อนาคต" ในแบบที่เราอยากเห็น ไม่ใช่แค่การทำงานเพื่อเงินเดือนหรือผลประโยชน์ส่วนตัว

5. "Decentralization มันอยู่ใน DNA ของคำว่าสุวรรณภูมิ"

พี่ชิตต้องการจะสื่อว่า Decentralization มันเป็นรากเหง้า เป็นแก่นแท้ของภูมิภาคสุวรรณภูมิมาตั้งแต่โบราณแล้ว

สมัยก่อน.. แถบนี้ไม่ได้มีรัฐบาลกลางที่แข็งแกร่ง มีแต่ชุมชนเล็กๆ เมืองเล็กๆ กระจายอยู่เต็มไปหมด

ต่างคนต่างปกครองตัวเอง พึ่งพาตัวเอง ค้าขายแลกเปลี่ยนกันอย่างอิสระ ไม่มีใครมาบังคับ

มันก็เลยเหมือนกับ Decentralization ในโลก Bitcoin ที่ไม่มีใครคุม ไม่มีตัวกลาง ทุกคนมีอำนาจเท่าเทียมกัน

Decentralization แบบนี้แหละ ที่ทำให้สุวรรณภูมิเจริญรุ่งเรืองในอดีต และพี่ชิตก็เชื่อว่า Decentralization นี่แหละที่จะเป็นกุญแจสำคัญในการพัฒนาประเทศไทย และภูมิภาคนี้ในอนาคต

6. "รวมกันเราอยู่ แต่ไม่อนุญาตให้ใครเอาเปรียบซึ่งกันและกัน"

การอยู่ร่วมกันในสังคมมันต้องมี "กฎ" มี "กติกา" ที่ทุกคนต้องเคารพ เพื่อป้องกันไม่ให้ใครเอาเปรียบใคร

เหมือนในโลก Bitcoin ที่มี "Consensus Rules" คอยควบคุมระบบ ทำให้ทุกคนเล่นตามกฎเดียวกัน ไม่มีใครได้เปรียบเสียเปรียบ

แต่กฎที่ว่านี้.. มันต้องมาจากความสมัครใจ ไม่ใช่มาจากการบังคับหรืออำนาจรวมศูนย์ ทุกคนต้องมีส่วนร่วมในการสร้างและยอมรับกฎนั้นๆ

พูดง่ายๆ คือ รวมกันเราอยู่ก็จริง แต่มันต้องแฟร์ ต้องยุติธรรมด้วย

ไม่ใช่รวมกันเพื่อให้ใครบางคนรวย หรือ รวมกันเพื่อให้ใครบางคนมีอำนาจ

7. "ความจริงมันมีอยู่แล้ว แต่ความจริงแม่งช้า"

พี่ชิตพูดถึงธรรมชาติของ "ความจริง" ซึ่งความจริงมันก็มีอยู่แล้ว มันไม่ได้ขึ้นอยู่กับความเชื่อ หรือความคิดเห็นของใคร

แต่มันอาจจะต้องใช้เวลา กว่าที่คนส่วนใหญ่จะเข้าใจและยอมรับความจริงนั้น

เหมือนกับตอนที่คนสมัยก่อนเชื่อว่าโลกแบน แต่ความจริงคือโลกกลม กว่าที่คนส่วนใหญ่จะยอมรับความจริงนี้ได้ก็ปาไปตั้งหลายร้อยปี

Bitcoin ก็เหมือนกัน..

พี่ชิตเชื่อว่า Bitcoin คือ "ความจริง" คือ "อนาคตของเงิน" แต่ตอนนี้คนส่วนใหญ่อาจจะยังไม่เข้าใจ ยังมองว่ามันเป็นแค่ของเล่น การพนัน หรือ แชร์ลูกโซ่

แต่สักวันหนึ่ง.. ความจริงของ Bitcoin จะปรากฏ และทุกคนจะยอมรับมัน เหมือนที่พี่ชิตบอกว่า..

"อีก 10 ปีมึงไม่ต้องเชิญเลย"

คืออีก 10 ปี คนจะเข้าใจ Bitcoin กันหมด ไม่ต้องมาจัดสัมมนาหรือเสียอธิบายอะไรกันอีกแล้ว

มันก็เหมือนกับ "ความจริงเป็นสิ่งไม่ตาย"

ต่อให้ตอนนี้คนส่วนใหญ่จะยังไม่เชื่อ ไม่เข้าใจ แต่สุดท้ายแล้วความจริงก็จะชนะ และเปิดเผยตัวเองออกมาเอง

เพียงแต่เราต้องอดทนรอหน่อยเท่านั้นเอง...

8. "Leave me alone"

สะท้อนแนวคิด Libertarian ที่เน้น "อิสรภาพส่วนบุคคล" แบบสุดๆ

คือพี่ชิตไม่อยากให้ใคร แม้แต่รัฐบาล มาควบคุม หรือบังคับแก แกอยากจะทำอะไรก็ทำ อยากใช้ชีวิตยังไงก็ใช้ โดยที่ไม่ต้องมีใครมาจุ้นจ้าน

พี่ชิตมองว่า.. รัฐบาลควรมีบทบาทน้อยที่สุด แค่คอยดูแลความสงบเรียบร้อยและรักษาความยุติธรรมก็พอ ส่วนเรื่องอื่นๆ ประชาชนควรจัดการกันเอง

"Leave me alone" จึงเป็นเสียงสะท้อนจากใจของคนที่เบื่อระบบราชการ กฎระเบียบและการแทรกแซงจากรัฐ

แกอยากให้ทุกคน "Take care yourself" พึ่งพาตัวเองให้ได้ ไม่ใช่รอคอยความช่วยเหลือจากรัฐบาล มันก็เหมือนกับโลก Bitcoin ที่ไม่มีใครควบคุม ไม่มีตัวกลาง ทุกคนมีอิสระในการทำธุรกรรม โดยไม่ต้องขออนุญาตใคร

สังคมที่ดี คือ สังคมที่ให้อิสระกับปัจเจกชน

ให้แต่ละคนได้เลือกและรับผิดชอบชีวิตตัวเอง โดยไม่ต้องมีใครมาบังคับหรือชี้นำ

9. "Overhead 70% ไอ้สัส! Payload 30%"

พี่ชิตเปรียบเทียบ (ด่าแหละ) รัฐบาลเหมือนกับบริษัท ที่ดันมี Overhead (ค่าใช้จ่ายในการบริหารจัดการ) สูงถึง 70% ในขณะที่ Payload (งานที่ส่งมอบให้ประชาชนจริงๆ) มีเพียงแค่ 30%

คือ.. รัฐบาลเอาภาษีประชาชนไปใช้จ่ายกับอะไรก็ไม่รู้ (อาทิ.. เงินเดือนข้าราชการ ค่าดูงานต่างประเทศ ค่าจัดเลี้ยง ค่าสัมมนา ฯลฯ เต็มไปหมด) แต่ผลงานที่ประชาชนได้รับกลับน้อยนิด

แกเลยด่าว่า "ไอ้สัส!" ด้วยความฉุนเฉียว เพราะมันไม่สมเหตุสมผล ไม่คุ้มค่า และเป็นการเอาเปรียบประชาชนชัดๆ

พี่ชิตอยากให้รัฐบาล "Downsize" ลดขนาดองค์กร ลดค่าใช้จ่ายและเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพในการทำงาน เพื่อให้ Payload มันสูงขึ้น ประชาชนจะได้ประโยชน์มากขึ้น

รัฐบาลไม่ควรใหญ่เกินไป ไม่ควรเข้าไปยุ่งกับชีวิตประชาชนมากเกินไป ควรปล่อยให้ประชาชน "Take care yourself" จัดการตัวเอง

10. "เขาคุยเรื่อง "UBI, Universal Basic Income กันแล้ว, You own nothing but you'll be happy"

พี่ชิตพูดถึงกระแส UBI ที่กำลังมาแรง คือการที่รัฐบาลแจกเงินให้ประชาชนใช้ฟรีๆ ทุกเดือน แล้วก็มีคำพูดที่ว่า "คุณจะไม่มีอะไรเป็นของตัวเอง แต่คุณจะมีความสุข" ซึ่งแม่งโคตรย้อนแย้ง และโคตรอันตรายเลย

คือพี่ชิตมองว่า UBI มันเป็นแนวคิดสังคมนิยมสุดโต่งที่ทำให้คนขี้เกียจ ไม่ยอมพึ่งพาตัวเอง รอแต่เงินแจกจากรัฐบาล แล้วพอคนไม่ทำงาน ไม่สร้างมูลค่าเพิ่มให้กับสังคม เศรษฐกิจมันก็พังพินาศ

ส่วนประโยค "You own nothing but you'll be happy" แกมองว่าแม่งโคตรหลอกลวง

คือมึงจะไม่มีอะไรเป็นของตัวเองเลย ทุกอย่างเป็นของรัฐ แล้วมึงจะมีความสุขได้ยังไงวะ?

มันเหมือนอยู่ในคุก มีข้าวกิน มีที่นอน แต่ไม่มีอิสระ มึงจะมีความสุขหรอ?

พี่ชิตเชื่อในเสรีภาพ เชื่อในการพึ่งพาตัวเอง เชื่อในการสร้างเนื้อสร้างตัว ไม่ใช่รอเงินแจกจากรัฐบาล UBI มันเลยสวนทางกับแนวคิดของแกโดยสิ้นเชิง แล้วแกก็มองว่ามันเป็นภัยคุกคามต่อเสรีภาพของมนุษย์ด้วย

11. "ในขณะที่โลกฝักใฝ่ทางซ้าย แต่พวกมึงดันมุ่งไปทางขวา เพราะพวกมึงแม่งคือ Right Shift"

พี่ชิตแกหมายถึงโลกปัจจุบันกำลังไปทางซ้าย คือแนวคิดสังคมนิยม รัฐสวัสดิการ รัฐบาลใหญ่ ควบคุมทุกอย่าง แจกเงิน ฯลฯ

แต่พวก Bitcoiner หรือกลุ่มคนที่เชื่อในแนวคิดแบบเดียวกันกับแก ดันไปทางขวา ซึ่งก็คือแนวคิดเสรีนิยม เน้นความรับผิดชอบ พึ่งพาตัวเอง กระจายอำนาจ รัฐบาลเล็กลง

"Right Shift" ก็คือการเปลี่ยนทิศทาง จากซ้ายไปขวา จากการพึ่งพารัฐ ไปสู่การพึ่งพาตนเอง

นี่แหละ.. ชื่อนี้ (ชื่อเรา) จึงสอดคล้องกับแกนหลักของแนวคิดพี่ชิต ที่พยายามจะสื่อให้เห็นว่ามันมีอีกทางเลือกหนึ่งที่ไม่ใช่การพึ่งพารัฐบาล แต่เป็นการสร้างความมั่งคั่งและความเจริญรุ่งเรืองด้วยตัวเอง

12. "Right Shift, Take care yourself, Self Regulate, Decentralization นั่นคือ Right Shift"

"Right Shift" หรือการ "ขยับไปทางขวา" "มุ่งไปในทิศทางที่ถูกต้อง" ในความหมายของพี่ชิต มันก็คือ การดูแลตัวเอง (Take care yourself) การควบคุมตัวเอง (Self Regulate) และการกระจายอำนาจ (Decentralization) นั่นเอง

ทั้งหมดนี้มันเชื่อมโยงกัน คือ ถ้ามึงดูแลตัวเองได้ ควบคุมตัวเองได้ และเชื่อในการกระจายอำนาจ แทนที่จะพึ่งพารัฐบาล มึงก็จะก้าวไปสู่ "Right Shift" ได้

Bonus quotes

13. "กบกำลังถูกต้มอยู่ในหม้อ มันต้องร้อนขึ้น"

นี่คือการเปรียบเปรยสถานการณ์ปัจจุบันที่หลายคนอาจไม่รู้ตัวว่ากำลังเผชิญกับปัญหาใหญ่กันอยู่

เหมือนกบที่ถูกต้มช้าๆ มันจะไม่รู้ตัวว่าน้ำกำลังร้อนขึ้นเรื่อยๆ จนสุดท้ายมันก็ตาย

ปัญหาต่างๆ เช่น เงินเฟ้อ ความเหลื่อมล้ำ ระบบราชการที่ไร้ประสิทธิภาพ มันก็ค่อยๆ ร้อนขึ้นเรื่อยๆ จนถึงจุดที่รับไม่ได้

พี่ชิตใช้ประโยคนี้เพื่อเตือนสติว่า.. อย่าได้ประมาท อย่าปล่อยให้ตัวเองถูกต้มจนตาย ต้องตระหนัก และหาทางออกก่อนที่มันจะสายเกินไป

14. "ลิงมันขายไอเดียไม่ได้"

เปรียบเทียบมนุษย์กับลิง เพื่อเน้นย้ำถึงความสามารถเฉพาะตัวของมนุษย์ในการสื่อสาร และโน้มน้าวใจผู้อื่น

ลิงอาจจะฉลาด แต่ก็สื่อสารหรือขายไอเดียไม่ได้เหมือนมนุษย์

มนุษย์มีความสามารถในการสร้างเรื่องราว สร้างแรงบันดาลใจ โน้มน้าวใจ เพื่อให้คนอื่นเชื่อและทำตาม

นี่แหละคือข้อได้เปรียบที่มนุษย์มีเหนือสัตว์อื่นๆ และเป็นสิ่งสำคัญในการขับเคลื่อนสังคม และโลกใบนี้

15. "เบียร์ไม่มีช้อยส์"

พี่ชิตพูดในบริบทที่หมายถึง.. บางครั้งในชีวิต เราก็ไม่มีทางเลือกหรือมีทางเลือกจำกัด

เหมือนเวลาเลือกดื่ม.. บางทีก็มีแค่เบียร์ให้เลือก ไม่มีอะไรอื่น มันก็ต้องดื่มเบียร์ไป

นั่นแหละ.. บางทีชีวิตเราก็เป็นแบบนั้น ต้องยอมรับ และเลือกสิ่งที่ดีที่สุดในสถานการณ์นั้นๆ ไปก่อน

16. "อเมริกาแอบแดกฟรีอยู่"

หมายถึงนโยบายต่างประเทศของอเมริกา ที่ใช้ดอลลาร์เป็นอาวุธ เพื่อรักษาอำนาจ และเอาเปรียบประเทศอื่นๆ

อเมริกาใช้ดอลลาร์เป็นเงินทุนสำรองโลก ทำให้ประเทศอื่นๆ ต้องพึ่งพาดอลลาร์ แล้วอเมริกาก็ใช้จุดนี้เป็นข้อได้เปรียบในการควบคุมเศรษฐกิจและการเมืองโลก

เหมือนกับการที่มึงมีของดี แล้วมึงก็บังคับให้คนอื่นต้องซื้อของมึง โดยที่มึงไม่ต้องลงทุนอะไรมากมาย

พี่ชิตแกมองว่า นี่คือการ "แอบแดกฟรี"

คือได้ประโยชน์มหาศาลโดยที่ไม่ต้องลงทุนและไม่คำนึงถึงผลกระทบต่อประเทศอื่นๆ เป็นการใช้ประโยชน์จากระบบที่ไม่เป็นธรรม

17. "กรรมที่อเมริกาต้องชดใช้"

ประโยคนี้พี่ชิตไม่ได้หมายความว่าอเมริกาจะต้องไปนรกหรืออะไรแบบนั้น.. แกใช้คำนี้ในบริบทของการวิเคราะห์ระบบเศรษฐกิจโลกและการกระจายอำนาจ

อเมริกาเคยใช้อำนาจของตัวเอง โดยเฉพาะ "ดอลลาร์" เพื่อครอบงำและเอาเปรียบประเทศอื่นๆ มานาน นั่นคือ "กรรม" ที่อเมริกาได้สร้างขึ้น

แต่ตอนนี้.. ระบบการเงินและอำนาจกำลังเปลี่ยนแปลง

Bitcoin กำลังมา ซึ่งเป็นระบบที่กระจายอำนาจ ไม่มีใครควบคุมได้ อเมริกาจึงกำลังเผชิญผลของการกระทำในอดีต นั่นคือ การสูญเสียอำนาจและอิทธิพล

นั่นแหละ "กรรม" ที่ต้องชดใช้

18. "มึงเป็นไก่ ไอ้สัส! ทำไมทำตัวเป็นกา เป็นปรสิต?"

"กา" และ "ปรสิต" คือพวกที่ไม่สร้างคุณค่าอะไรให้กับสังคม แต่ดันพึ่งพา เอาเปรียบคนอื่น เหมือนกาที่ขโมยกิน หรือปรสิตที่อาศัยดูดเลือดคนอื่นอยู่รอด

ส่วน "ไก่" ในที่นี้ หมายถึงคนที่สร้างคุณค่า ทำงานหาเลี้ยงชีพด้วยตัวเอง

พี่ชิตแกเลยอยากให้ทุกคนเป็นไก่ พึ่งพาตัวเอง สร้างคุณค่าให้กับสังคม อย่าไปเป็นภาระ หรือเอาเปรียบใคร

การเปรียบเที่ยบด้วยโควทนี้ก็เพื่อให้เราได้สติ ได้คิด มันเป็นการตักเตือนที่ค่อนข้างตรงไปตรงมา แต่ก็แฝงด้วยความหวังดี

อยากให้พวกเราพยายามเปลี่ยนแปลงตัวเองไปในทางที่ดีขึ้น

19. "โลกยังหมุนรอบตัวเองเลย"

นี่คือการตอกย้ำหลักการพื้นฐานของธรรมชาติ คือทุกอย่างต้องทำงาน ต้องสร้างคุณค่า เพื่อความอยู่รอด

พี่ชิตใช้ประโยคนี้ต่อจากการพูดถึงการพึ่งพาตัวเอง การสร้างคุณค่า การไม่เป็นภาระสังคม

จะเห็นว่าแกพยายามจะสื่อว่า การดำรงอยู่ไม่ใช่เรื่องง่าย ทุกอย่างแม่งต้องทำงาน ทุกอย่างแม่งต้องหมุนเวียน

เหมือนโลกที่ยังหมุนรอบตัวเองอยู่ทุกวันนี้ มนุษย์ก็เช่นกัน ต้องพึ่งพาตัวเอง สร้างคุณค่า เพื่อให้ตัวเองอยู่รอดได้ ไม่ใช่รอให้คนอื่นมาเลี้ยงดู

20. "กูเกลียดคำว่า Policy"

พี่ชิตไม่ได้เกลียดนโยบายโดยทั่วไป แต่แกเกลียด "Policy" ในบริบทของระบบราชการ ที่มันยุ่งยาก ซับซ้อน ไร้ประสิทธิภาพและมักไม่ตรงกับความต้องการของประชาชน

คือพี่ชิตมองว่า Policy ส่วนใหญ่ มันเป็นแค่ตัวหนังสือ เป็นแค่กฎเกณฑ์ที่สร้างขึ้นโดยคนกลุ่มเล็กๆ เพื่อที่จะควบคุมและบริหารจัดการคนส่วนใหญ่

แต่สุดท้าย.. มันกลับกลายเป็นอุปสรรค เป็นภาระ ที่ทำให้การทำงานต่างๆ ช้าลง ไม่คล่องตัว และเสียค่าใช้จ่ายมหาศาล

พี่ชิตเลยอยากเห็นระบบที่เรียบง่าย โปร่งใส ทุกคนมีส่วนร่วม ไม่ใช่ระบบที่ถูกควบคุมด้วย Policy ที่ยุ่งยาก และไร้ประสิทธิภาพ

21. "Democratize retail work"

พี่ชิตหมายถึง.. การกระจายงานให้คนมีส่วนร่วมมากขึ้น ไม่ใช่แค่ให้คนกลุ่มเดียว หรือองค์กรเดียว ทำ

ยกตัวอย่างเรื่องการจัดการผักตบชวา.. แทนที่จะให้รัฐบาลจัดการเอง ซึ่งใช้เวลา งบประมาณมหาศาลและประสิทธิภาพต่ำ แกเสนอให้กระจายงานออกไป ให้คนในชุมชนหรือคนที่มีความสามารถเข้ามาทำ โดยมีระบบตรวจสอบและให้รางวัลคนที่ทำงานได้ดี

แบบนี้มันจะทำให้ประสิทธิภาพสูงขึ้น ประหยัดงบประมาณและคนในชุมชนก็ได้มีส่วนร่วม สร้างความรับผิดชอบและความยั่งยืน

เป็นการเปลี่ยนจากระบบรวมศูนย์ ไปสู่ระบบกระจายอำนาจในเชิงปฏิบัติ

22. "นี่คือ Future of Work"

พี่ชิตมองว่า.. อนาคต การทำงานจะไม่ใช่การทำงานเพื่อนายจ้างหรือองค์กรใหญ่ๆ อีกต่อไป

แต่จะเป็นการทำงานแบบกระจายอำนาจ ทุกคนเป็นอิสระ รับผิดชอบงานของตัวเอง สร้างมูลค่าเพิ่มด้วยตัวเอง แล้วก็ได้รับผลตอบแทนตามความสามารถ

เหมือนกับ Bitcoin ที่มันไม่มีเจ้านาย ไม่มีคนกลาง ทุกคนมีส่วนร่วม ทุกคนได้ประโยชน์

23. "ชิดซ้าย เพื่อ Make a U-turn"

ชิดซ้าย แต่กูไม่ใช่ฝ่ายซ้าย! (ฮา) กูชิดซ้าย (นามสกุลซ้ายเกล้า) เพื่อเตรียมจะยูเทิร์นไปทางขวาโว้ย!

เอาจริงๆ นัยยะของพี่ชิตแกไม่ได้หมายถึงการขับรถ แต่เป็นการเปรียบเปรยถึงการเตรียมตัวก่อนเปลี่ยนแปลงครั้งใหญ่

ในบริบทของบทสนทนา มันหมายถึงการเตรียมตัวก่อนที่จะเปลี่ยนจากระบบเดิมๆ ที่เน้นการพึ่งพารัฐ ไปสู่ระบบใหม่ที่เน้นการพึ่งพาตนเอง การกระจายอำนาจ (Right Shift)

"ชิดซ้าย" จึงเป็นเหมือนการเตรียมตัว การวางแผน ก่อนที่จะ "Make a U-turn" หรือหักเลี้ยวเปลี่ยนไปสู่เส้นทางใหม่ ซึ่งก็คือการก้าวไปสู่โลกแบบ Decentralization นั่นเอง (คิดได้..)

24. "หลอกพวกมึงด้วยการสร้างกุศลบายให้มึงเชื่อในนรกสวรรค์"

พี่ชิตแกไม่ได้ต่อต้านศาสนาโดยตรง แต่แกกำลังวิจารณ์การใช้ศาสนาเป็นเครื่องมือควบคุมคน การใช้ความกลัว ความเชื่อเรื่องนรก-สวรรค์ มาบังคับ มาควบคุม มาชี้นำพฤติกรรมของคน โดยที่ไม่ได้เน้นเหตุผลหรือการลงมือทำจริง

มันเหมือนกับการใช้ "กุศโลบาย" หรือกลอุบาย มาหลอกลวง ให้คนเชื่อและทำตาม โดยที่ไม่ได้ให้ความรู้หรือสร้างความเข้าใจที่แท้จริง พี่ชิตแกอยากให้คนใช้เหตุผล ใช้ความรู้ และลงมือทำ ไม่ใช่แค่เชื่ออย่างงมงาย

25. "ถ้ามันจะเกิดในอีก 5 วัน พวกมึงจะไปทำอะไรได้?"

พี่ชิตเน้นย้ำถึงความรวดเร็วและความไม่แน่นอนของการเปลี่ยนแปลงที่อาจจะเกิดขึ้น โดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งกับโอกาสที่จะเกิดขึ้นจาก Bitcoin

ซึ่งถ้าโอกาสดีๆ มันมาถึงเร็วมาก มึงจะเตรียมตัวทันมั้ย? มึงจะรับมือไหวมั้ย?

(ในบริบทของการสนทนาคือ หากทรัมป์ได้รับเลือกเป็น ปธณ. อเมริกา มีการคาดหมายว่าจะส่งผลดีต่อบิตคอยน์)

เอาจริงๆ มันเหมือนเป็นการเตือนสติว่า อย่าประมาท อย่าชะล่าใจ เพราะโอกาสอาจจะมาถึงเร็วกว่าที่คิด

ส่วนประโยค "ขายตูดซื้อไม่ทันเลย" ของอิสร

นี่คือมุขตลก ถ้ามึงไม่ทัน มึงก็จะเสียโอกาส เหมือนกับมึงต้องขายของมีค่า เพื่อเอาเงินไปซื้อ Bitcoin แต่ก็ยังไม่ทัน มันโคตรเสียดาย

แล้วคุณล่ะ..

อยากให้ใครได้เป็นประธานาธิบดีสหรัฐ?

26. "มันคือการเอาเงินคนอื่นไปทำบุญ"

พี่ชิตวิจารณ์นโยบายประชานิยม โดยเฉพาะการที่รัฐบาลเอาเงินภาษีของประชาชนไปแจก หรือไปทำโครงการต่างๆ โดยที่ไม่ได้รับความยินยอม หรือไม่ได้เกิดประโยชน์อย่างแท้จริงกับประชาชน

แกมองว่า.. มันก็เหมือนกับการที่รัฐบาลเอาเงินของประชาชนไป "ทำบุญ" โดยที่ประชาชนไม่ได้เป็นผู้ตัดสินใจว่าจะบริจาคเงินไปทำอะไร

มันเป็นการกระทำที่ไม่โปร่งใส และไม่เคารพสิทธิ์ของประชาชน

แกเน้นย้ำว่า การทำบุญหรือการใช้เงิน ควรมาจากความสมัครใจ ไม่ใช่การบังคับ หรือการใช้เงินโดยไม่คำนึงถึงความต้องการหรือประโยชน์ของผู้ที่ถูกใช้เงิน ไม่ใช่ตัวเองได้บุญ ได้หน้าอยู่คนเดียว แต่คนทั้งประเทศต้องมาคอยรับผิดชอบหนี้ร่วมกัน

จริงๆ แล้วในไลฟ์นี้มีประโยคเด็ดอีกมากมายจากพี่ชิตเต็มไปหมด ถือเสียว่าผมแค่เอาน้ำจิ้มบางส่วนมาให้ลองชิมก็แล้วกัน ถ้าจะเก็บให้ครบทั้งหมดควรต้องไปดูด้วยตัวเองครับ

สุดท้ายแล้ว "พรรคชาติหน้าพัฒนา" มันคืออะไรแน่?

เอาง่ายๆ เลยนะ พี่ชิตแกเห็น Pain Point หลักๆ มาจาก 2 อย่างใหญ่ๆ คือ ระบบการเงินโลกที่บิดเบี้ยว และ ระบบการเมืองที่ล้าหลัง ซึ่งทั้งสองอย่างนี้เชื่อมโยงกันอย่างแยกไม่ออก

ระบบการเงินที่บิดเบี้ยว คือ รัฐบาลมีอำนาจควบคุมเงิน พิมพ์เงินมั่วซั่ว ทำให้เกิดเงินเฟ้อ ความเหลื่อมล้ำ คนจนยิ่งจน คนรวยยิ่งรวย

นี่แหละคือต้นตอของปัญหาสารพัด พี่ชิตเลยมองว่าต้องแก้ที่ระบบเงินก่อน ด้วย Bitcoin ที่เป็น Free Market Money อิสระจากรัฐบาล

ส่วน ระบบการเมืองที่ล้าหลัง คือ รัฐบาลใหญ่ แทรกแซงทุกอย่าง ประชาชนอ่อนแอ พึ่งพารัฐอย่างเดียว ไม่มีเสรีภาพ ไม่มีการกระจายอำนาจ

พี่ชิตเลยคิด "พรรคชาติหน้าพัฒนา" ขึ้นมา ไม่ใช่พรรคการเมืองจริงๆ แต่เป็น Protocol หรือแนวคิด ที่จะ Empower ประชาชน ให้พึ่งพาตัวเอง มีเสรีภาพทางการเงินและมีส่วนร่วมในการกำหนดอนาคตของตัวเอง โดยใช้ Bitcoin เป็นเครื่องมือสำคัญ

ทำไมต้องปี 2575?

นี่น่าจะเป็นการตั้งเป้าหมายระยะยาวมากกว่า อาจจะหมายถึงช่วงเวลาที่ Bitcoin และแนวคิด Decentralization แพร่หลายมากพอ จนสามารถสร้างการเปลี่ยนแปลงที่แท้จริงได้

หรืออาจจะเป็นแค่การเปรียบเปรย เพราะการสร้างอะไรใหม่ๆ มันต้องใช้เวลา เหมือนการปลูกต้นไม้ กว่าจะโต กว่าจะออกผล มันต้องใช้เวลาหลายปี

การตั้งเป้าหมายไว้ที่ปี 2575 ก็อาจจะเป็นการสร้างแรงบันดาลใจและความหวังให้กับผู้คนก็ได้ ไม่ใช่เป้าหมายที่ตายตัวอะไรขนาดนั้น

(หรือไม่ก็ล้อไปกับเรื่องการปกครองที่เปลี่ยนแปลงมาตั้งแต่ปี 2475 แต่ก็ไม่พัฒนาไปถึงไหน ครบรอบ 100 ปีก็ควรจะ Change กันได้แล้ว)

ทั้งหมดนี้คือสิ่งที่พี่ชิตแกอยากจะสื่อ และเป็นแรงจูงใจที่ทำให้แกผุดแนวคิด "พรรคชาติหน้าพัฒนา" (as a protocol) ขึ้นมานั่นเองครับ

Zer da Cashu?

Cashu Bitcoin-erako ecash protokolo ireki bat da, transakzio azkarrak eta komisio gabekoak eskaintzen dituena, pribatutasun ia perfektuarekin. Xehetasun gehiago nahi izanez gero, gure azalpena ikus dezakezu.

eNuts

eNuts Cashu-rako mugikorretarako zorro bikaina da, Android eta iOS (TestFlight) plataformetan eskuragarri dagoena. Mint anitzekin lan egitea ahalbidetzen du eta nostr bidez bidalketak egiteko aukera ere eskaintzen du.

⚠️ eNuts eta Cashu oraindik beta fasean daude. Funtsak galtzeko arriskua dago. Aplikazioa instalatzerakoan arriskuen inguruan irakurri. Galera ekonomikoei aurre egiteko gai zaren zenbateko txikiekin saiatu.

Probatu

Prozesu honetan zehar mint-ekin elkarreragin, ecash-a jaso eta bidali, segurtasun-kopiak egin, Lightning-era ateratzeak eta mint-en artean trukaketak egingo ditugu. Azkenik, nostr kontaktu funtzionalitatea probatuko dugu.

Instalatu

Sartu eNuts webgunera eta instalatu aplikazioa zure sistema eragilerako.

Mint bat gehitzea

Ecash-arekin elkarreragiteko, lehenik mint bat behar duzu. Mint honetan zure ecash token-ak sortzen eta itzultzen dira. Mint-a da zure Bitcoin-en zaindaria, baina ez daki nor zaren, norekin egiten duzun transakzioa, ezta zenbat diru duzun ere. Probetarako Txoko mint erabili dezakezu.

1. Joan Txoko Mint-era. Kopiatu mint URL-a.
2. eNuts-en, joan Aukerak > Mint kudeaketa eta sakatu + botoia. Itsatsi lehen urratsean kopiatu duzun mint URL-a.
   💡 Mint gehigarriak ere gehitu ditzakezu. Mint publiko batzuk MintIndex-en aurki daitezke. Kontuan izan mint batzuek zenbateko jakin bat gordetzen dutela bideratze-gastuak ordaintzeko, eta, beraz, ezin dituzula zure sats guztiak atera.

Tokenak sortzea

Mint bat gehitu duzunean, eNuts-ek automatikoki galdetuko dizu mint horretatik Cashu token berriak sortu nahi dituzun.

1. Erantzun Bai.
2. Sortu faktura bat mintu nahi duzun zenbatekoarentzat. Zenbateko txiki batekin saiatu, adibidez, 100 sats.
3. Ordaindu faktura Lightning zorro batetik. Faktura ordaindutakoan, ecash token-ak izango dituzu.

Prozesu honek aukera ematen dizu ecash token-ak sortzeko, eta horiek zure transakzioetarako erabiltzeko prest izango dituzu.

Ecash-ekin transakzioak egitea

Ecash-ekin transakzioak egitea, funtsean, datu multzoak bidaltzea eta jasotzea da. Funtzionalitate hauek zuk zeuk probatzeko, bidali eta jaso dezakezu zure buruari.

1. Ecash bidaltzeko, sakatu Bidali > Ecash bidali.
2. Mint bat baino gehiago erabiltzen baduzu, aukeratu bidali nahi duzun mint-a. Ondoren, aukeratu Kopiatu eta partekatu.
3. Aukeratu zenbatekoa.
4. Nahi izanez gero, gehitu ohar bat, eta sakatu Jarraitu.
5. Berretsi ordainketa xehetasunak eta sortu token-a. Une honetan, coin selection funtzioa erabil dezakezu zein token erabili nahi dituzun hautatzeko.
   Ohartu token-ak 1 sat, 2 sats, 4 sats, 8 sats, 16 sats eta antzeko zenbatekotan sailkatuta daudela. Horiek 10 euroko, 20 euroko edo 50 euroko billeteak bezala irudika ditzakezu.
6. Kopiatu token-a.

Une honetan, token-a beste norbaiti bidal diezaiokezu edo zure zorroan berreskuratu. Saiakera moduan, bigarren aukera hau egingo dugu.

1. Ecash jasotzeko, sakatu Jaso > Itsatsi eta berreskuratu Ecash. eNuts-ek automatikoki irakurriko du zure arbeletik eta token-a berreskuratuko du.
   💡 Zure transakzioen historian ecash token-a zain dagoen egiaztatu dezakezu, eta hartzaileak ez badu berreskuratu, itzuli dezakezu. Horretarako, sakatu zure historiako irteerako transakzioan eta aukeratu Egiaztatu token-a gastatu den. Token-a zain badago, Itzuli token-a sakatu dezakezu eta berriro zure zorroan izango duzu.

Multimint trukeak

Mint desberdinen artean bidalketak eta jasotzeak posibleak diren galdetu baduzu, erantzuna bai da, neurri batean. Hala ere, Cashu token-ak zuzenean mint batetik bestera bidaltzea ez da zuzenean egiten; horren ordez, transakzioak Lightning-era bideratzen dira, mint bat Lightning nodo bat ere badelako. Cashu token-ak ez dira bateragarriak nodo desberdinen artean.

Hau probatzeko, beste mint bat gehitu dezakezu oraindik egin ez baduzu, adibidez, cashme LNbits mint edo eNuts mint lehenetsia.
💡 Kontuan izan mint batzuek sats kopuru bat gordetzen dutela bideratze-gastuak ordaintzeko. Arazo hau konpontzeko, zure mint propioa sor dezakezu Bitcoin Txoko LNbits zorroarekin, Cashu luzapena aktibatuz.

1. Joan Aukerak > Mint kudeaketa atalera, eta aukeratu trukatu nahi duzun mint-a. Ondoren, joan Multimint trukeak atalean.
2. Aukeratu trukatu nahi duzun mint-a.
3. Aukeratu zenbatekoa eta sakatu Kuotak aurreikusi Lightning gastuen kalkulua egiteko.
4. Sakatu Jarraitu.
5. Egiaztatu xehetasunak, eta nahi izanez gero, coin selection funtzioa erabili. Ondoren, sakatu Orain trukatu.

Prozesu honetan, bidaltzen ari den mint-ak Lightning faktura bat ordaintzen du jasotzen ari den mint-aren bidez. Faktura osatu bezain laster, trukatuta dagoen token-a zure zorroaren saldoan agertu beharko litzateke jasotzen ari den mint-ean.

Ateratzea

Zure Cashu sats-ak berriro Lightning sats bihurtu nahi dituzunean, ateratzeko aukera duzu. Prozesua hauxe da:

1. Sakatu Bidali > Lightning faktura ordaindu.
2. Mint bat baino gehiago erabiltzen baduzu, aukeratu bidaliko duzun mint-a.
3. LN faktura edo LNURL atalean, sartu faktura bat, LNURL edo Lightning helbide bat; edo, besterik gabe, QR kode bat eskaneatu.
4. Aukeratu zenbatekoa eta sakatu Kuotak aurreikusi.
5. Egiaztatu xehetasunak, eta dena zuzen dagoela ikusi ondoren, sakatu Ateratzea.

Prozesu hau amaitutakoan, mint-ak Cashu token-ak trukatzen ditu eta Lightning faktura ordaintzen du.

Segurtasun kopiak

Cashu token-ak babesteko prozesua, agian, ezberdina izango da Bitcoin eta Lightning zorroak babesteko ohiko prozesuekin alderatuta. Diru-funtsak datu blokeekin irudikatzen direnez, Cashu token-ak babesten dituzunean datu bloke horiek bakarrik babesten ari zara. Honek esan nahi du segurtasun-kopiak baliogabetzen direla transakzio berri bat egiten duzun bakoitzean.

eNuts aplikazioak Cashu token bat sortzen du zure funts guztiekin, eta token horiek zein mint-ekoak diren jasotzen du.

• Segurtasun-kopia bat sortzeko, joan Aukerak > Segurtasuna > Sortu babeskopia token. Kopiatu token-a eta gorde toki seguru batean.

Bestela, mint bakoitza banaka babestu dezakezu: - Horretarako, joan Aukerak > Mint kudeaketa atalera eta aukeratu babestu nahi duzun mint-a. Ondoren, sakatu Funtseak babestu, kopiatu token-a eta gorde toki seguru batean.

Berreskuratzea

Berreskuratzeko, kopiatu babeskopia token-a eta ireki eNuts aplikazioa. Aplikazioak automatikoki irakurriko du zure arbelean dagoena eta galdetuko dizu token-a berreskuratu nahi duzun.

Nostr

eNuts aplikazioak Nostr integrazioa eskaintzen du, horrela zure kontaktu zerrendara ecash bidali ahal izateko. Funtzio hau erabiltzeko, honako pauso hauek jarraitu behar dituzu:

1. Joan Kontaktuak atalera eta itsatsi zure Nostr gako publikoa.
2. eNuts-ek zure kontaktu zerrenda eskuratuko du relays-etatik. Tamalez, bilaketa funtzioa oraindik ez dago eskuragarri, eta horrek kontaktu zuzena aurkitzea zaildu dezake, kontaktu asko izanez gero.

Hartzaileak Nostr motako 4 mezu zuzena jasoko du, Cashu token-arekin. Hartzaileak mezu hau bere zorroan berreskuratu eta token-a erabili ahal izango du.

Ondorioa

Gida hau lagungarria iruditu zaizu? Saiatu Cashu token batzuk bidaltzen Nostr bidez!

Chef's notes

Amazingly tangy, firey hot, but still mellow and bright.

I use this on everything– Use it to dress salads, dip (honey mustard) for fried chicken, elevate your taco nights, heck a spoonful first thing in the morning will wake you up better than coffee!

Don't forget to use up those delicious chilis and garlic, they are so good!

Details

• ⏲️ Prep time: 20 min
• 🍳 Cook time: 1-2 weeks
• 🍽️ Servings: (12x) 8oz jars

Ingredients

• 16oz fresh chili peppers
• 8oz red onion
• 8oz garlic
• 96oz honey
• Fresh thyme

Directions

1. Thinly slice peppers, garlic, shallots and fresh thyme
2. Add chopped ingredients to the honey
3. Leave to ferment (loosely covered) for 1-2 weeks
4. Drizzle that amazing pungent firey gold liquid over EVERYTHING. (Don't forget to use up those amazing chilis and garlic too.)

1. Relay = Community?

If spinning up a relay is getting easier and cheaper by the day, why can't the relays literally be the group/community?

Then: * Any relay is by default a public community. The more restricted read- or write-access is, the more it becomes a private group. * Any publication targeted at (h-tag) and stored, and thus accepted, by a relay can be seen as a publication in that community. * All-in-1 hosting solutions (integrated blossom servers, lightning nodes, ...) are made easier.

2. Why invent new kinds?

Why can't Kind 1 posts that are targeted and accepted by a relay (i.e. community) just be the forum-posts of that community? Why create new kinds for this? And even weirder, why create a new kind with that exclusively serves as a reply to that new kind? Why not just use generic replies (kind 1111) and take the #otherstuff (event kinds and apps) as an opportunity to introduce those?

For chat messages, however, I get it. You need a kind + reply-kind for those.

3. Community VS Private group

It seems like the only distinction you really need, both for the user and the apps implementing all this, is:
1. Public Community: anyone can read and follow this community but for writing the admins can set limits (pricing, white listings, ...) 2. Private group: only the profiles that even know this relay (i.e. group) exists can interact with it. Read-access has to be granted (invite, pricing, ...) and admins can set limits for writing too. Beyond this distinction it's a bit naive to try to categorize them. Open vs Closed doesn't really mean much for example, since technically all groups/communities set limits and are thus closed. It's more interesting to look the ways in which they can be closed and build on the simplest distinctions you can make there.

The difference between Public communities and private groups is the most important one because they both have very different UX and specification requirements:

Memberlist

Communities: None existent
Anyone can read and follow. It just has limits on who can publish what, when. So the most interesting thing to surface is probable something like a list of most active members or a highlighted set of profiles that have special characteristics within this community (top supporter, god-mode, resident artist, ...).
Private Groups: Necessary for it's existence
The whitelisted npubs for read-access are the members.

Moderation actions

Both types of groups need a way for the admin(s) to:
* Block/remove users * Remove events * Edit metadata (name, description, guidelines...) * Specify who can write publish what, under what condition

Only private groups need a way for the admin(s) to:
* Add/approve new members → specify who has read-access, under what condition

Generalizing too many actions like add member, join request, etc... that are only applicable to one of these categories just creates bad UX for the other one. You don't "add a member" to a public community. People can follow it without asking anyone's permission (ok yes, some will AUTH for reading but that's besides the point). Some of its followers will then just choose to publish something there and the admin either allows them or not.

Having a common protocol for specifying the conditions for this write-access interoperably (as mentioned above) is what I would like to see instead: * Both Communities and Private groups need it anyway * You have to assume admins need granularity in the conditions they set for publishing in their group/community: Who, what, under what condition, ... * You don't want to link out to custom websites (or similar) explaining their allowance schemes

Sidenote: we need a similar kind of spec for the services that allow you to spin up your hosting solution (relay, server, node, ...) so that, when you click "Create new community" in an app, those services can be surfaced. With their business models (including options to self-host parts of it) just there, in the app, without linking out. Same for the lines of communication and payments that are needed to make those business models work from within any app.

Publication and Discovery

Only Communities allow for the exciting possibility of publishing something in multiple overlapping communities at once. Someone writing about how Bees are Capitalists can target their article at the communities that most overlap with its content (and with the author's means and write-access of course). Members of a community around beekeeping can organically discover content and communities on Austrian economics relevant to them.

With Private groups publication happens only in the group and discovery is blocked on purpose.

Zer da lightning address bat?

Lightning address bat irakurgarria den helbide elektroniko baten antza duen helbidea da, adibidez username@domein.com, baina bitcoinetan ordainketak berehala eta merke jasotzeko aukera ematen du. Ez duzu zure gailuan nodo bat linean izatea behar, eta ez duzu eskuz faktura bat sortu behar norbaitek ordainketa egin nahi dizunean.
Oso interesgarria, ezta?

Nola funtzionatzen du, orduan?

Lightning Address-ek LNURL pay protokoloa erabiltzen du, Lightning Network-aren gainean dagoen geruza bat da.

Prozesua hurrengo urratsetan laburbil daiteke:

1. Erabiltzaile batek zure Lightning Address erabiliz ordainketa egin nahi duenean, haien zorroak helbide hori LNURL payRequest batean bihurtzen du.
2. LNURL payRequest arrakastatsu baten bidez, zorroak BOLT11 faktura bat eskuratzen du, eta faktura hori ordainketa burutzeko erabiltzen da.

Hau da, prozesuaren oinarrizko pausoak hurrengoak dira:
💡 Lightning Address > LNURLp > BOLT11 faktura.
Lightning Network-ekin integratuta dagoen sistema honi esker, ordainketak erraz, azkar eta modu automatizatuan burutu daitezke.

Oso ondo dirudi, baina zein da tranpa?

Lightning Address-en inplementazio askok kustodia dute (nahiz eta ez den beti horrela), izan ere, domeinu bat eta beti linean dagoen nodo bat behar dira Lightning Address-ak funtzionatzeko. Kustodia sistema bat denez, zure fondoak kudeatzen dituenak edozein momentutan kontrolatu edo kendu ahal dizkizu eta zure transakzioak monitorizatu ditzake.
Domeinuaren jabearengan fidatu behar duzu, zure Lightning Address-aren erregistroa aldatu ez dezan. Eta, gainera, LNURL zerbitzaria linean ez badago, sistema ez da funtzionatzen.
Bitcoin Txoko-k LNbits-en oinarritutako Lightning Address irtenbide sinplea eskaintzen du. Hau ere kustodia sistemakoa da, beraz, gomendagarria da Bitcoin Txoko zorroan kopuru txiki bat bakarrik gordetzea eta gero auto-kustodia zorro batera ateratzea, satoshi gehiago jasotzen dituzun heinean.

Hasteko prest bazaude, hona hemen behar duzuna:

1. Zure zorroa sortzea
   Lehenik eta behin, ez baduzu oraindik egin, joan bitcointxoko.com webgunera eta zorro bat sortu. Zorroari nahi duzun izena jar diezaiokezu.

2. Luzapenak aktibatzea
   Lightning Address-ak funtzionatzeko Pay Links luzapena behar da. Horretarako:

3. Joan tresna-barrako Extensions (Luzapenak) atalera eta Pay Links luzapena aktibatu.

4. Ordainketa esteka bat sortzea

5. Ireki Pay Links luzapena eta egin klik New Pay Link (Ordainketa Esteka Berria) aukeran.
6. Aukeratu sortu duzun zorroa.
7. "Item Description" atalean, nahi duzun testua sar dezakezu.
8. Aukeratu zure Lightning Address-erako erabiltzaile izena. Zure Lightning Address hau bezalakoa izango da: erabiltzailea@bitcointxoko.com.

9. Fixed Amount aukera desmarkatu eta jarri gutxieneko balioa 1 eta gehienekoa 500000.

   ⚠️ Gehienezko balioa handiagoa jar dezakezu, baina ordainketa handiek huts egiteko probabilitate handiagoa dute, Bitcoin Txoko Lightning nodoaren kanalaren sarrera-gaitasun mugatua dela eta. Gomendagarria da 500000 satoshitan mantentzea. - Orain, ireki Advanced Options (Aukera Aurreratuak) eta aldatu Comment maximum characters (Komentarioaren gehieneko karaktere kopurua) 799-ra. Ez da beharrezkoa, baina aurrerantzean funtzionalitate gehiago emango dizu. - Azkenik, markatu Enable nostr zaps aukera behealdean, Lightning Address bidez zaps jasotzeko aukera izateko.

Aukera aurreratuak beste parametro batzuk konfiguratzea ahalbidetzen dute, baina nahi baduzu hutsik utz ditzakezu.
Azkenik, dena zuzen dagoela egiaztatu ondoren, egin klik Create Pay Link (Sortu Ordainketa Esteka) botoian.

Horrela, zure Lightning Address sortuta izango duzu eta ordainketak jaso ahal izango dituzu!

Proba egitea

Zure Lightning Address ondo funtzionatzen duen probatu nahi baduzu, beste zorro batera joan, Bidali (Send) aukera hautatu eta helmuga gisa zure Lightning Address idatzi. Ondoren, bidali zeure buruari satoshi batzuk.
Ondoren, itzuli Bitcoin Txoko zorrora eta egiaztatu ordainketa jaso duzun. Litekeena da orria freskatu behar izatea ordainketa agertzeko.
Dena ondo atera bada, zorionak! 🥳
Bestela, jakinarazi iezaguzu. Beti prest gaude laguntzeko.

Hurrengo urratsak

Nostr zaps

Zure Bitcoin Txoko Lightning Address nostr profilean gehitu dezakezu eta horrela zaps jasotzeko erabil dezakezu. Normalean, hau hurrengo pausuekin egiten da: - Joan Profile (Profila) atalera. - Hautatu Edit (Editatu) eta Lightning Address aldatu.

LNDhub

Zure LNbits zorroa telefonoan inporta dezakezu LNDhub bezala, Zeus edo BlueWallet bezalako aplikazioak erabiliz. Horrela, ez duzu nabigatzailean zorroa ireki beharko aldian-aldian saldoa egiaztatu edo ordainketak egiteko.
Nola egin jakiteko, ikus ezazu nostr:naddr1qqxnzdej8y6ryvejxc6nvwpnqyg8wumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytnhd9hx2q3qtx0k0a7lw62vvqax6p3ku90tccgdka7ul4radews2wrdsg0m865sxpqqqp65w4hhl8s.

QR kodea

Zure LNURLp QR kodea parteka edo inprima dezakezu, jendeak mugikorrarekin eskaneatu dezan. Oso erabilgarria da zure denda lokaleko jabeak Lightning ordainketak jasotzeko sistema ezartzea nahi baduzu! - Parteka ezazu Sharable Page (Parteka daitekeen Orrialdea) esteka. - Edo, QR kodea PDF formatuan inprima dezakezu: joan View Link (Esteka Ikusi) atalera eta hautatu Print (Inprimatu).

Horrela, zure Lightning Address erabilera praktikoa handitu eta errazago kudeatu dezakezu! Hasi zaitez !

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

A sub heading goes a long way

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum dritten Geburtstag, liebe Denk Bar! Wieso zum dritten? Das war doch 2022 und jetzt sind wir im Jahr 2024, oder? Ja, das ist schon richtig, aber bei Geburtstagen erinnere ich mich immer auch an meinen Vater, und der behauptete oft, der erste sei ja schließlich der Tag der Geburt selber und den müsse man natürlich mitzählen. Wo er recht hat, hat er nunmal recht. Konsequenterweise wird also heute dieser Blog an seinem dritten Geburtstag zwei Jahre alt.

Das ist ein Grund zum Feiern, wie ich finde. Einerseits ganz einfach, weil es dafür gar nicht genug Gründe geben kann. «Das Leben sind zwei Tage», lautet ein gängiger Ausdruck hier in Andalusien. In der Tat könnte es so sein, auch wenn wir uns im Alltag oft genug von der Routine vereinnahmen lassen.

Seit dem Start der Denk Bar vor zwei Jahren ist unglaublich viel passiert. Ebenso wie die zweieinhalb Jahre davor, und all jenes war letztlich auch der Auslöser dafür, dass ich begann, öffentlich zu schreiben. Damals notierte ich:

«Seit einigen Jahren erscheint unser öffentliches Umfeld immer fragwürdiger, widersprüchlicher und manchmal schier unglaublich - jede Menge Anlass für eigene Recherchen und Gedanken, ganz einfach mit einer Portion gesundem Menschenverstand.»

Wir erleben den sogenannten «großen Umbruch», einen globalen Coup, den skrupellose Egoisten clever eingefädelt haben und seit ein paar Jahren knallhart – aber nett verpackt – durchziehen, um buchstäblich alles nach ihrem Gusto umzukrempeln. Die Gelegenheit ist ja angeblich günstig und muss genutzt werden.

Nie hätte ich mir träumen lassen, dass ich so etwas jemals miterleben müsste. Die Bosheit, mit der ganz offensichtlich gegen die eigene Bevölkerung gearbeitet wird, war früher für mich unvorstellbar. Mein (Rest-) Vertrauen in alle möglichen Bereiche wie Politik, Wissenschaft, Justiz, Medien oder Kirche ist praktisch komplett zerstört. Einen «inneren Totalschaden» hatte ich mal für unsere Gesellschaften diagnostiziert.

Was mich vielleicht am meisten erschreckt, ist zum einen das Niveau der Gleichschaltung, das weltweit erreicht werden konnte, und zum anderen die praktisch totale Spaltung der Gesellschaft. Haben wir das tatsächlich mit uns machen lassen?? Unfassbar! Aber das Werkzeug «Angst» ist sehr mächtig und funktioniert bis heute.

Zum Glück passieren auch positive Dinge und neue Perspektiven öffnen sich. Für viele Menschen waren und sind die Entwicklungen der letzten Jahre ein Augenöffner. Sie sehen «Querdenken» als das, was es ist: eine Tugend.

Auch die immer ernsteren Zensurbemühungen sind letztlich nur ein Zeichen der Schwäche, wo Argumente fehlen. Sie werden nicht verhindern, dass wir unsere Meinung äußern, unbequeme Fragen stellen und dass die Wahrheit peu à peu ans Licht kommt. Es gibt immer Mittel und Wege, auch für uns.

Danke, dass du diesen Weg mit mir weitergehst!

If Bitcoin Is in Its Infancy, Nostr Is Still in Its Nursing Stage Skepticism is healthy, especially within the Bitcoin community. At the moment, Nostr users are predominantly Bitcoiners, and it's understandable that people are cautious about adopting new technologies. However, based on my limited experience over the last few months, Nostr has shown immense potential and is evolving at a breakneck pace.

The Speed of Development: A Double-Edged Sword The rate at which new functionality is being rolled out on Nostr is staggering. On the one hand, this rapid development brings constant innovation and new tools for users to explore. On the other hand, it often means that many implementations still need refinement, or at the very least, better documentation. It's exciting, but there are still bumps in the road that need to be ironed out. Censorship Resistance and Relay-Based Architecture One of Nostr’s most appealing features is its decentralized architecture, which revolves around relays. This design ensures that the protocol is censorship-resistant. If you’re tech-savvy enough, you can even run your own relay, allowing you to retain full control of your notes. This distributed system empowers users by giving them the tools to protect their content and stay independent of centralized entities.

A Protocol, Not a Platform Nostr is not a platform—it's a protocol. This distinction is crucial because it enables a high degree of interoperability, which can pave the way for a diverse ecosystem of applications. This opens up a world of possibilities and allows for network effects to take hold as more people and applications begin to interact with the protocol.

Privacy and Control Another advantage is the ability to manage your privacy more effectively. With Nostr, you can use multiple nsec/npub keys, giving you more control over your identity and interactions. This flexibility is a game-changer in a world where privacy is often compromised by centralized platforms.

Areas for Improvement Of course, Nostr is not without its challenges. Many of the available applications feel unpolished, and spam is a growing issue (the infamous "reply guy" problem). The ephemeral nature of the content also presents a challenge—once you post something, you can't "put the toothpaste back in the tube," sort to speak.

Enjoying the Ride Despite its growing pains, I’ve found Nostr to be an enjoyable experience so far. There are no algorithms dictating what you see, which results in a signal-rich environment with minimal toxicity—for now, at least. It’s refreshing to engage in conversations that aren’t manipulated by unseen forces, and I look forward to seeing where Nostr goes from here.

Chef's notes

This recipe is for 48 buns. Total cooking time takes at least 90 minutes, but 60 minutes of that is letting the dough rest in between processing.

The baking is a simple three-step process. 1. Making the Wheat dough 2. Making and applying the filling 3. Garnishing and baking in the oven

When done: Enjoy during Fika!

PS;

• Can be frozen and thawed in microwave for later enjoyment as well.

• If you need unit conversion, this site may be of help: https://www.unitconverters.net/

• Traditionally we use something we call "Pearl sugar" which is optimal, but normal sugar or sprinkles is okay too. Pearl sugar (Pärlsocker) looks like this: https://search.brave.com/images?q=p%C3%A4rlsocker

Ingredients

• 150 g butter
• 5 dl milk
• 50 g baking yeast (normal or for sweet dough)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1-1 1/2 dl sugar
• (Optional) 2 teaspoons of crushed or grounded cardamom seeds.
• 1.4 liters of wheat flour
• Filling: 50-75 g butter, room temperature
• Filling: 1/2 - 1 dl sugar
• Filling: 1 teaspoons crushed or ground cardamom and 1 teaspoons ground cinnamon (or 2 teaspoons of cinnamon)
• Garnish: 1 egg, sugar or Almond Shavings

Directions

1. Melt the butter/margarine in a saucepan.
2. Pour in the milk and allow the mixture to warm reach body temperature (approx. + 37 ° C).
3. Dissolve the yeast in a dough bowl with the help of the salt.
4. Add the 37 ° C milk/butter mixture, sugar and if you choose to the optional cardamom. (I like this option!) and just over 2/3 of the flour.
5. Work the dough shiny and smooth, about 4 minutes with a machine or 8 minutes by hand.
6. Add if necessary. additional flour but save at least 1 dl for baking.
7. Let the dough rise covered (by a kitchen towel), about 30 minutes.
8. Work the dough into the bowl and then pick it up on a floured workbench. Knead the dough smoothly. Divide the dough into 2 parts. Roll out each piece into a rectangular cake.
9. Stir together the ingredients for the filling and spread it.
10. Roll up and cut each roll into 24 pieces.
11. Place them in paper molds or directly on baking paper with the cut surface facing up. Let them rise covered with a baking sheet, about 30 minutes.
12. Brush the buns with beaten egg and sprinkle your chosen topping.
13. Bake in the middle of the oven at 250 ° C, 5-8 minutes.
14. Allow to cool on a wire rack under a baking sheet.

This is the full AI-generated transcript of Bitcoin Infinity Show #127 featuring George Manolov!

If you'd like to support us, check out https://bitcoininfinitystore.com/ for our books, merch, and more!

Welcoming George Manolov

Luke: George, welcome to the Bitcoin Infinity Show, thank you for joining us.

George: Thank you, Knut.

Knut: Good to have you here, George.

George: to be here, yeah.

you're here to tell us about the city that I was most surprised by ever. Like, I've never heard of the city before I went to Bulgaria, Yeah, time flies.

Knut: So Plovdiv, Bulgaria, which was amazing, this rich, Thousands of years of history plays with a lot of different eras and different styles of architecture and stuff, really enjoyed Plovdiv, and you have a football team there.

George: yeah, indeed.

George Manolov and Botev Plovdiv

George: Please give us the story about George and Plovdiv Yeah, sure.

Knut: Plovdiv.

George: Sure, sure. So, Plovdiv is, well, I would say it's the oldest living city in Europe, so continuously inhabited. Like you say, not many people know it. I guess, like, we don't have good enough marketing, but, that's probably part of my job right now, right? To spread the word about it. so it's, like the second largest city in the country.

And, yeah, it's just this, it's very, like, I love how you put it because almost nobody has really heard of Plovdiv, right? Most people, when they hear of Bulgaria, they've probably heard of Sofia but Sofia is, okay, but Plovdiv is kind of the chill place, Plovdiv is the place that is actually worth visiting, the place where, people just enjoy going there.

I was born there, right? and, grew up there till 18 or so, then, Studied, lived in Sofia most of the time. And, last year, in kind of summer, I was already kind of way deeper into Bitcoin. I decided I'm going to go full time into Bitcoin, just commit all my time in Bitcoin at the time, educating, publishing books in Bulgarian about Bitcoin, creating my own educational platform.

And then I got, reached out and connected really to the owner of the football club in the city, which is also the oldest football club in the country, Botev Plovdiv, who was, well, he got introduced into Bitcoin himself and he realized it's going to be a very big, project. You know, going to play a central role in where the world is going.

Knut: What is this the owner of the club?

George: That's right. The owner of the club. was like, Hey, I think we can do something unique with Bitcoin because, you know, the club is really a company, right? It's a business on the one hand, but it's a special type of business, it's not where just you produce a certain product or service.

It's really a living organism where people are involved into it, for very emotional reasons. people feel like it's their own and it's not like a small group of people. It's a very large group of people. In our case, we have tens of thousands, arguably more than a hundred, 200, 000 people who care, who watch, who follow the club.

And so on the one hand, like there's many different ways in which we can look into this, but on the one hand. It's for me, what really inspired me and what got me like, Oh my God, like, is this really happening is that we can bring the conversation about Bitcoin from a completely different angle into society to a group of people who for the most part would never really They would like this, they would never listen to podcasts like this, they would never get to any of the kind of places and things we listen to, watch, consume, right?

and people go, You know, people go kind of for bread and circus, right,

Knut: yeah, yeah.

George: for the games. That's what really football is, right? It's fun and it's emotion, it's enjoyment, but then we push them censorship resistance and hard money, right?

And we don't really push it, you know, that's the thing, right? Because are like consistently, progressively, gradually over time, introducing it and finding the best way and the most appropriate way to, yeah, plant that seed. To the minds of the people, into the views of the people and so on and so forth.

so it's really like, you know, what we're trying to build is, we feel we're in a very privileged position, right? because we've been, the first really professional sports club globally, I would say, to have, uh, crypto Bitcoin, you know, people, departments, who is actually full time employed to, you know, think of a way to grow the business, to think of a way to integrate Bitcoin natively, within the various aspects of, of, of the organization, which obviously initially includes like accepting payments and so on and so forth.

But, um, but there's so much more you can do exactly with this type of, Like organization, again, like not, not, not just a business in a traditional sense.

Knut: Yeah. And, uh, won the league, right? Is that, is that right?

George: Yeah, man, like it's, uh, yeah, so we, um, when I started last year, things were super bad. Like exactly one year ago, I was there for the, for one of the first games. It was horrible. Like, I was like, okay, this is a great idea, but if the team is doing so bad and if, uh, if they keep losing and if the fans keep getting, you know, being unhappy, Um, it's not gonna go anywhere, but still, I gave it a, I gave it a go, right, because I was like, okay, I just hope that the sports side guys are going to do their, their part, and I have my opportunity here, um, to, to just like push, to educate, to, To do what, what, what life is giving me an opportunity to do.

And, uh, very fortunately, as we started working, the team started performing better and better and better. We got a completely new coach. We got a new sports director. We, we had a lot of key staff changes across the organization, which, Um, relatively quickly started showing results. So, uh, yeah, like, 10 months later in May, we won the Bulgarian Cup.

Luke: Is that the cup or the league? Like, uh,

George: it's the cup, it's the cup. So, so, I was saying, like, we started very bad in the league. And so, we were doing better and better, but still, like, we finished 9th in the league out of 16 clubs at the end of the day. But which was still okay, because, like, when I joined, like, we were, like,

Luke: Worried about relegation or something like that?

George: there. I mean,

Knut: We're complete, uh, like I've tried to take an interest to football, but like, uh, my ADD just, the brain just wanders away after five minutes and I can't concentrate anymore. So I don't

Luke: a basketball fan.

Knut: Am I now?

Football for Noobs

Knut: Uh, so, uh, what's the difference between the cup and the league? Let's begin there. That's, that's how much of a football noob I

George: So, so pretty much in every country is the same, right? You have a league or a championship where you have, in our case, 16 teams, and every team plays twice against every other team. So home game, away game, and then, you know, you either win three points when you win, or you lose, or you draw, and you, you, you win one point.

And then, so after you play, after you play, in our case, this, what is it, games? You know,

Luke: 30.

George: yeah, about 30. Yeah, right. You're better than Matt, it's obvious. So, um, so once you play these 30 games, um, you, um, yeah, like the team with the most points wins, right? Whereas, uh, the cup is direct elimination

Knut: So quarterfinals, semifinals, all that.

George: exactly. So it's the easier way. So this was the way for us to due to the bad start of the season. This was the way for us to, to achieve something in this season and to achieve something important because what the Cubs gives us as an opportunity and gave us was to play in the European Leagues.

So UEFA Leagues. And we just did that. We played six games. Uh, for the Europe, uh, Europe League and the Europe Conference League.

Knut: Okay. But to, to be in the champions league, that's a totally, you have to, yeah, yeah. You have to win the league and you have to win all sorts of stuff. Like how does that work?

George: yeah. You have to win the league. And then in our case, so in every country it's different, but in our case, we have to win, like we go to qualifications for the Champions League. So it's like, I mean, three to four games. And if we win that, we go to the Champions League.

Knut: Alright,

George: That's the current state of affairs, although that can change over the years.

Knut: alright, uh, it all makes sense to me now, that's a lie, but anyway.

Luke: No, uh, I'll definitely, we'll acknowledge here that I'm more of the, the sports fan, uh, generally here, and I, I follow football, I like, uh, I like European, uh, football, uh, well, and obviously I'm using the correct, uh, term despite my, um, my pseudo American accent, uh. Yeah, anyway, um, uh, no, it's fantastic to see, and I mean, yeah, for the non sports fans, uh, listening to this, I get that

Knut: Well, I am a sports fan, it's just that Starcraft 2 is my sport, and yeah, yeah,

Luke: yeah,

George: eSports.

Knut: yeah, yeah, so I watch, watch Starcraft 2 games. That's what I do for procrastination sometimes.

Luke: valid sports, I'm not going to compare it to other things that aren't

Knut: breakdancing? Is that a valid sport?

Luke: Breakdancing is, um, hmm, interesting. I think anything with points, that judges give points, is kind of not a sport, it's an activity.

Knut: yeah.

Luke: but, yeah, anyway,

Knut: thing to do.

Luke: is a thing to do, yes, definitely, but back to, back to, um, um, Botev Plod, is it Botev, Botev, what's, what's, Botev, Botev Plod, yeah, so, so, um, yeah, yeah, like, the, the, the achievement, winning, winning the cup, I mean, the, The cups are sort of more difficult.

They're both difficult in their own way, right? Like, the cup, you lose one game, you're out, basically, right? But, I mean, the league is like this endurance, achievement, right? You have to perform well over the course of the whole season. But the cheat code, so to say, and I probably subconsciously used the other football team's terminology, who's in the space, Real Bedford, um,

Botev Plovdiv's Bitcoin Strategy

Luke: The, the idea right, if, if I'm getting it, is that you guys would, would keep the Bitcoin in the, in the, the treasury, the, the company, and then over the course of time it's just gonna do the number go up thing and, and the, the club will have more resources.

Right. Is that, is that the idea you're thinking with the, the bitcoin strategy?

George: There's actually many, many things to it. And this is kind of the most, let's say, vanilla type of approach. Yeah, like just buy Bitcoin and hold it on the balance sheet, which is, which is great. But there's actually so many other things you can do. And that's where, because if you just do that, frankly, like, I mean, you don't need me involved, right, much.

I mean, just call Coinbase, whatever, wire the money, crack in and, buy. but with us it's like, really, uh, we see a huge opportunity to, first of all, align our brand with the Bitcoin brand, which is a royalty free, uh, The biggest brand in finance, for sure. One, uh, like it's going to be the biggest brand in the world for sure at some point.

Right. So that's, that's one play. And to do this, it's not enough for you to just buy Bitcoin and hold it on a balance sheet. It's what you need to do is proof of work, right? You need to do things that nobody has ever done. You need to really kind of be creative. Uh, and, and, um, to push the boundaries of what anyone has ever done before, right?

So, so that is, uh, that is my kind of job and it's a lot of, um, a lot of just like, let's, let's think of what, what new things we can do with Bitcoin and sports and football that nobody has ever done. Just because others are focused on the short term things, they're focused on, hitting those, those quick wins, those quick goals, which is why, for example, like a lot of the sports and, and that have, you know, interact, they haven't really interacted outside of Bedford with Bitcoin, right?

It's mostly been crypto because it's just, okay, let's make some quick money. Um,

Luke: usually, it's usually just sponsorships, right?

Knut: yeah,

George: yes. Um, and for us, because on the one hand, like, we're not like Manchester United, right? We're not Chelsea. So we don't have that much to monetize immediately. Like we're a large club, but.

Luke: You're a large club in a local league, which is, which is different from the, it's not one of the leagues that is internationally positioned like that. But, but, I mean, the, the difference between you guys and Bedford that I, that I think is, is really interesting. Like, McCormack, what he, Peter McCormack, what he's doing, I mean, he's, he's taking a club from the bottom and aiming for the top.

But who knows how long that's going to take him to get there, right? But you guys are already in the top of your league, right? Like, in the top league.

George: right, yeah, and also there's, there's different in this, we're in the top of our league. My goal, personally, is to go to Champions League, but this is very hard, right? Because, like, okay, when you start from Peter's ground, like, it's easy, okay, every year you level up, you level up, or, I mean, I'm not gonna say it's easy, but it's easier than, uh, than once you're, you know, at our level.

For us, it's important to play currently every year in European leagues like we've done so far and to every year consistently, like, increase the level of the sports, level of the business department bit by bit, and, but like breaking that point where we, you know, win the league, Where we win several more games and enter the Champions League, that, that's really hard.

I mean, because you're already at that stage where everybody, like, so many teams are so strong, right? So it's um, it takes just a lot of ingredients for you to, to, to hit, uh, in order to win. But we're gonna get there.

Knut: and does the club self custody it's bitcoin? And if so, is it a something out of 11 multisig, that sounds like a football thing?

George: Why so? Ah, yeah, an 11? Nah, nah, fuck that. I mean Nah, even, even 7 Motosick is a, is a killer, but no. Um, yeah, I can't really speak too much about this at this point. Yeah. Um, but, um, but yeah, I mean, we do, of course we do self custody. So that's, that's the approach that we've chosen with kind of a lot of, um, we've chosen to go really pure, pure Bitcoin in terms of the strategy.

And that's how we set ourselves apart. That's how we believe we win the long game because for instance, like we Bitcoin with BTC pay server. Which in my mind they don't even have competition. It's the only like, real, solid, autonomous, sovereign way to accept payments. And it's also the way which makes sense for like, Frankly, any standard business, because like, man, we're selling scarves, we're selling, um, membership boat cards, we're selling jerseys, we're selling basic merch, and if we are to sell it with basically any other service out there, outside of BTC Pay Server, we have to basically, uh, indirectly do KYC, right?

Like, we have to go through KYC, we have to go through KYB, which is ridiculous, um, in my mind. And so, um, so that's why we're exceptionally thankful to B2C Pay Server guys, uh, for what they've built. Uh, it's been like an absolute pleasure to, um, to use their product, to use their service. Uh, we have, you know, outside of B2C Pay, we, uh, we are the first, uh, sports club on Nostr.

Where, uh, we have, uh, actively been posting, exploring, you know, meeting people here. Kind of thinking of what we could do from our angle again, like first, first time on Nostr.

Aqua WAllet

George: Um, we have partnered with, uh, Aqua, JAN3's Aqua wallet, which has a, a Botive skin mode now. So if you go to settings, you can turn Botive mode and then it turns into the colors of the club and, you know, have the picture of the stadium there.

Um,

Luke: I'm using Aqua right now because, uh, uh, usually I like to use Aqua as like a sort of a middle wallet, uh, uh, because it's still slightly slower than other lightning wallets because they, they, the, everything actually lives on, on liquid and then they, they, uh, go out via bolts. Uh, so it's slightly slower than a faster, um, like, like than other, um, more direct lightning wallets.

And so usually when I come to a conference, I'm going to load up a, like a temporary. I don't know, Blink or something like that, but I forgot to do that, so I'm just using my Aqua wallet, and you know what, it's been great here, it's been working, uh, so yeah, we're big fans of Aqua wallet and what

Knut: Yeah, and a BTC pay server. I mean, uh, we can echo everything you said that we, BitcoinInfinity. com, like, and the store here We just fired up. Everything is powered by a BTC pay server, and we just love it. Yes.

Luke: So what was your question about, uh, Aqua?

George: If yours is on BOTEV mode.

Luke: Uh, I don't think I've gone into the settings and changed it to Vaudev mode, I'll have to do that, maybe we'll take

George: It's dark mode,

but cooler.

Luke: Doc dark mode, but cooler. Okay. Okay. Actually that's a, that's a, that's a good point. That's a good point. Yeah. We'll take a, we'll take a picture after, uh, after the episode and we'll de proof, bot, uh, bot e mode, and, uh, uh, post that on Nostr.

How does that sound?

George: Let's go.

Knut: Yeah. Nostr. Um, is there a connection there between both a plot and Nostr while you're doing Nostr stuff as well?

History and Freedom

George: Yeah. Well, look, um, a lot of these things is like, so What Botev Plovdiv stands for, um, very importantly, so the club was named after Hristo Botev, who's, uh, like, one of the most Bulgarians, if the most famous Bulgarian revolutionaries, like, historical figure, uh, he was a poet, he was a revolutionary, he fought for Bulgaria's freedom back in the day,

Luke: Which, which day, which, what day did you

George: uh, 110, uh, what is it, like, 50 years ago or so?

Yeah.

Knut: Mm-Hmm?

Luke: Okay. So, so

Knut: before the Commes.

Luke: ottoman, uh,

George: Yeah, yeah, yeah. He, he, he, he fought for the, for the liberation of Bulgaria from, from the Ottoman Empire. And a lot of what he stands for is this fight for freedom, his fight for liberty. Um, and this, this lives until this very day into the identity of the club and to what we stand for into the songs, into the, into the music.

Um, you know, um, the kind of like what, what our fans also resonate with, um, and, and what they sing like in many, in many ways. Right. So, um, Freedom of speech, freedom of, uh, of like freedom in general is, is a value that is deeply ingrained into kind of like what the club stands for. Um, and, uh, you know, that's why I'm into Bitcoin.

That's why I believe. And that's, that's why I saw this even bigger opportunity. Oh my God, like, how is this happening? There's so many, sometimes, you know, some like weird things happen in life and you have no explanation why and how all these things align. But, but for me, it's like this club was made really to.

to be aligned with BOTEF and to be, uh, to, to, to be aligned with Bitcoin and with Nostr. If I look at all the other clubs in Bulgaria, right, like just in Bulgaria, none of the others, like, there's no this contextual historical background that you can make these connections. But with us, we have it, and what a chance that, like, we have this owner, and he got, like, introduced to it, and then we got connected.

Like, how the hell does this happen, man? I don't know,

Luke: We like to say this, the surreal doesn't end, you know, and like, uh, my, my whole story, I've been talking about this, uh, at the, the conference here is like two years ago was the first time I ever met Bitcoiners here in Baltic Honeybadger. We, we met for the, for the first time, uh, all three of us, uh, met for the first time two years ago, I've been in Baltic Honeybadger and it's like, things, things happen so fast.

Uh, I've, I've, uh, I've thought it was been awesome just following, uh, what you've been doing with the, the club and the story. So great to, Great to get to talk about it, but, uh,

Bitcoin in Football

George: Yeah. No, for, for me, like really the, the most exciting part is really even coming forward. So, uh, because, so now it's been, so we, a long, we announced, uh, publicly that we're doing this, uh, 31st October last year. So the anniversary of the, of the, uh, Bitcoin White paper, um, we've built a lot right. And very, very importantly, I'm super proud, like, I don't know if you saw this, but like a month ago, we played on European League, the UEFA League with Bitcoin straight on our jerseys, which was like, like, when I saw this, I'm like, dude, it's crazy that this is happening.

But, but the best is really yet to come, like, like we like to say. Um, so I, I think we, we're, we have, um, we have still so much more to do. So for me, the next big part, which I'm super excited about literally in the coming month as, uh, as I go back. So is to finally get some of our. Players or at least one or two to get to do something publicly about this, because at the end of the day, that's why for me, the more I do, the more I, uh, play in this arena, I realized this is really a Trojan horse for us to bring Bitcoin into the conversation, into the minds, like I said, of people who otherwise wouldn't and, and our players, you know, especially a few of them, they're really influencers, right?

Um, a lot of people follow them. A lot of people respect them. And, um, and if they do, uh, you know, something meaningful, something cool, something impactful, this is going to have a huge impact onto our forwards. This could very well have impact onto, um, other sportsmen, other football people, other football clubs, right?

Uh, so that's why I'm doing it, right? Really?

Luke: No, this is fantastic, and actually this was exactly where I was hoping to go next, so thank you for queuing that up. But, no, no, the game theory of all this, right? Like, one club getting, Positioning as the, as the Bitcoin club in a league, uh, really means that eventually all the other clubs are going to need to adopt Bitcoin.

If they're going to be able to compete, because if play playing out the game theory, number go up, whatever it is, Bitcoin strategy plays out, you guys are going to be the most financially capable club. Financially sustainable in not very long, you know, assuming everything plays out the way we're thinking it will, right?

So, so other, other clubs then would become incentivized to also adopt Bitcoin. So what, what do you, what do you think about that? Like you, do you, do you see that, uh, happening as well?

George: Yeah, I'm not really sure if it would happen to me. That fast, to be fair. Like, I think it's inevitable, right, obviously, but I think it, yeah, like, I think this definitely takes at least three, four years, maybe more. Um,

Luke: That's, that's still pretty fast.

George: yeah, I guess. I mean, I mean, like, okay, let me define it better. It takes three, four years.

So, for other clubs within our league to start doing something like this, uh, maybe it takes less time for other clubs to realize it, but I think for them to do it, it also depends on our actions, right? So because like, we don't have like a treasury of microstrategy or something, so it's not, and we're not doing like a

Luke: you don't?

George: monthly like leverage on top of leverage on top of another leverage, you know, uh, we're not in, in Michael's privileged position. but we can do other cool things, right? Uh, one of the, um, so this is not yet live and this is not yet happening, but one of the, like two, two projects, let's say, I'm gonna briefly, like, tease here that, that I'm working on that I hope to have very large impact is first, uh, building this, uh, simple tool Uh, called like a Bitcoin, uh, football salary calculator that, uh, it's like really a DCA tool, but like looking back and like tailoring it to our niche where I want to, for us to visually and emotionally Show, um, to players, but also to fans of ours, like what Bitcoin could have done for their remuneration, if you look one year back in time, two years back in time, three years back in time, four years back in time, and for them to really realize, Oh my God, this is a no brainer.

Right? I want to make this mess. And this is hard, right? Um, because like, there's so many tools and like, but I want to be, because the audience is very wide, very different types of audience. I want to make this so that you can consume it in like two, three, four minutes. And you're like, okay, I need to learn more about this.

This actually is interesting. There's like, that's so much dense and emotional and compact information that you're like, Whoa. Why am I not doing this? How did I miss this?

Knut: What, what, what was the name of that website? I, I don't know if it's still up, but bitcoin or shit.com or something like that. So, so it lists if you bought this item when it came out, an iPhone five or whatever, uh, and if you had bought b bitcoin instead.com, I think that that's the, that's the name. So if you bought, uh, if you bought Bitcoin instead, it shows you how much, how much more money you'd have now and how many iPhones you

George: Yeah. Yeah. And of course there's many of these tools, obviously like we've all see them and we all like like them and retweet them and repost them. And it's all great. But I think, at least I hope that we can do something impactful with this. If we really tailor it, compact it to a specific type of niche audience with a specific message designed for them.

And because this audience is also like. A type of audience who can also like, um, you know, bring it to other bubbles that we ourselves are not part of, right? So that's, for example, one like, uh, one like project I'm very, very excited about and I hope we can, um, yeah, we'll bring forward relatively soon.

There's a few moving elements, but definitely in the coming month or two, uh, at most. And then, uh, and then, you know, speaking of the other clubs, what, what I want us to do is what we're working is next year, we're targeting to do, I hope we could do the world's first, uh, Bitcoin, uh, Cup tournament. Uh, for youth players, 70 year old boys who are, you know, right there before they sign their first professional contract, start earning money, for them, first of all, like, it's a Bitcoin football cup, like, it's the first time this, this could potentially ever happen And then it's, it's a football first tournament, right?

This is the, we want to make it like top quality, like really the highest quality when it comes to sports, but then you have Bitcoin involved all over the place, right? In terms of brand, in terms of rewards, in terms of, um, in terms of like plays, um, like, like games and, and interactions, activations, uh, throughout, before, throughout, and after the, And after the event, and for this, I'm targeting to get really like, like big clubs.

I mean, because it's academies, right? I mean, I cannot get the Manchester United first team, just maybe we could get the Manchester United 17 year old team or, you know, another big club. We get some of these, and then like we get their brands, we get them on the focus of Bitcoin. And we drive the conversation faster, you know, not three, four years from now, but Less

Knut: what about, um, like right now there's you and there's, um, you guys and there's a real bed for it, right? Those are the two I know of in Europe. Are you aware of any other clubs that are doing a Bitcoin strategy? I mean, is this virus spreading? Like, have you heard anything like,

George: Um, Oh, there's, uh, there's the Austrian Admira Vakir who have done some integration. So it's a second tier, uh, second league, uh, second league, uh, club that have, uh, that have, uh, you know, they've also had Bitcoin on the, their second team jersey. And, um, and they, they also accept Bitcoin payments, uh, here and there, but you know, the thing is, there's some other clubs, um, there's a Miami, um, not Miami, um, a Hawaiian club that, that is doing, uh, that is doing like their Bitcoin gig,

Knut: yeah, there are other, other sports, right, other sports team and sports teams in other sports that are doing it. But, but for football specifically,

George: which ones?

Knut: Uh, I'm so bad with sports, but wasn't there like a hockey team or a basketball team or

Luke: I'm not aware of any others, actually. Yeah, like, uh, there's been some attempts at

Knut: it's

Luke: an orange colored team or something like

Knut: more the individual athletes,

Luke: Yeah, yeah, there have been individual

Knut: for instance, a

Luke: have been individual

Knut: player, and there was some American football player.

George: There's been individual athletes, a lot of them. There's been, I was asking if you know, but there's been a baseball club in Australia, the Port Heat. Uh, who did kind of a Bitcoin strategy. Uh, but very unfortunately that didn't work out. They kind of started this at the peak of the last bull cycle. And, um, and as I understand, uh, there wasn't like a strong alignment between the owners and the management in terms of like understanding that this is a long game.

So that's why this kind of flopped. Um, but yeah, like I, I think the reason why it's not happening in more, unfortunately, and, and, and I see this even, even within our club, uh, you know, but, but definitely no other clubs because Fiat has permitted sports as well. Right. So all the sports club, uh, clubs or the vast majority in football, for sure.

They're like, you know, on the hamster wheel themselves.

Knut: They're indebted,

George: They're indebted.

Knut: to an extreme level,

George: yeah, like, like fighting for every dollar for every income. So it's, it's hard for you to like, Oh yeah, we're going to have this long term Bitcoin strategy that's going to take like two, three, four, five years to play out.

And we can benefit a lot from it. It's very, very hard in, you know, unfortunately for a large organizations, sports club in particular to To have this realization, to map this out, to get others on board. That's why it's not so popular and uh, and that's why I'm grateful and keep pushing that we have this chance.

Luke: I mean, you make a great point here about essentially the, it's the organizational alignment, right? Like the, the, these are companies, sports clubs are companies. They just have this large, the business is involved around getting fans to come in and consume this sort of marketing. Product, essentially. So it's, it's a certain kind of company that's run a certain way, but just like any other company, you need, you need alignment from the management.

So it's, it's fantastic that, uh, Boteb Plovdiv has, has the, uh, alignment and is, is putting their, their trust in you to, to move this thing forward. And I mean, from the, from the perspective of this thing, Playing out, right? The, the best part that, uh, I think one of the best parts that you, you mentioned again was the, the influencers.

Like you get, you get some players, there's, there's so many angles to, to reach people through this. I think it's, I think it's fantastic. The, uh, orange pilling a player and then they move to another club, but they, they, maybe they don't get to get paid in Bitcoin, but maybe they still put, put their money in, in Bitcoin.

Maybe they even ask their club to, to, uh, pay them in Bitcoin, something like that. And then the, the Questions start getting, uh, asked and all this.

5 Year Goals

Luke: So what, what is the, the goal in, in five years, for example, where, where do you see the club in the five year mark?

George: Oh man. Yeah, in five years, I think we definitely have to be in Champions League. Like in my mind, you know, like people around me like, oh, you're too ambitious. I'm like, man, yeah, like in five years, we definitely have to be in Champions League. Uh, that's, that's my personal goal. On our internal Slack, I have the Champions League icon there.

That's why I'm there, right? Um, so, uh, it's a lot of hard work. Like, it's really a lot of hard work. And it's also not completely dependent on me and my work, to be fair. Like, because, at all. I mean, really, like, uh, I mean, at the end of the day, the most important part is the sports department, right? Uh, in the club.

Um, so that has to continue going well. But, but I think We're going in a good direction there too, because we have the, they're the long term view as well, right. We have our academy internally, which is, yeah, it's one of the best academies. It's the best really academy in terms of infrastructure in the country.

That's why we're also can't afford to think of this Bitcoin Cup tournament, because we have the infrastructure, we have like a super cool stadium, that's crazy. If we can, if we can do a final for, for such a tournament there. Um, so, so we have all the things in place in terms of In terms of assets, I would say, uh, it's just a lot of moving parts.

a lot of work, consistency, and a bit of luck. Always it comes, you know, when, when it comes to, when it comes to football and sports, but, but five years from now, I want us to be in the champions league. I want us to be the absolute, you know, international professional level, uh, Bitcoin level, Bitcoin sports club.

and, uh, and I want for this tournament that I start to be like a, like, like to have the fourth edition by then. Uh, and, and I want to have clubs, but five years is a lot of time, you know, as you say, like, I also want to have other clubs following us by then. I think that's absolutely, absolutely is going to be doable.

Knut: What, what are the, what are the tax laws around Bitcoin in Bulgaria? Like what, are there any issues there? Or like what, is it easy enough,

George: It's kind of okay. Uh, it's kind of okay. So if you just buy Bitcoin and hold it, like you don't, uh, you don't, uh, incur taxes, uh, until you sell it, if you accept Bitcoin for payments, um, and if you don't sell it, you can just, uh, keep it as inventory on your balance sheet. So again, no,

Knut: but there's a capital gains tax or something if you sell it. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Alright.

George: 10%. So it's, it's, uh,

Knut: Pretty good.

George: Yeah, I mean, it's not like El Salvador. Okay. Uh, but, but it's, uh, it's, it's way better than many other places. Um, and, uh, yeah, so we've been looking, looking actually, so I was in El Salvador a couple of months ago, because we've been looking very much to do stuff there.

And we've been, uh, yeah. Um, because we've been, we've been thinking of what to do more with Bitcoin, right? So that's why I said, like, it's not just about buying and accepting Bitcoin. It's about corporate strategies, about branding strategies, about how to make money. Um, it's about education strategies. It's, there's so much around it.

So in terms of corporate strategy, I was, uh, we're very attracted by El Salvador, um, and their, uh, capital markets regulation, because they're basically striving to build capital markets on top of Bitcoin. Bitcoin is legal tender there. They have all kinds of, tax incentives for companies to issue debt or to sell equity.

on their capital, on their, um, well, let's say nascent upcoming capital markets, because it's not like it's, you know, hustling and bustling yet. Um, but, but they're, they've put a lot of the rails, uh, um, or they're building a lot of the rails to, um, to really enable the, the, the creation of Bitcoin based capital markets.

So, um, we've had great talks there. We have meetings with, uh, um, we have. Yeah, with the Bitcoin office, right? Um, so, ideally, like, we're striving to build some connection there and to do something, interesting and world first again from a corporate perspective. It's just that, as many things, it's a little harder than you would expect it to be, or it takes a little more time than, Then you would hope to do it.

But my idea or long term vision, frankly, like what we want to do with Bitcoin, uh, and with the club is to enable our current fans and global fans to become co owners of the club. And that's why, you know, I have big hopes for, uh, for us being able to do this out of El Salvador and through El Salvador, because this would, like from a tax perspective, from a branding perspective, from legal security perspective would be, would be ideal.

It's just that, again, um, my enthusiasm is a little over, uh, ahead of kind of like how, uh, how, how advanced and set up everything there is, but, uh, but we're, we're very actively talking to them. We're working with many parties there, so. Just maybe we can have big news there too.

International and Local Effects

Luke: Well, no, and, and you actually said something great about global fans. I think this is a, a fantastic thing, right? A a again, Bedford is, is similar. They've, they've got, they've got fans all over the world and, and I think for you guys it's like who is going to tune into the Bulgarian football league outside of Bulgaria before, well, not too many people, but now a bunch of Bitcoiners.

If they're into, if they're into football or, or not even, because this is the funny thing. There were, there were a lot of people posting about that. They, they've got, they, they don't usually follow, follow sports at all, but, but they'll follow the Bitcoin team. So the, the funny thing is, I think, I think the first, the first club to adopt Bitcoin in every league is going to get all of these global fans.

And maybe the, maybe the, the second one, the third one, maybe can get some kind of other support, but it's really the first one in every

George: really.

Luke: That, that

George: Not

Luke: That's that. I, I completely agree with you there. It's the, it's the first one

Knut: first mover advantage.

Luke: mover advantage. It's gonna get, it is gonna get all of the, all of the Bitcoiners are gonna now be, be supporting and, uh, uh, yeah.

I mean, have, have you seen, uh, some, some uptick in, uh, kind of international

George: yeah, yeah. So, international but also local. Like, local is very important. Like, we have, like, so many people in the country who's like, just what you say, like, I didn't care about sports or football, like, forever, or at all, ever, but now I follow, now I buy merch, now I come, you know, every now and then they come to games, so

Luke: Well, because there's the bread and circuses thing that you said, it gets tossed around in the Bitcoin world and also some other places on kind of the Twitter sphere and whatever, it's like it's a distraction, that sports is sort of a distraction from clown world basically and it's a way of people to sort of Uh, forget about what's going on around them, but I think that's also missing the, the positives, which it, it's a, it's a community builder, it brings people together, there's a, there's a sense of, of pride in, in something local succeeding, everyone, everyone's happy, there's, there's real economic, uh, effects usually when a, when a local sports team wins, and so, so from, from my perspective, I, I, I think, I think sport is a good thing, and it's, and it's, it's something that, that people can rally around, and so,

George: an amazing thing.

Luke: Yeah.

And, and so what, what are, what are you looking at locally? Like what, what do you hope to have the effect, uh, uh, locally in, in piv?

George: Yeah. Um, yeah, no, look, uh, for me, sports, like, for us, the, the, the, the, about Plovdiv, for me, that's what I realized, like, we're kind of very much into Bitcoin and stuff, obviously, that's our interest, but I think when we go on a Bitcoin standard, Right. And, uh, in general, people start feeling wealthier, opposed to, like, being in the grind.

You're just going to have more time for fun stuff, right? Like playing football, I mean, or volleyball, or whatever your sport is, or, like, going and cheering your team, and, uh, and being part of such a community. And I think that's really what, you know, even Nostr is about. Like it's, Being part of these communities, because that's fun, and like, we as humans, at the end of the day, we are living to be part of communities, right?

And you find your community, you're an active part of it, you contribute to it, you evolve it, right? You build it in one way or another. And unfortunately, you know, today in the fiat world, this is just like A stress valve in many ways, or like you say, like Brothers and Sisters, whatever. Um, but, uh, but I think it can be so much more, right?

It is, but it can be so much more for a larger amount of people and so on and so forth. uh, but yeah, well, back in Plovdiv, man, like, I have big hopes. I really have big, big ambitions there. I want to get Bitcoin into the wallets of, uh, of like tens of thousands of people. I want people to wake up. I want people to see.

Luke: big is piv? How many

George: It's like three, four hundred thousand people. So it's a lot. Uh, our stadium is, uh, 21, 000 seats stadium. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. It's, it's 19. I wish it was 21.

Luke: Yeah. You'll have to add 2000 more

George: Maybe, yeah, we'll, we'll think of some additional construction.

Luke: the, make the infinity stand when

George: Right. Right. But, uh, but yeah, like the setting was super cool. Like, it's really cool.

Like when it's feel like, man, the atmosphere is amazing. Um, and so it's, and it's really this community that you can feel that people are involved. So it's, it's like consistency and it's social engineering in one way or another, right?

Knut: one of our favorite words,

George: but in a positive way.

Knut: in a positive way, okay.

George: So it's social engineering for us to ingrain Bitcoin and make it part of kind of what people see, do, have, own, interact with, right?

So, uh, I think exactly because of this community element, exactly because, Because, you know, football is a football club and there's this unique living organism we can, we can create this and, you know, it's fascinating. I'm so much into this and there's other people who are so much into this. Oh my god, like, we can make such a big difference.

And, and like in the country. You know, on a political and economic level, they don't get it. Like, they don't see it. They just are in their, you know, like, oh, are we going to accept the euro? Oh, what's happening with the war? I'm like, who cares? Let's build.

Bulgarian Currency Situation

Knut: Yeah, Bulgaria has its own shitcoin, I almost forgot about that, but uh, what's it called again?

George: Kinda. Um, but not quite, to be fair. It's, it's a good coin, uh, not for investing, but, but for medium of exchange is actually decent. Uh, Lev, Lev

Knut: Lev, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah,

George: and I recently got educated about this. So, uh, the lev is pegged to the euro. So, um, uh, so, so that, that is super cool for, for us, for me as a consumer, for businesses, because like the fixed rate.

So for trade is, um, It's, it's good, right? As the world would be in the future. You have one currency, Bitcoin, you don't have the currency exchange risk, right? We don't have it only with the European Union. And the good part with this, so, we got, we got hyperinflation back in 1997. Was really bad. People lost almost everything, everything, in many cases.

Um, and then we got this so called currency board introduced and the currency board is like we have the left, but the left has to be backed up by other currencies. So it's like a stable coin, kind of like how Tether is backed by, by dollars. You know, the levy is backed by euro and like a basket of, I think they have some other currencies and assets, which is cool because the local politicians, they cannot print, they cannot, you know, so, so it's been, it's been, I think, way better than Hungary, Sweden, uh, Finland, you have your, oh

but Sweden I've heard it's kind of bad,

Knut: It's kinda bad, Norway too, like, both Swedish and Norwegian crown, and the crown in Czechia, like the Czech Republic, it's also

George: Yeah.

Knut: I mean, they're all going to shit the smaller

George: So, so for us, it's like, I would say we're better than, than the Corona, the, and, and all these like local currencies, because we kind of just are there to the, peg to the Euro. The local politicians don't have the opportunity to print. So it's, it's a very good position for us to be.

Luke: You, you get the, the negatives of the, the euro. But, but still, I mean, I mean the, the realistically, the dollar at the Euro and maybe the, the Chinese currency are the only, are the only ones that are in the, sort of within our own, within our own lifetimes are, are going to be not as terribly bad against Bitcoin.

But all the other ones are just, are. All the other ones are

Knut: Yeah, I think it's just a matter of time before both, uh, at least Sweden, uh, switches to Euro standard. If not switching to Bitcoin standard happens first, but well, we'll see, we'll see what happens.

George: man. I'm very bearish about the Euro.

Knut: yeah, yeah, it's like,

Luke: It'll be the second last to fall or third last but but yeah it's it's it's it's not going to be the the last and so it's yeah.

Knut: So that is what it is. I mean, speaking of Bulgaria and currencies and stuff,

Bitcoin Adoption in Bulgaria

Knut: like, how is the rest of, how is Bitcoin adoption in general in Bulgaria? What's happening in other places? Like, Plamen opened a bar, I saw, and like, what are the connections? What's happening?

George: It's actually quite cool. I'm, I'm, I'm quite happy with, with how the ecosystem is evolving. There's, there's Plamen, um, with his whole community, like content creation, the conferences he's been doing, which has been like a very, I think he's responsible for like, I don't know, probably like, 000, maybe several 10, 000s of people who have opened their eyes and even if they're not hard bitcoiners, they now own bitcoin.

Uh, so that's huge. We have other content creators also who've had an impact. We have now once or twice per, yeah, about twice per year we have like, uh, A small, uh, merchant, uh, like, conference events, so for merchants to accept Bitcoin. we have these people who are active and who are doing things. Now, actually, yeah, there's something new that's coming up here, uh, literally in Plovdiv is we have this, um, this, uh, great dudes who have this, um, um, it's an application for, uh, ordering food, like takeaway and, uh, what is it, like,

Knut: like Glovo or

George: yeah, yeah, like Glovo, um, but, um, but, um, But it's not like this big corporate thing that, but, but still, it's a very good product and they've integrated accepting Bitcoin there for quite some time now they've made it even easier and they've introduced.

So we have like about, I think it's 15 restaurants in Sofia and like five or so in Plovdiv where through their system, you can order food. And pay with Bitcoin online, or you can also go in the restaurant and pay in Bitcoin online, and they just, um, they just won a, uh, grant from, uh, Bitcoin Beach, uh, and, uh, they're going to use the grant, uh, to, well, the attempt is really to start like a small circular economy, if you would Um, where, so if you go, uh, to one of those restaurants and pay with Bitcoin, you're going to get sats back 10%, and then, um, the restaurant is also going to get 10 percent sats back.

And if you order food, um, through their app, also the driver is going to get, uh, some sats back. And, uh, we've just been discussing, because obviously we're partnering with them, with the football club, so we'll push this out, because some of the restaurants that are there are our, I mean, basically, like, we have two restaurants locally that are partners, we got them in, right, obviously, in the deal, um, So, so that is also like, for me, it's like super cool because now for so far, the club has been pushing Bitcoin.

Now we have two of our restaurant partners who are themselves like hard Botevists, Botefans, and like they're popular. Now they're starting to accept Bitcoin in their, in their two restaurants, right? And they're going to have their campaigns. We're going to push them more. So, um, so I'm really excited about this and fingers crossed this goes well.

We have good metrics because if we have good metrics. Yeah, we'll look for ways to grow this. So there's a lot of grassroots things happening, which I love. On the top, nothing.

Knut: It's the way it's supposed to be.

George: But it's the way it is. Yeah, it's a better

Luke: Yeah it really seems like that you get one or two of these big anchors like like for example you you guys have had that had that conference last couple of years but now with both of Plavdev now Bulgaria is really got a couple of big anchors. Big relative in relative terms, uh, and all of this other stuff can, can start coming up around it.

And, uh, love, love to see it. I mean, he, I mean here, here with Rega, there's Honey Budger has been going for a really long time, and I, and I even think that they are honest about, we, we would, we just talked to, to Max, uh, about this, uh, from Defi and like yeah, there's not much other adoption in, in Lavia and this conference has been going on for a long time.

Exactly. And so it's just like, uh, it's, it's, it's great to see, uh, in, in your case, in Bulgaria's case, that there's, there's more of this, uh, picking up. So, yeah,

George: Well, I think it's really, in our case, I don't know, like it's grassroots, like I said, and I really believe grassroots and then Rio or for the vast majority, Rio adoption comes permissionless life. It comes like it's not forced. You know, there is this point where, okay, there's Plamen, like, he got the inspiration, he makes his content, he does the conferences, Like, our owner, he sees this opportunity for Bitcoin, for the club. He takes the action, right? So it's, it's not like, so it's individuals, right? Taking actions and then, as you have, you know, several of them, maybe others get inspired or get ideas going and that's how the magic happens. And, uh, yeah. Excited about it.

Wrapping Up

Luke: it's awesome, man. Great hear your story. So, was, uh, was there anything else that you wanted to discuss or bring up on this topic?

George: no, I mean, what I would say is absolutely, uh, Please, uh, you know, Knut, you've been, but please, you're absolutely welcome, Luke, join as well, like, both of you should come

Knut: Absolutely. Highly recommend it. I had a great time in Bulgaria, and it's such a fascinating country, it's such a rich history and such a beautiful place, and the food is great, and it's very affordable, it's very, yeah, very

George: like, I have people who come in Plogis specifically to, like, nomads, spend, like, a or a month. So, so please enjoy, visit the game. come spend in the restaurants where they accept Bitcoin, follow us on social media for sure, so, X and Nostr,

Luke: Yes, all the details, please.

Knut: And also like one of the eras, uh, infamous eras of Bulgaria is the commie era, right? Where you can see the impact that system had on the country and how horrid it is. Uh, so it's, it's, uh, that might not be a good pitch for, uh, but that's

Luke: Let him, let him share his social medias, Knut.

George: wait, do you have, do you have something

Knut: no, no, I think like the, The point I was getting to is, if you get to Bulgaria, don't only go to Sofia, go around the rest of the country, because it's not as raped as that town was by, as that city was by communism, all this concrete, yeah, yeah,

George: yeah, the,

Knut: you can really see the impact there. I'm not, um, yeah, this came out totally wrong, but I'm trying to, I'm trying to, To hype Bulgaria here, but also there's a historical lesson to be learned in the country, for sure,

George: sure. It's really like, there's so many different things there. So there's the communist part, there's like fucking amazing nature, there's like

Knut: is everything, yeah.

George: if you're into hiking, there's like, just like from Sofia, what I love about Sofia, like just last week, twice, end of the day, I'm like fucked up, like tired of computer.

40 minutes up and I'm up in the mountains, hiking, in like 2000 meters altitude. Uh, so, so there's all these like super cool things, but on the socials, yeah, we're on Twitter. we're on Nostr, uh, so Twitter is, um, botif underscore, uh, en, on Nostr, uh, we are just botif. Yeah, you can find us.

Luke: going say you're NPUB? No, no, no,

George: I'm still learning it, okay?

Luke: we'll post, you're still learning, we'll post all the details in the show

George: Yes. Yes. And feel free to also check out our website. We have, due to our El Salvadorian, um, kind of project, we already have a Salvadorian website, which is very easy to remember, botif. sv. So you can go there and from there you'll find all the links and information.

Luke: Absolutely fantastic.

Knut: Great! Get the inverse of Clown World. This is a shill. BitcoinInfinityStore. com And thank you very much for coming on,

George: was great having

Knut: Great to have

Luke: George, thanks so much. This has been Bitcoin Infinity Show. Thank you for

About Dragonbane Creation

Dragonbane Creation is a project to create an original epic space saga and represents the next generation of science-fiction, worldbuilding and concept art.

Humanity had to leave Earth behind after a massive invasion. Following an arduous exodus, they arrive on a new planet they call Heavngard, where they have to build everything anew.

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• Dragonbane Creation was founded in May 2020 in Wrocław, Poland.
• We publish NFTs on the Stacks (STX) chain.
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TL;DR: The mathematics of trust says that news reporting will fall flat when the population becomes suspicious of the media. Which is now the case for growing subgroups in the U.S. as well as in Sweden.

A recent wedding celebration for Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Åkesson resulted in controversy, as one of the guests in attendance was reportedly linked to organized crime. Following this “wedding scandal”, a columnist noted that the party’s voters had not been significantly affected. Instead of a decrease in trust - which one might have expected - 10% of them stated that their confidence in the party had actually increased. “Over the years, the Sweden Democrats have surprisingly emerged unscathed from their numerous scandals,” she wrote. But is this really so surprising?

In mathematics, a probability is expressed as the likelihood of something occurring given one or more conditions. For example, one can express a probability as “the likelihood that a certain stock will rise in price, given that the company has presented a positive quarterly report.” In this case, the company’s quarterly report is the basis for the assessment. If we add more information, such as the company’s strong market position and a large order from an important customer, the probability increases further. The more information we have to go on, the more precise we can be in our assessment.

From this perspective, the Sweden Democrats’ “numerous scandals” should lead to a more negative assessment of the party. But this perspective omits something important.

A couple of years ago, the term “gaslighting” was chosen as the word of the year in the US. The term comes from a 1944 film of the same name and refers to a type of psychological manipulation, as applied to the lovely Ingrid Bergman. Today, the term is used in politics, for example, when a large group of people is misled to achieve political goals. The techniques used can be very effective but have a limitation. When the target becomes aware of what is happening, everything changes. Then the target becomes vigilant and views all new information with great suspicion.

The Sweden Democrats’ “numerous scandals” should lead to a more negative assessment of the party. But if SD voters to a greater extent than others believe that the source of the information is unreliable, for example, by omitting information or adding unnecessary information, the conclusion is different. The Swedish SOM survey shows that these voters have lower trust in journalists and also lower confidence in the objectivity of the news. Like a victim of gaslighting, they view negative reporting with suspicion. The arguments can no longer get through. A kind of immunity has developed.

In the US, trust in the media is at an all-time low. So when American media writes that “Trump speaks like Hitler, Stalin, and Mussolini,” that his idea of deporting illegal immigrants would cost hundreds of billions of dollars, or gets worked up over his soda consumption, the consequence is likely to be similar to here at home.

The mathematics of trust says that reporting will fall flat when the population becomes suspicious of the media. Or as the Swedish columnist put it: like water off a duck’s back.

Cover image: Ingrid Bergman 1946. RKO Radio Pictures - eBay, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

It was recently reported that Sweden's Minister for Culture, Parisa Liljestrand, wishes to put an end to anonymous accounts on social media. The issue has been at the forefront following revelations of political parties using pseudonymous accounts on social media platforms earlier this year.

The importance of the internet is also well-known. As early as 2015, Roberta Alenius, who was then the press secretary for Fredrik Reinfeldt (Moderate Party), openly spoke about her experiences with the Social Democrats' and Moderates' internet activists: Twitter actually set the agenda for journalism at the time.

The Minister for Culture now claims, amongst other things, that anonymous accounts pose a threat to democracy, that they deceive people, and that they can be used to mislead, etc. It is indeed easy to find arguments against anonymity; perhaps the most common one is the 'nothing to hide, nothing to fear' argument.

One of the many problems with this argument is that it assumes that abuse of power never occurs. History has much to teach us here. Sometimes, authorities can act in an arbitrary, discriminatory, or even oppressive manner, at least in hindsight. Take, for instance, the struggles of the homosexual community, the courageous dissidents who defied communist regimes, or the women who fought for their right to vote in the suffragette movement.

It was difficult for homosexuals to be open about their sexuality in Sweden in the 1970s. Many risked losing their jobs, being ostracised, or harassed. Anonymity was therefore a necessity for many. Homosexuality was actually classified as a mental illness in Sweden until 1979.

A couple of decades earlier, dissidents in communist regimes in Europe used pseudonyms when publishing samizdat magazines. The Czech author and dissident Václav Havel, who later became the President of the Czech Republic, used a pseudonym when publishing his texts. The same was true for the Russian author and literary prize winner Alexander Solzhenitsyn. Indeed, in Central and Eastern Europe, anonymity was of the utmost importance.

One hundred years ago, women all over the world fought for the right to vote and to be treated as equals. Many were open in their struggle, but for others, anonymity was a necessity as they risked being socially ostracised, losing their jobs, or even being arrested.

Full transparency is not always possible or desirable. Anonymity can promote creativity and innovation as it gives people the opportunity to experiment and try out new ideas without fear of being judged or criticised. This applies not only to individuals but also to our society, in terms of ideas, laws, norms, and culture.

It is also a strange paradox that those who wish to limit freedom of speech and abolish anonymity simultaneously claim to be concerned about the possible return of fascism. The solutions they advocate are, in fact, precisely what would make it easier for a tyrannical regime to maintain its power. To advocate for the abolition of anonymity, one must also be of the (absurd) opinion that the development of history has now reached its definitive end.

The rapid development of modern technology, especially in the field of intelligence, is profoundly affecting our lives and industries. Take jammer and signal detector for example. They are not only the products of high technology, but also play a vital role in specific occasions. They are also a microcosm of our understanding of modern intelligent transformation.

You may have heard of signal jammers. The function of this device is very simple, that is, to interfere with a certain communication signal by emitting interference waves stronger than the target signal. This may sound a bit "anti-social", but in fact, its application is very beneficial in some specific occasions.

With the popularity of wireless networks, wifi signal jammer have quietly entered our field of vision. As the name suggests, WiFi jammers make wireless network connections unstable by interfering with WiFi signals. This device can protect the network security of enterprises in some cases and prevent hackers from invading the company's internal systems through WiFi networks.

Speaking of recorder jammers, no one may refuse such a privacy protection device. Its working principle is similar to that of signal jammers. It emits noise of a specific frequency to cover the sound of conversations, thereby preventing them from being recorded. Imagine that in some sensitive business negotiations or private conversations, using a audio recording jammers can make participants feel more at ease without worrying about their voices being eavesdropped.

Relatively speaking, signal detectors are a more positive and positive technology product. It can help users identify various wireless signals in the surrounding environment, including WiFi, Bluetooth and other devices. Signal detectors can help individuals and companies identify potential signal interference or monitoring behaviors, thereby enhancing security and privacy protection.

For companies, using signal detectors can help them better manage network traffic and monitor the stability of internal signals. At the same time, when encountering signal problems, signal detector can also help quickly locate the source of faults and improve work efficiency.

The emergence of these technical products has made us more deeply aware of the opportunities and challenges brought by intelligent transformation to industry. With the continuous advancement of technology, more intelligent devices will appear in the future to help us protect safety and improve efficiency in complex information environments.

Of course, while enjoying the convenience and fun brought by these technologies, we must also use these devices reasonably and legally. I hope that in the future, we can seize every opportunity brought to us by technology in this rapidly changing world.

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2024-09-24 13:38:58

This is the cleaned, AI-generated transcript of Bitcoin Infinity Show #127

If you'd like to support us, check out https://bitcoininfinitystore.com/ for all our books, merch, and more!

Welcoming George Manolov

Luke: George, welcome to the Bitcoin Infinity Show, thank you for joining us.

George: Thank you, Knut.

Knut: Good to have you here, George.

George: to be here, yeah.

you're here to tell us about the city that I was most surprised by ever. Like, I've never heard of the city before I went to Bulgaria, Yeah, time flies.

Knut: So Plovdiv, Bulgaria, which was amazing, this rich, Thousands of years of history plays with a lot of different eras and different styles of architecture and stuff, really enjoyed Plovdiv, and you have a football team there.

George: yeah, indeed.

George Manolov and Botev Plovdiv

George: Please give us the story about George and Plovdiv Yeah, sure.

Knut: Plovdiv.

George: Sure, sure. So, Plovdiv is, well, I would say it's the oldest living city in Europe, so continuously inhabited. Like you say, not many people know it. I guess, like, we don't have good enough marketing, but, that's probably part of my job right now, right? To spread the word about it. so it's, like the second largest city in the country.

And, yeah, it's just this, it's very, like, I love how you put it because almost nobody has really heard of Plovdiv, right? Most people, when they hear of Bulgaria, they've probably heard of Sofia but Sofia is, okay, but Plovdiv is kind of the chill place, Plovdiv is the place that is actually worth visiting, the place where, people just enjoy going there.

I was born there, right? and, grew up there till 18 or so, then, Studied, lived in Sofia most of the time. And, last year, in kind of summer, I was already kind of way deeper into Bitcoin. I decided I'm going to go full time into Bitcoin, just commit all my time in Bitcoin at the time, educating, publishing books in Bulgarian about Bitcoin, creating my own educational platform.

And then I got, reached out and connected really to the owner of the football club in the city, which is also the oldest football club in the country, Botev Plovdiv, who was, well, he got introduced into Bitcoin himself and he realized it's going to be a very big, project. You know, going to play a central role in where the world is going.

Knut: What is this the owner of the club?

George: That's right. The owner of the club. was like, Hey, I think we can do something unique with Bitcoin because, you know, the club is really a company, right? It's a business on the one hand, but it's a special type of business, it's not where just you produce a certain product or service.

It's really a living organism where people are involved into it, for very emotional reasons. people feel like it's their own and it's not like a small group of people. It's a very large group of people. In our case, we have tens of thousands, arguably more than a hundred, 200, 000 people who care, who watch, who follow the club.

And so on the one hand, like there's many different ways in which we can look into this, but on the one hand. It's for me, what really inspired me and what got me like, Oh my God, like, is this really happening is that we can bring the conversation about Bitcoin from a completely different angle into society to a group of people who for the most part would never really They would like this, they would never listen to podcasts like this, they would never get to any of the kind of places and things we listen to, watch, consume, right?

and people go, You know, people go kind of for bread and circus, right,

Knut: yeah, yeah.

George: for the games. That's what really football is, right? It's fun and it's emotion, it's enjoyment, but then we push them censorship resistance and hard money, right?

And we don't really push it, you know, that's the thing, right? Because are like consistently, progressively, gradually over time, introducing it and finding the best way and the most appropriate way to, yeah, plant that seed. To the minds of the people, into the views of the people and so on and so forth.

so it's really like, you know, what we're trying to build is, we feel we're in a very privileged position, right? because we've been, the first really professional sports club globally, I would say, to have, uh, crypto Bitcoin, you know, people, departments, who is actually full time employed to, you know, think of a way to grow the business, to think of a way to integrate Bitcoin natively, within the various aspects of, of, of the organization, which obviously initially includes like accepting payments and so on and so forth.

But, um, but there's so much more you can do exactly with this type of, Like organization, again, like not, not, not just a business in a traditional sense.

Knut: Yeah. And, uh, won the league, right? Is that, is that right?

George: Yeah, man, like it's, uh, yeah, so we, um, when I started last year, things were super bad. Like exactly one year ago, I was there for the, for one of the first games. It was horrible. Like, I was like, okay, this is a great idea, but if the team is doing so bad and if, uh, if they keep losing and if the fans keep getting, you know, being unhappy, Um, it's not gonna go anywhere, but still, I gave it a, I gave it a go, right, because I was like, okay, I just hope that the sports side guys are going to do their, their part, and I have my opportunity here, um, to, to just like push, to educate, to, To do what, what, what life is giving me an opportunity to do.

And, uh, very fortunately, as we started working, the team started performing better and better and better. We got a completely new coach. We got a new sports director. We, we had a lot of key staff changes across the organization, which, Um, relatively quickly started showing results. So, uh, yeah, like, 10 months later in May, we won the Bulgarian Cup.

Luke: Is that the cup or the league? Like, uh,

George: it's the cup, it's the cup. So, so, I was saying, like, we started very bad in the league. And so, we were doing better and better, but still, like, we finished 9th in the league out of 16 clubs at the end of the day. But which was still okay, because, like, when I joined, like, we were, like,

Luke: Worried about relegation or something like that?

George: there. I mean,

Knut: We're complete, uh, like I've tried to take an interest to football, but like, uh, my ADD just, the brain just wanders away after five minutes and I can't concentrate anymore. So I don't

Luke: a basketball fan.

Knut: Am I now?

Football for Noobs

Knut: Uh, so, uh, what's the difference between the cup and the league? Let's begin there. That's, that's how much of a football noob I

George: So, so pretty much in every country is the same, right? You have a league or a championship where you have, in our case, 16 teams, and every team plays twice against every other team. So home game, away game, and then, you know, you either win three points when you win, or you lose, or you draw, and you, you, you win one point.

And then, so after you play, after you play, in our case, this, what is it, games? You know,

Luke: 30.

George: yeah, about 30. Yeah, right. You're better than Matt, it's obvious. So, um, so once you play these 30 games, um, you, um, yeah, like the team with the most points wins, right? Whereas, uh, the cup is direct elimination

Knut: So quarterfinals, semifinals, all that.

George: exactly. So it's the easier way. So this was the way for us to due to the bad start of the season. This was the way for us to, to achieve something in this season and to achieve something important because what the Cubs gives us as an opportunity and gave us was to play in the European Leagues.

So UEFA Leagues. And we just did that. We played six games. Uh, for the Europe, uh, Europe League and the Europe Conference League.

Knut: Okay. But to, to be in the champions league, that's a totally, you have to, yeah, yeah. You have to win the league and you have to win all sorts of stuff. Like how does that work?

George: yeah. You have to win the league. And then in our case, so in every country it's different, but in our case, we have to win, like we go to qualifications for the Champions League. So it's like, I mean, three to four games. And if we win that, we go to the Champions League.

Knut: Alright,

George: That's the current state of affairs, although that can change over the years.

Knut: alright, uh, it all makes sense to me now, that's a lie, but anyway.

Luke: No, uh, I'll definitely, we'll acknowledge here that I'm more of the, the sports fan, uh, generally here, and I, I follow football, I like, uh, I like European, uh, football, uh, well, and obviously I'm using the correct, uh, term despite my, um, my pseudo American accent, uh. Yeah, anyway, um, uh, no, it's fantastic to see, and I mean, yeah, for the non sports fans, uh, listening to this, I get that

Knut: Well, I am a sports fan, it's just that Starcraft 2 is my sport, and yeah, yeah,

Luke: yeah,

George: eSports.

Knut: yeah, yeah, so I watch, watch Starcraft 2 games. That's what I do for procrastination sometimes.

Luke: valid sports, I'm not going to compare it to other things that aren't

Knut: breakdancing? Is that a valid sport?

Luke: Breakdancing is, um, hmm, interesting. I think anything with points, that judges give points, is kind of not a sport, it's an activity.

Knut: yeah.

Luke: but, yeah, anyway,

Knut: thing to do.

Luke: is a thing to do, yes, definitely, but back to, back to, um, um, Botev Plod, is it Botev, Botev, what's, what's, Botev, Botev Plod, yeah, so, so, um, yeah, yeah, like, the, the, the achievement, winning, winning the cup, I mean, the, The cups are sort of more difficult.

They're both difficult in their own way, right? Like, the cup, you lose one game, you're out, basically, right? But, I mean, the league is like this endurance, achievement, right? You have to perform well over the course of the whole season. But the cheat code, so to say, and I probably subconsciously used the other football team's terminology, who's in the space, Real Bedford, um,

Botev Plovdiv's Bitcoin Strategy

Luke: The, the idea right, if, if I'm getting it, is that you guys would, would keep the Bitcoin in the, in the, the treasury, the, the company, and then over the course of time it's just gonna do the number go up thing and, and the, the club will have more resources.

Right. Is that, is that the idea you're thinking with the, the bitcoin strategy?

George: There's actually many, many things to it. And this is kind of the most, let's say, vanilla type of approach. Yeah, like just buy Bitcoin and hold it on the balance sheet, which is, which is great. But there's actually so many other things you can do. And that's where, because if you just do that, frankly, like, I mean, you don't need me involved, right, much.

I mean, just call Coinbase, whatever, wire the money, crack in and, buy. but with us it's like, really, uh, we see a huge opportunity to, first of all, align our brand with the Bitcoin brand, which is a royalty free, uh, The biggest brand in finance, for sure. One, uh, like it's going to be the biggest brand in the world for sure at some point.

Right. So that's, that's one play. And to do this, it's not enough for you to just buy Bitcoin and hold it on a balance sheet. It's what you need to do is proof of work, right? You need to do things that nobody has ever done. You need to really kind of be creative. Uh, and, and, um, to push the boundaries of what anyone has ever done before, right?

So, so that is, uh, that is my kind of job and it's a lot of, um, a lot of just like, let's, let's think of what, what new things we can do with Bitcoin and sports and football that nobody has ever done. Just because others are focused on the short term things, they're focused on, hitting those, those quick wins, those quick goals, which is why, for example, like a lot of the sports and, and that have, you know, interact, they haven't really interacted outside of Bedford with Bitcoin, right?

It's mostly been crypto because it's just, okay, let's make some quick money. Um,

Luke: usually, it's usually just sponsorships, right?

Knut: yeah,

George: yes. Um, and for us, because on the one hand, like, we're not like Manchester United, right? We're not Chelsea. So we don't have that much to monetize immediately. Like we're a large club, but.

Luke: You're a large club in a local league, which is, which is different from the, it's not one of the leagues that is internationally positioned like that. But, but, I mean, the, the difference between you guys and Bedford that I, that I think is, is really interesting. Like, McCormack, what he, Peter McCormack, what he's doing, I mean, he's, he's taking a club from the bottom and aiming for the top.

But who knows how long that's going to take him to get there, right? But you guys are already in the top of your league, right? Like, in the top league.

George: right, yeah, and also there's, there's different in this, we're in the top of our league. My goal, personally, is to go to Champions League, but this is very hard, right? Because, like, okay, when you start from Peter's ground, like, it's easy, okay, every year you level up, you level up, or, I mean, I'm not gonna say it's easy, but it's easier than, uh, than once you're, you know, at our level.

For us, it's important to play currently every year in European leagues like we've done so far and to every year consistently, like, increase the level of the sports, level of the business department bit by bit, and, but like breaking that point where we, you know, win the league, Where we win several more games and enter the Champions League, that, that's really hard.

I mean, because you're already at that stage where everybody, like, so many teams are so strong, right? So it's um, it takes just a lot of ingredients for you to, to, to hit, uh, in order to win. But we're gonna get there.

Knut: and does the club self custody it's bitcoin? And if so, is it a something out of 11 multisig, that sounds like a football thing?

George: Why so? Ah, yeah, an 11? Nah, nah, fuck that. I mean Nah, even, even 7 Motosick is a, is a killer, but no. Um, yeah, I can't really speak too much about this at this point. Yeah. Um, but, um, but yeah, I mean, we do, of course we do self custody. So that's, that's the approach that we've chosen with kind of a lot of, um, we've chosen to go really pure, pure Bitcoin in terms of the strategy.

And that's how we set ourselves apart. That's how we believe we win the long game because for instance, like we Bitcoin with BTC pay server. Which in my mind they don't even have competition. It's the only like, real, solid, autonomous, sovereign way to accept payments. And it's also the way which makes sense for like, Frankly, any standard business, because like, man, we're selling scarves, we're selling, um, membership boat cards, we're selling jerseys, we're selling basic merch, and if we are to sell it with basically any other service out there, outside of BTC Pay Server, we have to basically, uh, indirectly do KYC, right?

Like, we have to go through KYC, we have to go through KYB, which is ridiculous, um, in my mind. And so, um, so that's why we're exceptionally thankful to B2C Pay Server guys, uh, for what they've built. Uh, it's been like an absolute pleasure to, um, to use their product, to use their service. Uh, we have, you know, outside of B2C Pay, we, uh, we are the first, uh, sports club on Nostr.

Where, uh, we have, uh, actively been posting, exploring, you know, meeting people here. Kind of thinking of what we could do from our angle again, like first, first time on Nostr.

Aqua WAllet

George: Um, we have partnered with, uh, Aqua, JAN3's Aqua wallet, which has a, a Botive skin mode now. So if you go to settings, you can turn Botive mode and then it turns into the colors of the club and, you know, have the picture of the stadium there.

Um,

Luke: I'm using Aqua right now because, uh, uh, usually I like to use Aqua as like a sort of a middle wallet, uh, uh, because it's still slightly slower than other lightning wallets because they, they, the, everything actually lives on, on liquid and then they, they, uh, go out via bolts. Uh, so it's slightly slower than a faster, um, like, like than other, um, more direct lightning wallets.

And so usually when I come to a conference, I'm going to load up a, like a temporary. I don't know, Blink or something like that, but I forgot to do that, so I'm just using my Aqua wallet, and you know what, it's been great here, it's been working, uh, so yeah, we're big fans of Aqua wallet and what

Knut: Yeah, and a BTC pay server. I mean, uh, we can echo everything you said that we, BitcoinInfinity. com, like, and the store here We just fired up. Everything is powered by a BTC pay server, and we just love it. Yes.

Luke: So what was your question about, uh, Aqua?

George: If yours is on BOTEV mode.

Luke: Uh, I don't think I've gone into the settings and changed it to Vaudev mode, I'll have to do that, maybe we'll take

George: It's dark mode,

but cooler.

Luke: Doc dark mode, but cooler. Okay. Okay. Actually that's a, that's a, that's a good point. That's a good point. Yeah. We'll take a, we'll take a picture after, uh, after the episode and we'll de proof, bot, uh, bot e mode, and, uh, uh, post that on Nostr.

How does that sound?

George: Let's go.

Knut: Yeah. Nostr. Um, is there a connection there between both a plot and Nostr while you're doing Nostr stuff as well?

History and Freedom

George: Yeah. Well, look, um, a lot of these things is like, so What Botev Plovdiv stands for, um, very importantly, so the club was named after Hristo Botev, who's, uh, like, one of the most Bulgarians, if the most famous Bulgarian revolutionaries, like, historical figure, uh, he was a poet, he was a revolutionary, he fought for Bulgaria's freedom back in the day,

Luke: Which, which day, which, what day did you

George: uh, 110, uh, what is it, like, 50 years ago or so?

Yeah.

Knut: Mm-Hmm?

Luke: Okay. So, so

Knut: before the Commes.

Luke: ottoman, uh,

George: Yeah, yeah, yeah. He, he, he, he fought for the, for the liberation of Bulgaria from, from the Ottoman Empire. And a lot of what he stands for is this fight for freedom, his fight for liberty. Um, and this, this lives until this very day into the identity of the club and to what we stand for into the songs, into the, into the music.

Um, you know, um, the kind of like what, what our fans also resonate with, um, and, and what they sing like in many, in many ways. Right. So, um, Freedom of speech, freedom of, uh, of like freedom in general is, is a value that is deeply ingrained into kind of like what the club stands for. Um, and, uh, you know, that's why I'm into Bitcoin.

That's why I believe. And that's, that's why I saw this even bigger opportunity. Oh my God, like, how is this happening? There's so many, sometimes, you know, some like weird things happen in life and you have no explanation why and how all these things align. But, but for me, it's like this club was made really to.

to be aligned with BOTEF and to be, uh, to, to, to be aligned with Bitcoin and with Nostr. If I look at all the other clubs in Bulgaria, right, like just in Bulgaria, none of the others, like, there's no this contextual historical background that you can make these connections. But with us, we have it, and what a chance that, like, we have this owner, and he got, like, introduced to it, and then we got connected.

Like, how the hell does this happen, man? I don't know,

Luke: We like to say this, the surreal doesn't end, you know, and like, uh, my, my whole story, I've been talking about this, uh, at the, the conference here is like two years ago was the first time I ever met Bitcoiners here in Baltic Honeybadger. We, we met for the, for the first time, uh, all three of us, uh, met for the first time two years ago, I've been in Baltic Honeybadger and it's like, things, things happen so fast.

Uh, I've, I've, uh, I've thought it was been awesome just following, uh, what you've been doing with the, the club and the story. So great to, Great to get to talk about it, but, uh,

Bitcoin in Football

George: Yeah. No, for, for me, like really the, the most exciting part is really even coming forward. So, uh, because, so now it's been, so we, a long, we announced, uh, publicly that we're doing this, uh, 31st October last year. So the anniversary of the, of the, uh, Bitcoin White paper, um, we've built a lot right. And very, very importantly, I'm super proud, like, I don't know if you saw this, but like a month ago, we played on European League, the UEFA League with Bitcoin straight on our jerseys, which was like, like, when I saw this, I'm like, dude, it's crazy that this is happening.

But, but the best is really yet to come, like, like we like to say. Um, so I, I think we, we're, we have, um, we have still so much more to do. So for me, the next big part, which I'm super excited about literally in the coming month as, uh, as I go back. So is to finally get some of our. Players or at least one or two to get to do something publicly about this, because at the end of the day, that's why for me, the more I do, the more I, uh, play in this arena, I realized this is really a Trojan horse for us to bring Bitcoin into the conversation, into the minds, like I said, of people who otherwise wouldn't and, and our players, you know, especially a few of them, they're really influencers, right?

Um, a lot of people follow them. A lot of people respect them. And, um, and if they do, uh, you know, something meaningful, something cool, something impactful, this is going to have a huge impact onto our forwards. This could very well have impact onto, um, other sportsmen, other football people, other football clubs, right?

Uh, so that's why I'm doing it, right? Really?

Luke: No, this is fantastic, and actually this was exactly where I was hoping to go next, so thank you for queuing that up. But, no, no, the game theory of all this, right? Like, one club getting, Positioning as the, as the Bitcoin club in a league, uh, really means that eventually all the other clubs are going to need to adopt Bitcoin.

If they're going to be able to compete, because if play playing out the game theory, number go up, whatever it is, Bitcoin strategy plays out, you guys are going to be the most financially capable club. Financially sustainable in not very long, you know, assuming everything plays out the way we're thinking it will, right?

So, so other, other clubs then would become incentivized to also adopt Bitcoin. So what, what do you, what do you think about that? Like you, do you, do you see that, uh, happening as well?

George: Yeah, I'm not really sure if it would happen to me. That fast, to be fair. Like, I think it's inevitable, right, obviously, but I think it, yeah, like, I think this definitely takes at least three, four years, maybe more. Um,

Luke: That's, that's still pretty fast.

George: yeah, I guess. I mean, I mean, like, okay, let me define it better. It takes three, four years.

So, for other clubs within our league to start doing something like this, uh, maybe it takes less time for other clubs to realize it, but I think for them to do it, it also depends on our actions, right? So because like, we don't have like a treasury of microstrategy or something, so it's not, and we're not doing like a

Luke: you don't?

George: monthly like leverage on top of leverage on top of another leverage, you know, uh, we're not in, in Michael's privileged position. but we can do other cool things, right? Uh, one of the, um, so this is not yet live and this is not yet happening, but one of the, like two, two projects, let's say, I'm gonna briefly, like, tease here that, that I'm working on that I hope to have very large impact is first, uh, building this, uh, simple tool Uh, called like a Bitcoin, uh, football salary calculator that, uh, it's like really a DCA tool, but like looking back and like tailoring it to our niche where I want to, for us to visually and emotionally Show, um, to players, but also to fans of ours, like what Bitcoin could have done for their remuneration, if you look one year back in time, two years back in time, three years back in time, four years back in time, and for them to really realize, Oh my God, this is a no brainer.

Right? I want to make this mess. And this is hard, right? Um, because like, there's so many tools and like, but I want to be, because the audience is very wide, very different types of audience. I want to make this so that you can consume it in like two, three, four minutes. And you're like, okay, I need to learn more about this.

This actually is interesting. There's like, that's so much dense and emotional and compact information that you're like, Whoa. Why am I not doing this? How did I miss this?

Knut: What, what, what was the name of that website? I, I don't know if it's still up, but bitcoin or shit.com or something like that. So, so it lists if you bought this item when it came out, an iPhone five or whatever, uh, and if you had bought b bitcoin instead.com, I think that that's the, that's the name. So if you bought, uh, if you bought Bitcoin instead, it shows you how much, how much more money you'd have now and how many iPhones you

George: Yeah. Yeah. And of course there's many of these tools, obviously like we've all see them and we all like like them and retweet them and repost them. And it's all great. But I think, at least I hope that we can do something impactful with this. If we really tailor it, compact it to a specific type of niche audience with a specific message designed for them.

And because this audience is also like. A type of audience who can also like, um, you know, bring it to other bubbles that we ourselves are not part of, right? So that's, for example, one like, uh, one like project I'm very, very excited about and I hope we can, um, yeah, we'll bring forward relatively soon.

There's a few moving elements, but definitely in the coming month or two, uh, at most. And then, uh, and then, you know, speaking of the other clubs, what, what I want us to do is what we're working is next year, we're targeting to do, I hope we could do the world's first, uh, Bitcoin, uh, Cup tournament. Uh, for youth players, 70 year old boys who are, you know, right there before they sign their first professional contract, start earning money, for them, first of all, like, it's a Bitcoin football cup, like, it's the first time this, this could potentially ever happen And then it's, it's a football first tournament, right?

This is the, we want to make it like top quality, like really the highest quality when it comes to sports, but then you have Bitcoin involved all over the place, right? In terms of brand, in terms of rewards, in terms of, um, in terms of like plays, um, like, like games and, and interactions, activations, uh, throughout, before, throughout, and after the, And after the event, and for this, I'm targeting to get really like, like big clubs.

I mean, because it's academies, right? I mean, I cannot get the Manchester United first team, just maybe we could get the Manchester United 17 year old team or, you know, another big club. We get some of these, and then like we get their brands, we get them on the focus of Bitcoin. And we drive the conversation faster, you know, not three, four years from now, but Less

Knut: what about, um, like right now there's you and there's, um, you guys and there's a real bed for it, right? Those are the two I know of in Europe. Are you aware of any other clubs that are doing a Bitcoin strategy? I mean, is this virus spreading? Like, have you heard anything like,

George: Um, Oh, there's, uh, there's the Austrian Admira Vakir who have done some integration. So it's a second tier, uh, second league, uh, second league, uh, club that have, uh, that have, uh, you know, they've also had Bitcoin on the, their second team jersey. And, um, and they, they also accept Bitcoin payments, uh, here and there, but you know, the thing is, there's some other clubs, um, there's a Miami, um, not Miami, um, a Hawaiian club that, that is doing, uh, that is doing like their Bitcoin gig,

Knut: yeah, there are other, other sports, right, other sports team and sports teams in other sports that are doing it. But, but for football specifically,

George: which ones?

Knut: Uh, I'm so bad with sports, but wasn't there like a hockey team or a basketball team or

Luke: I'm not aware of any others, actually. Yeah, like, uh, there's been some attempts at

Knut: it's

Luke: an orange colored team or something like

Knut: more the individual athletes,

Luke: Yeah, yeah, there have been individual

Knut: for instance, a

Luke: have been individual

Knut: player, and there was some American football player.

George: There's been individual athletes, a lot of them. There's been, I was asking if you know, but there's been a baseball club in Australia, the Port Heat. Uh, who did kind of a Bitcoin strategy. Uh, but very unfortunately that didn't work out. They kind of started this at the peak of the last bull cycle. And, um, and as I understand, uh, there wasn't like a strong alignment between the owners and the management in terms of like understanding that this is a long game.

So that's why this kind of flopped. Um, but yeah, like I, I think the reason why it's not happening in more, unfortunately, and, and, and I see this even, even within our club, uh, you know, but, but definitely no other clubs because Fiat has permitted sports as well. Right. So all the sports club, uh, clubs or the vast majority in football, for sure.

They're like, you know, on the hamster wheel themselves.

Knut: They're indebted,

George: They're indebted.

Knut: to an extreme level,

George: yeah, like, like fighting for every dollar for every income. So it's, it's hard for you to like, Oh yeah, we're going to have this long term Bitcoin strategy that's going to take like two, three, four, five years to play out.

And we can benefit a lot from it. It's very, very hard in, you know, unfortunately for a large organizations, sports club in particular to To have this realization, to map this out, to get others on board. That's why it's not so popular and uh, and that's why I'm grateful and keep pushing that we have this chance.

Luke: I mean, you make a great point here about essentially the, it's the organizational alignment, right? Like the, the, these are companies, sports clubs are companies. They just have this large, the business is involved around getting fans to come in and consume this sort of marketing. Product, essentially. So it's, it's a certain kind of company that's run a certain way, but just like any other company, you need, you need alignment from the management.

So it's, it's fantastic that, uh, Boteb Plovdiv has, has the, uh, alignment and is, is putting their, their trust in you to, to move this thing forward. And I mean, from the, from the perspective of this thing, Playing out, right? The, the best part that, uh, I think one of the best parts that you, you mentioned again was the, the influencers.

Like you get, you get some players, there's, there's so many angles to, to reach people through this. I think it's, I think it's fantastic. The, uh, orange pilling a player and then they move to another club, but they, they, maybe they don't get to get paid in Bitcoin, but maybe they still put, put their money in, in Bitcoin.

Maybe they even ask their club to, to, uh, pay them in Bitcoin, something like that. And then the, the Questions start getting, uh, asked and all this.

5 Year Goals

Luke: So what, what is the, the goal in, in five years, for example, where, where do you see the club in the five year mark?

George: Oh man. Yeah, in five years, I think we definitely have to be in Champions League. Like in my mind, you know, like people around me like, oh, you're too ambitious. I'm like, man, yeah, like in five years, we definitely have to be in Champions League. Uh, that's, that's my personal goal. On our internal Slack, I have the Champions League icon there.

That's why I'm there, right? Um, so, uh, it's a lot of hard work. Like, it's really a lot of hard work. And it's also not completely dependent on me and my work, to be fair. Like, because, at all. I mean, really, like, uh, I mean, at the end of the day, the most important part is the sports department, right? Uh, in the club.

Um, so that has to continue going well. But, but I think We're going in a good direction there too, because we have the, they're the long term view as well, right. We have our academy internally, which is, yeah, it's one of the best academies. It's the best really academy in terms of infrastructure in the country.

That's why we're also can't afford to think of this Bitcoin Cup tournament, because we have the infrastructure, we have like a super cool stadium, that's crazy. If we can, if we can do a final for, for such a tournament there. Um, so, so we have all the things in place in terms of In terms of assets, I would say, uh, it's just a lot of moving parts.

a lot of work, consistency, and a bit of luck. Always it comes, you know, when, when it comes to, when it comes to football and sports, but, but five years from now, I want us to be in the champions league. I want us to be the absolute, you know, international professional level, uh, Bitcoin level, Bitcoin sports club.

and, uh, and I want for this tournament that I start to be like a, like, like to have the fourth edition by then. Uh, and, and I want to have clubs, but five years is a lot of time, you know, as you say, like, I also want to have other clubs following us by then. I think that's absolutely, absolutely is going to be doable.

Knut: What, what are the, what are the tax laws around Bitcoin in Bulgaria? Like what, are there any issues there? Or like what, is it easy enough,

George: It's kind of okay. Uh, it's kind of okay. So if you just buy Bitcoin and hold it, like you don't, uh, you don't, uh, incur taxes, uh, until you sell it, if you accept Bitcoin for payments, um, and if you don't sell it, you can just, uh, keep it as inventory on your balance sheet. So again, no,

Knut: but there's a capital gains tax or something if you sell it. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Alright.

George: 10%. So it's, it's, uh,

Knut: Pretty good.

George: Yeah, I mean, it's not like El Salvador. Okay. Uh, but, but it's, uh, it's, it's way better than many other places. Um, and, uh, yeah, so we've been looking, looking actually, so I was in El Salvador a couple of months ago, because we've been looking very much to do stuff there.

And we've been, uh, yeah. Um, because we've been, we've been thinking of what to do more with Bitcoin, right? So that's why I said, like, it's not just about buying and accepting Bitcoin. It's about corporate strategies, about branding strategies, about how to make money. Um, it's about education strategies. It's, there's so much around it.

So in terms of corporate strategy, I was, uh, we're very attracted by El Salvador, um, and their, uh, capital markets regulation, because they're basically striving to build capital markets on top of Bitcoin. Bitcoin is legal tender there. They have all kinds of, tax incentives for companies to issue debt or to sell equity.

on their capital, on their, um, well, let's say nascent upcoming capital markets, because it's not like it's, you know, hustling and bustling yet. Um, but, but they're, they've put a lot of the rails, uh, um, or they're building a lot of the rails to, um, to really enable the, the, the creation of Bitcoin based capital markets.

So, um, we've had great talks there. We have meetings with, uh, um, we have. Yeah, with the Bitcoin office, right? Um, so, ideally, like, we're striving to build some connection there and to do something, interesting and world first again from a corporate perspective. It's just that, as many things, it's a little harder than you would expect it to be, or it takes a little more time than, Then you would hope to do it.

But my idea or long term vision, frankly, like what we want to do with Bitcoin, uh, and with the club is to enable our current fans and global fans to become co owners of the club. And that's why, you know, I have big hopes for, uh, for us being able to do this out of El Salvador and through El Salvador, because this would, like from a tax perspective, from a branding perspective, from legal security perspective would be, would be ideal.

It's just that, again, um, my enthusiasm is a little over, uh, ahead of kind of like how, uh, how, how advanced and set up everything there is, but, uh, but we're, we're very actively talking to them. We're working with many parties there, so. Just maybe we can have big news there too.

International and Local Effects

Luke: Well, no, and, and you actually said something great about global fans. I think this is a, a fantastic thing, right? A a again, Bedford is, is similar. They've, they've got, they've got fans all over the world and, and I think for you guys it's like who is going to tune into the Bulgarian football league outside of Bulgaria before, well, not too many people, but now a bunch of Bitcoiners.

If they're into, if they're into football or, or not even, because this is the funny thing. There were, there were a lot of people posting about that. They, they've got, they, they don't usually follow, follow sports at all, but, but they'll follow the Bitcoin team. So the, the funny thing is, I think, I think the first, the first club to adopt Bitcoin in every league is going to get all of these global fans.

And maybe the, maybe the, the second one, the third one, maybe can get some kind of other support, but it's really the first one in every

George: really.

Luke: That, that

George: Not

Luke: That's that. I, I completely agree with you there. It's the, it's the first one

Knut: first mover advantage.

Luke: mover advantage. It's gonna get, it is gonna get all of the, all of the Bitcoiners are gonna now be, be supporting and, uh, uh, yeah.

I mean, have, have you seen, uh, some, some uptick in, uh, kind of international

George: yeah, yeah. So, international but also local. Like, local is very important. Like, we have, like, so many people in the country who's like, just what you say, like, I didn't care about sports or football, like, forever, or at all, ever, but now I follow, now I buy merch, now I come, you know, every now and then they come to games, so

Luke: Well, because there's the bread and circuses thing that you said, it gets tossed around in the Bitcoin world and also some other places on kind of the Twitter sphere and whatever, it's like it's a distraction, that sports is sort of a distraction from clown world basically and it's a way of people to sort of Uh, forget about what's going on around them, but I think that's also missing the, the positives, which it, it's a, it's a community builder, it brings people together, there's a, there's a sense of, of pride in, in something local succeeding, everyone, everyone's happy, there's, there's real economic, uh, effects usually when a, when a local sports team wins, and so, so from, from my perspective, I, I, I think, I think sport is a good thing, and it's, and it's, it's something that, that people can rally around, and so,

George: an amazing thing.

Luke: Yeah.

And, and so what, what are, what are you looking at locally? Like what, what do you hope to have the effect, uh, uh, locally in, in piv?

George: Yeah. Um, yeah, no, look, uh, for me, sports, like, for us, the, the, the, the, about Plovdiv, for me, that's what I realized, like, we're kind of very much into Bitcoin and stuff, obviously, that's our interest, but I think when we go on a Bitcoin standard, Right. And, uh, in general, people start feeling wealthier, opposed to, like, being in the grind.

You're just going to have more time for fun stuff, right? Like playing football, I mean, or volleyball, or whatever your sport is, or, like, going and cheering your team, and, uh, and being part of such a community. And I think that's really what, you know, even Nostr is about. Like it's, Being part of these communities, because that's fun, and like, we as humans, at the end of the day, we are living to be part of communities, right?

And you find your community, you're an active part of it, you contribute to it, you evolve it, right? You build it in one way or another. And unfortunately, you know, today in the fiat world, this is just like A stress valve in many ways, or like you say, like Brothers and Sisters, whatever. Um, but, uh, but I think it can be so much more, right?

It is, but it can be so much more for a larger amount of people and so on and so forth. uh, but yeah, well, back in Plovdiv, man, like, I have big hopes. I really have big, big ambitions there. I want to get Bitcoin into the wallets of, uh, of like tens of thousands of people. I want people to wake up. I want people to see.

Luke: big is piv? How many

George: It's like three, four hundred thousand people. So it's a lot. Uh, our stadium is, uh, 21, 000 seats stadium. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. It's, it's 19. I wish it was 21.

Luke: Yeah. You'll have to add 2000 more

George: Maybe, yeah, we'll, we'll think of some additional construction.

Luke: the, make the infinity stand when

George: Right. Right. But, uh, but yeah, like the setting was super cool. Like, it's really cool.

Like when it's feel like, man, the atmosphere is amazing. Um, and so it's, and it's really this community that you can feel that people are involved. So it's, it's like consistency and it's social engineering in one way or another, right?

Knut: one of our favorite words,

George: but in a positive way.

Knut: in a positive way, okay.

George: So it's social engineering for us to ingrain Bitcoin and make it part of kind of what people see, do, have, own, interact with, right?

So, uh, I think exactly because of this community element, exactly because, Because, you know, football is a football club and there's this unique living organism we can, we can create this and, you know, it's fascinating. I'm so much into this and there's other people who are so much into this. Oh my god, like, we can make such a big difference.

And, and like in the country. You know, on a political and economic level, they don't get it. Like, they don't see it. They just are in their, you know, like, oh, are we going to accept the euro? Oh, what's happening with the war? I'm like, who cares? Let's build.

Bulgarian Currency Situation

Knut: Yeah, Bulgaria has its own shitcoin, I almost forgot about that, but uh, what's it called again?

George: Kinda. Um, but not quite, to be fair. It's, it's a good coin, uh, not for investing, but, but for medium of exchange is actually decent. Uh, Lev, Lev

Knut: Lev, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah,

George: and I recently got educated about this. So, uh, the lev is pegged to the euro. So, um, uh, so, so that, that is super cool for, for us, for me as a consumer, for businesses, because like the fixed rate.

So for trade is, um, It's, it's good, right? As the world would be in the future. You have one currency, Bitcoin, you don't have the currency exchange risk, right? We don't have it only with the European Union. And the good part with this, so, we got, we got hyperinflation back in 1997. Was really bad. People lost almost everything, everything, in many cases.

Um, and then we got this so called currency board introduced and the currency board is like we have the left, but the left has to be backed up by other currencies. So it's like a stable coin, kind of like how Tether is backed by, by dollars. You know, the levy is backed by euro and like a basket of, I think they have some other currencies and assets, which is cool because the local politicians, they cannot print, they cannot, you know, so, so it's been, it's been, I think, way better than Hungary, Sweden, uh, Finland, you have your, oh

but Sweden I've heard it's kind of bad,

Knut: It's kinda bad, Norway too, like, both Swedish and Norwegian crown, and the crown in Czechia, like the Czech Republic, it's also

George: Yeah.

Knut: I mean, they're all going to shit the smaller

George: So, so for us, it's like, I would say we're better than, than the Corona, the, and, and all these like local currencies, because we kind of just are there to the, peg to the Euro. The local politicians don't have the opportunity to print. So it's, it's a very good position for us to be.

Luke: You, you get the, the negatives of the, the euro. But, but still, I mean, I mean the, the realistically, the dollar at the Euro and maybe the, the Chinese currency are the only, are the only ones that are in the, sort of within our own, within our own lifetimes are, are going to be not as terribly bad against Bitcoin.

But all the other ones are just, are. All the other ones are

Knut: Yeah, I think it's just a matter of time before both, uh, at least Sweden, uh, switches to Euro standard. If not switching to Bitcoin standard happens first, but well, we'll see, we'll see what happens.

George: man. I'm very bearish about the Euro.

Knut: yeah, yeah, it's like,

Luke: It'll be the second last to fall or third last but but yeah it's it's it's it's not going to be the the last and so it's yeah.

Knut: So that is what it is. I mean, speaking of Bulgaria and currencies and stuff,

Bitcoin Adoption in Bulgaria

Knut: like, how is the rest of, how is Bitcoin adoption in general in Bulgaria? What's happening in other places? Like, Plamen opened a bar, I saw, and like, what are the connections? What's happening?

George: It's actually quite cool. I'm, I'm, I'm quite happy with, with how the ecosystem is evolving. There's, there's Plamen, um, with his whole community, like content creation, the conferences he's been doing, which has been like a very, I think he's responsible for like, I don't know, probably like, 000, maybe several 10, 000s of people who have opened their eyes and even if they're not hard bitcoiners, they now own bitcoin.

Uh, so that's huge. We have other content creators also who've had an impact. We have now once or twice per, yeah, about twice per year we have like, uh, A small, uh, merchant, uh, like, conference events, so for merchants to accept Bitcoin. we have these people who are active and who are doing things. Now, actually, yeah, there's something new that's coming up here, uh, literally in Plovdiv is we have this, um, this, uh, great dudes who have this, um, um, it's an application for, uh, ordering food, like takeaway and, uh, what is it, like,

Knut: like Glovo or

George: yeah, yeah, like Glovo, um, but, um, but, um, But it's not like this big corporate thing that, but, but still, it's a very good product and they've integrated accepting Bitcoin there for quite some time now they've made it even easier and they've introduced.

So we have like about, I think it's 15 restaurants in Sofia and like five or so in Plovdiv where through their system, you can order food. And pay with Bitcoin online, or you can also go in the restaurant and pay in Bitcoin online, and they just, um, they just won a, uh, grant from, uh, Bitcoin Beach, uh, and, uh, they're going to use the grant, uh, to, well, the attempt is really to start like a small circular economy, if you would Um, where, so if you go, uh, to one of those restaurants and pay with Bitcoin, you're going to get sats back 10%, and then, um, the restaurant is also going to get 10 percent sats back.

And if you order food, um, through their app, also the driver is going to get, uh, some sats back. And, uh, we've just been discussing, because obviously we're partnering with them, with the football club, so we'll push this out, because some of the restaurants that are there are our, I mean, basically, like, we have two restaurants locally that are partners, we got them in, right, obviously, in the deal, um, So, so that is also like, for me, it's like super cool because now for so far, the club has been pushing Bitcoin.

Now we have two of our restaurant partners who are themselves like hard Botevists, Botefans, and like they're popular. Now they're starting to accept Bitcoin in their, in their two restaurants, right? And they're going to have their campaigns. We're going to push them more. So, um, so I'm really excited about this and fingers crossed this goes well.

We have good metrics because if we have good metrics. Yeah, we'll look for ways to grow this. So there's a lot of grassroots things happening, which I love. On the top, nothing.

Knut: It's the way it's supposed to be.

George: But it's the way it is. Yeah, it's a better

Luke: Yeah it really seems like that you get one or two of these big anchors like like for example you you guys have had that had that conference last couple of years but now with both of Plavdev now Bulgaria is really got a couple of big anchors. Big relative in relative terms, uh, and all of this other stuff can, can start coming up around it.

And, uh, love, love to see it. I mean, he, I mean here, here with Rega, there's Honey Budger has been going for a really long time, and I, and I even think that they are honest about, we, we would, we just talked to, to Max, uh, about this, uh, from Defi and like yeah, there's not much other adoption in, in Lavia and this conference has been going on for a long time.

Exactly. And so it's just like, uh, it's, it's, it's great to see, uh, in, in your case, in Bulgaria's case, that there's, there's more of this, uh, picking up. So, yeah,

George: Well, I think it's really, in our case, I don't know, like it's grassroots, like I said, and I really believe grassroots and then Rio or for the vast majority, Rio adoption comes permissionless life. It comes like it's not forced. You know, there is this point where, okay, there's Plamen, like, he got the inspiration, he makes his content, he does the conferences, Like, our owner, he sees this opportunity for Bitcoin, for the club. He takes the action, right? So it's, it's not like, so it's individuals, right? Taking actions and then, as you have, you know, several of them, maybe others get inspired or get ideas going and that's how the magic happens. And, uh, yeah. Excited about it.

Wrapping Up

Luke: it's awesome, man. Great hear your story. So, was, uh, was there anything else that you wanted to discuss or bring up on this topic?

George: no, I mean, what I would say is absolutely, uh, Please, uh, you know, Knut, you've been, but please, you're absolutely welcome, Luke, join as well, like, both of you should come

Knut: Absolutely. Highly recommend it. I had a great time in Bulgaria, and it's such a fascinating country, it's such a rich history and such a beautiful place, and the food is great, and it's very affordable, it's very, yeah, very

George: like, I have people who come in Plogis specifically to, like, nomads, spend, like, a or a month. So, so please enjoy, visit the game. come spend in the restaurants where they accept Bitcoin, follow us on social media for sure, so, X and Nostr,

Luke: Yes, all the details, please.

Knut: And also like one of the eras, uh, infamous eras of Bulgaria is the commie era, right? Where you can see the impact that system had on the country and how horrid it is. Uh, so it's, it's, uh, that might not be a good pitch for, uh, but that's

Luke: Let him, let him share his social medias, Knut.

George: wait, do you have, do you have something

Knut: no, no, I think like the, The point I was getting to is, if you get to Bulgaria, don't only go to Sofia, go around the rest of the country, because it's not as raped as that town was by, as that city was by communism, all this concrete, yeah, yeah,

George: yeah, the,

Knut: you can really see the impact there. I'm not, um, yeah, this came out totally wrong, but I'm trying to, I'm trying to, To hype Bulgaria here, but also there's a historical lesson to be learned in the country, for sure,

George: sure. It's really like, there's so many different things there. So there's the communist part, there's like fucking amazing nature, there's like

Knut: is everything, yeah.

George: if you're into hiking, there's like, just like from Sofia, what I love about Sofia, like just last week, twice, end of the day, I'm like fucked up, like tired of computer.

40 minutes up and I'm up in the mountains, hiking, in like 2000 meters altitude. Uh, so, so there's all these like super cool things, but on the socials, yeah, we're on Twitter. we're on Nostr, uh, so Twitter is, um, botif underscore, uh, en, on Nostr, uh, we are just botif. Yeah, you can find us.

Luke: going say you're NPUB? No, no, no,

George: I'm still learning it, okay?

Luke: we'll post, you're still learning, we'll post all the details in the show

George: Yes. Yes. And feel free to also check out our website. We have, due to our El Salvadorian, um, kind of project, we already have a Salvadorian website, which is very easy to remember, botif. sv. So you can go there and from there you'll find all the links and information.

Luke: Absolutely fantastic.

Knut: Great! Get the inverse of Clown World. This is a shill. BitcoinInfinityStore. com And thank you very much for coming on,

George: was great having

Knut: Great to have

Luke: George, thanks so much. This has been Bitcoin Infinity Show. Thank you for

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ a37bda36:6fe8611c

2024-10-31 06:41:02

The Bottom-Up Renaissance: How El Salvador is Transforming the Future
What’s happening in El Salvador today is nothing short of extraordinary. Under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, the country has become a catalyst for hope and progress, stirring interest and inspiring minds around the world. Bukele’s vision has fostered a social and economic environment that not only prioritizes safety but also sets the stage for innovation, decentralization, and grassroots transformation. Dubbed a “Bottom-Up Renaissance,” this movement holds the potential to inspire a global shift toward community-driven change.

Building the Foundation: Security and Sound Money
El Salvador’s transformation began with a firm focus on security. By establishing a stable environment, Bukele enabled the groundwork for a new society where citizens and innovators alike can thrive. But this rebirth is far from limited to security measures. In an era of economic instability, Bukele’s decision to embrace Bitcoin as legal tender has introduced "sound money" into the economy—a concept central to this new Renaissance.

Historically, in the Renaissance of 16th-century Florence, only the wealthy could access gold-backed currency, while the working classes were relegated to coins made of cheaper, often debased metals. This disparity in wealth preservation has often perpetuated class divides. But in El Salvador, Bitcoin's decentralized nature has disrupted this model. Unlike the dollar, Bitcoin cannot be devalued by centralized authorities, giving ordinary Salvadorans access to the “world’s soundest money.” This model offers the average citizen a chance to save, invest, and build in a way previously reserved for the elite.

Bitcoin’s presence in El Salvador has not only brought the country to the global stage but has also drawn the attention of those seeking stability in a volatile world. For the first time, the power of money lies not in the hands of a few but in the collective hands of a nation’s people.

Decentralization: Real-World Applications and Financial Sovereignty
El Salvador is diving into decentralization like never before. From establishing Bitcoin banks to creating open-source health solutions on decentralized platforms like NOSTR, the country is pioneering real-world applications that disrupt traditional systems. Through such decentralization, El Salvador empowers its citizens, reducing dependency on large financial institutions and foreign influences. By embracing these technologies, the country has not only created a fertile ground for innovation but has also set a precedent for other nations.

Fostering Community: The Renaissance of Ideas and Collective Efforts
In a way reminiscent of Paris during the Enlightenment, El Salvador is becoming a gathering place for critical thinkers, entrepreneurs, and change-makers from around the globe. This international influx of intelligent, driven people is reshaping El Salvador’s future, breathing life into what many are calling a “new vision of hope.” The sense of community here is profound; projects are forming, partnerships are being established, and new ventures are taking shape. For those leaving countries that feel stagnant or in decline, El Salvador is a beacon of possibility and purpose.

At the heart of this transformation is the ethos that real change comes from the ground up. Bukele’s policies have paved the way, but it is the people who are building El Salvador’s future. This grassroots approach is critical to the Renaissance spirit—one that calls on individuals to take responsibility, innovate, and foster a society founded on shared values and mutual goals.

An Invitation to the Future: The Adopting Bitcoin Conference
For those eager to witness this Renaissance firsthand, El Salvador will soon host the Adopting Bitcoin Conference. This event offers a unique opportunity to meet the innovators, builders, and visionaries driving this movement. The conference will spotlight the strides made in Bitcoin adoption, community development, and the groundbreaking projects that are shaping El Salvador's future.

A Global Grassroots Movement Inspired by El Salvador
El Salvador’s Bottom-Up Renaissance is a testament to the power of community-driven progress and a symbol of what’s possible when a nation invests in sound money, decentralization, and a vibrant collective spirit. President Bukele’s vision has laid a foundation, but the future lies in the hands of those willing to build it. Whether or not this movement reshapes the world as it has El Salvador, it has shown us a glimpse of what the future could be—one where people everywhere have the opportunity to take part in building a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow.

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 9358c676:9f2912fc

2024-09-24 12:29:11

OBJECTIVES

To establish a guideline for the management of Acute Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) in our center, for both outpatient and hospitalized patients, with the aim of:

• Reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the condition.
• Improving the quality of medical care and optimizing hospital resources.
• Delaying the progression of antimicrobial resistance.

SCOPE

All patients over 16 years of age diagnosed with Acute Community-Acquired Pneumonia who are being followed by our institution in an outpatient or inpatient setting.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Physicians from the Medical Clinic, Medical Emergency, Coronary Unit, and Intensive Care Service. Nursing Coordination. Pharmacy Service. Infection Control Committee.

REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Adults. Recommendations for its management. Lopardo et al. MEDICINA (Buenos Aires) 2015; 75: 245-257. Argentine Society of Infectiology. ISSN 0025-7680
2. Diagnosis and Treatment of Adults with Community-acquired Pneumonia. An Official Clinical Practice Guideline of the American Thoracic Society and Infectious Diseases Society of America. 2019. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Volume 200 Number 7 | October 1, 2019. DOI: 10.1164 rccm.201908-1581ST
3. ERS/ESICM/ESCMID/ALAT guidelines for the management of severe community-acquired pneumonia. Intensive Care Med (2023) 49:615–632 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-023-07033-8
4. Antimicrobial resistance. WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial resistance
5. Internal Medicine. Farreras-Rosman. Volume I. Elsevier. 2008 Edition.
6. Considerations for the Responsible Use of Antibiotics in COVID-19. Argentine Society of Infectiology. 2020. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BmXD5x6rEpSqDIc8urccdqLcZKkP3U7X/view
7. Penicillin Allergy. Castells M. New England Journal of Medicine, 381(24), 2338–2351. doi:10.1056 nejmra1807761

INTRODUCTION

Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, affecting patients of all ages and with various risk factors. Proper management in both outpatient and hospital settings is crucial for improving clinical outcomes and reducing associated complications.

This document aims to standardize and optimize the treatment of pneumonia based on the most current evidence and recommendations from leading scientific organizations. It seeks to be a practical tool for healthcare professionals, providing a clear and concise approach to the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with pneumonia.

FOUNDATIONS. HOSPITAL SITUATION ANALYSIS:

• Pneumonias represent a significant burden on the healthcare system due to their high prevalence and potential severity, underscoring the need for a standardized approach.
• A clinical guideline facilitates decision-making, ensuring that all healthcare professionals follow a uniform protocol that integrates best practices, thereby reducing variability in treatments. This allows for better resource utilization, optimizing antibiotic use and reducing the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
• Antimicrobial resistance has been proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and related organizations as the leading cause of death and hospital expenditure by the year 2050.
• Pneumonias in our center, in their various presentations, have shown significant prevalence in hospitalizations according to measurements taken in 2024.
• In our center, antibiotics, as a whole, have been the main source of financial losses related to drugs during the billing cycle from June 2023 to July 2024.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION:

Pneumonias represent a global incidence of 1.26 cases per 1000 inhabitants. It has been documented in some centers that this incidence can increase in patients over 65 years of age, representing 34 cases per 1000 inhabitants. Outpatient mortality varies between 0.1% and 5%, but can reach up to 50% in hospitalized patients, especially those requiring Intensive Care Unit stay.

The main risk factors for developing pneumonia are:

• Chronic Heart Disease.
• Chronic Respiratory Disease.
• Chronic Kidney Disease.
• Advanced-stage HIV infection.
• Immunosuppressed. Solid Organ Transplant. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Neoplasms.
• Smoking.
• Chronic use of Corticosteroids or Proton Pump Inhibitors.
• Multiple Myeloma and Hypogammaglobulinemia.
• Anatomical or Functional Asplenia.

The main causative agents of acute community-acquired pneumonia in our setting are:

• Respiratory Viruses (Influenza, SARS-CoV2, RSV).
• Streptococcus pneumoniae.
• Haemophilus influenzae.
• Staphylococcus aureus.
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae.

It should be noted that Streptococcus pneumoniae shows a good sensitivity pattern to penicillin and continues to be the most frequent causative microorganism. Haemophilus influenzae only shows beta-lactamase production in 10% to 23% of cases. Staphylococcus aureus in our setting has a low incidence of methicillin resistance, although this possibility should be considered in certain situations and severe clinical presentations. Given these considerations, beta-lactams remain the first-line treatment.

Regarding Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, they will only be relevant in patients with risk factors such as bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, prior treatment with corticosteroids, or broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Emerging pathogens of some relevance include the eventual emergence of cases caused by Leptospira interrogans, Legionella pneumophila, and Hantavirus. These cases should always be associated with a specific epidemiological link.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of pneumonia is based on clinical and imaging criteria. For the diagnosis of Acute Community-Acquired Pneumonia, we will consider:

Symptoms and Clinical Signs (at least 1 of the following): * Fever. * Altered general condition. * Cough. * Sputum production. * Chest pain. * Dyspnea. * Hemoptysis.

plus

Radiopacity on Chest X-ray (Alveolar consolidation with or without air bronchogram, interstitial pattern, bronchiectasis, cavitation, pleural effusion, new radiopacity, etc.). It is always recommended to request both frontal and lateral views.

Chest CT remains a method with greater sensitivity and specificity for evaluating lung parenchyma compared to conventional X-ray in infectious pathology. However, a simple chest X-ray is an adequate method for the initial evaluation of the condition and its complications, which is why a CT scan is not recommended as an initial method for evaluating pneumonia and should always be preceded by a conventional chest X-ray.

CT studies should be considered in the following situations:

• Respiratory failure.
• Evaluation or suspicion of differential diagnoses to Acute Community-Acquired Pneumonia.
• Evaluation or suspicion of complications of Acute Community-Acquired Pneumonia.
• Evaluation of radiological patterns that are not entirely clear on the chest X-ray.

CHOICE OF CARE SITE AND TREATMENT

For the choice of care site and treatment of pneumonia, it is recommended to complement clinical criteria with validated mortality scores associated with risk factors and clinical status.

CURB-65 (1 point for each item): * Confusion * Elevated urea greater than 90 mg/dl * Respiratory rate greater than 30/minute * Systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure < 60 mmHg * Age equal to or greater than 65 years

Results:

• Groups 0 to 1: Outpatient management.
• Groups 1-2: Admission to General Ward.
• Groups 3-5: Admission to Intensive Care Unit.
• Appendix: A pulse oximetry reading of less than 92% is recommended as an independent factor for inpatient management under expert recommendation to complement the score.

COMPLEMENTARY STUDIES AND CULTURE SAMPLING

Once the diagnosis is completed, the patient's risk stratification and the choice of admission site are made, the following complementary studies and culture sampling are recommended to proceed with the patient's study during treatment.

Outpatient patient: * Pulse Oximetry. * Laboratory routine (complete blood count, glucose, urea, creatinine, liver function tests).

Inpatient patient in general ward: * Pulse Oximetry. * Laboratory routine (complete blood count, glucose, urea, creatinine, liver function tests). Acid-base status if pulse oximetry is less than 92%. * Sputum sample (Gram stain, culture, antibiogram). * Blood cultures. * In the presence of pleural effusion: Thoracentesis. Physical-chemical study for Light's Criteria. Direct and Culture of Pleural Fluid.

Inpatient patient in intensive care unit: * Pulse Oximetry. * Laboratory routine (complete blood count, glucose, urea, creatinine, liver function tests) plus acid-base status. * Sputum sample (Gram stain, culture, antibiogram). Tracheal aspirate, Mini-BAL, or BAL sampling for patients requiring ARM upon admission. * Blood cultures. * Urinary antigen for detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae, if available in microbiology. * In the presence of pleural effusion: Thoracentesis. Physical-chemical study for Light's Criteria. Direct and Culture of Pleural Fluid.

Special considerations for Viral Pneumonias: * We recommend performing a viral panel for Influenza A/B for any pneumonia presenting at least 1 risk factor mentioned during periods of viral circulation in the community. * We recommend performing a viral panel for SARS-CoV2 for any pneumonia presenting at least 1 risk factor mentioned during periods of viral circulation in the community or having epidemiological criteria of a suspected COVID-19 case. * The Infection Control Committee will timely inform based on the National Epidemiological Bulletin about the presence of circulating respiratory viruses in our setting.

Special considerations for Atypical Pneumonias and HIV Testing: * We recommend serological testing for IgM/IgG for Chlamydia and Mycoplasma for any pneumonia presenting a subacute evolution at the time of clinical presentation or clinical-radiological dissociation in its presentation. * In the suspicion of pneumonia caused by emerging pathogens (Legionella pneumophila, Leptospira interrogans, Hantavirus), consider the necessary epidemiological link as a prior epidemiological background before requesting specific diagnostic tests. * HIV testing is recommended for all pneumonias, with special emphasis on those that do not present the conventional risk factors mentioned.

ANTIMICROBIAL TREATMENT AND DURATION OF TREATMENT:

Directed antimicrobial treatment will be based on the present risk factors and the choice of care site and treatment.

Outpatient patient <65 years and without risk factors:

First choice: * Amoxicillin 875mg/12h orally for 5-7 days.

Scheme for history of allergy to Beta-Lactams: * Clarithromycin 500mg/12h orally for 5 days or * Azithromycin 500-1000mg/day for 5 days.

Outpatient patient >65 years or with at least 1 risk factor:

First choice: * Amoxicillin-Clavulanate 1g/12h orally for 7 days.

Scheme for history of allergy to Beta-Lactams: * Clarithromycin 500mg/12h orally for 5 days or * Azithromycin 500-1000mg/day orally for 5 days.

Inpatient patient in General Ward <65 years and without risk factors:

First choice: * Ampicillin-Sulbactam 1.5g/6h IV +/- Clarithromycin 500mg/12h orally/IV for 5-7 days.

Scheme for history of allergy to Beta-Lactams: * Ceftriaxone 1g/day IV for 5-7 days.

Inpatient patient in General Ward >65 years or with at least 1 risk factor:

First choice: * Ampicillin-Sulbactam 1.5g/6h IV for 7 days +/- Clarithromycin 500mg/12h orally/IV for 5 days.

Scheme for history of allergy to Beta-Lactams: * Ceftriaxone 1g/day IV for 7 days.

Inpatient patient in Intensive Care Unit:

First choice: * Ampicillin-Sulbactam 1.5g/6h IV for 7 days +/- Clarithromycin 500mg/12h orally/IV for 5 days.

Scheme for history of allergy to Beta-Lactams: * Ceftriaxone 1-2g/day IV for 7 days.

Special Considerations for Inpatients:

Scheme for risk factors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa*: * Piperacillin/Tazobactam 4.5g/6h IV or Cefepime 2g/8h IV for 7 days +/- Clarithromycin 500mg/12h orally/IV for 5 days.

Scheme for risk factors for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus**: * Add to conventional scheme: Vancomycin 15-20mg/kg/8-12h IV +/- Clindamycin 600mg/8h IV for 7-14 days.

Aspiration Pneumonia:

First choice: * Ampicillin-Sulbactam 1.5g/6h IV for 5-7 days.

*Risk factors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, prior treatment with corticosteroids or broad-spectrum antibiotics. Documented isolates in respiratory cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

**Risk factors for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Previously healthy young patients with severe, necrotizing, and rapidly progressive pneumonia, cavitary infiltrates, hemoptysis, prior influenza, intravenous drug users, rash, leukopenia, recent or concomitant skin and soft tissue infections.

The routine use of corticosteroids in pneumonia is not recommended.

CONSIDERATIONS ON ANTIMICROBIALS IN VIRAL AND ATYPICAL PNEUMONIAS:

In the case of a concomitant antigen test or PCR for Influenza A/B or SARS-CoV2, the following treatment recommendations are made:

Influenza Virus A/B:

First choice: * Oseltamivir 75mg every 12 hours orally for 5 days. Other considerations: * In cases of Respiratory Failure in ARM or Obesity: Oseltamivir 150mg every 12 hours orally for 5 days. * Concomitant antimicrobial treatment is recommended as there is documented frequent association of Influenza Virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

COVID-19: * First choice is conventional treatment with dexamethasone 8 mg IV for 10 days in the event of respiratory failure. * Routine antimicrobial treatment is not recommended for COVID-19; therefore, upon a positive SARS-CoV2 test, it is recommended to discontinue antimicrobials.

Consider maintaining concomitant antimicrobial treatment only in suspected bacterial infection due to severe presentation: * Focal alveolar consolidation +/- air bronchogram in imaging studies plus 1 of the following: sepsis, risk factors, and/or immunosuppression.

Atypical Pneumonias with Seroconversion for Chlamydia or Mycoplasma:

First choice: * Clarithromycin 500mg every 12 hours IV/orally for 14 days. * Azithromycin 500-1000mg/day IV/orally for 14 days. * Doxycycline 100mg every 12 hours IV/orally for 14 days.

CONSIDERATIONS ON PENICILLIN AND OTHER BETA-LACTAM ALLERGIES:

Patients who report penicillin allergy are often misclassified. It is documented that more than 95% of patients who report penicillin allergy can receive beta-lactams without any complications. Additionally, penicillin hypersensitivity diminishes over the years.

Allergy to one beta-lactam does not imply the impossibility of using the entire spectrum of beta-lactams, as there are only a few cases of cross-hypersensitivity.

Therefore, we recommend the safe use of beta-lactams except in cases of a reported or documented history of severe allergy to penicillin (anaphylaxis).

In doubtful cases or confirmed allergy events during hospitalization, a consultation with an Allergy Specialist is available to evaluate the case.

FOLLOW-UP IN OUTPATIENT TREATMENT MODALITY

Patients undergoing pneumonia treatment in an outpatient setting can continue their treatment at home, considering advising them to seek further consultation in case of alarm signs (fever that does not subside after 48 to 72 hours, dyspnea, hemoptysis, chest pain, etc.). Nevertheless, it is good practice to consider a follow-up consultation in the emergency department or clinic after 48 to 72 hours of starting antibiotic therapy.

It is not routinely recommended to repeat a chest X-ray or CT scan to evaluate the evolution of pneumonia under outpatient treatment. Only in the case of suspected complications or unfavorable evolution. A follow-up at the end of treatment with the primary care physician is suggested.

FOLLOW-UP IN INPATIENT TREATMENT MODALITY

For hospitalized patients, we should consider transitioning from parenteral medication to oral when the following conditions are met

• Completion of 48 hours of parenteral treatment.
• Presence of a 24-hour afebrile period, with hemodynamic stability and significant clinical improvement.
• Availability of the oral route.

It is not routinely recommended to repeat a chest X-ray or CT scan to evaluate the evolution of pneumonia under outpatient or inpatient treatment. Only in the case of suspected complications or unfavorable evolution.

PREVENTION

The prevention of pneumonia is based on timely immunization with pneumococcal vaccines, influenza vaccination, and COVID-19 vaccination according to the immunization recommendations and current schedule from the Ministry of Health.

ICD-11 CODING

• CA40 - Pneumonia.
• CA40.0 - Bacterial Pneumonia.
• CA40.1 - Viral Bronchopneumonia.
• CA40.2 - Fungal Pneumonia.
• CA40.Z - Pneumonia, organism unspecified.

Autor

Kamo Weasel - MD Infectious Diseases - MD Internal Medicine - #DocChain Community npub1jdvvva54m8nchh3t708pav99qk24x6rkx2sh0e7jthh0l8efzt7q9y7jlj

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 9e69e420:d12360c2

2024-10-21 20:26:54

Your first NOSTR note.

Some of you may be lurking wondering how why or what for your first note here on nostr. Here's some advice from an pseudonymous douchebag. To start with, your first note should be to come out swinging. Make lots of friends maybe even some enemies. Most people get a lot of love with their first introductions post.

Make it short.

Your first note will probably (and probably should) be a kind one event. The note you're reading is a 30023 event for long form notes. (More on this some other time). Keep it short and concise. You probably could publish a book in a kind one note. But I really don't think anyone believes you should and I'm sure many relays would reject it. It will also appear without formatting which just looks ugly for anything other than a microblog.

Introduce yourself.

Just as you would in an IRL interaction. What's your name? But more importantly what do you want us to call you? What brought you here? What are your interests? It's important to be real here even if you decide to be pseudonymous. Chances are your tribe is already here. If you're the first then that makes you king of your little corner of the nostr. Which will likely pay dividends in and of itself.

Make it a banger.

Here's my first note (I should disclose this is just the first note from this npub And I have already been here for over a year at this point):

note1pnufmzwy2gj4p5qza6jk7k40nns0p3k2w0fsrqq568utjlnyphdqyg8cpq

Have fun

Don't take this or anything else too seriously. We are all the same here because we are just as unique as each other. Be as weird as you want.

** & Don't forget to use the "#indroductions" hashtag **

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 599f67f7:21fb3ea9

2024-10-20 11:32:36

LNDhub-ek zure zorroa erraz inportatzea ahalbidetzen du bateragarriak diren aplikazioetan. Bitcoin Txoko LNbits zorroa progresiboko web aplikazio (PWA) modura gorde dezakezun arren zure telefonoan, Zeus edo BlueWallet bezalako aplikazio natibo batek erabiltzaile-esperientzia hobea eta segurtasun handiagoa eskaintzen du.

Alby erabiliz, zorroa zure nabigatzailearen luzapenean ere inporta dezakezu, webgunean Lightning ordainketak egiteko eta Nostr zap-ak egiteko erraztasun handiagoz. Zorionez, zorro hauek guztiek hizkuntza komun bat ulertzen dute, LNDhub izenekoa.

Gida honetan, zorroa zure nabigatzailera eta telefonora nola inportatu azalduko dugu. Zorroa nabigatzailean eta telefonoan erabili nahi baduzu, hasi Alby konfigurazioarekin, pausoetako batek zorroa Zeus-era erraz inportatzeko aukera emango baitizu. Baina zorroa soilik zure telefonoan erabili nahi baduzu, zuzenean Zeus atalera jo dezakezu.

Alby

nostr:nprofile1qqsyv47lazt9h6ycp2fsw270khje5egjgsrdkrupjg27u796g7f5k0s8jq7y6 nabigatzailearen luzapena da, Lightning eta Nostr nabigatzailera ekartzen dituena. WebLN protokoloa erabiliz, luzapenak webguneetan fakturak automatikoki detekta eta ordaintzen ditu, eta Lightning bidez webguneetan saioa hasteko aukera ematen du. Gainera, Lightning gune gogokoenetan aurrekontuak ezar ditzakezu. Luzapen honek NIP-07 protokoloa erabiliz Nostr sinadura gisa ere funtziona dezake, zure giltza pribatua web bezeroetan sartzea baino askoz seguruagoa dena.

Zer behar dut?

• Chrome edo Firefox luzapenak onartzen dituen web nabigatzailea.
• LNbits zorroa. Oraindik zorro bat ez baduzu, joan gure zorroen orrira eta sortu bat.
• (Aukerazkoa) Zeus konfiguratzeko mugikor bat.

1. LNDhub luzapena gaitzea zure LNbits zorroan

Nabigatzailean, joan zure zorroaren estekara. Egin klik Extensions atalean eta gaitzazu LNDhub luzapena. Gaitu ondoren, joan LNDhub luzapenaren orrira.

2. Alby luzapena instalatu

Joan getalby.com-era eta egin klik Add Browser Extension botoian. Instalatu luzapena zure nabigatzailearen luzapen dendetik. Ezarri desblokeatzeko pasahitza eta gorde toki seguruan.

3. Inportatu Alby-ra

Hurrengo pantailan, aukeratu Connect, eta ondoren aukeratu LNDhub. Itzuli zure LNDhub luzapenera eta kopiatu konexioaren URL-a. Itsatsi hori LNDhub esportazioaren URI eremuan. Sakatu Continue. Orain LNbits zorroa LNDhub bidez konektatuta eduki beharko zenuke!

💡 Aukeratu dezakezu Invoice URL eta Admin URL artean. Bi hauek Alby-ri zure LNbits zorroarekin elkarreragiteko baimen desberdinak ematen dizkiote: - Invoice URL-ak fakturak sortzea eta ordainketak jasotzea ahalbidetzen du. - Admin URL-ak ordainketak bidaltzeko aukera ere ematen du.

4. (Aukerazkoa) Zeus konfiguratu Alby-rekin

Orain LNbits zorroa Alby-rekin konektatu duzunez, Zeus-en ere erraz inportatu dezakezu. Ireki luzapena, egin klik zure zorroaren izenean, eta joan Account Settings atalean. Account azpian aurkituko duzu Connect your mobile wallet aukera. Sakatu Connect, eta Zeus-ekin eskaneatzeko QR kode bat erakutsiko dizu.

Zeus aurretik instalatu ez baduzu, joan zeusln.app-era eta deskargatu Zeus zure mugikorreko sistema eragilerako. Zeus deskargatu ondoren, joan Settings > Add a new node atalera. Hemen, Alby-k erakusten dizun QR kodea eskaneatu eta zorroa inportatu dezakezu.

Listo! Orain Lightning-aren indarra zure eskuetan duzu. Jainko baten moduan sentitzen al zara jada?

Zeus

nostr:nprofile1qqsrf5h4ya83jk8u6t9jgc76h6kalz3plp9vusjpm2ygqgalqhxgp9g84ctjf kode irekiko aplikazio bikaina da, zure nodo propioa mugikorrean konektatzeko aukera ematen duena. Lightning nodo nagusi guztiak onartzen ditu, hala nola LND, CLN eta Eclair, bai eta Tor bidezko zein clearnet bidezko konexioak ere. Azkenaldian, beren LSP (Lightning Service Provider) propioa iragarri dute.

Zer behar dut?

• Android edo iOS telefono bat.
• LNbits zorroa ikusi ahal izateko beste gailu bat (QR kodea eskaneatzeko).
• LNbits zorroa eskuragarri izatea. Zorro bat oraindik ez baduzu, joan gure zorroen orrira eta sortu bat.

1. Zeus deskargatu

Deskargatu Zeus aplikazioa zure sistema eragilerako hemen.

2. LNDhub luzapena gaitzea zure LNbits zorroan

Zure LNbits zorroaren orrian, egin klik Extensions atalean eta gaitzazu LNDhub luzapena. Gaitu ondoren, ireki LNDhub luzapenaren orria.

3. Inportatu Zeus-en

Joan Settings > Add a new node atalera Zeus-en. Eskaneatu nahi duzun zorroa inportatzeko.

💡 Aukeratu dezakezu Invoice URL eta Admin URL artean: - Invoice URL-ak fakturak sortzea eta ordainketak jasotzea ahalbidetzen du. - Admin URL-ak ordainketak bidaltzeko aukera ere ematen du.

QR kodea eskaneatu ondoren, Zeus-en eremu guztiak automatikoki beteko dira. Zorroarentzat ezizena ere gehitu dezakezu.

Orain, Save Node Config sakatu eta zorroa zure mugikorretik kontrolatu dezakezu!

Bonus

Zeus-ek ezaugarri interesgarriak ere eskaintzen ditu, hala nola gai pertsonalizatuak, prezioen bihurketak, lurker modua eta biometria bidezko egiaztapena. Gida honen esparrutik haratago doazen ezaugarriak dira hauek, baina aplikazioa erabili eta zuk zeuk aurkitu ditzakezu!

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 26838110:80edc65d

2024-10-31 06:10:41

The Fibonacci Sequence

The Fibonacci sequence is a simple sequence of numbers where a number is the sum of the two preceding numbers in the series:

X_n = X_n-1 + X_n-2

0 - 1 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 5 - 8 - 13 - 21 - 34 - 55 - 89 - 144 - 233 - 377 - 610 - 987 - 1597 - 2584 - 4181

Modified Fibonacci Sequence

Sequence With Polarities and a Master or Neutral Element

1 - 2 - 3 - 5 - 8 - 13 - 21 - 34 - 55 - 89

Sequence With Polarities (-1 From the Fibonacci Sequence)

0 - 1 - 2 - 4 - 7 - 12 - 20 - 33 - 54 - 88

The Fibonacci Sequence in Reality

Now that we have these two lists, we can apply them to concrete elements to see their manifestation in the physical world.

1 Element

• Something

2 Elements

• Duality
• Electric Current
• Yin & Yang
• Sun & Moon
• Holy Trinity
• Day & Night Cycle
• Man & Woman
• Cat & Dog
• Tea & Coffee
• Wine & Beer
• Good & Evil
• Inclusion & Exclusion
• Plus & Minus
• Binary Code

4 Elements

• Cardinal Directions
• Four Alchemical Elements (Five Counting Aether)
• Five Chinese Alchemical Elements (Five Counting Metal)
• Four Seasons
• Four Tarot Minor Arcana Suites & Major Arcana

7 Elements

• Seven Colors of the Rainbow
• Seven Musical Notes & Octave
• Seven Chakras
• Seven Days in a Week
• Seven Classical Planets

12 Elements

• Twelve Months in a Year
• Traditional Tarot Minor Arcana Suite

20 Elements

• Twenty Amino Acids
• Number of Paths Between Sephirah in the Kabbalah (If Two Elements Are the Same Aspect of One or One Is Removed)

Fibonacci Worldbuilding Master Table

The table is available at:

https://www.dragonbanecreation.com/en/worldbuilding/energy/fibonacci

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ b34b4408:acfb9667

2024-10-31 05:00:15

😱 การทบทวนสมมติฐานไขมันกับโรคหัวใจ: มุมมองใหม่จากหลักฐานทางวิทยาศาสตร์ 😱 https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/10/1447?fbclid=IwY2xjawGOTtxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHa2lVBffVeuI0SC8RgzbvQgtkbIsLwat1tDzxZKQ8UoEWYJuwC-Y7no7zA_aem_Qtv0GQuxhWxk0P2KCUFDmw . 🩸บทความนี้นำเสนอการวิเคราะห์เชิงลึกเกี่ยวกับสมมติฐานไขมันกับโรคหัวใจ (Lipid-Heart Hypothesis) ที่มีอิทธิพลต่อแนวทางโภชนาการทั่วโลกมาเกือบ 70 ปี โดยรวบรวมหลักฐานจากการศึกษาวิจัยที่สำคัญและผลกระทบที่เกิดขึ้น . โดยสมมติฐานไขมันกับโรคหัวใจถูกเสนอโดย Ancel Keys ในปี 1953 โดยตั้งอยู่บนความเชื่อว่าการบริโภคไขมันทั้งหมด ไขมันอิ่มตัว และคอเลสเตอรอลในปริมาณสูงจะนำไปสู่การเกิดโรคหัวใจ อย่างไรก็ตาม

สมมติฐานนี้มีข้อบกพร่องสำคัญหลายประการ: . 1. การรวมไขมันทรานส์กับไขมันอิ่มตัว: - ไม่แยกแยะผลกระทบที่แตกต่างระหว่างไขมันทั้งสองชนิด - ละเลยผลเสียของไขมันทรานส์ที่เกิดจากกระบวนการอุตสาหกรรม . 2. การส่งเสริมการบริโภค PUFA โดยไม่จำกัด: - ขาดการกำหนดขีดจำกัดการบริโภคกรดไขมันไม่อิ่มตัวหลายพันธะ - ไม่คำนึงถึงสมดุลระหว่างโอเมก้า-6 และโอเมก้า-3 . 3. การมองข้ามปัจจัยอื่น: - ไม่พิจารณาผลของน้ำหนักตัว การออกกำลังกาย และปัจจัยด้านวิถีชีวิต - ละเลยบทบาทของการอักเสบและความเครียดออกซิเดชัน .

ซึ่งเมื่อมาดูหลักฐานจากการศึกษาระยะยาวต่างๆเช่น . .

😲 Framingham Multi-Generational Study (1948-ปัจจุบัน) การศึกษาระยะยาวที่สำคัญนี้ได้พบข้อมูลที่น่าสนใจ: - ไม่พบความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างการบริโภคไขมันกับระดับคอเลสเตอรอล - ยิ่งบริโภคไขมันอิ่มตัว คอเลสเตอรอลและแคลอรี่มาก ระดับคอเลสเตอรอลในเลือดกลับยิ่งต่ำ - ความดันโลหิตสูงและเบาหวานเป็นปัจจัยเสี่ยงสำคัญมากกว่า .

😲Seven Countries Study (1957-1984) การศึกษาในประชากร 7 ประเทศ รวม 12,763 คน พบว่า: - ไม่มีความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างระดับคอเลสเตอรอลกับการเสียชีวิตจากโรคหัวใจ - ประชากรในเกาะครีตที่บริโภคไขมันสูง (36.1%) กลับมีอัตราการเสียชีวิตต่ำที่สุด - น้ำมันมะกอกและกรดไขมันโอเลอิกสัมพันธ์กับอัตราการเสียชีวิตจากโรคหัวใจที่ต่ำ - .

😲PURE Study การศึกษาขนาดใหญ่ในประชากร 18 ประเทศ พบว่า: - การบริโภคไขมันสูงสัมพันธ์กับความเสี่ยงการเสียชีวิตที่ต่ำลง - ไขมันอิ่มตัวสัมพันธ์กับความเสี่ยงโรคหลอดเลือดสมองที่ต่ำลง - ผลิตภัณฑ์นมไขมันเต็มส่งผลดีต่อสุขภาพหัวใจและหลอดเลือด .

รวมถึงการศึกษาทางคลินิกที่สำคัญต่างๆ .

😟Minnesota Coronary Experiment (1968-1973) ผลการศึกษาในผู้เข้าร่วม 9,423 คน แสดงให้เห็นว่า: - กลุ่มที่บริโภคน้ำมันข้าวโพดมีอัตราการเสียชีวิตสูงกว่า - ผู้ที่ระดับคอเลสเตอรอลลดลงมากที่สุดกลับมีความเสี่ยงสูงที่สุด - ไม่พบประโยชน์ของการแทนที่ไขมันอิ่มตัวด้วย PUFA - . 😟Sydney Diet Heart Study (1967-1973) การศึกษาในผู้ชาย 458 คน พบว่า: - กลุ่มที่บริโภคน้ำมัน safflower มีอัตราการเสียชีวิตสูงกว่า - ความเสี่ยงการเสียชีวิตจากโรคหัวใจเพิ่มขึ้น 74% - การลดคอเลสเตอรอลไม่ได้นำไปสู่ผลลัพธ์ที่ดีขึ้น .

ทำให้เกิดผลกระทบของในส่วนการแนะนำให้บริโภคอาหารไขมันต่ำ ซึ่งส่งผลให้เกิดการเปลี่ยนแปลงที่สำคัญ: 😱😱😱 1. การเพิ่มขึ้นของโรคเรื้อรัง: - โรคอ้วนเพิ่มจาก 48.8% (1960) เป็น 82.3% (2017-2018) - เบาหวานเพิ่มจาก 6.2% (1994) เป็น 14.7% (2021) - โรคอัลไซเมอร์เพิ่มจาก 4.5 ล้านคน (2000) เป็น 6.7 ล้านคน (2023) . 2. การเปลี่ยนแปลงรูปแบบการบริโภค: - เพิ่มการบริโภคอาหารแปรรูป - ลดการบริโภคอาหารที่มีคุณค่าทางโภชนาการสูง - เพิ่มการบริโภคคาร์โบไฮเดรตและน้ำตาล . โดยบทความนี้ได้เสนอแนะสำหรับแนวทางโภชนาการใหม่ดังนี้ 😉😉😉 1. การปรับปรุงคำแนะนำด้านอาหาร: - ทบทวนการจำกัดไขมันอิ่มตัว - กำหนดขีดจำกัดการบริโภค PUFA - ส่งเสริมการบริโภคอาหารธรรมชาติ . 2. การพิจารณาปัจจัยรอบด้าน: - คำนึงถึงคุณภาพอาหารโดยรวม - ให้ความสำคัญกับการลดการบริโภคอาหารแปรรูป - พิจารณาปัจจัยด้านวิถีชีวิตและสิ่งแวดล้อม . จากหลักฐานทางวิทยาศาสตร์จำนวนมากไม่สนับสนุนสมมติฐานไขมันกับโรคหัวใจ การจำกัดไขมันอิ่มตัวและส่งเสริมการบริโภค PUFA โดยไม่มีขีดจำกัด อาจส่งผลเสียต่อสุขภาพ จำเป็นต้องมีการทบทวนแนวทางโภชนาการโดยอาศัยหลักฐานที่ทันสมัยและครอบคลุม เพื่อส่งเสริมสุขภาพที่ดีของประชากรในระยะยาว .

...................................... ข้อมูลสุขภาพดีๆที่ไม่มีค่าใช้จ่าย https://www.youtube.com/@fastingfatdentist . หากสนใจวิธีการดูแลสุขภาพตามแบบ IFF ปรึกษาส่วนตัว inbox มาสอบถามที่เพจได้เลยครับ .

ความน่ากลัวในการดูแลสุขภาพคือการที่เชื่อโดยไม่มีความรู้ .

.

IFF #IFF_talk #intermittentfasting #keto #Lowcarb #CD #plantbased #RemissionDiabetes #ร่างกายเราคือธรรมชาติไม่ใช่ยา #เบาหวานหายได้โดยไม่ต้องใช้ยา #หมอไหวของหมอแบบนี

fastingfatdentist

healthstr

IFF

#fiat

siamstrOG

siamstr

bitcoin

siamesebitcoiners

orangebaby

หมอบ่นFiat

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 599f67f7:21fb3ea9

2024-10-20 11:28:08

LNDhub te permite importar fácilmente una billetera en aplicaciones compatibles. Si bien puedes guardar tu billetera Bitcoin Txoko LNbits en tu teléfono como una aplicación web progresiva (PWA), una aplicación nativa como Zeus o BlueWallet ofrece una mejor experiencia de usuario así como un mayor nivel de seguridad. Con Alby, también puedes importar la billetera a la extensión de tu navegador para facilitar los pagos Lightning en la web y para los zaps de Nostr. Por suerte para nosotros, todas estas billeteras hablan un lenguaje común llamado LNDhub.

En esta guía cubriremos cómo importar la billetera a tu navegador y a tu móvil. Si quieres usar tu billetera tanto en el navegador como en tu móvil, empieza con la configuración de Alby, ya que uno de los pasos te permitirá importar fácilmente tu billetera también a Zeus. Pero si sólo te interesa utilizar la billetera en tu móvil, puedes pasar directamente a la sección de Zeus.

Alby

nostr:nprofile1qqsyv47lazt9h6ycp2fsw270khje5egjgsrdkrupjg27u796g7f5k0s8jq7y6 es una extensión de navegador que lleva Lightning y Nostr a tu navegador. Utilizando el protocolo WebLN, esta extensión puede detectar facturas LN en paginas web y pagarlas, así como posibilita iniciar sesión en sitios web con Lightning. También puedes fijar presupuestos para tus sitios favoritos de Lightning. Por otro lado también puedes utilizarla para firmar en Nostr utilizando NIP-07, lo cual es mucho más seguro que ingresar tu clave privada en clientes web.

¿Qué necesito?

• Un navegador web que soporte extensiones Chrome o Firefox
• Acceso a tu billetera LNbits. Si todavía no tienes una billetera LNbits, dirígete a nuestra página de billeteras y crea una
• (Opcional) Un dispositivo móvil para configurar Zeus

1. Habilita la extensión LNDhub en tu LNbits wallet

Dirígete a tu billetera LNbits. Haz clic en Extensiones y habilita la extensión LNDhub. Una vez se haya habilitado, dirígete a la página de extensión de LNDhub.

2. Instala la extensión Alby

Dirígete a getalby.com y instala la extensión desde el store de extensiones del navegador. Configura tu contraseña de desbloqueo y guárdala en un lugar seguro.

3. Importar a Alby

(Esta es una billetera de prueba. No hay fondos en ella. ¡No muestres a nadie tu URI de exportación real!)

En la siguiente pantalla, elige Conectar y luego elige LNDhub. Vuelve a tu extensión LNDhub y copia la URL de conexión. Pégala en el campo URI de exportación de LNDhub. Pulsa continuar. ¡Ahora deberías haber estado conectado a tu billetera de LNbits con LNDhub!

💡 Puedes elegir entre la URL de la factura (Invoice URL) y la URL de administración (Admin URL). Le dan a Alby diferentes permisos para interactuar con tu cartera de LNbits.

• La URL de factura te permite crear facturas y recibir pagos
• La URL de administración también te permite enviar pagos

4. Configurar Zeus con Alby (opcional)

Ahora que ya has conectado tu LNbits con Alby, también puedes importarlo de una manera sencilla a Zeus con Alby. Abre la extensión, haz cilc en el nombre de tu billetera y navega a la configuración de la cuenta. En Wallet Settings > General se encuentra la opción de conectar tu billetera móvil. Al pulsar conectar, se mostrará un código QR para escanear desde Zeus.

Si no tienes instalada Zeus con anterioridad, dirígete a zeusln.app y descarga la aplicación de Zeus para tu sistema operativo móvil.

Una vez tengas descargado Zeus, entra en Configuración > Añadir un nuevo nodo. Aquí puedes escanear el código QR que te muestra Alby para importar la billetera.

Voilà! Ahora tienes el poder de Lightning al alcance de la mano ¿Ya te sientes como un dios?

Zeus

nostr:nprofile1qqsrf5h4ya83jk8u6t9jgc76h6kalz3plp9vusjpm2ygqgalqhxgp9g84ctjf es una formidable aplicación de código abierto que permite conectar tu propio nodo a tu dispositivo movil. Es compatible con todas las principales implementaciones de nodos Lightning, como LND, CLN y Eclair, así como conexiones a través de Tor y clearnet. Recientemente también han anunciado su propio LSP (Lightning Service Provider).

¿Qué necesito?

• Teléfono Android o iOS
• Otro dispositivo en el que puede acceder a tu billetera LNbits (para mostrar el código QR para escanear)
• Acceso a tu billetera LNbits. Si todavía no tienes una billetera LNbits, dirígete a nuestra página de billeteras y crea una

1. Descarga Zeus

Puedes descargar la aplicación Zeus para tu sistema operativo aquí.

2. Habilita la extensión LNDhub en tu billetera LNbits

Dirígete a tu billetera LNbits. Haz clic en Extensiones y habilita la extensión LNDhub. Una vez habilitada, abre la pagina de la extensión LNDhub.

3. Importar a Zeus

Ve a Configuración > Añadir un nuevo nodo en Zeus.

Escanea la cartera que quieras instalar.

💡 Puedes elegir entre la URL de la factura (Invoice URL) y la URL de administración (Admin URL). - La URL de la factura te da permiso para generar facturas y recibir pagos. - La URL de administración también te permite enviar pagos.

Una vez que hayas escaneado el código QR, todos los campos en Zeus deberían rellenarse automáticamente. También puedes añadir un apodo para tu billetera.

¡Ahora puedes guardar la configuración del nodo y controlar la billetera desde tu teléfono!

Extra

Zeus también ofrece funciones interesantes como temas personalizados, conversiones de precios, modo acechador y verificación biométrica. Estos temas están más allá del alcance de esta guía, ¡juega en la aplicación y descubre todas esas características por ti mismo!

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 599f67f7:21fb3ea9

2024-10-19 15:20:46

Merkatari bat zara eta zure negozioan Bitcoin onartzen hasteko prest zaude? Edo agian Bitcoin zale sutsua zara, tokiko negozioak Bitcoinen mundura erakartzeko gogoz? Beharbada, ez zaizu Bitcoin interesatzen, baina ordainketa-prozesadore azkar eta merke bat erabili nahi duzu edo web-denda sinple bat sortu nahi duzu? Galdera hauetakoren bati baiezkoa erantzun badiozu, gida hau zuretzat da. Bitcoin Txoko-k ostatatutako BTCPay Server-en denda bat konfiguratu dezakezu eta zure produktuak eta zerbitzuak Bitcoinen truke saltzen hasi hamar minuturen buruan, doan.

Zer behar dut?

Mugikor edo ordenadore bat baduzu eta posta elektronikoko kontu bat ere bai, orduan prest zaude!

Kontu bat sortu

Bitcoin Txoko-n BTCPay Server-en kontu bat sortzea doakoa da. Joan btcpay.bitcointxoko.com helbidera kontu bat erregistratzeko. Egiaztatu zure posta elektronikoa, bertan bitcointxoko@gmail.com helbidetik bidalitako mezu bat aurkituko duzu, baieztapen-esteka bat izango duena.

Zure lehen denda sortu

Baieztapen-estekan klik egitean, dendaren sorrera orrialdera eramango zaitu. Eman zure dendari izen bat eta hautatu moneta lehenetsia eta prezio iturri hobetsia. Adibidez, EUR eta Kraken aukeratu ditzakezu, azken hau gomendatutako prezio iturria baita. BTCPay Server-ek zure produktuen edo zerbitzuen prezioa EUR-tik Bitcoin-era bihurtuko du, erosketa unean aukeratutako prezio iturriaren arabera.

Zorro bat konfiguratu

Ordainketak onartzen hasteko, lehenik eta behin zure denda zorro batera lotu behar duzu. Transakzio handiak (500 EUR baino gehiago) maiz espero ez badituzu, Lightning zorro bat konfiguratzeko gomendioa egiten dizugu, eta une honetan (on-chain) Bitcoin zorroa ez erabiltzea gomendatzen da. Lightning zorroa erabiliz, transakzioak azkarragoak eta merkeagoak izango dira.

💡 Lightning sarea Bitcoin ordainketak jasotzeko sare ezin hobea da, transakzio berehalakoak eta komisiorik baxuenak eskaintzen baititu on-chain transakzioekin alderatuta. Horrela, zure negozioak eraginkortasunez eta kostu txikiarekin jaso ditzake ordainketak.

Lightning zorro bat konektatzeko modurik errazena LNDhub erabiltzea da, zure Lightning nodo propioa exekutatu beharrik ez baituzu izango. LNDhub zorro bat ez baduzu oraindik, ez kezkatu; Bitcoin Txoko-k doako LNDhub zorroak eskaintzen ditu, eta bost minutu baino gutxiago behar dira konfiguratzeko. Begiratu nostr:naddr1qqxnzd3exuerqdfkxccnyv3cqgs9n8m87l0hd9xxqwndqcmwzh4uvyxmwlw0637kuhg98pkcy8ana2grqsqqqa28nkyu7t zure LNDhub zorroa nola lortu jakiteko, eta prest zaudenean itzuli konfigurazioa jarraitzeko.

Zure LNDhub zorroa prest dagoenean, jarraitu urrats hauek BTCPay kontuan konfiguratzen: 1. Joan zure BTCPay kontura eta Wallets aukera bilatu alboko barran, ondoren Lightning aukeratu. 2. Hautatu Use custom node. 3. Kopiatu zure LNDhub administrazio URL-a eta itsatsi konexioaren konfigurazioan. 4. Proba ezazu zure zorroaren konexioa. 5. Ondo joan bada, honako mezua agertu beharko litzateke: Connection to the Lightning node successful, but no public address has been configured. Ez kezkatu "no public address has been configured" atalaz, horrek zure nodo propioa exekutatzen ari bazara bakarrik du garrantzia. 6. Zorroaren konexioa arrakastaz probatu ondoren, sakatu Save botoia. 7. Save sakatu ondoren, LNURL atalean, desaktibatu Enable LNURL aukera. Egin aldaketak eta ez ahaztu berriro Save botoian klik egitea. 8. (Hautazkoa) Une honetan, gomendagarria da Display Lightning payment amounts in Satoshis aukera markatzea, Satoshitan zenbatutako ordainketa kopuruak irakurtzeko errazagoak baitira. Satoshi Bitcoin-en zatirik txikiena da; Bitcoin bat 100 milioi satoshik osatzen dute.

Jarraitu urrats hauek zure zorroa arrakastaz konfiguratuta izateko eta Lightning bidezko ordainketak onartzeko.

💡 Zure Lightning nodo propioa erabiltzen ari bazara, konfigurazio prozesua antzekoa da. Ziurtatu zure nodo inplementaziorako konexio kate egokia ematen duzula.

Saltoki puntua (PoS) sortu

Urrats honetara iritsi bazara, zorionak! Zati aspergarriena amaitu da, eta orain zure Saltoki puntua (Point of Sale, PoS) sortzeko unea iritsi da, BTCPay bidez zure lehen Bitcoin ordainketa onartzen hasteko!

Saltoki puntu bat sortzeko: 1. Joan Plugins > Point of Sale atalera. 2. Eman izen bat zure Saltoki puntuari eta sakatu Create botoia.

Jarraian, zure PoS aplikazioarekin egin ditzakezun gauza erraz batzuk azalduko ditugu. BTCPay-k ezaugarri asko ditu, baina gida honetan oinarrizkoak soilik azalduko ditugu, hasiera emateko.

💡 Gogoratu BTCPay Server-en saltoki puntu bat baino gehiago sor ditzakezula, bakoitza erabilera jakin baterako. Horrela, negozio desberdinetarako edo produktu eta zerbitzu berezietarako konfigurazio bereiziak izatea posible da.

Teklatua (Keypad)

Demostrazio erraz baterako, PoS estilo gisa teklatuaren eredua erabiliko dugu.

1. Eman zure PoS-ari izen bat eta erakusteko titulua.
2. Hautatu Keypad estiloa Point of Sale style aukeraren azpian.
3. Sakatu Save eskuineko goiko izkinan, eta ondoren View sakatu zure PoS begiratzeko.

Ordainketak lehenago konfiguratutako LNDhub zorroan jasoko dira. Jolas ezazu fakturak sortzen eta deskontu eta tip (aholkularitza) aukerak aktibatuz. Gainera, telefono bat baduzu (adibidez, iPhone ez den bat) NFC teknologia onartzen duena, bezeroek NFC txartelak erabiliz ere ordain dezakete, hala nola BoltCard erabiliz (ikusi nostr:naddr1qqxnzd3e8qcr2wfn8qcrgwf4qgs9n8m87l0hd9xxqwndqcmwzh4uvyxmwlw0637kuhg98pkcy8ana2grqsqqqa28qjzxr4). Ez al da zoragarria?

💡 PoS estilo honen erraztasuna maximizatzeko, Keypad PoS zure telefonoan Progressive Web App (PWA) gisa gorde dezakezu sarbide azkarrerako. Mugikor gehienetako nabigatzaileetan aukera hau Install App edo Gehitu orri nagusian izenarekin agertzen da.

Horrela, zure negozioan Bitcoin ordainketak erraz onar ditzakezu, eta erabiltzaileek ere modu intuitibo batean ordaindu ahal izango dute.

Product list (with cart)

Posible da saltoki puntu bat sortzea produktu zehatzekin, bakoitza bere prezioarekin. Ezaugarri hau erabil dezakezu kutxa sinple bat, bezeroen auto-ordainketa sistema edo web denda bat konfiguratzeko.

Nola sortu produktu-zerrendadun Saltoki Puntua: 1. Joan berriro alboko barrara eta aukeratu Point of Sale. 2. Oraingoan, Point of Sale Style azpian, hautatu Product list with cart. "With cart" aukerak bezeroari produktu bat baino gehiago aldi berean erosteko aukera ematen dio. 3. Zure produktuak sortu, edo zuzenean sakatu Save eta View produktu laginak probatzeko.

Ondorioa

Gida honetan, zure negozioan Bitcoin onartzen hasteko BTCPay Server erabiliz jarraitu beharreko oinarrizko urratsak azaldu ditugu. BTCPay Server proiektu irekia da eta etengabe garatzen ari da. Askoz ere ezaugarri eta funtzionalitate gehiago eskaintzen ditu, hala nola Shopify integrazioa, crowdfunding eta ordainketen banaketa automatikoa. Gainera, zure denda pertsonaliza dezakezu gaikako diseinuekin, ordainketa-gune pertsonalizatuarekin, erabiltzaileen kudeaketarekin, posta elektronikoko jakinarazpenekin eta askoz gehiago.

BTCPay Server-en ahalmen guztiak aprobetxatu nahi badituzu, zure Lightning nodoa konfiguratu eta zure BTCPay zerbitzaria ostatatzea gomendatzen dizugu. Informazio gehiago lortzeko, haien dokumentazioa eta bideoak ikustea komeni da.

Zalantzarik edo galderarik baduzu, jakinarazi iezaguzu! Zure iritziak entzutea gustatuko litzaiguke eta galderak argitzen lagundu nahi dizugu.

Bitcoin Txoko komunitate ireki bat da. Gure zerbitzu guztiak dohaintzekin finantzatzen dira. Gida hau erabilgarria iruditu bazaizu, kontuan hartu gure zerbitzariak martxan mantentzen laguntzeko dohaintza bat egitea. Eskerrik asko aldez aurretik!

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 502ab02a:a2860397

2024-10-31 02:50:27

ตะเกียงฟักทองที่เห็นกันในวันฮัลโลวีน หรือที่เรียกกันว่า Jack O’ Lantern ถือกำเนิดมานานหลายร้อยปี โดยมีรากฐานมาจากตำนานพื้นบ้านของชาวไอริช ว่าด้วยเรื่องของ “แจ็กจอมขี้เหนียว หรือ แจ็กจอมตืด” ซึ่งเป็นหนึ่งในเรื่องเล่าที่ถ่ายทอดจากรุ่นสู่รุ่น และมีหลายเวอร์ชัน แต่เวอร์ชันที่แพร่หลายที่สุดเล่าว่า แจ็กเป็นชายที่เจ้าเล่ห์มาก ถึงขั้นสามารถหลอกลวงซาตานได้

เรื่องเริ่มต้นเมื่อแจ็กเชิญซาตานมาดื่มเหล้าด้วยกัน แต่แทนที่จะจ่ายเงินเอง แจ็กกลับวางแผนให้ซาตานแปลงร่างเป็นเหรียญเพื่อจ่ายค่าเหล้า ซาตานยินดีทำตามแผนนี้ แต่แจ็กกลับนำเหรียญใส่ไว้ในกระเป๋าที่มีไม้กางเขนอยู่ ซาตานจึงไม่สามารถคืนร่างเดิมได้

หลังจากการเจรจา แจ็กยอมปล่อยซาตาน โดยมีข้อตกลงว่าซาตานจะต้องไม่ยุ่งกับเขาเป็นเวลา 1ปี และเมื่อแจ็กตาย ซาตานจะไม่มีสิทธิ์ครอบครองวิญญาณของเขา

เมื่อครบหนึ่งปี ซาตานกลับมาหาแจ็กอีกครั้ง คราวนี้แจ็กใช้กลอุบายใหม่ หลอกให้ซาตานปีนขึ้นไปเก็บแอปเปิ้ลบนต้นไม้ แล้วจึงสลักกางเขนไว้บนต้นไม้ ทำให้ซาตานลงมาไม่ได้ แจ็กจึงต่อรองเพิ่ม โดยซาตานต้องสัญญาว่าจะไม่มายุ่งกับเขาอีกเป็นเวลา 10ปี

แต่เมื่อแจ็กเสียชีวิต วิญญาณของเขากลับไม่ถูกต้อนรับเข้าสวรรค์ เนื่องจากพฤติกรรมหลอกลวงที่เขาทำเมื่อยังมีชีวิตอยู่ และแม้ว่าเขาจะลองไปหาที่พึ่งในนรก ซาตานก็ปฏิเสธการรับวิญญาณของเขาเช่นกัน ตามคำสัญญาที่เคยให้ไว้

สุดท้ายแจ็กจึงต้องกลายเป็นวิญญาณเร่ร่อน โชคดีที่ซาตานยังปราณีทิ้งก้อนถ่านที่เรืองแสงให้แจ็กไว้ส่องทาง แจ็กจึงคว้านหัวผักกาด เจาะช่องแสงแล้วใส่ถ่านลงไป เพื่อใช้เป็นตะเกียงนำทาง

ชาวไอริชจึงตั้งชื่อ “แจ็กกับตะเกียง” ว่า Jack of the Lantern ก่อนจะเพี้ยนกลายเป็น Jack O’ Lantern ในเวลาต่อมา และธรรมเนียมนี้ก็แพร่หลายในหมู่ชาวไอริชและสกอตแลนด์ ผู้คนนิยมแกะสลักหัวผักกาดหรือหัวมันฝรั่งให้ดูน่ากลัว จากนั้นใส่ไฟด้านใน แล้วนำไปวางที่หน้าต่างหรือประตูเพื่อป้องกันวิญญาณเร่ร่อนอย่างแจ็กไม่ให้เข้ามารบกวนในคืนฮัลโลวีน

ส่วนฟักทองที่ใช้กันอย่างแพร่หลายในปัจจุบันนั้น เพิ่งถูกนำมาใช้หลังจากที่ผู้อพยพจากยุโรปเดินทางไปยังอเมริกา เนื่องจากฟักทองเป็นพืชที่หาง่ายและมีขนาดใหญ่ ทำให้ง่ายต่อการแกะสลัก คนอเมริกันจึงเริ่มใช้ฟักทองแทนหัวผักกาดหรือมันฝรั่งในการทำตะเกียง Jack O’ Lantern

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ eac63075:b4988b48

2024-10-30 20:58:01

Have you ever heard that cryptocurrencies are primarily used by criminals? This is a common idea, but it doesn’t reflect reality. In this article, we will explore what cryptocurrencies are, how they work, and why the notion that they’re only for illegal activities is a myth. We will also compare the use of cryptocurrencies with traditional money and understand how blockchain technology brings transparency and security to transactions.

https://www.fountain.fm/episode/hVVS7hrsX8VQ9SPoUYbg

What Are Cryptocurrencies?

Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that use cryptography to secure transactions. The most well-known is Bitcoin, but there are many others, like Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple. Unlike traditional money, cryptocurrencies are not controlled by governments or central banks. They operate on a decentralized network called blockchain, which records all transactions publicly and immutably.

The Origin of the Myth: Cryptocurrencies and Illicit Activities

The myth that cryptocurrencies are mainly used for crime began with cases like Silk Road, an illegal online marketplace where Bitcoin was used to buy and sell illicit products. This type of news captured attention and created a negative image of cryptocurrencies. However, it’s essential to understand that these cases are exceptions and don’t represent the majority of cryptocurrency use.

Current Data: Cryptocurrencies and Illicit Activities

According to the 2024 Cryptocurrency Crime Report from Chainalysis, only 0.34% of cryptocurrency transactions in 2023 were linked to illegal activities. This means that the vast majority of people use cryptocurrencies legitimately, for investments, shopping, sending money to family in other countries, and other legal activities.

## Comparison with Traditional Money

When we look at traditional money, like the dollar or the euro, we see that it is much more used in criminal activities. According to a report by Verafin, about 3.1 trillion dollars are used annually in financial crimes such as drug trafficking, terrorism, fraud, and money laundering. This represents approximately 3.87% of all money in circulation.

In comparison, the illicit use of cryptocurrencies is a much smaller fraction. This shows that traditional money remains the main tool for financial crimes, not cryptocurrencies.

The Transparency of Blockchain

One of the great advantages of cryptocurrencies is blockchain technology. Since all transactions are recorded in a public ledger, it’s possible to trace the path of money. This makes it harder for criminals to hide their activities. Unlike cash, which can change hands without leaving any trace, cryptocurrency transactions leave a permanent record.

Companies and law enforcement agencies use this transparency to identify and combat illegal activities. This makes cryptocurrencies less appealing to criminals who prefer methods that leave no trace.

How Much Money Is There in the World?

To understand the scale, it’s interesting to know that, according to the World Population Review, about 80 trillion dollars are in circulation globally, including physical and digital money. Out of this total, only 5 trillion dollars is in physical cash. This shows that most transactions are already digital, even in the traditional financial system.

## Cryptocurrencies Promote Economic Freedom

Cryptocurrencies offer people more control over their own money. Without the need for intermediaries like banks or governments, transactions can be made directly between individuals. This is especially useful in countries with unstable financial systems or where the population lacks easy access to banking services.

This financial autonomy can bother traditional institutions that are used to controlling the flow of money. Therefore, we sometimes see criticism of cryptocurrencies from these institutions, which may try to link them to criminal activities to discredit them.

Myths and Realities

It’s a myth to say that cryptocurrencies are mainly used for crimes. The reality is that they are primarily used for legal and legitimate purposes. People around the world invest in cryptocurrencies, use them for online shopping, send money to family in other countries, and even protect their savings from inflation.

Conclusion: Are Cryptocurrencies Really the Villains?

The evidence shows that cryptocurrencies are not the villains some believe them to be. On the contrary, they offer a safe, transparent, and efficient way to conduct financial transactions. While traditional money continues to be the main means used in criminal activities, the illicit use of cryptocurrencies remains a small exception.

If you have doubts about the reliability of cryptocurrencies, remember that the technology behind them is designed to be safe and transparent. With current data and information, it’s clear that cryptocurrencies are closer to being a solution for financial problems than a cause.

And You, What Do You Think?

Are cryptocurrencies being unfairly accused? Share your opinion and join the discussion!Have you ever heard that cryptocurrencies are primarily used by criminals? This is a common idea, but it doesn’t reflect reality. In this article, we will explore what cryptocurrencies are, how they work, and why the notion that they’re only for illegal activities is a myth. We will also compare the use of cryptocurrencies with traditional money and understand how blockchain technology brings transparency and security to transactions.

What Are Cryptocurrencies? Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that use cryptography to secure transactions. The most well-known is Bitcoin, but there are many others, like Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple. Unlike traditional money, cryptocurrencies are not controlled by governments or central banks. They operate on a decentralized network called blockchain, which records all transactions publicly and immutably.

The Origin of the Myth: Cryptocurrencies and Illicit Activities The myth that cryptocurrencies are mainly used for crime began with cases like Silk Road, an illegal online marketplace where Bitcoin was used to buy and sell illicit products. This type of news captured attention and created a negative image of cryptocurrencies. However, it’s essential to understand that these cases are exceptions and don’t represent the majority of cryptocurrency use.

Current Data: Cryptocurrencies and Illicit Activities According to the 2024 Cryptocurrency Crime Report from Chainalysis, only 0.34% of cryptocurrency transactions in 2023 were linked to illegal activities. This means that the vast majority of people use cryptocurrencies legitimately, for investments, shopping, sending money to family in other countries, and other legal activities.

Comparison with Traditional Money When we look at traditional money, like the dollar or the euro, we see that it is much more used in criminal activities. According to a report by Verafin, about 3.1 trillion dollars are used annually in financial crimes such as drug trafficking, terrorism, fraud, and money laundering. This represents approximately 3.87% of all money in circulation.

In comparison, the illicit use of cryptocurrencies is a much smaller fraction. This shows that traditional money remains the main tool for financial crimes, not cryptocurrencies.

The Transparency of Blockchain One of the great advantages of cryptocurrencies is blockchain technology. Since all transactions are recorded in a public ledger, it’s possible to trace the path of money. This makes it harder for criminals to hide their activities. Unlike cash, which can change hands without leaving any trace, cryptocurrency transactions leave a permanent record.

Companies and law enforcement agencies use this transparency to identify and combat illegal activities. This makes cryptocurrencies less appealing to criminals who prefer methods that leave no trace.

How Much Money Is There in the World? To understand the scale, it’s interesting to know that, according to the World Population Review, about 80 trillion dollars are in circulation globally, including physical and digital money. Out of this total, only 5 trillion dollars is in physical cash. This shows that most transactions are already digital, even in the traditional financial system.

Cryptocurrencies Promote Economic Freedom Cryptocurrencies offer people more control over their own money. Without the need for intermediaries like banks or governments, transactions can be made directly between individuals. This is especially useful in countries with unstable financial systems or where the population lacks easy access to banking services.

This financial autonomy can bother traditional institutions that are used to controlling the flow of money. Therefore, we sometimes see criticism of cryptocurrencies from these institutions, which may try to link them to criminal activities to discredit them.

Myths and Realities It’s a myth to say that cryptocurrencies are mainly used for crimes. The reality is that they are primarily used for legal and legitimate purposes. People around the world invest in cryptocurrencies, use them for online shopping, send money to family in other countries, and even protect their savings from inflation.

Conclusion: Are Cryptocurrencies Really the Villains? The evidence shows that cryptocurrencies are not the villains some believe them to be. On the contrary, they offer a safe, transparent, and efficient way to conduct financial transactions. While traditional money continues to be the main means used in criminal activities, the illicit use of cryptocurrencies remains a small exception.

If you have doubts about the reliability of cryptocurrencies, remember that the technology behind them is designed to be safe and transparent. With current data and information, it’s clear that cryptocurrencies are closer to being a solution for financial problems than a cause.

And You, What Do You Think? Are cryptocurrencies being unfairly accused? Share your opinion and join the discussion!

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ a95c6243:d345522c

2024-10-19 08:58:08

Ein Lämmchen löschte an einem Bache seinen Durst. Fern von ihm, aber näher der Quelle, tat ein Wolf das gleiche. Kaum erblickte er das Lämmchen, so schrie er:

"Warum trübst du mir das Wasser, das ich trinken will?"

"Wie wäre das möglich", erwiderte schüchtern das Lämmchen, "ich stehe hier unten und du so weit oben; das Wasser fließt ja von dir zu mir; glaube mir, es kam mir nie in den Sinn, dir etwas Böses zu tun!"

"Ei, sieh doch! Du machst es gerade, wie dein Vater vor sechs Monaten; ich erinnere mich noch sehr wohl, daß auch du dabei warst, aber glücklich entkamst, als ich ihm für sein Schmähen das Fell abzog!"

"Ach, Herr!" flehte das zitternde Lämmchen, "ich bin ja erst vier Wochen alt und kannte meinen Vater gar nicht, so lange ist er schon tot; wie soll ich denn für ihn büßen."

"Du Unverschämter!" so endigt der Wolf mit erheuchelter Wut, indem er die Zähne fletschte. "Tot oder nicht tot, weiß ich doch, daß euer ganzes Geschlecht mich hasset, und dafür muß ich mich rächen."

Ohne weitere Umstände zu machen, zerriß er das Lämmchen und verschlang es.

Das Gewissen regt sich selbst bei dem größten Bösewichte; er sucht doch nach Vorwand, um dasselbe damit bei Begehung seiner Schlechtigkeiten zu beschwichtigen.

Quelle: https://eden.one/fabeln-aesop-das-lamm-und-der-wolf

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 6c4b0219:bb7f889e

2024-10-30 18:42:27

This is not just the first or the second time; it's the third time I'm on Nostr.

Like everyone new to Nostr who isn’t 100% knowledgeable on how decentralised protocols works like Jack, Alex, or other great minds in this space, we have, one way or another, lost our first private key (Nsec).

Well, funny enough, i lost mine

I started with the Amethyst Nostr client, but unfortunately, I lost my private keys.

Then I moved to Primal, where I lost my private keys again. However, this time it’s not going to be the same story!

I’ve learned from my lessons.__

We all make mistakes, but it’s time to learn from them!

I look forward to delving into the decentralized world of Nostr, and this time I’m going to take this freedom tech more seriously!

I’m excited to grow and connect with great minds here.

Don't forget to give me a follow to support my journey here.

Thank you for reading!

PS: I'm Currently Using Yakihonne client...

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ bf95e1a4:ebdcc848

2024-09-17 12:46:24

This is the AI-generated transcript from Bitcoin Infinity Show #126 with Derek Ross, lightly cleaned up for clarity and readability. It might not be perfect, but it's pretty good!

Check out http://bitcoininfinity.com/ for all our books, merch, and more!

Welcoming Derek

Luke: Derek, welcome to the Bitcoin Infinity Show. Thanks so much for joining us.

Derek: Thanks for having me.

Knut: Yeah. Hi. Glad to have you here, Derek. so let's start off with, the TLDR. who are you and why

Derek: Well, it's, my dad liked Bo Derek, so he chose the name Derek. I don't know if we want to go that far back.

Introducing Derek Ross

Derek: I fell in love with Nostr, back in December of, 2022 when Jack Dorsey, discovered Nostr when he was looking for projects to fund and a bunch of Bitcoin developers and Bitcoiners said, Hey, you should fund Nostr and check out Nostr.

So a lot of Bitcoiners checked out Nostr at the same time too, and I found out that I could build Basic services on Nostr, because it was pretty simple to do so and add a few bells and whistles for people. I just really embraced the technology, really embraced what Nostr could mean for the world and started talking about Nostr And now, that's my passion.

I love going around to conferences, Bitcoin conferences, building and growing Nostr, and that's kind of, I guess, brought me to you guys today.

Luke: Yeah, I mean, we're here at Nostriga, basically the beginning of Nostriga. Still the morning has happened. Yes. But, this place is awesome. We had the Noob day yesterday, and you gave. Nostr 101 at the Noob Day, and so I don't think we need Nostr 101 for this audience necessarily, but can you at least do like a broad strokes of the important points of Nostr just so we have a little bit of a baseline?

Knut: And

The Basics of Nostr

Derek: Well, Nostr is decentralized and censorship resistant, and if that sounds familiar, it's because it shares a lot of the same ethos that Bitcoin shares. So I recognized immediately, you know, how important Bitcoin is for the world. Like I've been a Bitcoiner for a few years now, and I recognize that Nostr shares a lot of the same ethos, where it is censorship resistant, decentralized.

You can control your social information similarly to Bitcoin, where you can control which financial rules you decide to run on your own node. So it gives you A lot of ownership over your financial transactions for Bitcoin. Nostr gives you a lot of ownership over your social transactions, so I really liked the correlation to the two that really resonated with me.

it was really easy to understand if Bitcoin is the freedom to transact, then Nostr is the freedom to communicate, and I really liked that relationship. I really recognized that social media is broken and Nostr fixes a lot of that by giving the power and the choice back to users. I really think that that paired with a portable digital social identity that you own and you control for the very first time that you can take with you.

To whatever application, whatever social application you want to use, it's just really unique because you can't log into Twitter, take your social graph and then log into TikTok with it. You know, you just can't do that now. Nostr, you could technically do that. You could have a video streaming app and you log into an audio streaming app or a podcast app or your general social app, and you have the same followers, the same social graph, your contact list, everything is all there.

And that, that's really, really neat. And I think that that's a unique thing that we've never had before.

you explain the social graph in a little bit of detail? Yeah. So your, your social graph is basically who you are social with. It's your, you know, your circle of friends, your followers, the people you interact with on a daily basis in traditional social media that varies from different app to app. You had, you would have to ask everybody. Hey, what's your Instagram account?

I want to follow you there. What's your Twitter account? I want to follow you there. So your social graph is all of your, the people you interact with, the people you follow, the people that follow you. you're able to bring that with you with Nostr, no matter what app you sign into, all of that comes with you.

that's all portable. your social circle, your social experience.

Luke: Yeah. so the key feature of Nostr in that respect is this portability, but this is all still tied down by the, public private key cryptography similar to Bitcoin. In fact, it's the same, cryptography setup as Bitcoin.

Derek: Yes. Yeah. Yeah. So just like Bitcoin, you know, you, you want to keep your private key safe. Nostr is the same way. Your private key unlocks access to your social identity, just like your Bitcoin private key unlocks access to your Bitcoin. So you want to keep them safe. You want to make sure that you're, you're practicing safe nsex and you're, you're storing your, Yeah, like, I like that dad joke.

It's a good one.

But you make sure that key is secure and you're not putting that key into random applications because like I said, it unlocks your identity.

Luke: Yeah. I mean, I think on a practical level, that actually is kind of a scary thing in this early days of Nostr, because first of all, people who are into the Nostr environment early are going to get this extremely strong web of trust with other early Nostr users.

Derek: Oh man, this is a fighting point. Like the Nostr is decentralized. So there's no correct way to say it. I've heard Nostr, Nostr, Nostra, like whatever you want. It's just like the logo. There's no official logo. You know, you can make a logo and you can use it. You can make your own saying and use it.

Luke: Nostr actually seems like the

Derek: say,

Knut: we'll go with no

Derek: I, you know, the next time you're gonna have somebody else in your show, they're gonna say Nostr. It's just how it is.

Luke: Totally.

Trust, Reputation, and Identity

Luke: I mean, the decentralization aspect of it, that's good. But the, so, okay, I think that the point I was getting at is that, yeah, these NSECs are really actually valuable in the sense of that, nothing is going to, from this point onward, if someone loses their NSEC, you're not really going to get back the same kind of network in the same way.

Derek: yeah, that's a valid point. If I spent, let's say, a year building my reputation, building my web of trust, my social graph. And then I leak my NSEC accidentally, I have to start all over again, and that's going to be hard because I essentially lost the last year's worth of work. I lost all that proof of work.

Now, people that know you and interact with you, people you've met in person, they'll immediately, transfer that trust to the new identity, but everybody else that doesn't physically know you, that's going to take time to rebuild that.

Luke: Yeah, and, okay, this is, a point here. Why is it important to have this trust and reputation? Why does Nostr need that to work?

Derek: Well, I think that, in Bitcoin, we say, don't trust verify. But, I think that a certain level of trust for certain social interactions has to happen. You know, if we're constantly afraid of interacting with other humans or, you know, stepping outside our comfort zone and being social with humans because we need verification, it just, paints a negative picture.

It, I think that a certain level of Trust will allow us to be more human, more social because we do have to trust for certain aspects of life. And if we don't want a third party to have to KYC us and we have to play by all sorts of other rules, I think that our reputation becomes our identity.

And that allows us to have all these new types of experiences, new types of interactions. Like if I wanted to sell something on Nostr. I have a lot of people that follow me and they say, Hey, I tried to sell something on Nostr and I wasn't able to do it. I said, Oh, I've sold stuff on Nostr.

They're like, yeah, but you're Derek. And you have a lot of people that follow you. And then I've had people. Come to me and say, hey, can you reshare this item that I'm selling to gain exposure because I have a lot of people that follow me and I say, well, I don't know if I want to do that.

I told a guy recently, I didn't know if I wanted to do that because I didn't know them. He wasn't in my web of trust and I didn't want to promote essentially his item that he was selling. Because I didn't know who he was. Now, if he was in my web of trust, maybe Luke, if you were selling something and you wanted me to, I know you, I I've interacted with you.

Sure. You're in my web of trust. I will help you out. I will reshare the item you're selling. And I think that that type of trust in. You know, human interactions is okay.

Breaking Nostr

Knut: one question I have about this whole thing and that, I still haven't wrapped my head around is like. It's super simple to fire up a cryptographic key pair. So, what's preventing basically DDoS attacks and someone firing up a ton of these and like,

Derek: there's essentially really nothing preventing it. We had a Bitcoin Core developer. Ron Stoner, I believe, recently. He decided to show this exact example. And he mined like four million end pubs and he sent a million of them to follow Will from Damus and just to show that, this is essentially an exploit. maybe, we need clients to start to look at low, I'll call them low value key, accounts that don't really follow anybody that have no credit. interactions, that look like they're spam because ultimately anybody can create an infinite number of new keys. Like that's just, that's kind of how it works.

Knut: Yeah, I know Twitter's way of mitigating that is probably the blue check nowadays, like where they, I love that they kick the celebrities off of their high horses and like now everyone can get a blue check. It's just a small payment per month. I don't know if it's 8 or something, but as I understand it, that's the way to fight the bots because like you need to get above a threshold.

Derek: And that kind of exists, in a way on Nostr. So Nostr has, it's not the same type of verification that you would have on Twitter because nothing is truly being verified except for A website exists that says this person has some way of updating a file on this webpage, it's a NIP05 Nostr address.

Luke: Nostr Improvement Protocol,

Derek: Improvement Protocol, or no, Nostr Implementation Possibility.

Yes. because you don't have to implement it if you don't want to. If you don't want to implement it, you don't have to.

And possibility was a miss, it was proposal I was thinking of, but yeah, possibility. Proposal. Yeah. that rings a bell. . Yeah, so, with these Nostr addresses, like, you can kind of have Some type of verification that somebody exists, but then bots could sit there and just spin up new accounts and constantly just verify themselves over and over and over again. So that's not a really good spam, mitigation technique.

I think the best that we have right now is rate limiting and relays. being paid. It's kind of a paywall. So there's free relays that are public that anybody can write to. But then there is also the paid relays where maybe it's a monthly fee. Maybe it's a one time fee, yearly fee, but it's some type of paywall.

Nostr's Relay Architecture

Luke: Can you lightly refresh the relay client,

Derek: Sure, sure. So Clients are just like your web browser, or just like your email browser, your email client, your email application. They connect to relays that store all of your Nostr data. Relays are just like, servers, they're nodes, and they store all of your events, all your nodes, all your Nostr content.

A client then connects to, All these different relays that a user would be utilizing and downloads or pulls the content from the relays. And then the user sends the content to the relays for other people to pull, to pull down. The relays are the real, real, like dumb part of Nostr. They don't really do anything overly exciting besides store and house information where clients are the power houses.

Clients are the ones that are unique and doing all the, Unique, features and displaying the content differently.

Knut: so is there a risk that it goes the same route as SMTP and email and we end up with your Hotmail and your Gmails are

Derek: centralized servers. Like there's like, what I can remember running email servers, you know, two decades ago and it was like no big deal. And now it's a lot harder. you basically get blacklisted by all the big, all the big companies, for, for being an unknown new host, essentially.

Could we see that? Maybe, but there's a new methodology that clients are starting to adopt that drastically improves decentralization. Right now, we would have to, on the majority of clients right now, for us to communicate and know each other exists on Nostr, we would have to share at least one relay in common.

So that way our content is both sent to and pulled from at least one server that we have in common. So we know each other exists and we can communicate that way. Which means you could then have centralization issues where everybody could be using the same Ten whatever relays in common, and you really don't want that in a true decentralized model.

So there's a new methodology that developers are slowly starting to implement in their clients. It's referred to as the outbox model, and the way that this works is that the client will look at all of the people, or all the end pubs, the profiles that A user is following and go out to that user's relays where they're publishing their content and pull the content down from that user's relays instead of the initial user's relays.

So it drastically improves decentralization because the two users don't have to share a relay in common. The client does all the work pulling the content down from whichever the relays are. So I could, in theory, publish all of my content to just like the Derek relay. And if your client supports this new type of outbox model and you don't use the Derek relay, you could still see my content because your client knows to go to the Derek relay to get Derek's content.

Knut: but nothing is forcing people to implement this model. Right.

Derek: No, no, no, exactly. So that, that's why right now we don't have every single client across Nostr using it, but if clients are built with the, NDK, the Nostr development toolkit, Outbox is supported by default now. Snort, Iris, Amethyst, Coracle, I believe. There's a handful of clients that support it now.

And Dalmas doesn't have it yet. Primal doesn't have it yet, but their developers are both committed to adding it in the future. Once all the major clients are doing it, it's like a social consensus at that point.

And just a quick follow on, on this. I think the distinction, the reason this works in my understanding, right. Is that most of these relays would be anyone can read, but you have to have access to write to it. is that correct? Yeah. Well, yeah. For example, like for my relay, anybody can read from my relay, but only, I only allow my wife and I to write to my relay, but since everybody in the world can read from it with the outbox model, you don't have to specifically tell your client.

Your client will know where my content is and go to my relay to get it for

Luke: right? So a model that actually would in fact work in this scenario is someone signs up for maybe one or two big paid relays, something like that. And that relay just lets anyone read from it. Then this outbox model would just let people pull down from those paid relays.

I think we'll see in the future a lot more smaller community based relays just because that methodology will just work like right now. If you have all sorts of smaller community relays, you have to know where the people you follow publish their content.

Derek: And then if they would start publishing it on a new relay and no longer use that relay, you could lose contact with that person. So this new method will fix that.

Nostr User Experience and Adoption

Knut: It's, I mean, all of this sounds complicated, and I think like, do, does Nostr get the masses, like, and can it be fixed with, improved user interfaces and stuff? Like how? there's always a trade off between usability and security, right? So like, how do you see that

Derek: I like to say that technology works best once it fades into the background. You should not know The protocol that you're using. You shouldn't know how all of the sausage is made. You should just know, man, I like sausage. It's delicious. Like, that's all you need to know. Right? and Nostr needs to, to get to that level.

Are we there yet? Definitely not. relays are important, but maybe in the future, whenever a new user signs in, they don't actually really need to choose the relays that often. Maybe it's just going to randomize. You know, there's a thousand relays out there just randomly picks, six relays or something, a half a dozen relays at random.

So it's drastically increasing decentralization. And it does all this in the background. And then under an advanced setting, you can add your own personal one or something like that. most people won't ever go into advanced settings. they'll just use their app because everything else just fades into the background.

They'll just use it. They won't need to know to go in to add media servers or they won't know to go in and configure relays. The clients will just do all of this for them because the technology stack has improved to the point where this can be done.

Knut: yeah, I'm going to continue on the devil's advocate, like

Derek: Fire away. We need

Knut: attack vectors here.

Ethical Concerns and Open Protocols

Knut: so since it's so open and anyone can develop Nostr stuff, like right now you have the ethos and like all the developers, like, I love that all of these young 180 IQ developers are now, they're not making shitcoins anymore and They're all on Nostr, and like, I love that fact, because that's, that's the right usage of that brainpower.

But going forward, and if this really takes off, or when this really takes off, don't you see, don't you think you'll see, people with not as ethical intentions get into the space and try to like, take over?

Derek: Yeah, I mean, sure. I think that, you know, Nostr is an open protocol. So anything will be tried because it can be tried because it's open. But then we need to look at the free market and we need to look at staying open. If Nostr is truly permissionless, then yes, shitcoiners should be able to come build on Nostr.

I don't want to use their clients. I won't recommend anybody. they should be able to come and try to build something because Nostr is open and maybe they'll only have their shitcoin corner of Nostr and they'll have their own community over here. The rest of us won't be using that.

And that's probably okay. Well,

Knut: It's all about optionality, right?

Derek: that I think is the issue that Nostr really solves is because it's giving people choice. And in legacy social media, you don't really have a lot of choice. You need to use what is spoon fed to you. So if somebody wants to come build, you know, Ethereum tipping or Solana tipping or something on Nostr, I mean, that's,

Cool. Like I'm not going to use it. I'm not going to tell my wife that she now needs to Ethereum zap me, but the fact that somebody could do it would prove that Nostr really is permissionless and open.

Knut: Yeah, this leads me directly to a deeper philosophical question.

Hypernostrification vs. Hyperbitcoinization

Derek: Yeah. Because, in your mind, what happens first? Hypernostrification or hyperbitcoinization? And the reason I ask this now is like, because if we get hyperbitcoinization first, then it might be harder for, for shitcoins Oh yeah.

Knut: But in your mind, what happens first of the two?

Knut: I don't know. Again, we're going to go to a Derekism, another saying I like to say. I like to say that the purple pill helps the orange pill go down. So it's lube.

Derek: I think that we see more Nostr adoption first, and that helps with Bitcoin adoption through just ease of use and fun and frictionless manners.

I really think that, we know the money's broken, but social's also broken too. I don't think, The world is entirely going to move to Bitcoin. we're going to see hyperbitcoinization in the next couple of years, but maybe we'll see hyper Nostrification in the next couple of years as applications slowly start to rebuild and try out Nostr and see how that works for them.

And then from there, they get on boarded to Bitcoin through that.

Knut: So the reason that the web is broken, and the reason social media is broken, is that because of bad money. Like, what's the correlation there? Like, have you thought about that?

Derek: Maybe I like to think back to, you know, two decades ago, if you wanted to run a server out of your house to run your own media server, your own, you know, photos, your own documents, you know, movies, music, whatever you wanted to do, any type of social. you really couldn't do it. Like we didn't really have the infrastructure or the technology to really do it.

It was very expensive to run a server at home. we didn't have point and click installs for the average person. We didn't have point and click, you know, setups for in configurations for routers, we just didn't have the technology. For the average person to do it, you know, if, if you're a, you know, systems administrator, network engineer, sure, you can do all that stuff.

I mean, I was doing that 20 years ago too, but nobody else, you know, besides people in that like profession really did that. Nowadays, you can spend 50 and buy a raspberry pi and Install piece of software on it and touch a couple buttons and boom, you can deploy all these home services.

I think that since we couldn't do that 20 years ago, 30 years ago, we moved the technology stack into these large data centers where. The technology existed for people to run these services because they had the software, they had the high bandwidth, they had the fast servers, computers.

So we moved everything into these data centers and we trusted these large technology companies because they had the resources to do that. But then as technology improves, the infrastructure improves. Software improves and becomes easier. Now we can start pulling that out of the data center and the users can do it at home.

I don't think it's related to bad money. I just think it's related to, you know, we were early, so we moved to centralization because we had to, and now that we've advanced enough, now we can kind of. Recapture that and pull it back.

Knut: Yeah.

Luke: I actually like that argument for this because I mean, it's the gold thing, right? Like the gold physically couldn't do these things, but now Bitcoin does that. so gold centralized into vaults. Because that was just the way that

Knut: And fiat solved that problem.

Luke: exactly. so now maybe what you're saying is that, yeah, at the time, the actual server infrastructure had to be centralized like that.

And now there's a decentralized alternative. I can buy that.

Derek: and here's, a thought on this, maybe fiat money and, you know, our kids take the bill and pushing things forward faster and faster, that led to the computer revolution and the internet revolution. If that had been done in a sounder way, then maybe the internet would have developed slower, but in a more sound way, maybe, you know, technology bills getting published And money printing to fund, you know, so they just build fast and quick and they built too fast. Maybe it wasn't sustainable. The only way to be sustainable was to centralize who knows. It's all related to bad money.

I get it.

Knut: My tip is to not spend 50 on a raspberry pi, but spend a couple of hundred bucks and buy a start 9 instead.

Luke: something that, Definitely has the slightly more resources. And I mean, I think definitely, we, we had, someone asked the question at the noob day about, about running relays and everything. And I mean, it's great that people are actually wanting to do the self sovereign thing with Nostr the same way as they, Do with the Bitcoin nodes and stuff.

And it's great to see that these like node in the box

Derek: Yeah.

Luke: are making that easy for people.

Running Your Own Relay

Luke: So maybe, maybe here's like a, like a practical thing, just like a little bit on running your own relay and being as self sovereign as possible. And Nostr, do you have some thoughts on that?

Derek: Yeah. So I personally run two different relays. I run a relay on my phone just to basically act as a place for my DMs and my offline notes to go. So I can have my, I'm sorry, not DMs. I meant drafts. The other D with drafts for my drafts to go. And then for my offline notes to go, I run a relay in my house for my wife and I to use, as I had mentioned earlier.

And I do a little bit more of a complicated method because I want my relay in my house to be accessible from the outside world. That piece of the puzzle was still a little bit technical because you have to configure some network settings to allow the outside world to connect in to a computer that you're running at home.

So that, portion of it isn't like point and click easy yet. But, if you do have a start nine or you do have an umbral, you can point and click to have a relay at home installed. And then while you're at home on, Wi Fi or if you have a desktop, it's hardwired, whatever, anything that's on your home network can easily use those local relays.

And then if you want to access them from the outside world, you have to know that networking piece that I was just talking about, or you need to use like a home VPN. Or something like tail scale. And then you can accomplish that.

Onboarding and User Accessibility

Knut: so when will my 78 year old mother, fire up a Nostr, keep her?

Derek: I don't know. Maybe does she use social media now?

Knut: Yeah, she does.

Derek: What does she use?

Knut: Facebook, mainly.

Derek: Okay. Well, maybe someday I think Facebook's going to be a holdout on this. Maybe we'll see Elon do it in the next, two or three years, but I think someday we'll see a large legacy.

Traditional social media client turn into a very highly customized Nostr client and users really won't even know it. They'll custody the keys for the user, give you a username and password. They'll do all of that stuff. It'll be a, filtered relay, maybe moderated relay, who knows. But it'll essentially look the same and function the same for users, except they'll be connected to the Nostrverse.

they'll be publishing publicly to Nostr, and they won't even know it yet. So maybe when that happens, then she'll have her keys. Otherwise, I think the onboarding process needs to be improved a little bit

Knut: Mm hmm.

Derek: We can have 78 year olds, actively using Nostr.

I think it needs to be easier.

Knut: Boomer.

Derek: Yeah.

Luke: Well, some 78 year olds are more tech savvy than others,

Knut: yes, most of them are more tech savvy than my mother for sure.

Luke: there you go.

Beyond Twitter Alternatives

Luke: But this actually leads to another point here, is that the Twitter alternatives are really the clients that are the big thing. And actually, I think even people who are in the Nostr ecosystem already, Don't really do much outside of these Twitter alternatives, but there are other ways to display the Nostr information that looks a lot different, right?

Can you go into that a little bit?

Derek: yeah, I think that the reasons that Twitter alternatives are the most popular is because that's what we needed most, you know, and that's what was the most popular use case in the beginning, and it still holds true today, but it's also because These applications kind of manage the key for you, like on your device.

And a lot of this other stuff, a lot of these new unique use cases are web applications, they're websites, and people don't want to just go and paste their private key, their NSEC into a random website, which you should never do anyways. I found out that using extensions is something a lot of people don't use.

Like, with my app, NostrNest. com, so many people just don't use extensions. And you need to use an extension to sign in. The extension manages your key for you on the web. It acts as like your key management signing device. And a lot of people just don't use it. I would tell them, oh, you need to use an extension.

They're like, well, how do I use an extension? It's like, oh, you just need to go here and install that. And so many people just aren't familiar with it. It's really, that was really surprising to me. my point is that the other stuff, while it can be exciting unique and cool, it's not used as much because I think signing into all these web apps is, Very different from the average user.

They're used to using a username and password. They're not used to having to go and install an extension in Safari or install a whole nother web browser on Android or a whole nother app, to access a website. That's weird. it's a little too different. And once that workflow improves, then maybe we'll see, your Twitch alternative or your, medium alternative, blow up.

And become more popular.

Luke: Well, and actually the funny thing is the experience. Once you have the extension set up and you just go

Derek: Oh, it's easy

clients, like frictionless, it's perfect. But once you get over that hurdle of installing the extension, putting your private key into it and logging into that first website where it says, Hey, you're trying to log in and this website wants to know who you are. Do you want to allow it? Yes. you're going to post something and you know, do you want to have this post to your profile?

Yes. Once you understand how that works, then it's a no brainer, but it's just that first technical hurdle that so many people struggle with. But hopefully we Nostr developers can make this easier, in the coming future.

Luke: it's the natural innovation beyond because, a lot of services had been adopting a password lists, authentication model, basically just send a code to your email address. and I like that model. I think that's a lot more secure. You just have to worry about your email being secure

But then you go, one, next level, and it's everything is from that key pair. we are Nostr pilled as far as the use case and what it is. But it comes down to, I think, a little more of the pain points and the usability of it,

Nostr Algorithms

Luke: I will use Nostr, like the, the feed and everything, but I'll also use the, the Twitter feed as well because there's just so much more information on that. and the thing is, my current thing that I would like to see improvement on, or at least my ability to make my own improvements on is the algorithm selection.

and I know you've got a talk, coming up about this, like how to tailor your own algorithm, basically. And so before I give any other specific questions on this topic, could you preview, what you're going to talk about in terms of how to

Derek: Sure. So even though there is no blockchain, time chain, whatever for Nostr, I like to say that Nostr is a proof of work protocol because there are no algorithms at the protocol level. And the content isn't necessarily all the time brought forward for you. You're not spoonfed content.

So that means you have to do the work. You have to put in the work to be social. You have to do the work to get discovered and to discover content. And people aren't so much used to that anymore because they're used to being spoonfed a fire hose of content from your major platform. So with Nostr, we have the ability to regain and control our attention.

And we can control our social experience. So you have to do the work. You have to go out and comment on people's posts and you have to socially engage. You need to let people know that you're here. You have to make your voice heard. You have to interact with people. You have to just be social.

And it's really, it's just an interesting take because right now on these traditional platforms, you can kind of just lurk and have a decent experience because you're fed content. And on Nostr, that isn't the case most of the time, but now we have these, algorithm stores that are starting to pop up, where you can use them if you want to, it's not a requirement, which is, you know, like, maybe on, Twitter or Instagram or something like that, like, the algorithm is there, and maybe you can view a different feed, but It's, not the default.

and right now, like Nostr clients, the default is your chronological feed. if that's what you want, you can always have it. But if you want to do some algorithm, you can choose to do that. And it's open and transparent. So you could go and look at the algorithm to see what it's doing.

And that's just unique. We don't really have that type of user choice. So you can be your own algorithm socially. Or you can use an algorithm that somebody else built.

Knut: All right. so I think this was sort of, at least partially, an answer to my next question. And this is something I talked to Giacomo about, but because of the very reasons you just mentioned, you get very high quality people on Nostr and people who agree with one another and are nice and friendly to one another and you take care, it's your reputational capital and so on.

But. Many people are on Twitter for the opposite reason, that they want to argue with people. So how do we get more assholes on Nostr that are wrong on the internet, you know, and

you know, Yeah.

Derek: but I like to say that these algorithms on these traditional platforms were built to keep us enraged and engaged because if we're constantly upset and engaged, we're going to be using the application more.

We're going to see more ads. Ads are going to make more money. And it's going to fuel them to build bigger, better, more algorithms. We're going to use the app more. We're going to be more engaged and enraged. And it's just a never ending cycle.

I think that sure, if somebody wanted to build an asshole algorithm and just only show you controversial, mean content on Nostr, it's open. You can do that. And then they can have their asshole feed, I guess.

Nostr's Competitiveness

Knut: but, okay, this ties into a more serious point, if the, traditional platforms are optimized for engagement and, you know, to keep you on, how does Nostr take off if it doesn't have that drug,

Derek: Yeah, sure. I think most humans generally, want to be good people and don't want to be bad and negative all the time. It's just that, media really fuels that clown world also is very upsetting to people sometimes too.

And it drives their social experiences that way. another Derek ism is that, we're doom scrolling on other platforms. But humans weren't born to doom scroll, they should bloom scroll, people want to be good, I hope, If you're surrounded by good content, it's going to make you more positive.

If you're surrounded by negative content, it's going to make you more negative.

Knut: yeah, I certainly hope that people will use it more, because it ties into why newspapers that have aggressive headlines and like fearful headlines sell better, because our brains are wired for fear,

Derek: Yeah, exactly. we need to change that. We need to take it back. We need to use Nostr to take it back. we should be selling good stuff, not bad stuff.

I totally agree, Is it going to work in practice?

Knut: we'll see.

Luke: actually, so part of the practical thing on this, you can scroll virtually infinitely on these, Twitter apps. But Nostr, there always is some kind of limit. And let me explain what I mean by that. So in Primal, for example, Primal being the app that I use mostly on the web and the phone now, I do like, some others such as, Amethyst, and I've tried other, clients for the web, great to have the variety, but mostly I use Primal for the ease of use factor.

You got into this, at the noob day a little bit. but the, the two styles of feed that I get there through Primal is basically a latest. a version of latest and a version of, trending and the ways that, so, okay, not to overcomplicate this exactly, but I like, for example, concepts of, your tribe, the people who you follow and who follow you

Li limits based on the web of trust, I think. I think that's good And primal gives you tools to limit. So if you decide you want to see a wider feed, maybe you get the people who your followers follow. And then when I click that, I always get a whole ton of Japanese and Thai stuff like that, right? So, it's funny that it's not quite perfect at that level.

To be able to discover new stuff. Okay. I'm, this is actually going to be multiple questions. So maybe we'll start with that one. But how do you discover new stuff on Nostr that isn't the top, top, top most trending thing? Cause this is another side of the problem. but isn't someone that you already know and already follow.

Data Vending Machines (DVMs)

Derek: so I use my main client is Amethyst and there's several clients now that support these things called DVMs. It stands for Data Vending Machine. it sounds kinda, you know, nerdy but all it is, is an algorithm, really. I mean, an algorithm that is executed when somebody says, hey, I want to obtain this piece of data from you, give it to me.

Some of these data vending machines may be free. Some of them may be like a vending machine where you pay it some sats, and then it gives you the data, the algorithms executed after it gets paid. So I use DVMs to find new content. Like that's part of that whole algorithm to discover content.

There's all sorts of different ones. Like maybe I want to. Find, popular notes of cats or dogs, fluffy friends is what I think it's called. Or maybe I want to find, a trending, or there's a new DVM that was suggested recently. It's really cool. it finds the latest note from people you follow.

So if you constantly are posting in the feed every single day, all day long, and then there's other people that maybe post once a week or something, you would never see their content because they're always drowned out by more active users. So this new data vending machine, like algorithm, it'll go out there and find just the top latest note from somebody you follow.

So it's just a feed of like latest notes and that's a way to find content that you. Might generally miss, and that there's actually one called, something like what, while you were away or find content while you weren't active, or something like that on Nostr. And it tries to find content for you that way.

There's all these unique ways to find content and now that they're showing up more and more clients like no strudel and cortical. Coracle does some really neat stuff on, discoverability, finding content now. And this gets back to building your own algorithm. If you want that and you use these clients and it helps you, you find content and you're right.

Like sometimes they're not perfect. Like maybe you'll see some, content from other languages, you know, but you know, that, yeah.

Luke: It's fine that that exists. It's just not relevant to me at all. I mean, I know there are

Derek: that's a feature, maybe that's a filter or something like that on a client that needs to be built in is only show content from my native, or from my language that I normally post in, or my locale, or something like that is a way to maybe that's a new DVM right there.

If we just figured it out, we need,

Well, how do users find information on DVMs? yeah, well, if you're at, this gets back to the, we're early and Nostr is very technical. They're onboarding on Nostr as a whole generally sucks. It does because it's technical. We need more explanations or we need things to be simpler. And because these things, neither of these exist, there's probably a lot of people that use maybe Amethyst or maybe use.

Nostrudel or Coracle that have no clue what these things are. today, Primal announced their DVM store. Their, algorithm marketplace, essentially. And they do it very, very well. It's gonna be, it looks like it's gonna be kind of front and center for you to choose. And you can configure your feed with just a toggle radio button.

It looks like it's designed really, really nice. And maybe we'll see some of this user experience slip over to other clients, because right now you can get to them on several other clients, but they need a little bit more work, I think, to be, more user friendly.

Luke: Sure, and well, okay, and so, you find this stuff even by asking where to find this stuff on Nostr?

Derek: I can give you a website, I don't know the name of it, but it's something like datavendingmachines. com or nostrdvms. com, I don't remember the exact domain name, but it lists them all and explains what they are and how they work.

You should, we should have some of that in app, I think, to have a better user experience.

Luke: And how difficult is it to make your own?

Derek: to make your own DVM or to use one.

Luke: even, for example, just configure it

Derek: To make your own DVM, you probably need to be a Nostr developer. You need to know how to do some development programming. But if you want to utilize one, it's just a few clicks of a button. The most configurable one that exists today, Coracle. You can build these custom feeds with DVMs, with hashtags, with lists of people, with all sorts of stuff, and you can build a very, very user customized, feed, and I believe Damus NoteDeck is going to have something similar like that, too, where in the future, they'll have these algorithm stores and all these different types of feeds that you're going to be able to very easily point and click and build these feeds, but to build your own feed, Custom DVM, yeah, you should probably be a developer for that.

Otherwise, you'll just use somebody else's DVM that they built.

Luke: Okay, and then, so, I guess the engagement side of it. That's the other way to so called build your own feed?

Derek: right, like if, and this kind of mimics the real world, right, if we're standing outside in the conference hall and you and Knut are talking and I want to interject in the conversation, I'm not gonna just stand there off to the side and hope that you look at me and say, hey, do you want to talk?

I gotta go over and stand there and I gotta join the conversation. And that's really what you need to do on Nostr. if somebody is posting, commenting, replying, whatever, if you want to join the conversation, you need to join the conversation. You need to comment and talk too. And then those people are going to be like, Oh, hey, look, Derek's replying.

Luke: I don't know who he is, but now he's joined the conversation. I liked his reply. Maybe I want to follow him. And it just mimics real world in that. and as I understand it, the primal algorithm is largely reply based, like, the, the trending is, is, notes that get a lot of, replies, and, that, that's, that's important for that algorithm, and that's, this is actually one of these things I would like to personally be able to, to, to toggle, is, is, I don't necessarily look for the things that have the most interest.

replies, maybe I want it, maybe I want, because that's engagement, maybe I want the things that, that have the most likes, or, the most zaps, that one, that one's easy, I like that, that one's usually, pretty available and all this,

Derek: yeah, the mentioning the Primal algorithm for their trending is an interesting topic because over the past year, like when they first announced trending I think their signal indicator might have been zaps and people were doing like fake zaps just to show that this could be gamed and then Primal went back and retooled a little bit and then it was people were doing like spamming like thousands and thousands of reactions and then hitting trending again.

It's an open protocol. Anybody's going to do anything. And then, you know, Primal went back again and retooled and made their algorithm better and, then they, once they, hit a working model that couldn't be gamed as easily, then they published it very transparent. This is how our algorithm works.

You can go review it all on GitHub, yada, yada, yada. And, you know, that's kind of where we're at today. I think that, having an algorithm or having a DVM or something that, You could customize, Hey, I want to see most likes or most zaps or most replies. I think that's cool with it. Cause maybe your signal indicator is different than mine.

And you'll have the one from, the client, like however their algorithm is configured, but maybe you can go in and configure your algorithm just a little bit differently because you like comments, but you want to see those big zaps and there actually is a DVM for top zaps or something like that.

Luke: It sounds like there's something for everyone here, it's just a matter of figuring out how to use it

Knut: It's sort of like the saying with Bitcoin. Bitcoin is for everyone and people pointing out that no, it's not. It's for anyone. Yeah, and that's a better description.

Luke: Well, and actually this is another philosophical question here, right, because still we're going to get people that come into this who aren't going to want to do any customization. They just want to come in and have it work and be like their Twitter.

And then what happens is that the default algorithm of the largest app turns into the new

Derek: into like the default.

Luke: yeah, which also turns into the things that people see and all of this.

Derek: well, right now, as far as I know, there are no clients that the default feed that you get is an algorithm. I think you have to go in and configure that and change that and choose to do that. As long as that stays the case. You know, the chronological, some people might say chronological order is its own algorithm, but as long as the, chronological algorithm is the default one, I really don't see that's that big of a deal, but even if it is, we have user choice, you're right.

If the most popular client would automatically say, Hey, We're gonna switch to using this algorithm. Whenever Facebook makes a feed change, or Twitter would make a feed change, you know people are up in arms and they yell and they complain, but you can't do anything about it. Well, Nostr's different. You, you literally can, you can say, well, I'm going to use a new client.

So I'm curious what would happen if, the most popular client makes a major change like this, they change the algorithm, the default algorithm, would everybody really do what they say they want to do on Facebook? Like I'm never using Facebook again because you changed my feed. Well, they can't go anywhere else.

So they stick to Facebook, but now you could. So would people actually move to another app?

Funny that you should say that, because that's one of the things that made me leave Facebook, right? Because they actually did some social experiment by pissing people off but now you would have a choice, right? Like, so that opens up a whole new

Knut: yeah, and I could take my posts with me.

Derek: You take your content, your social graph with you. so maybe we won't see that, or maybe once someone does it, they shoot some self in the foot and they're like, Oh, we don't, maybe we shouldn't do this.

We should give users a choice.

The Permanency of Online Content

Knut: There's another thing about the social graph and the permanency of it, like how permanent it is, because everyone should know that anything you do on the internet is as permanent as a tattoo. And that's why you can't delete posts from Nostr, like the whole deleting of data is a mirage.

It's not real.

you can delete, but not every relay is going to honor that request. but what I'm coming to here is that, is that going to scare people that their stupid post from when they were 15 years old will be there forever?

Derek: Well, what I'd be curious about is, on legacy social platforms, when you hit delete, Is it actually deleted from a database or is it just flagged as deleted and don't show again?

probably the latter. Yeah, so probably, you can screenshot stuff. Like if you post something on the internet, it's literally never going to go away.

Knut: People just need to learn this. So maybe Nostr is the way that they learn that, because it's more honest.

Derek: it is more honest. Like I can make a request for a deletion from every relay that my content exists on.

Knut: Yeah.

Derek: If I, you know, let's say there's a thousand relays and 999 of them delete the content, but one of them says, yeah, I'm going to archive everything, I'm not deleting it.

Well, then it still exists on the internet, like it just, so that's why we say there's no delete. Yeah, maybe you're right, maybe it is the most honest that you can request it to be deleted, but there's no guarantee that the request is going to be honored.

Luke: Good. Yeah. okay.

Getting the Most Out of Nostr

Luke: So, the principles of Nostr seem to be getting pretty clear here that, it's all about this portability, this decentralization, this new way of doing things, and yes, there is going to be some. Switchover, that people have to do to, really get the most out of it.

But, that said, there's so much cool stuff going on, that once you make that switch, there's this whole new world of it. And, for me personally, the biggest thing that's prevented me from going all in is, I guess I just, haven't got quite The right thing, the right feed, the engagement. I mean, I think timezone right now plays a big role here, because when is everyone actually active?

How do you get involved in conversations? For Europe, it's a bit tough. You almost have to post on Nostr in the European evening to get any engagement with North American users, which at the moment are the majority. At least in the English speaking world.

Derek: That doesn't really happen unless you specifically seek. That on Nostr. So a little hack about being your own algorithm that I've used over the past, year and a half or so is, you know, people used to say it was bad form to retweet your own tweets, but you need to do that.

You need to boost your own content on Nostr. You need to, I do it specifically for different time zones. Like you said, you know, maybe I posted something really good. In 8 o'clock in the morning and then six hours later, I'm like, you know what? There's more people up and out and about in the world right now.

I'm going to boost that because I thought that was really good. I don't do it for every single one of my notes because that's probably overkill. But maybe once or twice a day, if I thought I did something, I think, man, that needs more views.

So this gets back to being your own algorithm. So I would say try that. People aren't going to hate on you for it. people understand that you need to be your own algorithm and bring your own content forward.

Knut: know how Nostr reminds me that I should be more careful on the internet because like sometimes I accidentally like posts that I want to, I want to declick the button and make the like go away, but it doesn't.

Derek: But well, so that depends on the client. So what that would do is that would send a delete request

Knut: yeah, exactly what we talked about before.

Yeah, to all like amethyst supports on, you know, unliking, but it sends a delete request to all the relays saying, Hey, delete that, that reaction. that's the thing. It's, it reminds me of what's actually going on under the hood while the other social media platforms just are optimized for make it simple for the user. Yeah.

Nostr vs Bitcoin

Knut: to take this in a slightly different direction and, a final point here, we've found out why you're so bullish on Nostr.

Why are you bullish on Bitcoin? Like what's, what's your, what are you most excited for in the Bitcoin space right now?

Derek: The most exciting thing about Bitcoin for me is to see these developing communities around the world, like using Bitcoin because it's better than their corrupt money. they're inflated money. And seeing them being able to save for the very first time and being able to essentially like be their own bank, you know, banking the unbanked and just being better money for them.

I think that is so cool. Like I absolutely love watching all these videos of Communities around the world bettering themselves and educating their youth or children on money and finances and seeing the kids being able to have better lives because of this. Like that's the use case. It's cool.

wealth preservation is cool. I understand, sound money Everything is broken, after reading, Safedine's, the fiat standard. thinking about Bitcoin is another element there's a lot of interesting use cases and ways to think about it.

But my favorite is, communities having these circular economies and bettering themselves.

Knut: Great.

Luke: Yeah, fantastic answer and very much aligned with us. And, since we've been, poking at different bits of Nostr this whole time, I also was hoping to end on a, on a optimistic note on the Nostr side as, as well.

Most Exciting Projects on Nostr

Luke: So what are you most excited about that's coming up right now? What do you think is going to make the biggest impact in what you're aware of?

Derek: There's so many really cool projects out there. Oh man. there's probably ones being demonstrated right now that I've never even, you know, wasn't aware of. I really like the ability to have, so the, There's a Nostr app called zap. store. It is a Google Play or App Store, replacement, FOSS, built on Nostr.

It allows us to see, applications that are reviewed and installed by our web of trust. So An application that's really popular and has good reviews by people, you know, people that are in your web of trust versus who knows who they are, if they're bots or whatever on, you know, these other app stores. I think that that's a very neat use case.

You know, we see problems in the Bitcoin ecosystem where apps get removed from app stores all the time, And it just seems that everything is getting choked in this regard. So I think that's a neat use case, especially what's been going on in the Bitcoin ecosystem. I'm really excited to see that continue to grow and get fleshed out.

I think just. Everything being able to be more interoperable on Nostr. I'm really bullish for the next big thing to be built on Nostr and then all these other clients to be like, wow, I want to implement it. And then they all implement it. And that feature then is used everywhere, but there's just so much stuff.

It's hard to be bullish on one thing. Like, you know, Pablo's, Nutsack, Cashew wallet is really cool.

Luke: Yeah. What a

Derek: It takes balls to decide the kind of name. does.

Knut: All right.

Wrapping Up

Derek: So other than Nostr, where can people find you on the internet know what? I got tired of Odell yelling about Nostr only and me being a huge Nostr bull, not being Nostr only. So a couple of months ago I deleted everything. It's all gone. I have no Twitter. I have no Facebook. I have no Instagram, no LinkedIn. I'm Nostr only.

Knut: All right.

Derek: you want to find me, You need to go to Nostr because I don't exist anywhere else anymore.

Luke: any specific things that you're working on that you'd like to tell us

Derek: So the most exciting thing that I've personally done recently is I organized a community led Nostr booth at BTC Prague, where I basically said to the community, Hey, Nostr needs to have a big presence so we can purple pill Prague. Let's have a booth. I want developers to be able to come to the booth, talk to their users, talk about their products.

Getting a booth is expensive. And a lot of these indie, smaller developers, can't afford that. So what if they just donate a little bit of Bitcoin? We pooled those funds together. We had maybe a couple larger, Developers, sponsors, and we pull all these funds together. We have this Nostr booth.

it was great. I think it was one of the most well received booths. I'm a little biased there, but it was busy for three days straight. We had tons of people there all the time. everybody that I talked to absolutely loved it. It was great to see. the whole Nostr community come together for this, essentially an educational slash marketing effort really to help grow Nostr and teach and educate people about Nostr.

I'm excited to do it again. Like I don't know when and where, but I want to do it again. I think it was great and I would love to have the same initiative at some point in the near future.

Luke: thanks a lot for coming on.

Derek: for having me.

Luke: We could probably continue to try and pick your encyclopedic brain on the Nostr stuff, but we'll give you a break. We know you've got another panel

Derek: So enjoy the rest of the conference. Thanks again, Derek. This has been the Bitcoin Infinity Show. All right. Thank you

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 599f67f7:21fb3ea9

2024-10-17 15:35:19

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Erabiltzeko Modua

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zure errele zerrendara.

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yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 1b5ee74d:bb1aae6e

2024-10-30 18:03:09

It’s right to build an open-source wallet, but that shouldn’t be the first feature displayed on your website if you’re aiming for the mass market.

We’re at a pivotal moment for Bitcoin, particularly in terms of adoption. Bailey, a marketing expert with top-tier experience, explains why. With a decade as the Head of Retail Marketing at Apple from 2002 to 2012—the era of revolutionary products like the iPhone and iPad—plus years as Vice President of Marketing at Samsung Smart-Things, he’s now Chief Marketing Officer at Azteco. Speaking with Bitcoin Train, Bailey discusses how Bitcoin’s messaging must evolve to engage the true mass market by focusing less on technicalities and more on tangible benefits for the average user.

Bailey’s message is clear: to achieve mass adoption, Bitcoin’s public presentation needs a shift toward emphasizing practical benefits over technical details. This shift would entail moving from a narrative focused solely on “hodling” to one that highlights Bitcoin’s qualities as a payment tool as well.

The full interview with David Bailey is available on YouTube; the following is a summary of the most significant points.

Let’s start by discussing your past: what was the sentiment at Apple when launching global hits like the iPhone or iPad?

At Apple, we could quickly observe the interest and adoption of our products. Whenever we entered a new country, demand was high: retailers wanted entire shelves stocked with iPods and accessories. This let us gauge sales trends early on. But the key lay in how we presented the product. If you described it as “an MP3 player” or “an e-book reader,” the response was lukewarm. However, if you framed it in terms of user value, like “having a thousand songs in your pocket,” people got excited, and adoption followed.

Today, if you search online for “What is Bitcoin?” you find technical explanations about blockchain, mining, and more. But the real question is, what does Bitcoin mean for the consumer? It’s a way to spend and save, to send money globally in seconds without fees.

Bitcoin’s technical foundations have drawn developers, enthusiasts, and advocates. Why change the narrative now?

There’s a book written about twenty years ago called Crossing the Chasm. It’s one of those books that has stood the test of time. Like any business text, it’s not a magical formula but offers a good conceptual framework for thinking about these issues.

The essential idea is that customers of a tech product are divided into two groups. On one side is the early market, about 15% of the total market, and on the other, the mass market, which covers around 85%. Between the early market and the mass market is a “chasm,” a kind of gap to bridge.

The adoption cycle

The early market consists of innovators and early adopters, followed by the early majority, late majority, and finally, the “laggards,” the last group to adopt technology. Innovators and early adopters are the ones who, for example, were among the first to use the internet or are experimenting today with virtual reality headsets and Apple Vision Pro. But the approach between those in the early market and those in the mass market is very different.

Are you saying interests vary greatly between these two types of customers?

Exactly. Early adopters are attracted to the technology itself; they want to experiment and explore what they can do with it, even if it’s limited or imperfect. The early majority, however, isn’t interested in technical details; they care about tangible benefits: they want the product to work immediately, they want a simple, straightforward experience.

A similar example is the evolution of the internet 20-25 years ago. Initially, it was discussed in highly technical terms, making it seem like a niche technology with no apparent need for most people. Only when the practical benefits, such as sending emails or browsing the web, were highlighted did the broader public start to see its value. People didn’t need to understand VPNs or DNS; they just wanted to use the internet for practical purposes.

Early email users had to manage complex command-line interfaces. The early majority came on board only when email clients became user-friendly. At that point, it was enough to enter a username and password without worrying about technical details. The mass market simply wants things to work effortlessly.

The point is, to move from the early market to the mass market, we need to cross the “chasm.” Achieving this requires a deep understanding of what the consumer truly wants: not pure technology, but immediate and tangible benefits.

Where do we stand in Bitcoin’s adoption cycle? Do we need to make the leap?

Yes, I’d say we’re right on the “chasm.” We’re near the end of the early adoption phase, and Bitcoin’s challenge is to cross this gap without getting lost in the middle. We must stop talking about how the technology works and start explaining how people can use it safely to gain real, practical benefits in their everyday lives.

Isn’t there a risk of abandoning Bitcoin’s foundational principles like privacy, open-source philosophy, and censorship resistance?

Success lies not in changing the product but in adjusting the message and marketing strategy. It’s not about diluting Bitcoin’s fundamentals for the sake of simplicity but rather presenting its features in a way that resonates with the early majority.

It’s right to develop an open-source wallet, but that shouldn’t be the first feature displayed on a website if the goal is to attract a wider audience. While I support open-source and privacy, we must realize these aren’t the priorities for the next 100 million users. This doesn’t mean trivializing Bitcoin’s technology but rather tailoring the message to speak to people differently. Trying to convert everyone to the early adopter mindset, with the concept of the “orange pill,” is an ineffective strategy.

What kind of messaging should be used to effectively reach the masses? How should the marketing strategy change?

We can tell stories of everyday people using Bitcoin for daily activities. Last year, around $669 billion was sent globally in remittances by people working in countries like the United States or Mexico to support their loved ones. Here’s a tangible use case: with Bitcoin, you can send funds to your family members wherever they are, instantly and without fees. And with services like Bitrefill, they can easily use them. Whether it’s paying a freelancer or sending money to someone on the other side of the world, the utility becomes real.

For those, like me, living in the UK, where the financial system is relatively stable, it may not seem so significant. But for people in the United States sending money to Mexico, or those living in Argentina or Brazil, where financial uncertainty has been a constant for decades, Bitcoin becomes a far more attractive choice. I know people in South Africa who prefer to save in bitcoin instead of the local currency, which they view as corrupt and unstable.

The goal, then, is to find everyday, concrete use cases. Currently, though, media narratives are almost exclusively focused on Bitcoin’s price, its volatility, or scandals involving the crypto world. We need to get past these distractions.

You mentioned daily payments as a use case that appeals to the mass market. However, there are many staunch proponents of hodling at all costs. How do you view this debate in the context of the adoption cycle?

One thing I’m firmly convinced of is that if we focus solely on accumulating bitcoin and holding it, Bitcoin will never reach its full potential.

The truth is that Bitcoin can be both digital gold and digital cash. Right now, there’s an overabundance of attention on its store-of-value aspect, while we lack sufficient focus on making it a tool for daily payments. Enough people already view Bitcoin as a form of investment or savings. What we need to concentrate on now is promoting its everyday use, so it genuinely becomes a medium of exchange.

If millions of people start using Bitcoin for their daily transactions, it will sustain the system and increase its value for those who choose to save in bitcoin as well. We can’t have one without the other.

Azteco was created with precisely this goal: to promote Bitcoin adoption among consumers by making the process as simple as possible. We want people to be able to purchase Bitcoin easily, even for just $10, without having to go through an exchange, with no bank accounts or ID documents required.

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 7ab1ed7a:f8e15275

2024-10-17 14:06:46

I'm proud and thankful to announce that funding has been granted by OpenSats to fund the development of the Nostr library for Arduino.

The fund will help with work on the development of the Arduino Nostr library as well as fund work on IoT related NIPs.

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 8947a945:9bfcf626

2024-10-17 08:06:55

สวัสดีทุกคนบน Nostr ครับ รวมไปถึง watchersและ ผู้ติดตามของผมจาก Deviantart และ platform งานศิลปะอื่นๆนะครับ

ตั้งแต่ต้นปี 2024 ผมใช้ AI เจนรูปงานตัวละครสาวๆจากอนิเมะ และเปิด exclusive content ให้สำหรับผู้ที่ชื่นชอบผลงานของผมเป็นพิเศษ

ผมโพสผลงานผมทั้งหมดไว้ที่เวบ Deviantart และค่อยๆสร้างฐานผู้ติดตามมาเรื่อยๆอย่างค่อยเป็นค่อยไปมาตลอดครับ ทุกอย่างเติบโตไปเรื่อยๆของมัน ส่วนตัวผมมองว่ามันเป็นพิร์ตธุรกิจออนไลน์ ของผมพอร์ตนึงได้เลย

เมื่อวันที่ 16 กย.2024 มีผู้ติดตามคนหนึ่งส่งข้อความส่วนตัวมาหาผม บอกว่าชื่นชอบผลงานของผมมาก ต้องการจะขอซื้อผลงาน แต่ขอซื้อเป็น NFT นะ เสนอราคาซื้อขายต่อชิ้นที่สูงมาก หลังจากนั้นผมกับผู้ซื้อคนนี้พูดคุยกันในเมล์ครับ

นี่คือข้อสรุปสั่นๆจากการต่อรองซื้อขายครับ

(หลังจากนี้ผมขอเรียกผู้ซื้อว่า scammer นะครับ เพราะไพ่มันหงายมาแล้ว ว่าเขาคือมิจฉาชีพ)

• Scammer รายแรก เลือกผลงานที่จะซื้อ เสนอราคาซื้อที่สูงมาก แต่ต้องเป็นเวบไซต์ NFTmarket place ที่เขากำหนดเท่านั้น มันทำงานอยู่บน ERC20 ผมเข้าไปดูเวบไซต์ที่ว่านี้แล้วรู้สึกว่ามันดูแปลกๆครับ คนที่จะลงขายผลงานจะต้องใช้ email ในการสมัครบัญชีซะก่อน ถึงจะผูก wallet อย่างเช่น metamask ได้ เมื่อผูก wallet แล้วไม่สามารถเปลี่ยนได้ด้วย ตอนนั้นผมใช้ wallet ที่ไม่ได้ link กับ HW wallet ไว้ ทดลองสลับ wallet ไปๆมาๆ มันทำไม่ได้ แถมลอง log out แล้ว เลข wallet ก็ยังคาอยู่อันเดิม อันนี้มันดูแปลกๆแล้วหนึ่งอย่าง เวบนี้ค่า ETH ในการ mint 0.15 - 0.2 ETH … ตีเป็นเงินบาทนี่แพงบรรลัยอยู่นะครับ

• Scammer รายแรกพยายามชักจูงผม หว่านล้อมผมว่า แหม เดี๋ยวเขาก็มารับซื้องานผมน่า mint งานเสร็จ รีบบอกเขานะ เดี๋ยวเขารีบกดซื้อเลย พอขายได้กำไร ผมก็ได้ค่า gas คืนได้ แถมยังได้กำไรอีก ไม่มีอะไรต้องเสีนจริงมั้ย แต่มันเป้นความโชคดีครับ เพราะตอนนั้นผมไม่เหลือทุนสำรองที่จะมาซื้อ ETH ได้ ผมเลยต่อรองกับเขาตามนี้ครับ :

• ผมเสนอว่า เอางี้มั้ย ผมส่งผลงานของผมแบบ low resolution ให้ก่อน แลกกับให้เขาช่วยโอน ETH ที่เป็นค่า mint งานมาให้หน่อย พอผมได้ ETH แล้ว ผมจะ upscale งานของผม แล้วเมล์ไปให้ ใจแลกใจกันไปเลย ... เขาไม่เอา

• ผมเสนอให้ไปซื้อที่ร้านค้าออนไลน์ buymeacoffee ของผมมั้ย จ่ายเป็น USD ... เขาไม่เอา
• ผมเสนอให้ซื้อขายผ่าน PPV lightning invoice ที่ผมมีสิทธิ์เข้าถึง เพราะเป็น creator ของ Creatr ... เขาไม่เอา
• ผมยอกเขาว่างั้นก็รอนะ รอเงินเดือนออก เขาบอก ok

สัปดาห์ถัดมา มี scammer คนที่สองติดต่อผมเข้ามา ใช้วิธีการใกล้เคียงกัน แต่ใช้คนละเวบ แถมเสนอราคาซื้อที่สูงกว่าคนแรกมาก เวบที่สองนี้เลวร้ายค่าเวบแรกอีกครับ คือต้องใช้เมล์สมัครบัญชี ไม่สามารถผูก metamask ได้ พอสมัครเสร็จจะได้ wallet เปล่าๆมาหนึ่งอัน ผมต้องโอน ETH เข้าไปใน wallet นั้นก่อน เพื่อเอาไปเป็นค่า mint NFT 0.2 ETH

ผมบอก scammer รายที่สองว่า ต้องรอนะ เพราะตอนนี้กำลังติดต่อซื้อขายอยู่กับผู้ซื้อรายแรกอยู่ ผมกำลังรอเงินเพื่อมาซื้อ ETH เป็นต้นทุนดำเนินงานอยู่ คนคนนี้ขอให้ผมส่งเวบแรกไปให้เขาดูหน่อย หลังจากนั้นไม่นานเขาเตือนผมมาว่าเวบแรกมันคือ scam นะ ไม่สามารถถอนเงินออกมาได้ เขายังส่งรูป cap หน้าจอที่คุยกับผู้เสียหายจากเวบแรกมาให้ดูว่าเจอปัญหาถอนเงินไม่ได้ ไม่พอ เขายังบลัฟ opensea ด้วยว่าลูกค้าขายงานได้ แต่ถอนเงินไม่ได้

Opensea ถอนเงินไม่ได้ ตรงนี้แหละครับคือตัวกระตุกต่อมเอ๊ะของผมดังมาก เพราะ opensea อ่ะ ผู้ใช้ connect wallet เข้ากับ marketplace โดยตรง ซื้อขายกันเกิดขึ้น เงินวิ่งเข้าวิ่งออก wallet ของแต่ละคนโดยตรงเลย opensea เก็บแค่ค่า fee ในการใช้ platform ไม่เก็บเงินลูกค้าไว้ แถมปีนี้ค่า gas fee ก็ถูกกว่า bull run cycle 2020 มาก ตอนนี้ค่า gas fee ประมาณ 0.0001 ETH (แต่มันก็แพงกว่า BTC อยู่ดีอ่ะครับ)

ผมเลยเอาเรื่องนี้ไปปรึกษาพี่บิท แต่แอดมินมาคุยกับผมแทน ทางแอดมินแจ้งว่ายังไม่เคยมีเพื่อนๆมาปรึกษาเรื่องนี้ กรณีที่ผมทักมาถามนี่เป็นรายแรกเลย แต่แอดมินให้ความเห็นไปในทางเดียวกับสมมุติฐานของผมว่าน่าจะ scam ในเวลาเดียวกับผมเอาเรื่องนี้ไปถามในเพจ NFT community คนไทนด้วย ได้รับการ confirm ชัดเจนว่า scam และมีคนไม่น้อยโดนหลอก หลังจากที่ผมรู้ที่มาแล้ว ผมเลยเล่นสงครามปั่นประสาท scammer ทั้งสองคนนี้ครับ เพื่อดูว่าหลอกหลวงมิจฉาชีพจริงมั้ย

โดยวันที่ 30 กย. ผมเลยปั่นประสาน scammer ทั้งสองรายนี้ โดยการ mint ผลงานที่เขาเสนอซื้อนั่นแหละ ขึ้น opensea แล้วส่งข้อความไปบอกว่า

mint ให้แล้วนะ แต่เงินไม่พอจริงๆว่ะโทษที เลย mint ขึ้น opensea แทน พอดีบ้านจน ทำได้แค่นี้ไปถึงแค่ opensea รีบไปซื้อล่ะ มีคนจ้องจะคว้างานผมเยอะอยู่ ผมไม่คิด royalty fee ด้วยนะเฮ้ย เอาไปขายต่อไม่ต้องแบ่งกำไรกับผม

เท่านั้นแหละครับ สงครามจิตวิทยาก็เริ่มขึ้น แต่เขาจนมุม กลืนน้ำลายตัวเอง ช็อตเด็ดคือ

เขา : เนี่ยอุส่ารอ บอกเพื่อนในทีมว่าวันจันทร์ที่ 30 กย. ได้ของแน่ๆ เพื่อนๆในทีมเห็นงานผมแล้วมันสวยจริง เลยใส่เงินเต็มที่ 9.3ETH (+ capture screen ส่งตัวเลขยอดเงินมาให้ดู)ไว้รอโดยเฉพาะเลยนะ ผม : เหรอ ... งั้น ขอดู wallet address ที่มี transaction มาให้ดูหน่อยสิ เขา : 2ETH นี่มัน 5000$ เลยนะ ผม : แล้วไง ขอดู wallet address ที่มีการเอายอดเงิน 9.3ETH มาให้ดูหน่อย ไหนบอกว่าเตรียมเงินไว้มากแล้วนี่ ขอดูหน่อย ว่าใส่ไว้เมื่อไหร่ ... เอามาแค่ adrress นะเว้ย ไม่ต้องทะลึ่งส่ง seed มาให้ เขา : ส่งรูปเดิม 9.3 ETH มาให้ดู ผม : รูป screenshot อ่ะ มันไม่มีความหมายหรอกเว้ย ตัดต่อเอาก็ได้ง่ายจะตาย เอา transaction hash มาดู ไหนว่าเตรียมเงินไว้รอ 9.3ETH แล้วอยากซื้องานผมจนตัวสั่นเลยไม่ใช่เหรอ ถ้าจะส่ง wallet address มาให้ดู หรือจะช่วยส่ง 0.15ETH มาให้ยืม mint งานก่อน แล้วมากดซื้อ 2ETH ไป แล้วผมใช้ 0.15ETH คืนให้ก็ได้ จะซื้อหรือไม่ซื้อเนี่ย เขา : จะเอา address เขาไปทำไม ผม : ตัดจบ รำคาญ ไม่ขายให้ละ เขา : 2ETH = 5000 USD เลยนะ ผม : แล้วไง

ผมเลยเขียนบทความนี้มาเตือนเพื่อนๆพี่ๆทุกคนครับ เผื่อใครกำลังเปิดพอร์ตทำธุรกิจขาย digital art online แล้วจะโชคดี เจอของดีแบบผม

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ทำไมผมถึงมั่นใจว่ามันคือการหลอกหลวง แล้วคนโกงจะได้อะไร

อันดับแรกไปพิจารณาดู opensea ครับ เป็นเวบ NFTmarketplace ที่ volume การซื้อขายสูงที่สุด เขาไม่เก็บเงินของคนจะซื้อจะขายกันไว้กับตัวเอง เงินวิ่งเข้าวิ่งออก wallet ผู้ซื้อผู้ขายเลย ส่วนทางเวบเก็บค่าธรรมเนียมเท่านั้น แถมค่าธรรมเนียมก็ถูกกว่าเมื่อปี 2020 เยอะ ดังนั้นการที่จะไปลงขายงานบนเวบ NFT อื่นที่ค่า fee สูงกว่ากันเป็นร้อยเท่า ... จะทำไปทำไม

ผมเชื่อว่า scammer โกงเงินเจ้าของผลงานโดยการเล่นกับความโลภและความอ่อนประสบการณ์ของเจ้าของผลงานครับ เมื่อไหร่ก็ตามที่เจ้าของผลงานโอน ETH เข้าไปใน wallet เวบนั้นเมื่อไหร่ หรือเมื่อไหร่ก็ตามที่จ่ายค่า fee ในการ mint งาน เงินเหล่านั้นสิ่งเข้ากระเป๋า scammer ทันที แล้วก็จะมีการเล่นตุกติกต่อแน่นอนครับ เช่นถอนไม่ได้ หรือซื้อไม่ได้ ต้องโอนเงินมาเพิ่มเพื่อปลดล็อค smart contract อะไรก็ว่าไป แล้วคนนิสัยไม่ดีพวกเนี้ย ก็จะเล่นกับความโลภของคน เอาราคาเสนอซื้อที่สูงโคตรๆมาล่อ ... อันนี้ไม่ว่ากัน เพราะบนโลก NFT รูปภาพบางรูปที่ไม่ได้มีความเป็นศิลปะอะไรเลย มันดันขายกันได้ 100 - 150 ETH ศิลปินที่พยายามสร้างตัวก็อาจจะมองว่า ผลงานเรามีคนรับซื้อ 2 - 4 ETH ต่องานมันก็มากพอแล้ว (จริงๆมากเกินจนน่าตกใจด้วยซ้ำครับ)

บนโลกของ BTC ไม่ต้องเชื่อใจกัน โอนเงินไปหากันได้ ปิดสมุดบัญชีได้โดยไม่ต้องเชื่อใจกัน

บบโลกของ ETH "code is law" smart contract มีเขียนอยู่แล้ว ไปอ่าน มันไม่ได้ยากมากในการทำความเข้าใจ ดังนั้น การจะมาเชื่อคำสัญญาจากคนด้วยกัน เป็นอะไรที่ไม่มีเหตุผล

ผมไปเล่าเรื่องเหล่านี้ให้กับ community งานศิลปะ ก็มีทั้งเสียงตอบรับที่ดี และไม่ดีปนกันไป มีบางคนยืนยันเสียงแข็งไปในทำนองว่า ไอ้เรื่องแบบเนี้ยไม่ได้กินเขาหรอก เพราะเขาตั้งใจแน่วแน่ว่างานศิลป์ของเขา เขาไม่เอาเข้ามายุ่งในโลก digital currency เด็ดขาด ซึ่งผมก็เคารพมุมมองเขาครับ แต่มันจะดีกว่ามั้ย ถ้าเราเปิดหูเปิดตาให้ทันเทคโนโลยี โดยเฉพาะเรื่อง digital currency , blockchain โดนโกงทีนึงนี่คือหมดตัวกันง่ายกว่าเงิน fiat อีก

อยากจะมาเล่าให้ฟังครับ และอยากให้ช่วยแชร์ไปให้คนรู้จักด้วย จะได้ระวังตัวกัน

Note

• ภาพประกอบ cyber security ทั้งสองนี่ของผมเองครับ ทำเอง วางขายบน AdobeStock
• อีกบัญชีนึงของผม "HikariHarmony" npub1exdtszhpw3ep643p9z8pahkw8zw00xa9pesf0u4txyyfqvthwapqwh48sw กำลังค่อยๆเอาผลงานจากโลกข้างนอกเข้ามา nostr ครับ ตั้งใจจะมาสร้างงานศิลปะในนี้ เพื่อนๆที่ชอบงาน จะได้ไม่ต้องออกไปหาที่ไหน

ผลงานของผมครับ - Anime girl fanarts : HikariHarmony - HikariHarmony on Nostr - General art : KeshikiRakuen - KeshikiRakuen อาจจะเป็นบัญชี nostr ที่สามของผม ถ้าไหวครับ

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ fd208ee8:0fd927c1

2024-09-17 10:35:57

But who will identify the spam?

Any relay will get hit with spam. That's just the cost of being a server admin. (Of course, we're all going to end up server admins, now that local and private relays are becoming ubiquitous, but I digress.)

The question is more: What is spam? Who gets to determine which events are spam?

That's actually a completely subjective decision, so I think individual npubs should be determining it. nostr:npub1494rtg3ygq4cqawymgs0q3mcj6hucvu4kmadv03s5ey2sg32df5shtzmp0 was heading in the direction of individually-trained, intelligent spam filters, with Minitru, but npubs need more standardized information, to make effective decisions and to calibrate their personal filters.

6 Confirmations

Information about an unknown npub is gathered by

Examining it in isolation * interacting with it (such as in a conversation), * reading what it has already published, * asking it to pay money * requesting it to perform some task

... and by examining it within a group * asking other npubs if they follow it (the basis of WoT) * or asking others if the npub is already known to them (community membership, articles they've zapped, replies they've given, etc.)

All of these things should leave a sort of audit trail, so that the next evaluator can judge accordingly, or ask for more information. Then the confirmations build up, without someone needing to be followed.

Like with Bitcoin. The transactions aren't "followed", they're confirmed.

This npub has had 3 confirmations... 6 confirmations... 10470 confirmations.

You could have 10 followers, but 12000 confirmations, because you manage to meet everyone's minimum, but didn't make the hurdle to the "follow" list.

Hit two birds with one stone

This would also allow follow lists to become friend lists, again, eliminate the need for an additional "favorites" list, and raise the information value of following.

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 8947a945:9bfcf626

2024-10-17 07:33:00

Hello everyone on Nostr and all my watchersand followersfrom DeviantArt, as well as those from other art platforms

I have been creating and sharing AI-generated anime girl fanart since the beginning of 2024 and have been running member-exclusive content on Patreon.

I also publish showcases of my artworks to Deviantart. I organically build up my audience from time to time. I consider it as one of my online businesses of art. Everything is slowly growing

On September 16, I received a DM from someone expressing interest in purchasing my art in NFT format and offering a very high price for each piece. We later continued the conversation via email.

Here’s a brief overview of what happened

• The first scammer selected the art they wanted to buy and offered a high price for each piece. They provided a URL to an NFT marketplace site running on the Ethereum (ETH) mainnet or ERC20. The site appeared suspicious, requiring email sign-up and linking a MetaMask wallet. However, I couldn't change the wallet address later. The minting gas fees were quite expensive, ranging from 0.15 to 0.2 ETH

• The scammers tried to convince me that the high profits would easily cover the minting gas fees, so I had nothing to lose. Luckily, I didn’t have spare funds to purchase ETH for the gas fees at the time, so I tried negotiating with them as follows:

• I offered to send them a lower-quality version of my art via email in exchange for the minting gas fees, but they refused.

• I offered them the option to pay in USD through Buy Me a Coffee shop here, but they refused.
• I offered them the option to pay via Bitcoin using the Lightning Network invoice , but they refused.
• I asked them to wait until I could secure the funds, and they agreed to wait.

The following week, a second scammer approached me with a similar offer, this time at an even higher price and through a different NFT marketplace website.

This second site also required email registration, and after navigating to the dashboard, it asked for a minting fee of 0.2 ETH. However, the site provided a wallet address for me instead of connecting a MetaMask wallet.

I told the second scammer that I was waiting to make a profit from the first sale, and they asked me to show them the first marketplace. They then warned me that the first site was a scam and even sent screenshots of victims, including one from OpenSea saying that Opensea is not paying.

This raised a red flag, and I began suspecting I might be getting scammed. On OpenSea, funds go directly to users' wallets after transactions, and OpenSea charges a much lower platform fee compared to the previous crypto bull run in 2020. Minting fees on OpenSea are also significantly cheaper, around 0.0001 ETH per transaction.

I also consulted with Thai NFT artist communities and the ex-chairman of the Thai Digital Asset Association. According to them, no one had reported similar issues, but they agreed it seemed like a scam.

After confirming my suspicions with my own research and consulting with the Thai crypto community, I decided to test the scammers’ intentions by doing the following

I minted the artwork they were interested in, set the price they offered, and listed it for sale on OpenSea. I then messaged them, letting them know the art was available and ready to purchase, with no royalty fees if they wanted to resell it.

They became upset and angry, insisting I mint the art on their chosen platform, claiming they had already funded their wallet to support me. When I asked for proof of their wallet address and transactions, they couldn't provide any evidence that they had enough funds.

Here’s what I want to warn all artists in the DeviantArt community or other platforms If you find yourself in a similar situation, be aware that scammers may be targeting you.

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My Perspective why I Believe This is a Scam and What the Scammers Gain

From my experience with BTC and crypto since 2017, here's why I believe this situation is a scam, and what the scammers aim to achieve

First, looking at OpenSea, the largest NFT marketplace on the ERC20 network, they do not hold users' funds. Instead, funds from transactions go directly to users’ wallets. OpenSea’s platform fees are also much lower now compared to the crypto bull run in 2020. This alone raises suspicion about the legitimacy of other marketplaces requiring significantly higher fees.

I believe the scammers' tactic is to lure artists into paying these exorbitant minting fees, which go directly into the scammers' wallets. They convince the artists by promising to purchase the art at a higher price, making it seem like there's no risk involved. In reality, the artist has already lost by paying the minting fee, and no purchase is ever made.

In the world of Bitcoin (BTC), the principle is "Trust no one" and “Trustless finality of transactions” In other words, transactions are secure and final without needing trust in a third party.

In the world of Ethereum (ETH), the philosophy is "Code is law" where everything is governed by smart contracts deployed on the blockchain. These contracts are transparent, and even basic code can be read and understood. Promises made by people don’t override what the code says.

I also discuss this issue with art communities. Some people have strongly expressed to me that they want nothing to do with crypto as part of their art process. I completely respect that stance.

However, I believe it's wise to keep your eyes open, have some skin in the game, and not fall into scammers’ traps. Understanding the basics of crypto and NFTs can help protect you from these kinds of schemes.

If you found this article helpful, please share it with your fellow artists.

Until next time Take care

Note

• Both cyber security images are mine , I created and approved by AdobeStock to put on sale
• I'm working very hard to bring all my digital arts into Nostr to build my Sats business here to my another npub "HikariHarmony" npub1exdtszhpw3ep643p9z8pahkw8zw00xa9pesf0u4txyyfqvthwapqwh48sw

Link to my full gallery - Anime girl fanarts : HikariHarmony - HikariHarmony on Nostr - General art : KeshikiRakuen

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ c230edd3:8ad4a712

2024-10-30 17:28:09

Chef's notes

This is great to start in the morning, and come home to a nearly finished meal. I like to make tacos that day, then use any remaining for just about anything from chili to omelets. Fun way to prepare ramen too.

Details

• ⏲️ Prep time: 30 min, plus 15 before serving
• 🍳 Cook time: 8 hours
• 🍽️ Servings: 10-12

Ingredients

• 3-4lb Chuck Roast, bone-in preferred
• 1 large White Onion, quartered
• 6-8 cloves Garlic, peeled
• 5 Roma Tomatoes, halved
• 6-8 dried Arbol Chiles, seeded
• 3-4 Guajillo Chiles, seeded
• 2 tsp Coriander seeds
• 2 tsp Cumin seeds
• 2 Tbsp Oregano, Mexican Oregano if available
• 1/2 tsp ground Cinnamon
• 2 whole Bay Leaves
• 1 tsp Salt
• SPG style seasoning mix to coat the roast
• 3-4 cups beef broth, just enough to cover roast plus additional for thinning sauce if desired
• Any toppings desired (avocado, cilantro, sour cream, queso fresca, cheddar, fresh onion, etc)

Directions

1. Preheat large frying pan to med/high, add oil for searing
2. Add onions and tomatoes, sear until edges char, add garlic and saute until fragrant, transfer to slow cooker
3. Pat roast dry, season all sides, transfer to pan
4. Sear roast on all sides, 2-4 minutes or until golden brown, transfer to slow cooker
5. Add all seasonings and beef broth to slow cooker
6. Cook on low 8+ hours or until the meat is falling apart
7. Remove bone and bay leaves
8. Transfer liquid and vegetables to a blender with loose fitting lid, blend until smooth, transfer to large bowl
9. Shred roast in slow cooker, pour sauce mix back in and stir. Adjust ratio by adding more beef broth if desired. Salt to taste.
10. Serve, drained as tacos, nachos, omelets, etc. Serve with broth as stew or mix with ramen

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 472f440f:5669301e

2024-10-16 01:57:41

Over the last four years bitcoin has, among other things, established itself as an incredible corporate treasury asset that benefits those who adopt it as such. Microstrategy is the shining example of this theme going from a company that was hovering barely above a ~$1B market cap in mid-2020 to a ~$40B market cap company holding more than 1% of the 21,000,000 bitcoin that will ever exist. Microstrategy's success has emboldened a number of other publicly trader companies to follow suit. Bitcoin as a corporate treasury asset is well on its way to becoming a standard. If you run a business that doesn't hold bitcoin on its balance sheet you are doing yourself, your customers and your shareholders a disservice.

This is a trend that has its legs under it and will accelerate moving forward. A trend that I believe will emerge this cycle is incorporating bitcoin into real estate markets. Leon Wankum has been beating the drum about this for the last few years and I had the pleasure of sitting down with him this morning to record an episode of TFTC that will be published tomorrow morning. Leon is a real estate developer in Germany and he has made it his mission to educate and warn others in real estate about the demonetization of real estate that is under way due to the fact that bitcoin exists and it provides a far superior alternative.

These are pretty stark numbers. Nothing highlights the superior monetary properties of bitcoin better than looking at a chart of the average price of a home priced in USD v. bitcoin.

Since 2016: +46% in USD -99% in BTC

Since 2020: +34% in USD -70% in BTC

The funny thing is that an overwhelming majority of the individuals who make their living in real estate markets do not understand that this is happening to them. Many think they are doing exceptionally well all things considered. Sure, there may be a bit of a slow down and price retraction due to a couple of years of relatively elevated interest rates, but don't worry! The Fed is lowering rates again and the good times are about to start back up. Nothing could be further from the truth. This trend is going to continue unabated until bitcoin is fully monetized and those is the real estate industry, particularly real estate developers and those who lend capital to developers, should seriously take the time to understand what is happening to them.

Real estate is the largest store of value asset in the world at the moment. The most common number that is thrown around for the total size of the market is $300 TRILLION. $300 TRILLION of wealth being stored in an asset that is illiquid, comes with maintenance costs, taxes, insurance premiums, and susceptible to extreme weather event, among other things. Compared to bitcoin - which is extremely liquid, saleable, divisible and hard to confiscate, real estate is a far superior asset to store your wealth in. This is something that I'm sure is well understood by many of you reading this letter.

What's less understood is the dynamics of the real estate development market over the last few years, which have been severely hindered by elevated interest rates. The higher interest rate environment coupled with the inflationary pressures that forced rates higher in the first place have put developers in a predicament; they have a higher cost of capital to start new projects with raw material prices that are still much higher than they were before the economic lock downs of 2020-2022. This has led to a scenario where it isn't advantageous to start new projects and the projects that broke ground in 2021-2023 are finding that they need to incur more debt to get their developments across the finish line.

Despite the fact that interest rates are on their way back down, it doesn't seem like the economics of these projects are going to materially improve in the short to medium-term as headline inflation begins to creep back up. Couple this with the fact that the jobs market is cratering while real wages struggle to keep up with inflation and many builders are going to find themselves in a situation where they do actually complete a development problem but their cash flow suffers because their customers can't afford the inflated rents that builders will have to charge to get a return on their outlaid capital. Many will be put in a situation where they are forced to be happy with lower rents (cash flow) or sit on the sidelines making no cash flow.

The post-1971 era that brought with it a booming real estate industry is suffering the same fate as the bond market; the generation bull market is over. Real estate prices may go up, but that will be nothing more than a mirage of wealth creation. The unit of account those prices are built on is in dollars, which are being debased at an accelerating rate. Developers, banks and borrowers need to de-risk their real estate exposure and, as Leon points out, bitcoin is the only way to do this in an effective way.

Moving forward developers will have to finance by dual collateralizing their debt with the real estate and bitcoin. In the graphic below Leon illustrates what this type of financing structure will look like. Instead of taking $10m of debt to finance a project and putting it all into materials, construction and marketing, a developer will take out a $10m loan, put $1m in bitcoin and the rest toward the development project. Over the course of the construction of the real estate project, bitcoin will sit in the credit structure and, if held for 4+ years, should increase significantly in value. Saving the builder from risk of default and providing him some optionality in terms of what he can do with the project once it's finished.

In this scenario downside risk is contained - a developer isn't pouring all of the cash into bitcoin at the beginning so the worst case scenario is that bitcoin goes to zero (highly unlikely) and they can eat the small loss and hope to make up with it via cash flows once a project is finished, while upside potential is enormous. Bitcoin is still monetizing and having exposure to the hardest monetary asset the world has ever while it's monetizing has proven to be massively beneficial.

We are still in the early days of bitcoin and this idea will likely seem absolutely insane to most Tradfi investors, but I strongly believe that developers, banks and end consumers who don't leverage this type of bitcoin structured credit will be cooked in the long-run. And those that take advantage of this type of structure first will be considered geniuses in 20 years.

There are many more nuanced benefits to this strategy; holding bitcoin allows landlords and management companies to weather ongoing maintenance costs throughout the years, those who take out mortgages dual collateralized with a house and bitcoin not only protect the equity value of their property but could see their equity values increase significantly more than others using vanilla mortgages, and builders who accumulate bitcoin in their treasuries will be able to use better raw materials when building, which leads to more valuable properties that cash flow for longer.

Again, it's going to take time for these types of structures to become commonplace in the market, but I firmly believe this cycle will be the cycle that these strategies get off the ground. In four to five years they will have a track record and after that it will be considered irresponsible not to finance real estate in this way. The banks will begin to demand it.

---

Final thought... Sinus congestion sucks.

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 0e501ec7:de5ef3a4

2024-10-30 17:25:51

From now on, when, i open my phibe for distraction, i will write something, anything, cheers

Okay, daarnet heeft het niet gewerkt. Nu wel? of houdt het me nu tegen van iets anders te gaan doen? bof ook oke. Het ruikt hier naar kak en da stoort mij zohard, zeer afleidend. Vandaag was een goeie dag, we zijn in de voormiddag een walbootboom tegen gekomen, en later, in Vailly sur aisne, heb ik die allemaal gekraakt terwijl Tim de kettingen kuiste. Was wel leuk, al kreeg ik er rugpijn van, net als nu. Zitten geeft mij meer rugpijn dan fietsen deze dagen, surtout zitten en iets doen met mijn handen, mijn rug sen schouders gaan dan als een egeltje poef inelkaar. 

We zitten nu een beetje in een maanlandschap, temidden industriele velden, bij een kleine haag, sleedoorn. We hebben iets te lang doorgefietst, we passeerden een goeie plek on half zes, maar toen kwam de schemering en sloeg de vermoeidheid toe net voor we toekwamen. Ik ben moe, ook al hebben we niet zoveel gefietst vandaag, nog geen 50km. We hebben batuurlijk wel 3 uur op het kerkplein van Vailly gezeten. Was heel leuk om het rustige dorpje, waar nog wel een beetje leven was, een bakker, een traiteur, een paar winkels, zo te zien. Mensen passeerden, zeiden goeiendag, smakelijk, of kwamen een hele babbel doen. Tussendoor luisterde ik wat muziek. Een heel leuk werkke, walnoten kraken, ik denk dat ik nog niet vaak zo van de herfst genoten heb als daar, op dat bankje. De kleuren in het bos, en de dans van de spreeuwen stonden mij nog kevendig voor. De mensen wensten ons veel succes, je zag dat ze ons zot vonden om door de grijze herfst te fietsen. 

Vanaf hier is er een grote oranje vlek op de horizon te zien, de stad van licht. Parijs! 

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ bf95e1a4:ebdcc848

2024-09-11 06:31:05

This is the lightly-edited AI generated transcript of Bitcoin Infinity Show #125. The transcription isn't perfect, but it's usually pretty good!

If you'd like to support us, send us a zap or check out the Bitcoin Infinity Store for our books and other merchandise! https://bitcoininfinitystore.com/

Intro

Luke: Paolo, Mathias, welcome to the Bitcoin Infinity Show. Thank you for joining us.

Paolo: Thank you for having us.

Knut: Yeah, good to have you here, guys. We're going to talk a bit about Keet and Holepunch and a little bit about Tether today, aren't we?

Luke: Sounds like that's the plan. So thank you again, both for joining us.

Introducing Paolo and Mathias

Luke: would you both mind giving a quick introduction on yourselves just so our listeners have the background on you

Paolo: Sure, I'm Paolo Arduino, I'm the CEO at Tether. I started my career as a developer, I pivoted towards more, strategy and execution for, Tether and Bitfinex. And, co founded with Matthias, Holepunch, that is, building very, crazy and awesome technology, that is gonna be disrupting the way people communicate.

Luke: And, Mathias, over to you.

Mathias: Yeah, thank you. Yeah, I've been, so I come from a peer-to-peer background. I've been working with peer-to-peer technology. The last, I always say five, but it's probably more like 10 years. I did a lot of work on BitTorrent and I did a lot of work on JavaScript. and a little bit later to, Bitcoin and I saw a lot of potential on how we can use Bitcoin with pureology and like how we can use.

P2P technology to bring the same mission that Bitcoin has, but to all kinds of data, setting all data free and, making everything private per default and self sovereignty and that kind of thing. I'm very into that. and I've been lucky to work with, like I said, with Paolo for, many years now and, Get a lot of, valuable, feedback and, idea sharing out of that.

And we're on a mission to, build some, really cool things. In addition to all the things we've already been building. So it's super exciting and glad to be here.

Luke: Oh, fantastic.

Introduction to Holepunch

Luke: Matthias, that was a perfect segue into basically, an introduction to, can you tell us about, Holepunch.

What is Holepunch and what are you doing?

Mathias: Yeah, sure. like I said, we co founded the company a couple of years ago. Now, we've been building up a team of really talented peer to peer engineers. we're always hiring also. So if anybody's listening and want to join our mission, please, apply. we have some really smart people working with us.

but we teamed up to basically. like I said in my introduction, I've been working on peer to peer technology for many years now and thinking ahead how we can, stop using all that technology when I started it was only used for basically piracy. I'm from the Nordics, and I think Knut is from the Nordics also, so he knows all about, the Nordics know about piracy.

It wasn't back in the day. A lot of very interesting technologies came out of that. But basically, how can we use those ideas that were proven by piracy back then to be really unstoppable, because a lot of people wanted to stop it, but apply that same kind of mindset to the general data, so we can build actual applications that has that kind of quality, that can withstand the wrath of God.

that can work without any centralization. Actually, nobody can shut down, not even the authorities if they wanted to. Basically unkillable and make that general enough that it can basically run any kind of application, solve a lot of really hot problems. it works on your own computers, your own networks.

Mobile phones, and tie that up. I'm a developer by heart, into a software stack that people can just build on. So not everybody has to go in and tackle all these problems individually, but just give them some software to solve all this so they can, as much as possible, just worry about making really cool applications that we use,

Yeah, like I said, we've been working really intensely on this, for a long time and in Holepunch, we made this our co mission to scale this up and, deliver a software stack on that. it's been really exciting and it's been really fun and it's been very, challenging, but if it's not challenging, then why, do it?

and, especially, with the backing of, Tether, through Paolo and also just expertise from there, we have a good hand built to deliver this to the world. And, the first thing we did was, like, think about what's, a good first application that we can build that can showcase this, but also something we really want to use ourself and see scale have also have on the world.

And obviously that was a communications app, keyed, which we was our first project. And, we're still in beta and we're still lots of work to do. And we're still iterating that really heavily, but I like to show that you can build these kind of apps without any kind of. central points. and we released that also, like the first thing we released when we launched the company.

And like I said, we're still, building and still iterating it. A lot of fun. and then take the software stack from that, which we call the pair runtime and then split that out. So anybody else can build similar apps on top. With that same technology stack, and, yeah, that's, we launched that earlier this year also, and, it's been really exciting so far, and it's, I love going to work every day and solve, even though, you can see on my hair that it's not really good for, the head scratching, but, but, it's really fun, and it's really challenging, and it's interesting thing. goal as a company, basically to have that if we go out of business tomorrow, our technology continues to exist because we're not in the loop of anything. It's also sometimes really hard to explain that we don't have any, chip coins involved or any kind of limitations on the stack because we're basically engineering it not to be part of it, because that's the only way you can actually engineer these things that they can understand.

anything, super exciting and, encourage everybody to try to check it out.

Luke: we've both used Keet and I've certainly enjoyed the experience. I, think, the, basics of this, as I understand it, is that it's, entirely on both sides. The communicators end, or a group of communicators, it's all on their end, and the communication is entirely peer to peer, what is Keet really, what is the basics of Keet as, say, a product?

What is the easiest way that you would explain what it is?

The Vision Behind Keet

Mathias: But We're basically trying to just build a world class communications app that works to a large degree, like normal communication apps that you know, like Signal, Telegram, WhatsApp. Just with all the centralization tucked away, with all the costs of running it tucked away, and then adding all the features that also we can, because we're peer to peer

People don't care about technology. We loved it, but don't have that surface off too much to the user.

Just have the user use it as any other app, but then just have it be 100 percent private per default, 100 percent like no strings attached. It just works. if we get caught off by a. From the internet tomorrow, it will still work, that kind of thing, but deliver that in a way, and this is always our mission where users don't really need to worry about it.

It just works. And, it works the same way to a large degree as their other apps work, except obviously, there's no phone numbers and things like that. Very cryptographically sound and, but trying always not to bubble it up. And I think that's, so it's actually a really simple mission, but it's obviously really hard.

And that requires a lot of smart people, but luckily our users in a good way, don't need to be very smart about that.

Keet vs Nostr

Knut: Yeah, a quick one there. No strings attached starts with the letters Nostr, so is, Keet and Nostr, do they go mix well together or, is there an integration there between the two? I see a lot of similarities here.

Paolo: I tried to explain the differences between Kit and Nostr. I think Nostr is a very interesting protocol, but also is very, simple. the way I like to describe it is that, if you are familiar with the history of filesharing, Starting from the first one, super centralized, and then eventually every single step, you get to a decentralized platform.

And the last one, the most decentralized one, that is BitTorrent. the history of file sharing proved that every time you try to centralize something, it ends up badly, right? if you have any special node in the system that does a little bit more than others and requires more resources than others to run, that will end up badly.

You might end up in a small room with a lamp in your room. Point it to your face, and then everyone suddenly will stop running an indexer. That reminds me about Nostr structure. if you are building a peer to peer system, or if you are building a very resilient communication system, if you think about Nostr, you would imagine that if you have, 10 million or 100 million users, the number of relays would be probably less than the square root of the number of users.

So that surface, although a hundred million users is very, they're not attackable, right? But the surface of, the relays is much more attackable. look at what is happening with, the coin joinin platforms, right? very similar. the beauty of KIT versus Nostr is that in KIT you have number of relays is actually equal to the number of users because the users are their own relays.

and they can act as relays for others to, further their connectivity. That is how we think a technology that, has to be ready for the apocalypse and resilient to the wrath of God should, work. if you have, a log number of users or square root of number of users as relates, I don't think it's cool technology.

It will work better than centralized, Technologies like WhatsApp and so on, or Twitter, but eventually will not work when you will need it the most. Because the point is that we will not know what will happen when we will need this technology the most. Today, not for everyone, but the world is still almost at peace.

Things might unfold, in the future, maybe sooner rather than later. But when things unfold, you will need the best technology, the one that is truly independent, the one that is truly peer to peer. it's not really peer to peer if you have specialized relays, but where you have super peers randomly.

Luke: Yeah, the difference here, between the Realize and not having any other centralized infrastructure in the picture is certainly an interesting distinction. I hadn't heard anything about that you can act as a next connector or something like that.

Pear Runtime

Luke: So there's a couple of related things. I know there was an announcement about the, pair runtime, is that right? can you talk a little bit about that or any other, ways that this is growing in your whole, platform,

Mathias: Yeah, sure. so basically when we talk about ideas, internally, also from our software background, We want to solve a small problem that then can solve it for everybody. So

We want to build technology that can just send data around efficiently, so you can build any kind of app on top. We're all about modularity and taking these things to the extreme so we can repurpose it into any kind of application and other people can, get value out of it.

And, that's been our mission from the get go. So basically, like Paolo said, when we built Keed. We took all of these primitives we have, it's all open source on our GitHub, that can do various things, relay encrypted data in a way that's completely private, nobody can read it, and in a generalizable way, so it can run on any applications.

We have databases that can interpret, work with this data on device, but still in a way where nobody else knows what's going on, fully private, and we spent many years perfecting this, and it's still ongoing. And we, similar to like connectivity, it might seem really easy if you don't know what's going on that, connecting this computer to another computer and another place, but it's really hard because ISPs and, your internet providers, et cetera, they don't really want you to do that.

So there's a lot of firewalls involved that you have to work around to get around This is all really, hard problems that took a long time to solve.

But luckily, all of these are like generalizable problems where you just solve them once to a large degree, and then it's solved for everybody. If you put them in a modular framework where anybody can put the Legos together on top. And that's what we've been heavily invested in. And then as we were building Keed, we realized that Keete is just like 95 percent of these Lego blocks that are applicable for anything.

So why not take all this stuff, pack it up for free, we don't make any money on it. and an open source runtime that we're just giving away so other people can contribute to it, but also build their own apps. the more peer to peer apps the world has, the better from my point of view.

and document it and make it really easy to install. And I think actually Paolo said something interesting because as soon as you have, one point of centralization, you can always unravel it. coming from the Bitcoin days, I remember how quickly things can unravel. people went to jail for linking to things because authorities, when they crack down, really hard.

so if you have one weak spot, it will be taken advantage of at some point by somebody. And so even things like distributing updates to your software can be really hard because this often requires a central point, like you go to a website and you don't download it. And so all apps built on our runtime, for example.

It's distributed through the runtime, which is a little bit mind bending. So all apps are peer to peer data applications themselves, and the network doesn't care, which means that we can continue to distribute updates even, if everything gets shut down, you only need like a bootstrap for the first install when you get the app.

So we're thinking that in. At every level, because it's really, important to us to, basically learn from everything that happened in the past and then actually build things that are resilient. And we take this to a degree where I'm sure we could move 10 times faster if we just let go a little bit of that idea, because it is easier to just put all the data in one place or put all the updates in one place.

But then it's then we're just building the same old thing that's going to die eventually anyway. So we're very, uncompromising in that mission of actually decentralizing everything from updates to data, and then also always solving in a way where everybody can take advantage of that.

And then the final thing I'll say about that is that, every time we update. That runtime, those building blocks of that runtime, every time we fix a bug, every time we make it faster, every app becomes faster. That's also very exciting. It's because you're building the whole infrastructure into this layer that runs on your phone.

And it's all somewhat generalizable. Every time we fix something, it's just better for the entire ecosystem. And that's obviously really, exciting. And like I said, actually, no strings attached.

Yeah, so I think you were referring to the trial of the Pirate Bay people there In Sweden, right? lucky enough to meet a couple of them in Denmark and it's been very fun to hear about their journey and, yeah, like

Knut: and there, there's, there was a great documentary made about it called TPBAFK. So the Pirate Bay Away From Keyboard, about that whole trial and how, corrupt the system was even back then. And, throwing people in jail for providing links. they didn't do any more wrong than Google did, from a certain perspective.

And, I remember even, before BitTorrents, there was a program called. DC or Direct Connect Do you remember that?

Mathias: I used to, it was one of my first introductions to decentralization. it as you just shared your, like a Google Drive for everyone or something. Like you just shared parts of your file tree to everyone who wanted to peek into it, Yeah, anyway. Oh, that's good that you didn't know you were going with that. it interesting what you said, because I think it's interesting to think that I think to a large degree, the whole decentralization movement that was happening with BitTorrent back in the day got shut down because At some point, authorities figured out that they could just block DNS requests to shut it down for normal people, and as soon as they did that, it was actually effective.

And to Paolo's point, no matter how weak it is, they're done. and they tried to kill the technology elsewhere, but that's actually what killed them. Then, obviously, alternatives came that people could pay for, and it also shows that people actually want, to stay on the right side of things.

I think, now it's going very much in the wrong direction again, because now we're back at abusing that centralization again. the cycle will repeat. But, yeah, like any point of weakness will be attacked at any point.

Decentralization vs. Centralization

Luke: So what are the drawbacks to decentralization? I think we and our audience certainly understand the benefit of decentralization, what you gain by decentralizing, but what do you naturally give up in terms of the user experience and the convenience factor?

Mathias: yeah, I'm sure Paola has stuff to say here, but I'm just, I love talking about this stuff, so I'll go first. Mattias.

I think it's a really interesting question, first of all, because it's one of those questions where You know, obviously I want to say there's no drawbacks, but like anything, it's a balance, right?

Because it's not that there's drawbacks and advantages, there obviously is, but it's also just a different paradigm. first of all, with sensitization, I think one of the biggest thing I noticed also with developers is that we all come out of systems, education systems. That teaches how to think centralized, which makes us biased towards centralized solutions.

and that's, I remember my whole curriculum was about servers and clients and stuff like that. it's actually really hard to think about decentralization as a developer. And I think that's actually part of why a lot of people think it's hard. It's complex because it is complex, but also because we're just like, we've been trained massively in the other direction, and it's really hard to go back because decentralization can be as simple as what Knut said about DC Connect, DC where it's just, oh, I'm just browsing other people's computers.

That's amazing. That's a really, simple experience, and it's like something you can never do But like in today's world, people, the first thing I always get asked is like, how do I get a username? And I'm like, usernames have an inherent centralization and there's trade offs there.

And we need to think that through and stuff. and most applications don't necessarily require usernames. I'm not saying that's a bad feature, but it's that's where you need to think more about the trade offs because there's governance involved to some degree. But for the core experience, and I think that's what we've shown in Keith so far.

Then, there's obviously tons of upsides also, it's much easier to do big data transfers. Money is less of a concern, which actually changes the thinking, how you think about features.

And that, again, is something we've been trained in a lot as developers, because we think centralized. When we talk about features at Holepunch, hey, we should add podcast recording to Keed. Normally somebody would say, that's going to cost a lot of money to host that data. And we just always we don't even have that discussion because it doesn't matter because it's just between the users.

And then it's more about like the UX. But then other simple, like I said, other simple discussions, let's add a username index. That's where we're like, okay, let's think that through because there's like various things to think about there because there's no centric governance, and we don't want to introduce that because again, one point is.

It's bad. so it's, more like you really need to think differently and it's really hard to wire your brain to think differently. but once you get past that point, I think it's, super interesting. And I, think actually developers care way more than normal people because, developers care a lot about how links look and links and structure and that.

And normal people are just used to just clicking buttons and apps and going with the flow on that. And that's also what we're seeing, I think, with, a lot of key

Paolo: I think the hiring has proven a little bit more challenging, as Matthias was saying, when you are told that the cloud is your friend, hosting, on, Google Cloud or AWS is the right thing to do. And, of course, it got cheaper and cheaper, so now everyone can host their websites.

But the reality is that 70 percent of, the entire internet knowledge is hosted in the data centers of three companies. developers should think about that, should think about the fact that internet was born to be point to point and peer to peer. And, we are very far away from that initial concept.

over the years, especially with the boom in, in the year 2000 for the internet boom, and bubble, then, realized that, holding people's data is the way to go, with social media and social network. That is even worse. And so you have these friendly advertisements that are telling you, That, with a smiley face that, you know, yeah, you should, upload all your data on, Apple cloud or Google cloud.

And in general, cloud backups are great, right? You want to have some sort of redundancy in your life, but the reality is that you should be able to upload those. In an encrypted way, and yet most of this data sits unencrypted because, the big tech companies have to decrypt it and use it for, to milk the information to pay for, for, another month of their new data centers.

the, issue is, we have so much power in our hands through our phones. the phones that we have today are much more powerful than the phones that we, or even the computers that we have 10 years ago or 5 years ago. And so We should, we are at a stage where we can use this hardware, not only for communicating, but also for in the future for AI processing and inference and so on.

is, we need to, understand that the word cannot be connected to Google. I mean we cannot be a function of Google. We cannot be a function of AWS. And so I think that, there is, escalating pace of, towards centralization and it's almost a black hole.

And eventually, the, we'll attract all the lights and if we are too close to it, no lights will come out anymore. And, that's why we want to really to double down on this technology, because it's not going to be easy, right? It's going to be very challenging, and most of the people don't care, as Maite has said before.

Most of the people will think, everything works with WhatsApp and, Signal, but Signal announced that their 2023 costs for data centers and data center costs are around 50 million, and they, apart from the mobile coin that was not The best thing that they could do, there is, it's not easy for them to monetize.

And the problem is that if you are, you're basically almost the only way to monetize it is to sell your customer's data. So if you don't want to sell your customer data, eventually your service will not be sustainable. So the only way to make it sustainable is actually going back to peer, where you can leverage people, infrastructure, people, connectivity, people, phones, people, processing power, Deliver very high quality communication system.

And when they will care, it will be probably usually too late if nothing exists yet. when people will care is because shit is hitting the fan. And, you really want to have a solution that is not, that will survive if, the countries around you or around the country where you live are not going to be nice to your own country.

So that's the view to peer-to-peer. The peer-to-peer wheel system will keep working if your neighbor countries are not going to be nice towards you. That's independence, that's resiliency, those are terms that, we need to take very seriously, especially seeing where the, world is going to.

Knut: Yeah, I think we're all primed for, centralized solutions, from a very young age. this is the state, this is what it is like, state funded schooling. state funders or state subsidized media. We are, like brainwashed into, trusting, institutions all our lives.

So I think that is somewhat connected to why people are so reluctant to be vigilant about this on the internet. I think the two go hand in hand that we, take the comfortable way, or most people take the comfortable route of, not taking responsibility for their own stuff. not only on the internet, but outsourcing responsibility to the government is basically the, another side of the same coin, right?

Mathias: I also find it very interesting, especially being from a small country like Denmark that doesn't have a lot of homegrown infrastructure. And I'm just seeing how much communication with some of the public entities is happening through centralized platforms like Facebook and things like that, where even though we centralize it, we also centralize it in companies that we don't even have any control over in different countries where we probably have, no rights at all.

So it's like hyper centralization, especially from the weakest point of view. And I think that's super problematic. And I'm always. Thinking it's, weird that we're not talking about that more especially when you look at the things that they're trying to do in the EU, they're almost trying to just push more in that direction, which I find even more interesting.

yeah, definitely. it's, a huge problem and it's only getting bigger. And that's, why

Challenges and Future of Decentralization

Luke: So to what level can decentralization actually get there? What is the limit to decentralization? And I'll calibrate this with an example. The internet itself, you said it was built to essentially originally be decentralized, but we don't have it. For physical links, like individual physical links between each other, the fiber or whatever the wire is goes together into another group of wires, which eventually go into some backbone, which is operated by a company.

And then that goes into the global Internet. And so somewhere it centralizes into telecom companies and other services. It might be decentralized on one level, but there is a layer of centralized services that make the internet work that isn't necessarily the so called cloud providers and that sort of thing.

So is there a limitation to how far this can go?

Paolo: I think the, in general, sure, there are the ISPs and, their physical infrastructure is in part centralized, but also you start having redundancy, right? So for example, the backbones are redundant. There are multiple companies running, cross connects across different areas of the world.

Now you have Starlink if you want. that is a great way to start decentralizing connectivity because Starlink will not be the only one that will run satellites, so there will be multiple companies that will allow you to connect through satellites, plus you have normal cabling.

So you will have, it will become a huge mesh network, it's already in part, but it will become more and more a huge mesh network. in general, you will always find a way, even with a pigeon, to start sending bits out of your house.

I think the most important part is, you have to be in control of your own data, and then, you need to send this data with the shortest path to the people that you want to talk to. Right now, I usually make this example, because I think it's When we do this presentation, we try to make people think about how much waste also centralized systems have created.

imagine you live in Rome, you live in Rome and you have your family. Most people live nearby their families. That is a classic thing among humans. 90 percent of the people live nearby their families. Maybe nearby, like 10km, 50km nearby. If you talk to your family, every single message, every single photo that you will send to your family, that message will travel, instead of going 50 kilometers in a nearby town where your mother lives or your father lives, it will travel every single message, every single bit of every single video call or every single bit of every photo will travel 5, 000 miles to Frankfurt just to go back 50 kilometers from you.

Imagine how much government spent in order to create these internet lines and to empower them to make it bigger, more, with more capacity Peer to peer allows with a lower latency, allows to save on bandwidth, allows to save on cost of global infrastructure.

So that's how, actually, We can create better mesh networks, more resilient mesh networks, just because data will always find the shortest path from one point to another.

And still all roads lead to Rome. I'm Italian, so I need to use Rome as an example.

Knut: Yeah.

Mathias: I think the discussion here is really interesting compared to Bitcoin, because it's actually the scaling longer term. Sovereignty, like how, Bitcoin kind of told us very direct terms that if you have a key pair, you have your money.

And it doesn't matter where you are in the world. If you have that key pair, you have a way to get to that money. the means of transportation, it's actually very uninteresting in that sense, because you have it with you. The Internet today, the centralized Internet is designed in a way where, what does it mean to go to Facebook?

it's really hard to explain because it's like some certificate that issued by somebody, and there's. Some, cabal of companies that manages them, there's some regulations around it, but we don't really actually understand it that well as normal people. Technically, we can understand it, but it's very, centralized and it's very, opaque and it's built into the infrastructure in that way, in a bad way.

And, with Pure Technology, we're taking the same approach as Bitcoin here and saying, You're just a key pair, and the other person is just a key pair, and there's a bunch of protocols around that, but the transportation is actually not that interesting. Right now, we use the internet to do it.

We'll probably do that for a long time, but there's no reason why we can take the same technology we have right now and in 50 years run it on, laser beams or something else, because we're taking the software and feedback.

Bitcoin and Holepunch: Drawing Parallels

Mathias: I think, that's the main thing to think about in that. Discussion.

Luke: when, Paolo, when you were talking about that people don't care, when you were saying that people don't care because WhatsApp just works, I was at the same time thinking that's the parallel of people saying that, I don't care because Visa just works, right? And so the parallel between Bitcoin and what you're doing at Holepunch, Keet, everything else here, really seems to be tracking along the same line.

And I guess there's the connection that, I won't say all, but a lot of the people involved are already in the Bitcoin ecosystem. But can you comment on is there a little more of a connection there between Holepunch and Keet and Bitcoin?

Paolo: Yeah, Bitcoin definitely is working and servicing, I think, in a good way, many, people in communities. The users of Bitcoin today are, unfortunately, and also that relates to Tether, mostly, in the Western world, in the richer countries, as a way to save wealth and, as a store of value, more than a means of exchange.

For different reasons, right? We'd like a network that would improve, of course, over time, and there will be different approaches, but, still, the world is not yet using Bitcoin, but the world will use Bitcoin when shit will hit the fan. but the beauty of Bitcoin is that an option is already there, is available, and when something bad will happen, people immediately, with a snap of a finger, will turn to Bitcoin, and will have it and can use it. don't have that in communications. What is our communica our parallel with communications, if we don't have it? I don't know, because if, if suddenly centralized communications will, be blocked, then, or privacy in communications will be blocked, and you cannot, you cannot use Whatsapp, or Whatsapp has to start giving all the information to every single government.

and the government will become more evil than what they are today, also western governments then. don't, we wanted to build the exact parallel as we said it, we just tried to describe it, that with Bitcoin, for communications. We need to have something that, since there are so many alternatives that are working as with your, you can make the parallel with Visa, right?

Visa is working today, so people are still using a lot of Visa, but if something will happen, they will use Bitcoin from one day to another. Whatsapp is working, and Zoom is working, and Google Meet is working, so people don't feel the urge, but there will be a trigger point when people will feel the urge at some point in their lives, because something happened around them, and we need to make sure that kit will be available to them.

and will be an option, will be stable, will be well designed so that when they will need it the most that option will be available to them.

Luke: Yeah, fantastic.

The Future of Decentralized Communication

Luke: And so I think the follow up I have, and just to get back to the earlier discussion a little bit with Nostr, the communication in terms of messaging, I absolutely see that and directly in what Keet is, I already absolutely see that. Is there a goal to get somewhere towards more like Social media, social networking, things like that in a, in certainly a decentralized way, but right now there isn't something like that as I understand it, coming from, Keet.

So is, that a goal? Is that on the roadmap?

Paolo: Yeah, it is on the roadmap, it's something that, so we had to start with the thing that we thought was more urgent and also the thing that could have been, would have been a game changer. social media is very important, especially In difficult situation, you want to get news, and you want to get unbiased news, so you want to use, social networks to see what's happening in the world.

But we, think that the most sacrosanct thing that you need in your life is to be able to talk to your family and friends in any situation with the highest privacy possible. that's the first thing that we tackled, and also was a way to battle test the technology with, KIT you can do high quality video calls as well, so if we are able to tackle in the best way possible privacy and extreme scalability of peer to peer communications, then on top of that foundation we can build also social media and every single other application that we have in mind.

Mathias: But first, we wanted to tackle the hardest problem. No, I think it makes a lot of sense. And I also just want to say, as a, probably like one of the most prolific KEET users, I use KEET right now also as a very, like a social media, we have big public rooms where we talk about KEET and talk about technology. I get a lot of the value I would get otherwise on Twitter X from that because I, it's like a public platform for me to, get ideas out there, but also interact with users directly.

And I think, there's many ways to take them as a young app. And we're talking about this a lot, obviously it has to be simple, has to be parent approved. My parents can figure it out, but I think, to a large degree, all really healthy social networks that are actually, to some degree, a communication app.

And it's also just a really good way to get local news and to get this locality that Peter is good at. That doesn't mean that we might not also make other things, but I think it's a hard line to set the difference between a social network and a communications app when it's structured correctly,

Interoperability and User Experience

Luke: Yeah, and this, another thing that came to mind just as, you were talking about these parallels, as, I understand it, the account system with Keet is, essentially still just a, Key pair. Correct me if I'm, wrong,

Mathias: Very, true.

Luke: you backups with the same 1224 words.

Is, that fully interoperable as well? Is that, could be your Bitcoin key. That could be

Mathias: We use the, same, I can't remember the date, the BIP, but there's a BIP for like during key generation. So we can use it also in the future for other things. and you have those words, you have your account, and that's, we never store that. And that's like your sovereignty and, no, I was just going to say that lets you use it seamlessly on different devices also. It's one of those things that I love because I know what's going on when you use keyed Insanely hard problem, but it's solved by the runtime, and it just works seamlessly and I think that's, the beauty of it.

Paolo: I think there's some UX stuff to figure out about onboarding that stuff a little bit easier for normal people. That's probably to a large degree the same for Bitcoin. The other part that I would do with Bitcoin is that, with Bitcoin, with your 12, 24 words, you can access your private wealth. the beauty of Bitcoin is that you can remember 12 24 words, you cross borders, and you carry with you your wealth. You can do the same thing with your digital private life.

You remember 12 24 words, they could be the same by the way. whatever happens, you can spawn back your digital private life fully encrypted from, one of your other devices that you connected that is somewhere else in the world. So when you start seeing and understanding the unlock in terms of also human resilience that this creates is very, insane and can create a very powerful, that can be used for, to create a very, powerful applications, not just communications, but you can build.

Really any sort of interaction, even mapping. Imagine peer to peer mapping, where basically data is not stored in one single location. You can access, tiles of the maps, from, local people that curate them in a better way. So the, level of applications that you can build, All unlocked by the same technology that is being used by Bitcoin is very, incredible.

Luke: Yes, absolutely it is. And what do you think of the idea that all of this stuff is just interoperable now based on essentially you have your private key and there you go. It doesn't matter the technology stack. Is that sort of an agnostic thing where you can take your data to any one of these systems?

What you're building with Keith being one, Nostr being another, Bitcoin being a third, what do you think of that?

Paolo: Yeah, the fact that, data is yours, right? So you should do whatever you want with your data. That is, I think, an axiom that we should assume. And, it shouldn't even, we shouldn't even discuss about this, right? We are discussing about it because people are trying to take away this axiom from us.

The, you are a key pair, and you're basically, unique, and uniqueness is expressed by the cryptography around those 24 words, and that's, that also is a way to prove your identity, it's a mathematical way to prove your identity.

No one can steal that from you, of course, but no one can track it as no one can impersonate, should not be able to impersonate you. So it's truly powerful.

Mathias: also think it's like worth remembering here also in this discussion that a lot of very high valuable data for yourself is actually not that big, but centralized platforms take it hostage anyway. if you take all my chat history and, I have pictures, but like a couple of the pictures would probably be bigger than all my chat history ever.

but a lot of that, those messages have a lot of value for me, especially personally and also being able to search through it and have infinite history, it's very valuable for me personally. But it's very scary for me if that's on some other platform where it gets leaked at some point, et cetera, et cetera.

But we already have the devices, just normal consumer devices that we buy, that we all have, phones, computers, whatever, that have more than enough capacity to store multiple copies of this. In terms of like per user, data production, it's a manageable problem.

And I think it's interesting how, providers force us to think in terms of giving that data away, even though we could easily store it.

Paolo: And this is even more important when we think about potential, AI applications, right? So imagine your best assistant. Paolo's assistant should go through all my emails, my kids chats, my old social stuff, and be able to be my best assistant. But in order to do that, I have two options.

Either, I imagine that OpenAI would come with an assistant. They would upload, All the information on their servers, crunch that information, and then, use it to serve, me, but also service their own needs. And that can become very scary, also because they wear a hat. It's public, right?

you don't want your most intimate codes that your best personal assistant could know, to be on somewhere else, rather than your devices. And so people were, people never uploaded, at least most of the people would never upload medical, information on Facebook, right? But they are uploading it on ChatGPT to get a second opinion.

so things can be, get even scarier than what we described today because, we, discussed about social media, that is basically, the fun part where we upload photos, But, things can become scarier when it comes to privacy and data control with ai.

So I want to see a future where I have a local AI that can read all key messages that I have from my local phone on my local device, and can become the best powers assistant possible without renouncing to my privacy, and also still governed by the same 24 words. the fine tuning that is applied on that LLM should stay local to my own device, and it should be in control of that.

And still, the current power of the devices that we have makes it possible. We should not fall for the same lie. We don't need, of course, big data centers with GPUs are important for training a huge LLM, but that is a generic LLM. You can take that one and then fine tune it with your own data and run it by yourself.

And for most of it, unless you want to do crazy things, that is more than enough and can run on modern GPUs or local GPUs or your phones. We should start thinking that we can build local experiences without having an API all the time connected to someone else's data center.

Knut: Yeah.

The Role of Tether in the Crypto Ecosystem

Knut: It's super interesting. you briefly just briefly mentioned tether before and I think we need to get into this. what is it and how much of a maxi are you, Paolo?

And, what, made this thing happen? Can you give us the story here about Tether?

Tether's Origin and Evolution

Paolo: Tether started in 2014. I consider myself a maxi, but running Tether, you could say that, I'm a shit coiner. I don't mind, right? I like what I do, and I think I'm net positive, so it's okay. Tera was born in 2014 with a very simple idea. there were a few crypto exchanges in, 2014.

it was Bitfinex, Coinbase, Kraken, Bitstamp. OKCoin, there was BTCChina, and just a few others, right? Around 10 that were meaningful. The problem back then was to do, trading arbitrage, you sell Bitcoin on the exchange where the price is higher, you take the dollars. From that sale, you move the dollars on the exchange where the price is lower and rinse and repeat.

That is called arbitrage. It is a property of every single efficient financial system. And that also helps to keep the price of Bitcoin in line across different exchanges. But, that was very, hard in 2014. If you remember in 2013 was the first year that Bitcoin broke the 1, 000.

But on some exchanges the price was 1. 2, on others was 900. in order to arbitrage that price difference, you have to move dollars from one exchange to another and Bitcoin from one exchange to another. You can move Bitcoin from one exchange to another. 10 minutes, but dollars would take days, right?

International wires. And so of course the opportunity arbitrage was, fully gone by, the, time the wire was hitting the, receiving exchange. the reason why we created that was, USDT was simply to put the dollar on a blockchain so that we could have the same user experience that we had with bitcoin.

For the first two years, almost no exchange apart Bitfinex understood USDT. Then Poloniex in 2016 started to add the USDT across for against every single trading pair. There was the start of the ICO boom. 2017 was the peak of the ICO boom and, USDT reached 1 billion in market cap. Fast forward in 2020, we had around 10 billion in market cap, and then the bull run started, but also another important thing started, that was the pandemic.

USDT's Impact on Emerging Markets

Paolo: So the pandemic had a huge effect on many economies around the world, in all the economies around the world, but especially in emerging markets, developing countries.

Basically pandemic also killed entire economies. And so as a Bitcoin you would think, oh, all these people that are in countries like Argentina and Venezuela and Turkey and so on, they should use Bitcoin and they should, they should, only use Bitcoin because everything else is cheap.

So that is pretty much, the approach that we have as Bitcoiners that, I believe in. But the problem is that. Not everyone is ready, so not everyone has our time to understand Bitcoin. Not everyone has yet the full skill set to understand Bitcoin at this stage, at this moment in time.

we as Bitcoiners didn't build the best user experience in the world, right? So one of the best wallets for Bitcoin is still Electrum. That, is not necessarily nice and well done for and simple to be used for, a 70 year old lady. so we need to do a better job as Bitcoiners to build better user experiences we want Bitcoin to be more used around the world.

At the same time, 99 percent of the population knows, especially the ones that are living in high inflation areas, knows that there is the dollar that is usually Much better currency than what they hold in their hands. the US dollar is not, definitely not perfect. It's not the perfect fiat currency. but it's like the tale of the two friends running away from the lion, right?

you have, one friend tells to the other, Oh, the lion is gonna kill us. We have to run really fast. And one of the two friends says to the other, I just have to run faster than you, right? So the US dollar is the friend that is running faster, in a sense that is the one that is likely better than the others.

And so being better than the others is creating a sort of safety feeling among 5 billion people in the world that live in high inflation countries. And for those people that, they don't have yet the time, they didn't have the luck also, maybe, to understand Bitcoin, they are, in fact, using USDT.

If you live in Argentina, peso lost 98% against the US dollar in the last five years. The Turkish L lost 80% against the US dollar in, the last five years. So of course, Bitcoin would be better than the US dollar, but even already, if you hold the dollar, you are the king of the hill there, right?

So because it's, you are able to preserve your wealth much, better than almost anyone else in the region. I think, USDT is offering a temporary solution and is providing a service, a very good service to people that don't have alternatives and good alternatives and they are very, familiar with the U.

S. dollar already. so eventually, the hyperbitcoinization, I think it will happen. there is no way it won't happen. It's hard to pinpoint on a time when, that will happen. But it's all about the turning point. What the economy will look like in the next, 10, 20 years and what trigger point there will be for fiat currencies to blow up and become irrelevant.

Bitcoin as a Savings Account

Paolo: the way I see it is that it's likely that the U. S. dollar will stay around for a while, and people might still want to use, the U. S. dollar as a checking account, but they, should start to use, Bitcoin as their savings account, in the checking account, you, are happy to not make interest, It's something that you use for payments, it's something that you are okay to detach from because it's the money that you are ready to spend.

The savings account is the thing that we should fight for. This thing is the thing that matter the most, and, it's the thing that will is protecting people wealth. And so in the long term. And in the medium term, we should push for this savings account to be Bitcoin. also with Tether, we are heavily investing in companies, in Bitcoin companies.

we support the Blockstream. We supported so many in the space that are, we, are supporting RGB. That is a protocol that is building, assets on top of, like network, style channels. Thank you for listening. and we buy Bitcoin ourselves. We do a lot of Bitcoin mining.

We develop, I think, the best and most sophisticated Bitcoin mining software, by the way, based on hole punch technology. It's like IoT for Bitcoiners and Bitcoin mining. It's very cool. we are relying on the dollar and, you could say that USDT is helping the dollar, expansion, but the same way I don't think Dollar and Bitcoin aren't necessarily opposed to one or the other.

I think that Bitcoin has its own path. And no matter what happens, there is no way to slow it down. I think, it's going to be inevitable success. It's going to be inevitable that it will become global internet money and global words money. No country will trust to each other with, with each other currencies for, for a longer time, and so the only viable solution is a currency that is governed by math.

That is the only objective way, objective thing that we have in the universe. that's my train of thoughts on, Tether and Bitcoin.

Knut: Oh, thank you. Thank you for that explanation. It explains a lot of things. To me, it sounds a bit like you're a lubrication company, like selling lubrication for the transition between the rape of the dollar to the love fest of the hyperbitcoinized world, to make the transition a little smoother.

Paolo: we are more than, at Tether we have also this educational arm and, believe it or not, the majority of the creation we do is actually on Bitcoin, right? So we are supporting the Plan B network led by the great Giacomo Zucco. The unfortunate thing is that USDT, didn't have a marketing team up to, 2022 with Tether.

So basically, I wish I could say that success of Tether is because we were super intelligent and great. but actually the success of Tether, unfortunately is a symptom of the success of, of, national economies. And it's sad if you think about it, right? So the success of your main product U as it is, They're actually proportional to the FACAP of many central banks. And, but it is what it is, right? So we need to do what we do at, really, at DataRace, creating all these educational contents to try to explain that, sure, we are providing a tool for today, but, For tomorrow you probably need, you need to understand that you have other options, you need to understand Bitcoin, because as we said for, Keith, right?

So the moment when you will need the most Bitcoin, it has to be available, you need to understand it, so that is a true option for you. The way we, see bitcoin education.

Knut: No, and, something like Tether would have, emerged, either way, and it's very comforting to know that it's run by Bitcoiners and not by a central bank itself or something. yeah, and the Plan B Network, I was a guest lecturer there in Logano and it was fantastic.

I love what you're doing there with the educational hub. And we even got Giacomo to write the foreword to our new book here that you can see here behind Luke.

Luke: Always say the title, Knut. Always say the title.

Knut: Bitcoin, the inverse of Clown World. It's, you, if, you're good at maths and emojis, you might be able to figure out the title from the cover, but it's one divided by Clown World anyway, which is on the opposite side of the everything divided by 21 million equation, So anyway, looking forward to seeing you in Lugano and giving you both a copy of the book, of course.

Paolo: Oh, with pleasure, with great pleasure, with a nice, education.

Luke: Absolutely. Yep.

Plan B Forum and Future Events

Luke: 100%. And we have to wind things down, but I'll just say as well, yeah, absolutely looking forward to Lugano Plan B Forum. Always a highlight of the year. It was my first time last year. I absolutely loved it. can't wait to attend this year.

so it's the 25th, 2020 6th of October, 2024. this year, it's a Bitcoin event that is not made to make money. So the problem with events is that. You have to find sponsors, and usually, sponsor might not be well aligned with the message you want to give, right? I think Tether is lucky enough, to not have to make money on the event.

Paolo: I want to have, good, guests. I want to have great speakers. I want to have the messaging. That is not only about Bitcoin, it's about, freedom of speech as well. We had the family of Assange for the last few years, and I think that they will come also this year.

I'm going to be probably killed by the By our marketing team, I'm not sure if they announced it, but we are going to have another Plan B event also in El Salvador next year, so we're trying to create this network of cities and countries that have things in common and, invite people that want to share knowledge around the world.

And, yeah, and of course we, are very proud of the good food that we, serve in Lugano. So that is another thing that, not all the bands can say the same thing.

Knut: No, it's fantastic. And we happened to bump into the Assange family at the cocktail bar in a fancy hotel and, had a very interesting conversation with them there. So if you're listening. Anyone from the Assange family is welcome on the show any time. So yeah, no looking forward to that event for sure, we had a great time.

And I think we're even playing this year, aren't we, Luke?

Paolo: You're

Luke: yeah, the Satoshi Rakamoto is in the event there, we, played, back in Prague, it was my first, time, but Knut is a regular at the Rakamotos.

Yeah, we played at Lugano last year Oh, anything and everything, what did we do in Prague?

Knut: paranoid and,

Paolo: Can I commission a

Knut: What song would you like to hear?

Paolo: I have two that I would suggest. One is Nothing Else Matters.

Knut: Alright.

Paolo: So I think that, is very inspiring, right?

Knut: Bitcoin, for sure.

Nothing Else Matters. it's perfectly aligned with Bitcoin. And, the other one is Sad But True. Oh, that would be fun. We'll squeeze in some Metallica there, won't we, Luke?

Mathias: we'll 100% have those songs ready to go. We also have, a big peer to peer track at the conference,

Knut: Yeah.

Mathias: not so much music, but yeah, that's peer to

Knut: Nothing else matters.

Luke: looking forward to that.

Knut: Sorry, brain fart. Sad but true is about the dollar still being around,

Paolo: Yeah, you can say that.

Luke: Okay.

Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Luke: Hey, we have to wind things down here because, we're, almost, out of time. So I'll just hand this, back to you both. Is there anything else you'd like to, mention about, your plans in the upcoming couple of years, in, key, toll, punch, anything like that?

Mathias: only that we're, like I said, we're integrating really hard right now, and it's a really fun time to, join the company because, we're small and efficient We get to work with Tether, which has a lot of benefits and it's getting really fast, so definitely check that out. And it's also a really fun time to join Keith in our public rooms.

There's a lot of very personal, in a good way, intense chats where you get to be part of the loop. I love to be part of those early communities and I would suggest everybody to check that out and go to the website and try it out.

Paolo: we will certainly do that. Yeah, I couldn't agree more. So go check out Keith and Holepunch and the Plan B forum in Lugano, You could visit tether. io, that is, the website where we are trying to explain what we have in our minds between, finance, bitcoin mining, energy production, AI, communications, brain chips and stuff, right? I think it's more exciting.

Mathias: Just those things, that's all.

Paolo: Yeah, we can piss off more than this. Thanks.

Mathias: a

Luke: No, It's just perfect. and is on that note, is there anywhere else specific you'd like to direct our listeners?

Paolo: just follow the social channels and give us feedback on kit all the time because these technologies, needs everyone's help to be nailed them.

Mathias: We love technical feedback. We love UX feedback. We're trying to make something that works for the masses, so anything is good.

Luke: So that's, all at Keet. Is that correct? For Keet?

Mathias: Key. io and pairs. com for our runtime. It's all peer to peer.

Knut: Alright,

Mathias: Wonderful. And you're also still on the legacy social media platforms, right? Yeah.

Knut: we'll make sure to include links to your handles so people can find you there if they would like. forward to seeing you in Lugano.

Paolo: Likewise, I

Knut: But yeah, worth saying again.

Paolo: Thank you for having an invitation.

Luke: Yes, we'll wrap things up here. This has been the Bitcoin Infinity Show.

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 0e501ec7:de5ef3a4

2024-10-30 17:21:46

Buizerd in de mist. Spreeuwen op een elektriciteitspaal. Je komt een beetje dichter, ze zwermen op in een dansende wolk. Zwerm voor mij niet identificeerbaar, tsjirpende vogels. Een blaadje valt, bijna in je pot met thee. Aan een hoge tak, maar toch de onderste, hangt een verloren vissershaak. Het water aan de kant ziet er vies en slijmerig uit. Vannacht was ik bang erin te vallen, slaapdronken op tocht naar een plek om pipi te doen. Het verlangen naar een middagmaal zonder pindakaas. Een klein lapje kleinschalige landbouw, met groentebedden op mensenmaat, in de zee van industrie-veld. In de verte een boer die met zijn halve oorlogsmachine zijn gewas beschermd. In de bossen hangt het vol lianen, veel meer dan thuis. Op de weg een overreden marter. Naast de weg, dappere kamille, teder bloeiend. Als de schemering valt: vermoeidheid. In de nacht stilte, gepruttel van ons stoofpotje, aangevuurd met brandalcool. In de ochtend: mist. Een buizerd.

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ eac63075:b4988b48

2024-10-15 20:18:52

Bitcoin emerged as a promise of financial freedom, challenging the traditional and centralized structures of governments and financial institutions. Since its inception, many enthusiasts have believed in the revolutionary potential of this cryptocurrency. However, over the years, challenges have arisen that have tested this promise, especially concerning centralization, the implementation of secondary layers like the Lightning Network, and issues of governance and privacy.

https://www.fountain.fm/episode/SDZYaFMyLEO1krL6x8RD

Centralization and the Exclusivity of Nostr

Nostr, a decentralized network aiming to be censorship resistant, emerged as an attempt to solve some inherent problems of centralization. However, it faces significant challenges. Many users point out that, despite its promise, Nostr is still not attractive to the general public, being exclusive to a specific niche.

Additionally, issues of centralization still permeate the network. Discussions on GitHub revealed that developers chose not to implement an absolute level of privacy, a decision many considered inadequate. Even with protocols developed to ensure total privacy—such as the non-identification of IPs and communicating parties—the network still lacks this robust implementation.

Individual Freedom and Data Protection

A recurring issue is the importance of demonstrating that real options exist for citizens to protect and preserve their freedom. In a world where most discussions about Bitcoin revolve around its use as an investment asset, there is an urgent need to emphasize its potential as a tool for financial freedom.

The Bitcoin community should focus on development and education, showing that the conscious use of cryptography and decentralized transactions can protect individuals against excessive government surveillance and control. Secure and private communication is fundamental, and Bitcoin, along with privacy technologies, can provide this.

Hyperbitcoinization and the Illusion of Store of Value

Hyperbitcoinization is a concept that refers to the moment when Bitcoin will replace fiat currencies worldwide. However, achieving this state is not simple, especially when Bitcoin is seen primarily as a store of value. Since 2017, this narrative has gained strength, promoting the idea that accumulating Bitcoin will lead to automatic wealth.

However, this perspective is limited. The true value of Bitcoin lies in its use as a transactional currency, not just in its scarcity. The community must work to ensure that Bitcoin is utilized in everyday transactions, strengthening its network and demonstrating its real value.

The Role of the Community in Bitcoin's Development

Bitcoin's strength comes from its community. Developers, users, and enthusiasts, through their actions and support, make Bitcoin a powerful tool. This community is responsible for ensuring that Bitcoin maintains its essence and that its functionalities are accessible to all.

It is crucial that this support network continues promoting the decentralized use of Bitcoin, without intermediaries that can censor or control transactions. Adopting Bitcoin in a centralized manner, through banks or other institutions, contradicts its original proposal and strengthens those who have historically opposed its existence.

Sidechains, Second Layers, and the Lightning Network

Sidechains and second layers, like the Lightning Network, are essential components for Bitcoin's scalability. However, they bring challenges, especially regarding the need to trust intermediaries. For these solutions to be effective, it is fundamental that they allow the unilateral withdrawal of funds, ensuring that users maintain full control over their assets.

The Lightning Network, for example, is a second layer that allows fast and cheap transactions. However, many users face difficulties when dealing with channels that do not close correctly, resulting in locked funds. These problems must be solved for the network to be truly decentralized and functional.

The Fight Against Centralization on the Internet

Centralization is not a problem exclusive to Bitcoin. The internet as a whole faces similar challenges, with data control concentrated in the hands of a few large technology companies. To ensure freedom of expression and online privacy, it is necessary to decentralize these data clusters.

Projects that seek to decentralize the internet are vital for this mission. They not only complement Bitcoin in its quest for financial freedom but also ensure that digital communication and expression are protected against censorship and corporate control.

The Future of Bitcoin and the Need for Action

The future of Bitcoin depends on the community's action. We cannot expect Bitcoin to automatically become a global medium of exchange. A conscious effort is necessary to build an ecosystem where Bitcoin can flow freely, being used in everyday transactions and valued for its utility.

Moreover, with the imminent arrival of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), time is of the essence. CBDCs represent a significant challenge, as they can further restrict individuals' financial freedom. Therefore, accelerating Bitcoin adoption and ensuring it maintains its decentralized and uncensorable properties is a priority.

Conclusion

Bitcoin remains a powerful tool for financial freedom but faces significant challenges. Centralization, both in the context of secondary networks and the internet in general, poses a threat to its original proposal. However, with the joint action of the community and the continuous development of decentralized solutions, it is possible to maintain Bitcoin as a bastion of individual freedom.

The true revolution of Bitcoin lies in its use as a medium of exchange, not just as a store of value. To achieve hyperbitcoinization, it is necessary to build a robust ecosystem where Bitcoin can circulate freely and be accessible to all. Only then can we fulfill Bitcoin's initial promise and ensure it continues to be a tool for freedom and financial autonomy.

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ dd664d5e:5633d319

2024-09-10 15:04:43

What is 3 minutes worth?

I think I've run into the problem that the sort of work I do on here is only efficient and effective, if I spend all day doing it and really concentrate on it. It's not like being a developer or an influencer, where you can allot 2 hours in the morning to it, and then spend all day doing something else and talking about touching grass.

I either have to do it all day or completely stop because 99% of the work is absorbing and digesting information and interacting in real time; pausing is like pulling a mental break and slamming to a stop. It's more of a performance art than a durable good. I have to practice all damn day, every day, for a week, producing only ephemeral products, just to get up and sing for 3 minutes.

Shut up and sing

But with singing, the value is obvious, since most people have tried to sing and know that they aren't very good at it. Most people haven't tried to manage, design, or test systems on an open software protocol, but they all figure they can spontaneously do it, at some point, with little knowledge and no preparation, and be really great at it. That means that hardly anyone sees any value in it, especially as I make it look so easy, that watching me do it merely enhances the idea that the effort can be performed on a whim. The difference in enthusiasm between my dev work and my other work is palpable, but contains no signal.

That is the opposite of development or system administration, that is mostly done off in a hidey-hole, and no one can tell how much effort you personally expended, but they know you did something they can't fully understand, so they get all excited about it.

The indifferent bleating at the uninterested

But we can see that this differentiation is unfounded. Auxiliary software development is highly-skilled labor, it's tedious and exhausting, and it brings no status or prestige, which is why hardly anyone does it or their efforts are of low-quality and relatively pointless. Most developers and funders are regularly encouraging people to "step up" and do it spontaneously and on a purely volunteer basis because they feel obliged to pretend to care about software quality, but actually think it has little value.

Well, the people they are speaking to, agree with them. So, they ignore them.

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 4fda8b10:7bbee962

2024-10-15 13:56:47

Takeaways from Bitcoin Amsterdam 2024

The bitcoin conference in Amsterdam to me is my typical yearly check in with the crypto scene. From a distance, not much has changed since last year. What struck me most was the correlation between the exchange prices and the amount of visitors, I had the feeling the crowd was about twice as big as last year during the opening and high profile talks.

From my personal experience, the increase of audience also brought some dilution to the hard core maximalist anarchist-ness of the event. The overall vibe amongst the attendees was more friendly and open. This also increased the value of the event for me, as I try to broaden my network, get different perspectives and learn more about what interests people in the crypto space.

This year was also marked by my involvement in the Nostr side events, I was asked to give a live performance at the Nostrdam Meetup October 2024 which went over very well and also acted as a nice conversation starter during the rest of the conference. I was also slightly involved in the organisation of the Nostr booth, but credits go to the awesome volunteers that made that happen. It was a bit of a shame that the Nostr booth was tucked away all the way in the back of the (commercial) expo hall, it would have been nice to promote the Nostr initiative to the social community area next to the satoshi radio / connect the world community area

For me the biggest takeaways were the insights I got from the people I’ve met, all from different industries with different perspectives on both technology and involvement. I tried to specifically reach out to (former) CTO’s, which led me to write and share this piece on that particular role. Of course shaking hands and catching up with people I only see once a year is great, and reminds me of the vibe and my experiences at the Fronteers conference.

From a technical point of view I was most inspired by the advancement of AI agent technology and the possibilities of programmable micropayments via de lightning network. Michael Levin showed us that the http spec already has a 402 status of “payment required” and that basically all the required infrastructure is already in place to allow both humans and ai agents to use the lightning network to pay for access to compute or resources using this statuscode and an api gateway such as lightning labs aperture.

talk: HODLing Is Hard: Fundamentals, Cycle & On-Chain Analysis by rational root

• bitcoin is already competing in market cap with other currencies
• amount of euro is exponentially increasing
• from 8 to 16 trillion euros since 2009, but having a real hard cap in btc is fundamentally different
• inflation
  • euro lose 20% in 5 years
  • bitcoin also loses purchasing power, but only 10%
• in current system, we always need to take on maximal debt, instead of saving
• two things can happen
  • we get into overvalued price levels
  • we get into recession
• recession would only mean a shift in the start of the 4 year cycle

panel: Endless Possibilities: Reusing Heat From Miners

• people
  • 21energy Maximilian (obwexer)
  • Bert de groot (bitcoin Brabant)
  • Brad Tom (mara)
• perspective: coming from energy to bitcoin is very different and much faster with implementation than the other way around
• 95% of heat can be captured from miners, much higher in comparison to AI
• being able to balance the grid because you can turn off the bitcoin miners
• ”heatbuffers” → heat is still available when power source goes down
• common objections:
  • Crypto is hard to understand
  • for large industrial clients, heaters, public image of bitcoin (often a door closer)
• people don’t see that miners consume electricity and pay for it.
  • If mining is closed down in Europe, the energy prices will spike because the energy will not be payed for anymore

panel: How to Guard Privacy Tools & Developers

• Dorien Rookmaker & Sjors proviost
• chat control
  • topic keeps returning, and is highly distracting for progress
  • Parliament wants Netherlands to speak against chat control
  • initially they want to just, scan messages now want to install malware before encryption
  • it is distracting Sjors from working on bitcoin
• samurai and tornado are different cases
  • tornado cash is harder because it is also a smart contract with custody over funds
  • samurai is easier: if you don’t have custody, are you responsible for the results of the code?
  • will decide wether whether non custodial systems are ok or not
• micah interpretation is quite vague
• the current Denmark case:
  • if you are rebuilding an interface for a smart contract, you are responsible for implementing all the legal guardrails that apply to securities governance?

panel: NOSTR: Freedom of Algorithmic Choice

• will casarin, mcshane, martti malmi (Sirius iris.to)
• arc (alternative layer on top of bitcoin, like lightning but without channels)
• aha moment: when seeing the unsiloed experience between nostr apps
• were trying to create a town square, so we need to deal with spam
• social media platforms have stagnated a bit, nostr is innovating far more quickly

panel: Transactions As Bitcoin’s Key Growth Metric

• Stephan nilov
  • classical developers don’t know about money and bitcoin development is harder
  • total addressable market is highest in btc, biggest number of possible users
  • bitcoin companies don’t benefit from tokens that are typically exchanged for vc money
  • users are not looking for payments, they are looking for digital property and other things that Ethereum network offers
• Stephan Livera
  • there is a known, slow pace at which bitcoin will be adopted
  • btc market is only 1.2 trillion dollars compared to USD 30 trillion

talk: Making Bitcoin Quantum Resistant by hunter beast

• surmount.systems
• explaining the threat of quantum computing
• problems
  • key size: larger signature required
  • proposal: transaction field attestation
  • 256 bit number key, possibility to factor the private key out of this
• introducing p2qrhash
  • segwitv3
  • satoshishield
• in layman terms:
  • quantum safe upgrades to bitcoin protocol are proposed
  • we need to introduce a software upgrade
  • requires a soft fork, opt in
• possible advantages of quantum in crypto
  • allow us to sign signatures in a way that is unbreakable
• 514 qubits are needed to break something

talk: Lightning and AI: Where the Bots Pay You by michael levin

• two use cases for bitcoin adoption
  • people that don’t have access to fiat
  • things that can’t be handled by fiat systems
• large language models
  • current phase: big adoption
  • next phase: agentic ai
• costs of ai
  • compute 400% more (ben bajarin)
  • algorithm training excess 10 billion dollars
  • data
• costs implications
  • cost of serving answers is 0
  • cost of serving ai query is not 0
  • cost for everyone in the world
• payments in AI
  • now
    • pay per call
  • data
  • accessibility
  • agents
    • agents must be able to do things that cost money
• payment system for AI
  • globally accessible
  • near instant
  • final settlement
  • internet native
  • authentication mechanism
    • personalise access (simple queries for lower tier model)
  • easy to implement
• L402 protocol
  • 402 payment required in http spec
• reverse proxy to have 402 in front of APIs
  • aperture is lightning labs implementation
• all available right now, adoption starting
  • fewsats, sulu, open agents / plebai
  • pay with lightning
• challenges
  • do these payments with stablecoins instead of lightning (hence taproot assets protocol)
• cases
  • agent bots can pay for real world resources
  • taproot assets issue assets on bitcoin allow transfer of
• references
  • L402.org

talk: Bitcoin is Cypherpunk by Aaron van Wirdum

• is bitcoin still Cypherpunks ?
• on one hand we see a push to regulation and frameworks to govern btc
• on the other hand we are arresting developers for writing code

pitches: Bitcoin Amsterdam Pitch Day: Presented by GoBTC

• umoja
  • ceo Robby greenfield
  • LST smartcoin, deflationary by design
  • competes with pools such as lido and rocket pool, but supports multiple coins, including liquid hashrate
    • 30% liquid hashrate returns (!)
  • compliance micah
  • disaster scenarios
    • black swan event → automatic exit out
• magisat
  • trading tools for mempool snipers
  • support for runes
  • volume on bitcoin nft’s is on certain days higher than nft’s on ethereum

panel: Crossing the Boundaries Between Bitcoin & Fiat

• Christian Rau (Mastercard) & Remi destigny (bitrefill )
  • liberation is great, but protocols don’t take customer service into account, chargebacks and rewinding mistakes etc
  • we aim to smooth process by issuing cards that sell your Bitcoin just in time on the backend

talk: Gold & Bitcoin: Friends, Not Foes by Paul Buitink

• premise “the financial system is crumbling”
  • there is too much debt
  • emerging markets lost confidence in western currencies
• freezing Russian assets is shooting ourselves in the foot, as it shows the world you might not want to hold too many dollars that can be easily seized
• record gold buying by central banks in 2022 2023 2024
• gold: 17 trillion marker cap, compared to bitcoin 1.3 trillion

talk: Austrian Economics, Hard Money & Bitcoin Cycles, Willem Middelkoop

• ”we are on the road towards hyper inflation and collapse of financial system”
  • central bankers are pretty smart and very aware
  • this is why they accumulate gold
• when system collapses, central bankers will play the gold card, not the bitcoin card
• US is preparing for big conflict with Russia and china
  • then you can’t use IMF monetary reset
• Asia leadership is the same as US and Russian leadership: they want to stay on control
  • all have about similar gold (per Capita) in their central banks vaults to avoid hyperinflation
• IMF said to el salvador: you need to reign down your bitcoin position
• once central bankers start diversifying (e.g. to bitcoin ) they will strain their own system. The incentives are against adopting bitcoin
• watch out for when on and offramp get blocked / repressed
  • think about diversifying to Dubai, “the new switzerland"
• "bitcoin is the best money ever. fact”
  • superior to gold, because you can store your wealth independant of location
  • more scarce than gold
  • but from central bank point of view, gold is superior to bitcoin
  • younger generation gets this from the start

talk: The Future Will Be Bitcoinized by Elizabeth stark & Rockstar Dev

• stablecoins
  • taproot assets protocol
  • there is a demand for stablecoins and apps on stablecoins
  • 11 trillion dollars in stablecoins
• protocol allows payments in other assets such as stablecoins that use bitcoin/lightning liquidity
  • Elizabeth believes this allows stablecoiners to get interested in the underlying bitcoin layer
• Available now:
  • bridging tether and lightning

products stumbled upon

• Meshtastic
• Flipper
• Noderunners led matrix panel
• 21energy bitcoin heater (1k s9, 3,5k s19)
• angor.io by dangershony on nostr
• bitcoinclock by Djuri

canonical link: https://notes.peterpeerdeman.nl/Bitcoin-Amsterdam-2024

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/724785

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 8f69ac99:4f92f5fd

2024-10-30 14:54:26

Nos últimos anos, a narrativa dominante retrata a mineração de Bitcoin como um consumidor voraz de energia, com impactos ambientais desproporcionais. Embora a mineração de Bitcoin exija uma quantidade significativa de energia, esta visão ignora um ponto crucial: o seu potencial para promover a sustentabilidade ambiental e remodelar a integração de energias renováveis.

Este artigo vai além dos debates convencionais sobre a pegada de carbono, explorando como a mineração de Bitcoin pode mitigar os impactos ambientais e catalisar uma transição energética sustentável, transformando o que alguns consideram uma inutilidade num aliado contra a dependência dos combustíveis fósseis e a adversidade climática.

---

Desafios da Energia Renovável

Alcançar um futuro sustentável depende da adopção de fontes de energia renovável, mas estas enfrentam desafios únicos. Gerir o excesso de energia produzido durante períodos de baixa procura e lidar com as limitações da actual tecnologia de baterias são obstáculos significativos. Além disso, a transmissão de energia a longas distâncias permanece ineficiente, o que impede que recursos renováveis remotos alcancem mercados mais amplos.

Por exemplo, as linhas de corrente contínua de alta tensão (HVDC) perdem aproximadamente 3% de potência por cada 1.000 km, enquanto as linhas de corrente alternada de alta tensão (HVAC) perdem cerca de 7% por cada 1.000 km. Isto significa que, por cada quilómetro, as linhas HVDC perdem cerca de 0,003%, e as linhas HVAC perdem cerca de 0,007% (as linhas de alta tensão são projectadas para diminuir perdas, as perdas são ainda maiores na media tensão). Estas perdas, aliadas à dificuldade de transportar energia de parques renováveis remotos, sublinham a necessidade de soluções localizadas.

Por exemplo, em 2018, cerca de 6,5 milhões de MWh de produção de energia solar fotovoltaica foram descartados, ou "mandados fora", no Chile, na China, na Alemanha e nos Estados Unidos conjuntamente. É importante notar que, à medida que a capacidade de energia renovável continua a crescer rapidamente (com o aumento das adições de capacidade renovável global anual em quase 50%, para quase 510 gigawatts em 2023), a quantidade absoluta de energia desperdiçada é susceptível de aumentar, a menos que se façam melhorias significativas na infraestrutura da rede, no armazenamento de energia e na gestão da procura.

Monetizar o Excesso de Energia através da Mineração de Bitcoin

Fontes de energia renovável, como a solar e a eólica, muitas vezes geram mais electricidade do que a rede necessita em determinados momentos, criando um excedente de energia que normalmente é desperdiçado. Este excesso permanece subutilizado porque:

• As soluções de armazenamento em grande escala são limitadas e dispendiosas ou mesmo inexistentes;
• A capacidade de transmissão muitas vezes não é suficiente para distribuir energia a longas distâncias;
• E a procura nem sempre coincide com os períodos de produção máxima de energia renovável.

A mineração de Bitcoin apresenta uma solução apelativa, ao actuar como um consumidor de energia flexível, capaz de ajustar rapidamente o seu consumo para se alinhar com a oferta. Operações de mineração localizadas perto de instalações de energia renovável — como centrais hidroeléctricas ou parques solares — podem absorver o excesso de energia que, de outra forma, seria desperdiçado, monetizando-o. Esta configuração não só reduz o desperdício de energia renovável, como também proporciona fontes de rendimento fiáveis para projectos renováveis, incentivando o investimento em infraestruturas verdes.

Mineração de Bitcoin como Consumidor Flexível

As operações de mineração de Bitcoin podem ajustar dinamicamente o seu consumo de energia, actuando como uma "carga flexível" na rede. As principais vantagens incluem:

• Escalabilidade Rápida: Os equipamentos de mineração podem aumentar ou diminuir o seu consumo de energia quase instantaneamente, respondendo às flutuações na disponibilidade de energia.
• Independência Geográfica: A mineração de Bitcoin pode ser realizada em qualquer local com ligação à internet, permitindo que os mineradores se situem perto das fontes renováveis, independentemente da infraestrutura da rede.
• Capacidade Modular: O equipamento de mineração é altamente escalável, permitindo que os produtores de energia desenhem sistemas modulares que se adaptem à capacidade energética disponível.

Incentivos Económicos e Benefícios

A utilização do excedente de energia para a mineração de Bitcoin permite que os produtores de energia renovável gerem receitas a partir de energia que, de outra forma, seria desperdiçada. Este impulso económico aumenta a rentabilidade dos projectos de energia renovável, tornando-os mais atractivos para os investidores. Os benefícios adicionais incluem:

• Estabilização da Rede: As operações de mineração ajudam a equilibrar a oferta e a procura na rede, contribuindo para a resiliência e estabilidade da mesma.
• Redução do Desperdício: Ao consumir electricidade excedente, a mineração de Bitcoin reduz significativamente a quantidade de energia renovável desperdiçada.
• Aumento do Financiamento para Renováveis: Os lucros provenientes da mineração de Bitcoin podem ser reinvestidos em novos projectos de energia renovável, soluções de armazenamento e infraestrutura de rede, criando um ciclo positivo de reforço para a energia verde.

Aplicações no Mundo Real

Vários exemplos ilustram como a mineração de Bitcoin monetiza eficazmente o excedente de energia:

• No Texas, os mineradores de Bitcoin aproveitam o excesso de energia eólica, apoiando a rede através de programas de resposta à procura que aumentam a fiabilidade da rede durante períodos de alta e baixa procura.
• No Quebec, o excesso de energia hidroeléctrica é canalizado para operações de mineração de Bitcoin, o que ajuda a estabilizar a rede e a reduzir o desperdício de energia renovável.
• Um estudo da Universidade de Cornell descobriu que projectos de energia renovável nos EUA poderiam gerar milhões de dólares ao minerar Bitcoin durante estágios pré-comerciais, demonstrando a viabilidade económica desta abordagem.

Potencial Impacto na Transição para Energias Renováveis

Ao monetizar o excedente de energia através da mineração de Bitcoin, esta abordagem acelera a transição para energias renováveis. Os benefícios incluem:

• Viabilidade Económica para Renováveis: A monetização da energia desperdiçada torna os projectos renováveis mais rentáveis e, portanto, mais atractivos para investidores.
• Flexibilidade da Rede: A mineração de Bitcoin fornece uma fonte de procura escalável e adaptável, ajudando os operadores de rede a gerir as flutuações de oferta.
• Pegada de Carbono Reduzida: Ao utilizar fontes renováveis, o impacto ambiental da mineração de Bitcoin diminui, alinhando-se com os objectivos de sustentabilidade.
• Adopção Acelerada de Energias Renováveis: A maior rentabilidade e a redução do desperdício incentivam um maior investimento, impulsionando a adopção de tecnologias de energia renovável.

Essencialmente, a mineração de Bitcoin oferece uma solução única para os desafios da produção intermitente de energia renovável, criando uma procura flexível e independente da localização para a electricidade excedente que, de outra forma, seria desperdiçada. À medida que mais projectos renováveis adoptam este modelo, a mineração de Bitcoin pode desempenhar um papel crucial na promoção de um panorama energético sustentável e descentralizado.

Fornecimento de Energia a Regiões Isoladas e Subdesenvolvidas

Um dos impactos mais promissores da mineração de Bitcoin é a capacidade de levar electricidade a regiões remotas e subdesenvolvidas. Pequenas centrais hidroeléctricas e instalações solares são opções cada vez mais viáveis para comunidades isoladas que não têm acesso a redes tradicionais. Mineradores de Bitcoin, em busca de energia barata e excedente, podem apoiar e financiar estas instalações, reduzindo a lacuna energética e permitindo o acesso a energia limpa para estas comunidades.

Por exemplo, aldeias em África que anteriormente não tinham electricidade podem agora operar escolas, clínicas e empresas, graças a pequenos projectos de energia renovável apoiados pela mineração de Bitcoin. Este acesso catalisa o crescimento económico, criando um ciclo virtuoso onde a energia leva a investimentos, educação e melhor saúde — elevando comunidades inteiras para fora da pobreza.

Redução de Emissões através da Mitigação de Metano

A mineração de Bitcoin também contribui para a redução das emissões de metano — um gás de efeito estufa com um potencial de aquecimento global 28 a 34 vezes superior ao do CO₂ num período de 100 anos. As emissões de aterros sanitários, resíduos agrícolas e poços de petróleo abandonados representam uma ameaça climática significativa, mas a mineração de Bitcoin oferece uma solução única ao converter este poluente em energia.

Quando o metano é queimado para gerar electricidade, é convertido em CO₂ e vapor de água, que, embora também sejam gases de efeito estufa, são muito menos potentes do que o metano. Na verdade, o metano é responsável por cerca de 25% do aquecimento global que experimentamos actualmente, apesar da sua concentração relativamente baixa na atmosfera. Ao capturar e utilizar o metano, as operações de mineração de Bitcoin transformam um dano ambiental numa fonte de energia produtiva, reduzindo as emissões globais de gases de efeito estufa e criando novas fontes de rendimento.

Por exemplo, nos EUA, o metano de poços de petróleo abandonados está a ser capturado para alimentar a mineração de Bitcoin, criando um sistema fechado que evita que o metano seja queimado ou liberado directamente na atmosfera. Esta abordagem não só mitiga as emissões, como também apoia o crescimento económico em regiões com recursos de metano não aproveitados.

Resiliência e Flexibilidade da Rede

A integração de fontes renováveis, como a eólica e a solar, introduziu desafios para a estabilidade das redes eléctricas. Com as renováveis, os operadores de rede enfrentam flutuações de frequência mais frequentes e uma resposta inercial reduzida — as renováveis não fornecem a mesma resposta inercial que as centrais térmicas tradicionais, tornando a rede mais susceptível a mudanças rápidas.

A flexibilidade da mineração de Bitcoin pode desempenhar um papel fundamental na estabilização das redes eléctricas. Durante a tempestade de inverno Uri, no Texas, os mineradores de Bitcoin reduziram o seu consumo de energia para libertar capacidade para serviços essenciais, mostrando o papel da mineração de Bitcoin como uma carga flexível e reactiva de energia.

Ao ajustar o consumo de energia com base na disponibilidade de oferta, os mineradores de Bitcoin podem ajudar a equilibrar as redes com elevada penetração de renováveis. Esta sinergia com energias renováveis e nucleares fornece uma solução robusta para a gestão da procura energética, especialmente à medida que a rede transita para fontes de baixo carbono.

Impacto Ambiental de Longo Prazo

A mineração de Bitcoin tem o potencial de revolucionar a produção e o consumo de energia. Ao integrar energias renováveis, aproveitar o metano e oferecer gestão flexível da carga, o Bitcoin pode desempenhar um papel fundamental num futuro energético sustentável e descentralizado. Inovação política, responsabilidade industrial e colaboração intersectorial são essenciais para concretizar o potencial do Bitcoin na transição verde.

Diante dos desafios ambientais actuais, a mineração de Bitcoin oferece mais do que inovação financeira. Representa um poderoso aliado na construção de um futuro sustentável e equitativo — onde os objectivos digitais e ambientais alinham-se para criar uma economia global mais limpa e resiliente.

Bitcoin #mining #greenEnergy #renewables

---

Photo by Anders J on Unsplash

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 03b2a4f0:7ff066d4

2024-10-30 14:39:12

Have you heard of "ZETEO CITADEL CONSULT IN COLLABORATION WITH THE UN OF IBADAN" we are into training of corps members and executive within Nigeria and outside the world Type of course we offer are Human resources management project management Web development And Web design Content creation *Cyber security

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 652d58ac:dc4cde60

2024-10-30 14:25:26

Introduction

In today's fiat based economic landscape increasingly characterized by monopolization and the dominance of institutionalized credit, innovative technologies and protocols are emerging that have the potential to change the foundations of our economy and society.

At the forefront of this are Bitcoin and Nostr—two groundbreaking protocols that together can usher in a new era of innovation, free from the constraints of the fiat system.

This article will examine how the fiat system blocks human progress, how Bitcoin breaks the state monopoly on money, and finally discuss how Nostr, as a censorship-resistant communication tool, builds on this foundation to allow innovation to emerge from the free market. This will show how, together, Bitcoin and Nostr act as catalysts for innovation and human progress, highlighting the history and mechanisms that enable this transformation.

Innovation under Hard Metal Currencies

In the days of hard metal currencies, especially during the gold standard, innovation was primarily driven by individuals and private companies who were largely independent of the state apparatus and institutional lenders. Some of the greatest breakthroughs in science, philosophy and economics were made by private entrepreneurs.

• In 600 BC, a Greek named Thales observed that amber, when rubbed with silk, attracted feathers and other light objects. He discovered static electricity. The Greek word for amber is 'ëelectron', from which the words 'electricity' and 'electron' are derived.
• The Greek philosopher Plato (ca. 428-347 B.C.) is widely considered to be the first person to develop the concept of an atom, the idea that matter is made up of an indivisible component on the smallest scale. He also wrote a number of important books on science, philosophy, economics, politics and mathematics.
• Wei Boyang was a Chinese writer and Taoist alchemist of the Eastern Han dynasty. He is the author of The Kinship of the Three (also known as Cantong Qi), which is considered the earliest book on alchemy in China, and is noted as one of the first individuals to document the chemical composition of gunpowder in 142 AD.
• The car was invented in 1886 by German engineer and automobile manufacturer Carl Benz, who was inspired by Nikolaus Otto, who invented the first gas engine in 1861.
• The Wright brothers are considered the inventors and the first to fly a powered airplane on Dec. 17, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
• The creativity and ingenuity of the Wright brothers has been well documented. In this photo you can see Wilbur Wright at the controls of the damaged Wright Flyer, on the ground after an unsuccessful trial on December 14, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina: https://image.nostr.build/65e20422344092090ec61d9673536625f4220562c1c786f0cafd8c7b23cd6bfa.jpg

The funds for the Wright brothers' ventures, including equipment, travel, and their testing site in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, came from the bicycle shop they operated. They apparently spent just $1,000 over four years (1899-1903) to develop three flying machines, two of which had no engines. The Wright brothers lived during a time when the U.S. was on a gold standard, and saving allowed entrepreneurs to accumulate enough capital to finance innovations, giving them the time and resources needed to pursue their pioneering work in aviation.

The ancient Greeks, such as Thales and Plato, also operated under hard metal currencies, contributing to a stable economic environment that fostered philosophical and scientific advancements. Similarly, Wei Boyang exemplified the pursuit of knowledge during the Eastern Han dynasty in China, which experienced fluctuating monetary conditions, including periods of stability that contributed to intellectual growth in various fields.

Just as the Wright brothers and other innovators thrived in an environment where saving in sound money enabled them to focus on their inventions, today's private entrepreneurs, startups, thinkers and bicycle shop owners find it increasingly difficult to earn enough to take the time to think about innovations and finance their implementation.

Inflation has significantly driven up labor and material costs, particularly in industries like aviation and automotive, where advanced technology and greater material requirements demand extensive research and development. As a result, entrepreneurs and freelancers often rely on third-party loans.

How the Fiat System Blocks Human Progress

The fiat-based monetary system has made it increasingly difficult for innovation to emerge without institutional funding. Monetary inflation erodes purchasing power, limits financing options, and creates obstacles for new ideas to flourish.

This is problematic because the institutions that typically fund innovation, including large venture capital firms, banks, and universities, are mostly dependent on the state in one way or another (either because they are regulated by law or because they receive government funding) and therefore have an incentive to support projects that follow the current political climate. The result is a banal misallocation of capital and social stagnation, as can be observed in most countries around the world.

Venezuela is an extreme example of what state control of the economy can lead to. About two decades after the introduction of socialism, gross domestic product fell by 88% from 2010 to 2020, plummeting from $372.59 billion to $43.79 billion, the lowest level in over 30 years. This dramatic decline has severely impacted the country, leading to economic stagnation and widespread shortages of basic supplies. The following photo captures the stark reality of this crisis, featuring a man sitting in front of empty shelves in a Venezuelan supermarket. In the 1950s, Venezuela was one of the richest countries in the world; today, its economic performance mirrors that of the pre-1920 era https://image.nostr.build/c70df0ab2ed2f0e2ce9c7fca09722aff117dc56ca24967c3d5fabef47265fc5f.jpg

Credit, Fiat and the State Monopoly on Innovation

Credit has become part of a system of control that nation states use in conjunction with fiat money to maintain their monopoly position. Historically, technologies and social movements that undermine the monopoly power of the state and its affiliated institutions were typically banned. At the very least, there was usually an attempt to do so.

A good example is the way Bitcoin is treated by most states, how poorly it is spoken of in most universities, and how most banks used to consider it speculation at best, because Bitcoin threatens the very existence of these institutions. This behavior is generally observed among monopolists and initially makes it difficult for entrepreneurs to enter new disruptive markets like Bitcoin and shifts competition in favor of the monopolist (the state).

Money creation and the granting of credit are fundamental to maintaining the state's monopoly position. As a result, the reliance on the institutionalized credit system to finance innovation has led to a dependence on a central authority (the state). This disrupts the progress and prosperity of humanity that results from a free market in which capital and information can be freely exchanged and suppresses the collective creativity of humanity.

Bitcoin and the weakening state monopoly on innovation

With the introduction of Bitcoin in 2009, the state monopoly on money was broken. Due to its limited supply and excellent monetary properties (absolute scarcity, durability, fungibility, divisibility, mobility, resilience), bitcoin is the hardest money ever created.

This allows entrepreneurs to preserve the value of their efforts, giving them time and, in the long term, capital to focus on problems and find and fund appropriate solutions. Which, in turn, creates opportunities for innovation to emerge from the free market in a bottom-up manner.

Innovation and communication

Innovation, especially in the age of the Internet, requires more than capital and people with time. There is a need for efficient and secure real-time communication and collaboration options for people around the world. Communication and collaboration are crucial for efficiently solving increasingly complex problems in a connected world.

Cunningham's Law states that the best way to get the right answer on the Internet is not to ask a question; instead, to post the wrong answer because others will correct you. This underscores the importance of collective intelligence. The law is named after Ward Cunningham, who invented the Wiki software that allows users to create and collaboratively edit web pages or entries via a web browser. The most famous example is wikipdia.com. Collective intelligence, social technologies and network organizations are closely linked and enable each other.

https://image.nostr.build/edf84e0b6351af8f5e4792e856c47234b8b66d1aeeed1946b75bb2bb05a41fdf.jpg (Seppala, M. 2018. Collective Intelligence 2018: From Open Knowledge and Network Organizations to Technology-enabled Intelligence. Medium).

Nostr: Communication as a tool for innovation

With Nostr, a new protocol was introduced that adds a layer of censorship-resistant information sharing to the Bitcoin and Lightning protocol suite, opening up a new territory of freedom within the same tech stack. People can now successfully save in bitcoin, communicate via Nostr, and transact with each other through the Lightning Network, potentially independent of any central authority.

Although individual applications that use Nostr can be switched off, the protocol itself cannot be effectively controlled or turned off by a central party, because there is no central point of failure. Even though there were a number of other decentralized communication networks besides Bitcoin before Nostr (Bittorrent, Limewire, Napster, etc.), none of these had the potential to have a universal long-term impact on collaboration to solve complex problems facing humanity.

Nostr has the potential to enable bottom-up innovation and rapid problem-solving that no one can keep a lid on. With Nostr, Bitcoin, and the Lightning Network, market participants can communicate, collaborate, and reward each other in real time globally, potentially independent of any central authority. Personally, I am particularly fascinated by Nostrocket, a client designed to coordinate decentralized, Bitcoin-based economies by rewarding contributors who work together to find solutions to global challenges. At this year's Nostriga unconference, Nostrocket founder GSovereignty gave an interesting talk about the importance of Nostr in the process of separating business and state: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddvHagjmRJY&t=1s

Conclusion

The Bitcoin protocol was created as an alternative to the fiat system. A decentralized, permissionless peer-to-peer electronic cash system, outside the reach of the state. Satoshi Nakamoto created arguably one of the most important innovations by a private individual or group of people that humanity has ever produced, because he/they laid the foundation for anyone to be able to trade and act independently of the state. As a solid foundation for a freer economy, the Bitcoin network enables other network layers to “dock” to the base, creating new ways to use bitcoin and opportunities for users. The Lightning Network, as a second-layer payment protocol for fast transactions and micropayments, partially addresses the problem of how to scale Bitcoin so that it can be used by all of humanity.

The introduction of Nostr creates a new territory of freedom within the same protocol suite as Bitcoin and Lightning, enhancing Bitcoin's usability for diverse applications. By facilitating seamless communication and collaboration, Nostr further aids in scaling Bitcoin, empowering us to innovate faster and reward ingenuity. This protocol suite allows innovation to emerge from the free market once again, with Bitcoin, Lightning, and Nostr working together to foster a truly free Internet.

I would like to thank Uncle R0ckstar for the inspiring conversations and encouraging words. What began as a conversation before my trip to Nostrica led to months of introspection and ultimately this article. I look forward to exploring and understanding the possibilities of Nostr deeper as I continue my journey! 🙏💫

Sources * historycollection.com - 23 Photos of the Wright Brothers’ Flights https://historycollection.com/23-photos-wright-brothers-flights/ * quora.com - How did the Wright brothers obtain the financing to build the first airplane given that the notion of flying was such a crazy idea then? https://www.quora.com/How-did-the-Wright-brothers-obtain-the-financing-to-build-the-first-airplane-given-that-the-notion-of-flying-was-such-a-crazy-idea-then * statista.com- Venezuela: Gross domestic product (GDP) in current prices from 1986 to 2025 https://www.statista.com/statistics/370937/gross-domestic-product-gdp-in-venezuela/ * thepolicycircle.org - Socialism: A Case Study on Venezuela https://www.thepolicycircle.org/minibrief/socialism-a-case-study-on-venezuela/ * Display image: Wilbur and Orville Wright. Getty Images.

If you are interested in more of my work, you can visit my website: www.leonwankum.com

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 652d58ac:dc4cde60

2024-10-30 14:17:59

Introduction

In today's fiat based economic landscape increasingly characterized by monopolization and the dominance of institutionalized credit, innovative technologies and protocols are emerging that have the potential to change the foundations of our economy and society.

At the forefront of this are Bitcoin and Nostr—two groundbreaking protocols that together can usher in a new era of innovation, free from the constraints of the fiat system.

This article will examine how the fiat system blocks human progress, how Bitcoin breaks the state monopoly on money, and finally discuss how Nostr, as a censorship-resistant communication tool, builds on this foundation to allow innovation to emerge from the free market. This will show how, together, Bitcoin and Nostr act as catalysts for innovation and human progress, highlighting the history and mechanisms that enable this transformation.

Innovation under Hard Metal Currencies

In the days of hard metal currencies, especially during the gold standard, innovation was primarily driven by individuals and private companies who were largely independent of the state apparatus and institutional lenders. Some of the greatest breakthroughs in science, philosophy and economics were made by private entrepreneurs.

• In 600 BC, a Greek named Thales observed that amber, when rubbed with silk, attracted feathers and other light objects. He discovered static electricity. The Greek word for amber is 'ëelectron', from which the words 'electricity' and 'electron' are derived.
• The Greek philosopher Plato (ca. 428-347 B.C.) is widely considered to be the first person to develop the concept of an atom, the idea that matter is made up of an indivisible component on the smallest scale. He also wrote a number of important books on science, philosophy, economics, politics and mathematics.
• Wei Boyang was a Chinese writer and Taoist alchemist of the Eastern Han dynasty. He is the author of The Kinship of the Three (also known as Cantong Qi), which is considered the earliest book on alchemy in China, and is noted as one of the first individuals to document the chemical composition of gunpowder in 142 AD.
• The car was invented in 1886 by German engineer and automobile manufacturer Carl Benz, who was inspired by Nikolaus Otto, who invented the first gas engine in 1861.
• The Wright brothers are considered the inventors and the first to fly a powered airplane on Dec. 17, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
• The creativity and ingenuity of the Wright brothers has been well documented. In this photo you can see Wilbur Wright at the controls of the damaged Wright Flyer, on the ground after an unsuccessful trial on December 14, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina: https://image.nostr.build/65e20422344092090ec61d9673536625f4220562c1c786f0cafd8c7b23cd6bfa.jpg

The funds for the Wright brothers' ventures, including equipment, travel, and their testing site in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, came from the bicycle shop they operated. They apparently spent just $1,000 over four years (1899-1903) to develop three flying machines, two of which had no engines. The Wright brothers lived during a time when the U.S. was on a gold standard, and saving allowed entrepreneurs to accumulate enough capital to finance innovations, giving them the time and resources needed to pursue their pioneering work in aviation.

The ancient Greeks, such as Thales and Plato, also operated under hard metal currencies, contributing to a stable economic environment that fostered philosophical and scientific advancements. Similarly, Wei Boyang exemplified the pursuit of knowledge during the Eastern Han dynasty in China, which experienced fluctuating monetary conditions, including periods of stability that contributed to intellectual growth in various fields.

Just as the Wright brothers and other innovators thrived in an environment where saving in sound money enabled them to focus on their inventions, today's private entrepreneurs, startups, thinkers and bicycle shop owners find it increasingly difficult to earn enough to take the time to think about innovations and finance their implementation.

Inflation has significantly driven up labor and material costs, particularly in industries like aviation and automotive, where advanced technology and greater material requirements demand extensive research and development. As a result, entrepreneurs and freelancers often rely on third-party loans.

How the Fiat System Blocks Human Progress

The fiat-based monetary system has made it increasingly difficult for innovation to emerge without institutional funding. Monetary inflation erodes purchasing power, limits financing options, and creates obstacles for new ideas to flourish.

This is problematic because the institutions that typically fund innovation, including large venture capital firms, banks, and universities, are mostly dependent on the state in one way or another (either because they are regulated by law or because they receive government funding) and therefore have an incentive to support projects that follow the current political climate. The result is a banal misallocation of capital and social stagnation, as can be observed in most countries around the world.

Venezuela is an extreme example of what state control of the economy can lead to. About two decades after the introduction of socialism, gross domestic product fell by 88% from 2010 to 2020, plummeting from $372.59 billion to $43.79 billion, the lowest level in over 30 years. This dramatic decline has severely impacted the country, leading to economic stagnation and widespread shortages of basic supplies. The following photo captures the stark reality of this crisis, featuring a man sitting in front of empty shelves in a Venezuelan supermarket. In the 1950s, Venezuela was one of the richest countries in the world; today, its economic performance mirrors that of the pre-1920 era https://image.nostr.build/c70df0ab2ed2f0e2ce9c7fca09722aff117dc56ca24967c3d5fabef47265fc5f.jpg

Credit, Fiat and the State Monopoly on Innovation

Credit has become part of a system of control that nation states use in conjunction with fiat money to maintain their monopoly position. Historically, technologies and social movements that undermine the monopoly power of the state and its affiliated institutions were typically banned. At the very least, there was usually an attempt to do so.

A good example is the way Bitcoin is treated by most states, how poorly it is spoken of in most universities, and how most banks used to consider it speculation at best, because Bitcoin threatens the very existence of these institutions. This behavior is generally observed among monopolists and initially makes it difficult for entrepreneurs to enter new disruptive markets like Bitcoin and shifts competition in favor of the monopolist (the state).

Money creation and the granting of credit are fundamental to maintaining the state's monopoly position. As a result, the reliance on the institutionalized credit system to finance innovation has led to a dependence on a central authority (the state). This disrupts the progress and prosperity of humanity that results from a free market in which capital and information can be freely exchanged and suppresses the collective creativity of humanity.

Bitcoin and the weakening state monopoly on innovation

With the introduction of Bitcoin in 2009, the state monopoly on money was broken. Due to its limited supply and excellent monetary properties (absolute scarcity, durability, fungibility, divisibility, mobility, resilience), bitcoin is the hardest money ever created.

This allows entrepreneurs to preserve the value of their efforts, giving them time and, in the long term, capital to focus on problems and find and fund appropriate solutions. Which, in turn, creates opportunities for innovation to emerge from the free market in a bottom-up manner.

Innovation and communication

Innovation, especially in the age of the Internet, requires more than capital and people with time. There is a need for efficient and secure real-time communication and collaboration options for people around the world. Communication and collaboration are crucial for efficiently solving increasingly complex problems in a connected world.

Cunningham's Law states that the best way to get the right answer on the Internet is not to ask a question; instead, to post the wrong answer because others will correct you. This underscores the importance of collective intelligence. The law is named after Ward Cunningham, who invented the Wiki software that allows users to create and collaboratively edit web pages or entries via a web browser. The most famous example is wikipdia.com. Collective intelligence, social technologies and network organizations are closely linked and enable each other.

https://image.nostr.build/edf84e0b6351af8f5e4792e856c47234b8b66d1aeeed1946b75bb2bb05a41fdf.jpg (Seppala, M. 2018. Collective Intelligence 2018: From Open Knowledge and Network Organizations to Technology-enabled Intelligence. Medium).

Nostr: Communication as a tool for innovation

With Nostr, a new protocol was introduced that adds a layer of censorship-resistant information sharing to the Bitcoin and Lightning protocol suite, opening up a new territory of freedom within the same tech stack. People can now successfully save in bitcoin, communicate via Nostr, and transact with each other through the Lightning Network, potentially independent of any central authority.

Although individual applications that use Nostr can be switched off, the protocol itself cannot be effectively controlled or turned off by a central party, because there is no central point of failure. Even though there were a number of other decentralized communication networks besides Bitcoin before Nostr (Bittorrent, Limewire, Napster, etc.), none of these had the potential to have a universal long-term impact on collaboration to solve complex problems facing humanity.

Nostr has the potential to enable bottom-up innovation and rapid problem-solving that no one can keep a lid on. With Nostr, Bitcoin, and the Lightning Network, market participants can communicate, collaborate, and reward each other in real time globally, potentially independent of any central authority. Personally, I am particularly fascinated by Nostrocket, a client designed to coordinate decentralized, Bitcoin-based economies by rewarding contributors who work together to find solutions to global challenges. At this year's Nostriga unconference, Nostrocket founder GSovereignty gave an interesting talk about the importance of Nostr in the process of separating business and state: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddvHagjmRJY&t=1s

Conclusion

The Bitcoin protocol was created as an alternative to the fiat system. A decentralized, permissionless peer-to-peer electronic cash system, outside the reach of the state. Satoshi Nakamoto created arguably one of the most important innovations by a private individual or group of people that humanity has ever produced, because he/they laid the foundation for anyone to be able to trade and act independently of the state. As a solid foundation for a freer economy, the Bitcoin network enables other network layers to “dock” to the base, creating new ways to use bitcoin and opportunities for users. The Lightning Network, as a second-layer payment protocol for fast transactions and micropayments, partially addresses the problem of how to scale Bitcoin so that it can be used by all of humanity.

The introduction of Nostr creates a new territory of freedom within the same protocol suite as Bitcoin and Lightning, enhancing Bitcoin's usability for diverse applications. By facilitating seamless communication and collaboration, Nostr further aids in scaling Bitcoin, empowering us to innovate faster and reward ingenuity. This protocol suite allows innovation to emerge from the free market once again, with Bitcoin, Lightning, and Nostr working together to foster a truly free Internet.

I would like to thank Uncle R0ckstar for the inspiring conversations and encouraging words. What began as a conversation before my trip to Nostrica led to months of introspection and ultimately this article. I look forward to exploring and understanding the possibilities of Nostr deeper as I continue my journey! 🙏💫

Sources * historycollection.com - 23 Photos of the Wright Brothers’ Flights https://historycollection.com/23-photos-wright-brothers-flights/ * quora.com - How did the Wright brothers obtain the financing to build the first airplane given that the notion of flying was such a crazy idea then? https://www.quora.com/How-did-the-Wright-brothers-obtain-the-financing-to-build-the-first-airplane-given-that-the-notion-of-flying-was-such-a-crazy-idea-then * statista.com- Venezuela: Gross domestic product (GDP) in current prices from 1986 to 2025 https://www.statista.com/statistics/370937/gross-domestic-product-gdp-in-venezuela/ * thepolicycircle.org - Socialism: A Case Study on Venezuela https://www.thepolicycircle.org/minibrief/socialism-a-case-study-on-venezuela/ * Display image: Wilbur and Orville Wright. Getty Images.

If you are interested in more of my work, you can visit my website: www.leonwankum.com

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 361d3e1e:50bc10a8

2024-10-30 13:35:56

https://forex-strategy.com/2024/10/30/forced-mobilization-of-women-began-in-ukraine/ Forced mobilization of women began in Ukraine

mobilization #ukraine #women #war #russia

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

2024-10-30 12:31:27

Table Of Content

• The Origins of Bitcoin's Civil War

• Lessons Learned from Bitcoin's Civil War

• Conclusion

• FAQ

Bitcoin, the revolutionary digital currency, has garnered significant attention and adoption since its inception. However, its path to success was not without obstacles. In this article, we delve into the intriguing tale of Bitcoin's Civil War—a conflict that shook the cryptocurrency community to its core. Through examining the lessons learned from this historical event, we uncover their modern relevance and shed light on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

The Origins of Bitcoin's Civil War

The seeds of Bitcoin's Civil War were sown in 2017 when a heated debate emerged regarding the scalability and future direction of the Bitcoin network. The conflict primarily revolved around the issue of block size—whether to increase it to accommodate more transactions or maintain the original size to preserve decentralization.

The Block Size Debate: To Scale or Decentralize?

The proponents of increasing the block size argued that larger blocks would allow for faster and cheaper transactions, thereby enhancing Bitcoin's usability as a currency. On the other hand, those advocating for maintaining the block size believed that prioritizing decentralization was crucial to preserve the fundamental principles of Bitcoin.

The clash of ideologies led to a profound divide within the Bitcoin community, resulting in a fork that created two distinct cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash. This event, often referred to as the "hard fork," marked a critical turning point in Bitcoin's history.

The Forked Path: Bitcoin vs. Bitcoin Cash

Bitcoin Cash, born out of the hard fork, aimed to address the scalability concerns by increasing the block size to 8MB. In contrast, the original Bitcoin network, commonly known as Bitcoin Core, chose to pursue alternative solutions such as Segregated Witness (SegWit) and the Lightning Network.

Lessons Learned from Bitcoin's Civil War

The conflict and subsequent split in the Bitcoin community taught us valuable lessons about the nature of consensus, governance, and the challenges inherent in scaling decentralized systems. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Consensus is a Delicate Balancing Act

Maintaining consensus within a decentralized network is a complex task. Bitcoin's Civil War exposed the challenges of achieving widespread agreement among stakeholders with diverging opinions. It highlighted the need for effective governance mechanisms to navigate contentious issues.

2. Decentralization is the Bedrock of Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin's Civil War emphasized the importance of preserving decentralization in cryptocurrency networks. Decentralization ensures censorship resistance, security, and resilience against attacks. Striking a balance between scalability and decentralization remains a fundamental challenge for blockchain-based systems.

3. Innovation Requires Collaboration and Compromise

The conflict spurred a wave of innovation as both Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash sought to improve their respective networks. However, it also underscored the necessity of collaboration and compromise. The competing factions could have potentially achieved more by working together to find scalable and decentralized solutions.

4. Community Consensus Trumps Technical Merit

The Civil War demonstrated that achieving consensus within the community can override technical merits. Despite technical arguments favoring one approach over another, it was ultimately the community's support that determined the success of a particular path.

5. Adaptability is Key to Long-Term Survival

Bitcoin's ability to adapt and evolve in the face of challenges played a vital role in its survival. The Civil War highlighted the importance of flexibility and the ability to embrace new technologies and ideas while staying true to the core principles.

6. External Factors Can Influence Internal Conflicts

External factors, such as market dynamics and regulatory developments, can intensify internal conflicts within cryptocurrency communities. Understanding and navigating these external influences is crucial for the long-term success of cryptocurrencies.

Conclusion

Unlocking the Secrets of Bitcoin's Civil War provides valuable insights into the journey of Bitcoin and its ongoing evolution. The lessons learned from this historical conflict remain relevant as the cryptocurrency ecosystem continues to grow and face new challenges. Balancing scalability and decentralization, fostering collaboration, and adapting to a changing landscape are key factors that will shape the future of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. By understanding the past, we can better navigate the road ahead, unlocking new possibilities and embracing the potential of decentralized digital currencies.

FAQ

What caused the Civil War in Bitcoin? The Civil War in Bitcoin was primarily sparked by a debate over the block size—whether to increase it for better scalability or maintain the original size for decentralization.

What is the significance of the Bitcoin Civil War? The Bitcoin Civil War highlighted the challenges of achieving consensus and balancing scalability with decentralization in cryptocurrency networks.

Did Bitcoin's Civil War have any positive outcomes? A: Yes, the conflict spurred innovation and prompted both Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash to explore new solutions for scaling their respective networks.

How did the Bitcoin community handle the Civil War? The Bitcoin community navigated the Civil War through a hard fork, which resulted in the creation of Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash as separate cryptocurrencies.

That's all for today

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DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ dd664d5e:5633d319

2024-09-10 10:21:42

I hate to be the one to tell y'all this, but my profile pic doesn't matter to me. And it shouldn't matter to you. My handle also shouldn't matter, except as a pet name for display. My NIP-05 matters, for human-typed discoverability and link/mention-readability, but it can be changed. My npub matters, but I could have more than one or stop using one, like I have done and will continue to do.

A profile on the Internet is not a person. Who is writing this article? Is it Stella? Oh, yeah? You know that? How? Did you sit there and watch me type it in?

I don't need PfP-recognition because I post stuff a lot of people like to look at (even if they have no idea who I am, imagine that!), and my npub therefore has high WoT.

Here's what I think: Y'all are trying to change a communication protocol into Twitter 2.0, where everyone needs to self-brand and stay on-script, on-camera, and in-their-lane. But if I were that sort of person, I'd be terrible at my job. The whole point of my job is to do all the stuff most users won't do, but some might, and to tell you how it went.

How about we just turn off all of the profile pics and people have to be interesting, entertaining, and/or knowledgeable again? How many of the people getting engagement, now, wouldn't get as much? How many people getting little engagement, now, would get more?

I have questions.

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 599f67f7:21fb3ea9

2024-10-14 19:36:50

Inoiz pentsatu al duzu norbaiti satoshiak modu originalean oparitzea, Bitcoin mundura hurbiltzeko? LNbits zorro batekin NFC opari txartel bat erraz sor dezakezu. Honek LNURLw esteka bat NFC txartelean idatziz funtzionatzen du, eta jasotzaileak bere satoshiak erabili ditzake LNURL gaitutako zorro batekin.

Zer behar dut?

• LNbits zorroa
• Android telefono bat
• NTAG2* gaitasunak dituen NFC txartela, adibidez NTAG216.

💡 NTAG2 txartelek esteka bat* idazteko aukera ematen dute. Adibidez, enpresaren webgunerako URLa duen bisita-txartel gisa joka dezakete. NTAG424 txartelek ez dute memoria handiagoa bakarrik, baizik eta SUN parametro deitzen den zerbait ere badute, zerbitzariaren autentifikazioa ahalbidetzen duena, eta horrek segurtasun gehiago ematen die zure ordainketei. Azkenean txartel mota hau BoltCard bat bihur daiteke.

1. Hedapena aktibatu

Ireki zure LNbits zorroa. Tresna-barran, aktibatu Withdraw Links hedapena eta ondoren joan hedapenera.

2. Erretiratzeko esteka sortu

Withdraw Links hedapen orrian, aukeratu Advanced Withdraw Link(s) aukera.

Ondoren, aukeratu satoshiak ateratzeko erabiliko duzun zorroa. Ziurrenik, hori zure LNbits zorro nagusitik bereizi nahi izango duzu. Horretarako, LNbits zorro berri bat sor dezakezu tresna-barratik, + Add a new wallet aukera hautatuz. Behin zorro berria sortuta, sartu satoshi batzuk bertan.

Eman izenburu bat erretiratzeko estekari.

Ezarri erreskatatu daitezkeen gutxieneko eta gehienezko zenbatekoak.

Ezarri esteka zenbat aldiz erabil daitekeen eta erretiratze saiakeren arteko denbora.

Aukeran, argazki pertsonalizatu bat gehi dezakezu Use a custom voucher design laukitxoa markatuz, eta .png irudi baten URL-a sartuz.

Gogoan izan “assmilking” laukitxoa ez markatzea.

Konfigurazioa amaitu ondoren, jarraitu erretiratzeko esteka sortzera.

3. Idatzi esteka NFC txartelean

Zure erretiratzeko esteka berrian, klikatu View LNURL estekan. Ondoren, sakatu Write to NFC botoia eta eutsi NFC txartela telefonoaren aurrean idazketa-prozesua burutzeko.

✔️ EGINDA

💡 Esan txartelaren jasotzaileari satoshi saldoari buruz, denbora ez dezan galdu azkeneko satoshia lortzen saiatzeko.

💡 Jasotzaileak txartelaren satoshiak atera ondoren, bere zorroan berridatzi dezake eta berrerabili. Gainera, eman diozun txartela NTAG424 bada, aurreko gidako (nostr:naddr1qqxnzd3e8qcr2wfn8qcrgwf4qyg8wumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytnhd9hx2q3qtx0k0a7lw62vvqax6p3ku90tccgdka7ul4radews2wrdsg0m865sxpqqqp65whwqrr5) bezala Lightning "zor txartela" bihur dezake. Baina txartela NTAG2* bakarrik bada, beste opari txartel bat bihur dezake soilik.

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ a305a0de:21557ddd

2024-10-30 12:09:58

In today's fast-paced business landscape, staying ahead of the curve requires embracing cutting-edge technology. Emerging trends are transforming the way professionals work, interact, and innovate. Let's delve into the top technologies redefining productivity and efficiency.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation

AI-powered tools are streamlining workflows, enhancing decision-making, and freeing up resources. Automation enables businesses to:

• Process large datasets efficiently
• Enhance customer service with chatbots

• Predict market trends and optimize strategies

• Cloud Computing and Collaboration

Cloud-based platforms facilitate seamless teamwork, scalability, and data accessibility. Professionals can:

• Access files and apps from anywhere
• Collaborate in real-time

• Integrate services for streamlined workflows

• Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Workspaces

IoT devices create intelligent environments, boosting productivity and convenience. Smart workspaces:

• Optimize energy consumption and resource allocation
• Enhance security and surveillance

• Foster innovative thinking

• Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Immersive technologies are revolutionizing training, communication, and customer engagement. Professionals can:

• Create interactive presentations
• Conduct remote training sessions

• Visualize complex data

• Blockchain and Cybersecurity

Blockchain technology ensures secure data transmission and storage. Professionals can:

• Protect sensitive information
• Verify transactions and authenticity
• Ensure compliance

Conclusion:

Incorporating these emerging technologies can significantly enhance productivity, efficiency, and innovation. As professionals, embracing these trends will enable you to:

• Stay competitive in the market
• Drive business growth
• Unlock new opportunities

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 9358c676:9f2912fc

2024-09-07 18:50:14

Introduction

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) began as a pandemic in the 1980s. In its early days, it was seen as a certain death sentence, a taboo associated with marginalized groups, and it highlighted the failures of poverty in accessing healthcare. Gradually, the struggle for life and the suffering of those who are no longer with us, including both famous and anonymous individuals, became visible.

Today, 40 years later, HIV is presented as a chronic disease with effective treatment. Patients living with HIV who receive appropriate treatment have no detectable virus in their circulating blood, enjoy a good quality of life, and are more concerned about other aspects of their health during medical consultations, almost forgetting their condition. For these patients, daily treatment is the cure, similar to someone taking a pill every day for high blood pressure or diabetes.

The Global Impact

HIV is a lentivirus, a subgroup of retroviruses composed of RNA. The natural history of HIV infection involves an attack on the immune system, particularly targeting CD4 cells, where chronic deterioration can lead to the acquisition of infectious and oncological diseases that may be fatal over the years, resulting in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Interestingly, there is a small group of people known as "elite controllers" who manage to control HIV infection without treatment and remain healthy for much of their lives, despite having a hidden deep viral reservoir. The primary modes of transmission are sexual, followed by blood and vertical transmission from mother to child, with the first mode predominating today.

Today, in the downward trend of the HIV epidemic, it is estimated that 39 million people are living with HIV worldwide. Depending on the region, nearly half of this population belongs to at-risk groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender individuals, sex workers, and people who inject drugs. These vulnerable groups are especially important for prevention efforts. However, little is done for prevention in the general population, which sometimes represents the other half of the cake of people living with HIV (PLWH).

Breaking the Dogma: The Concept of Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)

The introduction of highly effective antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1994 broke the curve of the HIV epidemic. The introduction of new medications with fewer side effects and greater effectiveness in controlling the virus has been crucial. In 2007, the launch of Raltegravir as the first viral integrase inhibitor marked a milestone in current treatments, allowing patients to effectively control the virus within 3 to 6 months.

The positive impact of these treatments led health organizations to launch the concept of undetectable = untransmittable (U=U) to impact the general population and at-risk groups, updating the dogma and eradicating stigma: a patient living with HIV who maintains an undetectable viral load in their blood through treatment will not transmit HIV sexually.

Although this concept has transformed the social dynamics and stigma surrounding the disease, adherence to treatment must be complete to achieve this new paradigm.

Prophylaxis as a Method to Prevent HIV in Healthy Populations

The correct use of condoms has been the cornerstone of HIV prevention and other sexually transmitted infections over the years. However, it is not the only tool available today and can be complemented for comprehensive sexual health.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a novel strategy that involves administering antiretroviral medication to vulnerable groups before they are exposed to HIV (MSM, transgender individuals, sex workers, people who inject drugs). It involves taking medication daily, effectively reducing the risk of contracting HIV and providing protection to these groups. It is similar to taking a contraceptive pill daily. It has had a very positive impact on protecting these populations. In the Americas, it has been successfully implemented in the United States, Mexico, Peru, and Brazil. Other countries, although with some delay, are now implementing this strategy.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), on the other hand, is a strategy that involves administering antiretroviral treatment after a potential exposure to HIV. If the treatment is administered within the first 72 hours and maintained for 4 weeks, the chances of contracting HIV decrease substantially.

Both strategies have been remarkably successful in preventing HIV in at-risk populations and healthy populations, although their dissemination and awareness remain limited.

https://image.nostr.build/08682bf763ade56741d8e4c8c6d870cb8d71ab7d72c605b9aa805af2234348ff.jpg

The New Horizon: Long-Acting Antiretrovirals, HIV Vaccines, and Promising Therapies

The introduction of viral integrase inhibitors and new nucleoside analogs in the last 15 years has allowed for the availability of safe drugs with minimal side effects in the treatment of HIV, many of which are included in a single pill regimen per day. However, the pharmaceutical industry continues to diversify the offerings in a healthy manner.

Cabotegravir is a new long-acting integrase inhibitor that is administered via injection. Combined with Rilpivirine, it has proven to be effective and safe in the treatment of HIV, with injections every 2 months. This has revolutionized treatment for people who are tired of taking pills daily, as well as in PrEP, where effective prevention against HIV can be achieved with injections every 2 months for at-risk groups.

Additionally, subdermal implants of Islatravir, a new long-acting nucleoside analog, are being tested as a PrEP strategy. Similar to monthly hormonal contraceptive injections or hormonal contraceptive implants, this strategy has proven effective in at-risk groups.

Regarding the HIV vaccine, we have been developing it for over two decades, with advances and setbacks. While vaccines have shown promising results in terms of safety and antibody generation, we still need to await conclusive phase III results demonstrating their effectiveness in at-risk groups and the general population.

The Eradication of HIV and Patients Cured Without Treatment

While current treatment allows for the elimination of HIV from the bloodstream and sexual transmission, there remains a reservoir in some deep immune cells that have been infected by the retrovirus, which contain latent HIV DNA and have the potential to reactivate if daily treatment is interrupted.

However, there are patients who have managed to eliminate HIV from their bodies, including these deep cells, and HIV is undetectable upon discontinuation of treatment. These cases are very rare, with only 7 to 8 individuals being the subject of intensive scientific study. Among them are the "Berlin patient" of Germany and "City of Hope patient" from Argentina. Some of these cases involved patients under effective HIV treatment who underwent suppressive chemotherapy for bone marrow transplants and managed to eliminate these deep cells with latent HIV DNA.

Unfortunately, this treatment is not scalable for the entire HIV-positive population, both due to its cost and potential side effects. However, "Shock and Kill" strategies have been proposed, aiming to use monoclonal antibodies to activate these latent cells during HIV treatment, exposing them to antiretroviral medication for elimination, thereby eradicating these small reservoirs of HIV.

WHO Goals

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established clear objectives that are constantly updated to achieve the eradication of HIV in the population.

The updated goals of the WHO propose that, to end the HIV epidemic, three objectives must be met by the year 2025-2030:

1. 95% of people living with HIV must be diagnosed through testing.
2. 95% of diagnosed individuals must be on highly effective antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
3. 95% of those on HAART must have an undetectable viral load in their blood.

Developing and underdeveloped countries currently have an effectiveness rate for these strategies that disagree significantly.

https://image.nostr.build/ac6693df57aaca6dac0b06b5db9eb1a2757e7c08511edb0f11617e12653d3db5.png

Key Takeaways

• HIV has a cure, and the cure is permanent treatment.
• Treatment for HIV is free and accessible to the population, as it is a public health impact disease.
• A person living with HIV who receives appropriate treatment will not transmit the virus sexually, will enjoy a full life without the disease, and can have children without HIV.
• In the event of a potential HIV exposure (such as unprotected sexual contact with an infrequent partner), you can go to a hospital within the first 72 hours to receive treatment that will prevent HIV infection.
• Just as we witnessed the eradication of smallpox from the face of the earth in 1978 due to scientific advances, we will live to see the eradication of HIV.

Autor

Kamo Weasel - MD Infectious Diseases - MD Internal Medicine - #DocChain Community npub1jdvvva54m8nchh3t708pav99qk24x6rkx2sh0e7jthh0l8efzt7q9y7jlj

Resources

1. World Health Organization (WHO)
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
3. UNAIDS

Bibliography

1. The natural history of HIV infection. DOI: 10.1097/COH.0b013e328361fa66
2. Changing Knowledge and Attitudes Towards HIV Treatment-as-Prevention and "Undetectable = Untransmittable": A Systematic Review. DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03296-8
3. Challenges of HIV diagnosis and management in the context of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), test and start and acute HIV infection: a scoping review. DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25419
4. Long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine dosed every 2 months in adults with HIV-1 infection (ATLAS-2M), 48-week results: a randomised, multicentre, open-label, phase 3b, non-inferiority study. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)32666-0
5. Efficacy and safety of long-acting cabotegravir compared with daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine to prevent HIV infection in cisgender men and transgender women who have sex with men 1 year after study unblinding: a secondary analysis of the phase 2b and 3 HPTN 083 randomised controlled trial. DOI: 10.1016/S2352-3018(23)00261-8
6. Safety and immunogenicity of a subtype C ALVAC-HIV (vCP2438) vaccine prime plus bivalent subtype C gp120 vaccine boost adjuvanted with MF59 or alum in healthy adults without HIV (HVTN 107): A phase 1/2a randomized trial. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004360
7. Shock and kill within the CNS: A promising HIV eradication approach?. DOI: 10.1002/JLB.5VMR0122-046RRR

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 5fb7f8f7:d7d76024

2024-10-30 11:10:27

Cryptocurrency trading involves buying and selling digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. It's a decentralized market that operates 24/7, allowing traders to profit from price movements.

Key Concepts:

1. Cryptocurrencies Digital assets that use cryptography for secure financial transactions.
2. Trading Platforms: Online exchanges where traders buy and sell cryptocurrencies.
3. Wallets: Software programs that store, send, and receive cryptocurrencies.
4. Market Volatility: Cryptocurrency prices can fluctuate rapidly, creating opportunities and risks.
5. Leverage: Borrowed capital to increase trading positions, potentially amplifying gains and losses.

Trading Strategies:

1. Day Trading: Buying and selling within a single trading day.
2. Swing Trading: Holding positions for a shorter period, usually a few days.
3. Long-Term Investing: Holding positions for an extended period, potentially years.

** Risks and Considerations:**

1. Market Risk: Price fluctuations can result in losses.
2. Liquidity Risk: Difficulty buying or selling due to low trading volume.
3. Security Risk: Hacking and theft of cryptocurrencies.
4. Regulatory Risk: Changes in laws and regulations can impact trading.

Best Practices:

1. Educate Yourself: Understand cryptocurrency markets and trading strategies.
2. *Set Clear Goals": Define your trading objectives and risk tolerance.
3. "Use Secure Platforms*: Choose reputable trading platforms and wallets.
4. "Diversify*: Spread investments across different cryptocurrencies and asset classes.
5. Stay Informed: Continuously monitor market trends and news.

Remember, cryptocurrency trading carries risks, and thorough research is essential for successful trading.

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ c80b5248:6b30d720

2024-10-12 22:46:35

Using tools like Continue in your vault

As the capabilities of artificial intelligence continue to expand, integrating AI into our workflows has become an increasingly attractive option. One of the most exciting applications of AI is its potential to enhance the way we manage and organize information. Obsidian, a powerful knowledge management tool, provides a robust platform for building a personal knowledge base. By layering AI tools like Continue over your Obsidian vault, you can unlock new levels of efficiency, creativity, and insight. This article will start to explore how to effectively use AI tools within Obsidian to enhance your note-taking, information management, and productivity.

An Explosion of AI Tools

Over the past few years, I have tinkered with ChatGPT and other chat interfaces, but I only recently stumbled upon the rapidly growing space of AI tools for coding. In such a short time, some amazing tools have emerged, most notably:

• Aider: A command line interface tool to iteratively generate, edit, and refactor code.
• Cursor: A fork of Visual Studio Code (VS Code) with integrated AI functionality.
• Cline: A plug-in to for command line and code editor built to work with Antropic's Claude 3.5.
• Continue: A customizable VS Code plug-in with chat and code editing abilities.

These tools are designed to assist developers in writing, debugging, and even generating code from natural language prompts. They are powered by large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 and Llama 3, which are trained on vast amounts of text data and can produce human-like responses to a wide range of prompts.

In this article, I will focus on Continue, a VS Code that offers multiple ways to interact with AI. It features autocomplete powered by an LLM of your choice, as well as the ability to generate new code blocks directly in the editor. It can also incorporate context from external sources or the local codebase. Additionally, it includes a standard chat window for interacting with the LLM.

The new twist is that I won't be using Continue to write code, but rather to write notes in Obsidian. I will be using the chat window to generate notes, and the autocomplete feature to assist me in writing them. By leveraging the context feature, I can bring in information from my Obsidian vault, allowing me to create more complete, accurate, and better-organized notes. I can also use the vault as context to ask for summaries or retrieve information from my notes, even as the vault continues to grow.

It's worth mentioning that while I am focusing on Continue, there are likely other tools that can be used in a similar way or provide better features. One example is the text-generator plug-in for Obsidian. This plug-in allows you to generate text using an LLM of your choice, and it can be used to generate notes, summaries, or even entire documents. It can also generate code, but I was unable to get the plug-in working with my LLM provider. Using Continue is a bit of a hack, as it requires working through an IDE like VS Code, but it's a good way to get started with AI tools in Obsidian. I will assume that you already have an Obsidian vault set up. If you don't, you can ask your assistant to help you organize it once you have it up and running.

The system I am going to describe here relies on two primary components: 1. Continue (installed in an IDE like VS Code) 2. An LLM provider to power Continue

Let's start by talking about LLM Providers. If you already know how these work, feel free to skip to the next section.

LLM Providers

LLM providers are services that offer access to large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 or Llama 3.1, typically via an API (application programming interface). These providers usually charge by the token, which is the number of words processed by the model. You can go directly to a provider like OpenAI or Anthropic, or you can use an aggregation site like OpenRouter that provides a single API to access multiple models. Each provider has its own data privacy policies, so it's important to review them carefully. For this reason, I have been using DeepInfra. They run their own models and offer a clear privacy policy - even better, they tend to have the lowest costs.

h/t nostr:npub17vhnjkt04m6thytr8dna67v2pa4tjk7uh3ut40eq9wy8d28u0kvq7qnhkq nostr:note1qfckzxm687peaddwjpmms92kj3v59wrrx0cs2fcxlkm6pm9lyu3squscxa

Another option is to use Ollama to run some of these models locally. However, the hardware requirements for achieving good results quickly are quite demanding. For example, the smaller chat model I use in my configuration, which has 72 billion parameters, requires a 48 GB GPU to run efficiently—something that is not within my budget. This is why I am using DeepInfra.

Note: If you are setting this up for the first time, consider adding a small amount (less than $5) to a provider like DeepInfra and testing it out before you invest time in setting up a local Ollama instance. I have also had some issues with shutting down Ollama on Windows, so your mileage may vary.

If you choose to use a provider like DeepInfra, you are ready to move to the next section. If you prefer to set up Ollama, you can refer to their documentation for installation instructions. I prefer to run it in Docker, which can be done in Linux by running

bash docker run -d -v ollama:/root/.ollama -p 11434:11434 --name ollama ollama/ollama

or if you want to have an interface like ChatGPT, you can even run Open WebUI in the same command with

bash docker run -d -p 3000:8080 --add-host=host.docker.internal:host-gateway -v open-webui:/app/backend/data --name open-webui --restart always ghcr.io/open-webui/open-webui:main

Getting Started with Continue

Continue is installed as a plug-in for VS Code or JetBrains. I personally use it with VS Code, so my instructions will be based on that. If you are using a JetBrains IDE, you should refer to the Continue documentation for installation instructions.

After installing the plug-in, continue will prompt you to set up your LLM provider. In my experience, once this initial GUI goes away, you can't get it back. Instead, you will do most of the configuration within the config.json file for Continue, which you can access by clicking in the lower right corner of the Chat box. In VS Code, if you ever can't find anything, F1 is your friend and will launch a searchable menu.

Continue provides recommended settings from each provider, which you can find here. For my coding and writing, I chose the very new Qwen2.5 72B Instruct due to its high benchmark scores and relatively low costs. This model costs $0.35-0.40 USD per million tokens, compared to the best available on DeepInfra, the Llama3.1 405B Instruct, which costs $1.78 per million tokens. The results may be slightly worse, but I prefer cheaper and faster for my purposes. For autocomplete, I am using a faster and code-specific model, Qwen2.5-Coder-7B. I have not yet tried changing the autocomplete model for usage with Obsidian, but that is on my to-do list. Lastly, by the time you read this article, these models may be out of date. One nice thing about having a provider API is that you can easily switch and test different models to see how they work. Aider has one of many model leaderboards that will show you some benchmarks.

After working through the configuration, your config.json file will have a list of chat models and a tab for the autocomplete model. It will look something like this:

```json "models": [ { "title": "DeepInfra Qwen2.5 72B Instruct", "provider": "deepinfra", "model": "Qwen/Qwen2.5-72B-Instruct", "apiKey": "your-api-key" }, { "title": "DeepInfra Llama3.1 405B Instruct", "provider": "deepinfra", "model": "meta-llama/Meta-Llama-3.1-405B-Instruct", "apiKey": "your-api-key" }, ],

"tabAutocompleteModel": { "title": "DeepInfra Qwen/Qwen2.5-Coder-7B", "provider": "deepinfra", "model": "Qwen/Qwen2.5-Coder-7B", "apiKey": "your-api-key" } ```

Trying it Out

The Chat UI

Once you have Continue configured, you can open your Obsidian Vault in VS Code. You will want to add a .continueignore file in your folder that lists .obsidian and any other files or folders you want Continue to ignore for context purposes.

Click the three dots in the bottom of the chat bar and check that your vault (@codebase) index is complete. You can now chat with the LLM and ask it questions using your vault as a reference.

@codebase what are some common themes from this vault?

Continue provides a docs page that lists some types of questions that an LLM will be able to help with. Naturally, I asked the LLM to put these in the context of an Obsidian Vault and here is what it told me:

```md

Useful Questions

1. High-Level Questions About Your Notes:
2. "What are the main themes in my notes on personal development?"

3. "How do I incorporate agile methodologies into my project management?"

4. Specific Information:

5. "What are the key points in my notes about productivity hacks?"

6. "Can you find any references to neuropsychology in my notes on cognitive science?"

7. Generating Content:

8. "Write a new note on the benefits of meditation, using the same structure as my other wellness notes."

9. "Draft a summary of my recent project retrospective, following the format of my previous summaries."

10. Contextual Questions About a Specific Folder:

11. "What is the main purpose of the 'Research' folder?"

12. "How do we use the concept of 'flow' in the 'Psychology' folder?"

13. Relationships and Connections:

14. "What are the connections between my notes on 'Time Management' and 'Goal Setting'?"

15. "How do my notes on 'Digital Marketing' relate to 'SEO'?"

16. Task and Project Management:

17. "What are the next steps I should take based on my notes for the 'Personal Finance' project?"

18. "Can you list the tasks I need to complete for my 'Career Development' plan?"

19. Deep Dives and Analysis:

20. "Can you provide a detailed explanation of the concept of 'reflective practice' found in my notes?"

21. "What insights can you derive from my notes on 'Project Management'?"

22. Insight and Reflection:

23. "What have I learned from my notes on 'Mindfulness'?"
24. "Can you help me reflect on my progress based on my notes for the 'Health and Wellness' topic?"

Not Useful Questions

1. Literal Review of All Files:
2. "Find everywhere where the term 'mindfulness' is mentioned in my entire vault."

3. "Review all my notes and find any spelling mistakes."

4. Comprehensive Tasks that Require Literal Access:

5. "Add a new section to all notes that discuss 'productivity' and summarize the main points."

6. "Rewrite all my notes on 'Digital Marketing' to include the latest industry trends."

7. Refactoring and Detailed Edits:

8. "Update all references to 'Scrum' to 'Kanban' in my 'Agile' folder."
9. "Add a new parameter to the function calculate_score and update all usages in my 'Programming' notes."

Summary

• Useful Questions: Focus on high-level insights, specific information, generating new content, contextual questions about specific folders, and reflecting on your notes.
• Not Useful Questions: Require the LLM to see and edit every file, perform comprehensive reviews, or make detailed edits across multiple notes. ```

Text Generation

Continue also offers in-editor code generation with the hotkey Ctrl+I and an entered prompt. I have only tried a few things with this, but it was able to successfully review a set of meeting notes I had written and summarize all of the outstanding questions. I expect you could also use this to autogenerate backlinks on a note where a follow-up note might be helpful, or quickly generate templates to be used in Obsidian. I ended up editing this entire article by selecting sections and prompting the AI with the following: "You are a proficient writer. Please edit this text for style, typos, spelling, and grammar."

Autocomplete

Continue will also attempt to autocomplete unless you turn it off in the bottom right bar in VS Code. While writing this article, the autocomplete feature was somewhat helpful even though it is not code. Further configuration may optimize this even more. Keep in mind that autocomplete triggers frequently and will burn through a lot of tokens, so you will want to keep an eye on your usage. With the cheaper models I am using, I have only spent 10 cents over the past four days of moderate usage at work and at home. A bulk of that cost is due to autocomplete, and I sometimes turn it off to keep costs down. You may be able to limit these costs effectively by configuring the number of input tokens that can be sent to the API, but I am not sure how that will impact the results.

Conclusion - Brought to You by Qwen 72B

In conclusion, integrating AI tools like Continue into your Obsidian vault opens up a multitude of possibilities for enhancing your note-taking, information management, and productivity. By leveraging the chat window, text generation, and autocomplete features, you can create more comprehensive and accurate notes, generate summaries, and automate routine tasks. The integration of LLMs into your workflow not only streamlines your processes but also provides deeper insights and connections within your knowledge base. While there are initial setup steps and some considerations around cost and configuration, the benefits of AI-assisted note-taking in Obsidian are well worth the effort. As AI tools continue to evolve, the potential for further enhancements and optimizations is immense, making this an exciting and valuable addition to any knowledge management system.

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 0f4795bf:a8365abe

2024-10-12 20:25:34

Die Redefreiheit wird überall auf der Welt angegriffen. Wir sind als Urheber von Inhalten heute nicht frei, sondern Sklaven im Silo der Tech-Giganten.

Es ist an der Zeit, uns zu befreien und unseren Worten in einer Ära grassierender Zensur, verengter Debatten, Deplatforming und dysfunktionaler öffentlicher Diskurse Geltung zu verschaffen.

Das Pareto-Projekt ist ein privat finanziertes Open-Source-Projekt mit Sitz in der Schweiz, das Publikationslösungen entwickelt, die von allen genutzt, weiterentwickelt und ausgebaut werden können.

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 113958ea:f1ce9557

2024-09-06 14:27:03

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 1b5ee74d:bb1aae6e

2024-10-12 19:49:12

On October 8th, the American production company HBO—owned by Warner Bros. Discovery—released Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery. The documentary, directed by Cullen Hoback and currently available only to the U.S. audience, was immediately shared via P2P file-sharing platforms and can thus be easily found online.

Considering all the elements presented in the hour-and-a-half-long documentary, my personal judgment swings between two feelings:

• Satisfaction for having witnessed a thorough explanation of Bitcoin’s origins, its cultural roots, the reasons behind its creation, and the intrinsic problems of the traditional financial system.
• Frustration over a conspiracy theory—claiming that Bitcoin was sabotaged by U.S. government agents infiltrating the Bitcoin community to prevent it from functioning as a medium of exchange—and a baseless hunt for Satoshi Nakamoto, which is especially dangerous for the man identified: Peter Todd.

The Negative Aspects

The Surreal Conspiracy Around Replace-By-Fee (RBF)

One of the documentary's central issues is the inclusion of conspiracy theories aimed at explaining Bitcoin's evolution through external interventions, mainly by government actors, who allegedly tried to manipulate the technology to prevent it from scaling in terms of processed transactions. The goal, it is claimed, was to keep Bitcoin as a store of value and technically render it impossible for it to function as a medium of exchange.

The ultimate reason for this, according to the theory, is that everyday transactions could only occur through intermediaries and, as a result, would be easily controllable by authorities. The U.S. government's goal, therefore, would have been to negatively influence Bitcoin’s development. This idea is not unrealistic in itself, but this is where things get absurd.

Hoback, spurred on by Roger Ver, resurrects a story about an email allegedly sent to Peter Todd in 2013 by someone named John Dillon. Dillon, claiming to hold a “high-level” role in intelligence, supposedly requested the development of Replace-By-Fee (RBF) for the paltry sum of $500.

RBF is a function that allows an unconfirmed transaction to be replaced with a different version of the transaction that pays a higher fee, with the goal of achieving quicker confirmation. And here, Roger Ver provides the narrative hook: RBF would have driven transaction fees through the roof, making it uneconomical to use Bitcoin for everyday transactions, thereby fulfilling the U.S. government's objective.

History has shown that this theory was baseless—fees didn’t skyrocket with RBF—but the fact that Todd actually contributed to developing RBF convinced the documentary’s author that this was a credible hypothesis. The theory that Todd collaborated with the government is presented with alarming carelessness, despite a lack of concrete evidence, and Todd, understandably, denies everything. This conspiracy also contains a fundamental inconsistency: why would Satoshi Nakamoto have wanted to collaborate with the government to prevent Bitcoin from becoming digital cash?

The Blocksize War: Misunderstood and Poorly Told

The documentary presents a distorted view of the so-called Blocksize War. The thesis reflects the exact opposite of what actually happened. Again misled by Roger Ver's words, Hoback hypothesizes that the failed attempt to increase Bitcoin's block size led to a centralization of the network around the Blockstream team. The truth is the opposite: had the blockspace been increased, the network would have faced inevitable centralization, as the unfortunate fate of Bitcoin Cash demonstrated.

According to the documentary, the outcome of the war even allowed everyday Bitcoin transactions to occur “only through tools provided by Blockstream.” No names are mentioned, although it’s suspected that the reference is to Liquid. What reveals the documentary’s evident bad faith is that there isn’t a single mention of the Lightning Network, which allows low-cost transactions, doesn’t necessarily require intermediaries, and is certainly not controlled by Blockstream.

In general, Hoback gives too much screen time to controversial figures like Roger Ver and Gavin Andresen, whose opinions, while representative of a certain point in Bitcoin’s history, are distorted by the context in which they are presented.

The Baseless Manhunt

The hunt for Peter Todd is perhaps the most problematic aspect of the documentary. The narrative focuses on seemingly irrelevant details, weaving a sensationalist plot to make viewers believe that Todd might be Satoshi Nakamoto. This attempt poses a serious risk to Todd’s personal safety, which should not be underestimated. The narrative, while effective in capturing the attention of an uninformed audience, is highly dangerous.

The “evidence” provided is completely inconsistent. Consider that the most damning proof is a 2010 BitcoinTalk post in response to Satoshi Nakamoto, which Hoback claims was accidentally posted using Todd’s profile. That is, according to the author, Satoshi himself completed his post through a response but mistakenly logged in with his personal profile: Todd's.

This is a groundless hypothesis and, moreover, not a new revelation. It's also important to note that Peter Todd's nickname at the time was “retep,” and no one knew who he was. If it had been Satoshi Nakamoto, he could have easily deleted the post without leaving any unwanted traces.

The Myth of Satoshi’s One Million Bitcoins

The documentary repeatedly claims that Satoshi Nakamoto accumulated one million bitcoins and that a massive sale of these coins could “break the system.” This, too, is a misleading statement, as there is no certainty regarding the exact number of bitcoins Nakamoto possesses, and the idea that the sale of this alleged fortune could destroy Bitcoin is completely unfounded. In fact, it is never explained.

The Positive Aspects

The Roots of Bitcoin

Money Electric does have some merits, particularly in the first part, where it focuses on an accurate explanation of Bitcoin’s origins and the historical context in which it emerged. The documentary effectively recounts how earlier attempts to create digital currencies, like E-Gold, failed and how E-Gold’s founder, Douglas Jackson, was arrested for his activities. The author understands and communicates a key concept: if you build a product that can compete with the U.S. dollar, the government will come after you. Therefore, the decision to remain anonymous makes perfect sense. One is left to wonder: why did you try to reveal Satoshi’s identity?

The description of Bitcoin’s founding values, linked to the cypherpunk movement, is one of the most successful parts. The crypto wars of the 1990s and the battle for the use of cryptography, portrayed as a sort of weapon by the U.S. government, are explained in an accessible way, even to those unfamiliar with the topic, offering valuable historical context for understanding Bitcoin’s birth.

Mining and Energy

Mining is described as a lottery, finally breaking away from the common narrative that portrays it as an activity based on “complex calculations” or “advanced algorithms.” The simplified approach is well-executed and makes one of Bitcoin’s most misunderstood aspects comprehensible to the general public.

Another positive aspect is the documentary’s exploration of the relationship between Bitcoin and energy consumption. Rather than demonizing the energy link, it smartly compares it to the relationship between the dollar and oil, presenting this connection as inevitable for any form of money with intrinsic value. Money, it is specified, must evidently be tied to something that people consider valuable, like an energy source.

Traditional Financial System and CBDCs

The portrayal of the 2008 financial crisis and the parallel with the current fragility of the global monetary system is well done, showing how Bitcoin emerged in response to a failing system. In this sense, the documentary raises a warning about the future use of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), which are described as dystopian tools of control, with a particular focus on the Chinese e-yuan, which is literally called a “government-backed shitcoin.”

The author casts doubt on the stability of the U.S. dollar itself, suggesting that even the American currency could face collapses similar to those of hyperinflated currencies. While not a definitive claim, this perspective introduces an important question about the future of the global financial system, undermining the steadfast beliefs of a large portion of the market that sees the dollar as an indestructible fortress.

Cold Judgment

Money Electric is a documentary that, perhaps for the first time, effectively explains several aspects of Bitcoin in a way that is both compelling and easily understandable. The fact that such a product comes from a major production house should be considered a success.

On the other hand, the misleading portrayal of events like the Blocksize War and the relentless search for a conspiracy to destroy Bitcoin—both tainted by the biased opinions of individuals defeated by history, like Roger Ver and Gavin Andresen—undermines the solid foundations initially laid with the description of the technology.

Lastly, such a blatant ad hominem accusation, supported by such flimsy evidence, is unacceptable. Identifying someone as Satoshi Nakamoto is, for the same reasons acknowledged by the author at the beginning of the documentary, extremely dangerous for that individual’s personal safety. How many people, swayed by HBO's gripping editing, could now believe that Peter Todd is truly Satoshi? And how many of these could be willing to physically attack him for the fortune Bitcoin’s creator supposedly accumulated? Too many hypotheticals to draw a plausible conclusion and to place such a risk on a person.

Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery is a decent product, fatally marred by bad faith.

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 5e5fc143:393d5a2c

2024-10-11 22:26:08

Just revisiting some quick tips for #newbies #pow #public #blockchain users only.

if you just getting started with bitcoin or any pow crypto coins or been using or storing them for a while, you not must forget the roots and fundamentals.

Hot Wallet — It gets connected to live internet at some point in time essentially to sign / send a tx i.e. spending transaction — exposes the private key of the address from in the process

Cold Wallet — It never ever gets connected or online and can always keep receiving inbound amounts Paper wallets are best n cheapest form of cold wallet that can used once n thrown away.

Cold wallets need to either “import”ed or “sweep”ed in order to used or spend — https://coinsutra.com/private-key-import-vs-sweep-difference/

Any thin #wallet is always dependent on connectivity to live up2date node server where-as self-sufficient qt / cli wallet takes a while to sync up to latest block height in order to be usable.

Beginners should always resist the attraction of quick and fast — thin n 3rd party wallets and always start a long learning journey of core wallets of any coin — either “qt” GUI wallet or command line “coin-cli” wallet

Almost all #proofofwork #blockchains i.e. #POW has #node #wallet - everyone who use support he #public #blockchain secures own you coin value

You can run fullnode either on clearnet or over onion 🧅 #BTC has >55% of nodes running in onion out of total 15000+ live fullnodes and 50000+ bitcoincore wallets around blockheight 777000 . Other notable pow chains are #LTC #RVN and rest are babychains for now !

Always delete hot wallet to test practice restoration before sending any large refunds to it to be safe.

Large funds are always best to keep in self custody node wallets rare n occasional use

Final word — Cannot see private key 🔑 or seed 🌱 in any wallet means not your coin. 😲

Use wallet which u learn or understand best only

That’s all for now n Thank you 🙏 ! ⚡️ https://getalby.com/p/captjack ⚡️

Some Cold wallet nostr posts nostr:note1p6ke5wqshgxtfzj5de3u04hejl2c5ygj8xk8ex6fqdsg29jmt33qnx57y2 nostr:note1rse0l220quur6vfx0htje94ezecjj03y6j7lguwl09fmvmpt6g3q0cg7yw nostr:note1q5w8dyjuqc7sz7ygl97y0ztv6sal2hm4yrf5nmur2tkz9lq2wx9qcjw90q

some nostr specific lightning ⚡️ Layer2 wallets with blockchain mainnet option nostr:naddr1qqsky6t5vdhkjm3qd35kw6r5de5kueeqf38zqampd3kx2apqdehhxarjqyv8wue69uhkummnw3e8qun00puju6t08genxven9uqkvamnwvaz7tmxd9k8getj9ehx7um5wgh8w6twv5hkuur4vgchgefsw4a8xdnkdgerjatddfshsmr3w93hgwpjdgu8zdnswpuk2enj0pcnqdnydpersepkwpm8wenpw3nkkut2d44xwams8a38ymmpv33kzum58468yat9qyt8wumn8ghj7un9d3shjtngv9kkuet59e5k7tczyqvq5m2zcltylrpetrvazrw45sgha24va288lxq8s8562vfkeatfxqcyqqq823ckqlhc8 related blog post nostr:naddr1qqxnzd3cxyenjv3c8qmr2v34qy88wumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmv9uq3zamnwvaz7tmwdaehgu3wwa5kuef0qydhwumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytn4wdjkcetnwdeks6t59e3k7tczyp6x5fz66g2wd9ffu4zwlzjzwek9t7mqk7w0qzksvsys2qm63k9ngqcyqqq823cpdfq87

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ e88a691e:27850411

2024-10-11 13:17:16

An opinionated guide to Sauna.

By NVK 🌐 🐦

Introduction

Updated from the Sauna, October 7th 2024

After years of experimenting with different sauna types, I’ve developed strong opinions on the subject. The purpose of this article is to share these opinions with anyone who is interested in them and, hopefully, help others get more out of their sauna experience.

I’m certain my opinions will offend some, including all the people who (in my view) are doing it wrong. I know that saunas are important to many cultures around the world and that my strongly held opinions may offend some of those cultures.

Mind you, although I grew up in South America, I do have a fair amount of slavic blood in me. When I was a child, my grandfather regularly took me with him to the shvitz. One of my fondest memories from this time was the “Scottish Bath”, which involves standing against the sauna wall, execution-style, so that someone can spray you with freezing water from a high pressure hose. I’ve never heard of this outside of South American and can’t attest to whether it has any real Scottish origins.

The various health claims about using a sauna are beyond the scope of this article. All I have to say is that, like many things in my life, like Bitcoin, the meat/keto diet, and fasting, I find sauna to be yet another cheat code to life: it’s a simple thing that just makes life a lot better. If you want a good primer on scientific health benefits of sauna, I recommend starting with this article by Rhonda Patric. She goes in depth.

To be clear, it should go without saying that I am not a medical expert or professional. None of the opinions below are, or should be interpreted as, medical advice. There are many people for whom sauna use is not recommended. It would be prudent for any sauna user to consult with his or her doctor before entering a sauna.

Thanks to S. for taking the time to do a very helpful first review of this article. And thanks to The Wife for helping make my words legible and helping me make time to sauna–I don’t know which sacrifice was bigger.

Banya or Nothing

When I talk about saunas, I’m talking about a sauna with a stove, either wood or electric, that allows for steam. I call this “Banya style”. To be clear, I’m distinguishing between saunas and steam baths. Steam baths have their own place, but they aren’t my thing and I don’t consider them saunas.

A breakdown of the main types of saunas may be helpful, so you know which to avoid:

1. Wet saunas, which are typically cedar rooms with wood burning or electric stoves onto which you throw liquid to create steam (I call this “Banya style”);
2. Dry saunas, which are typically cedar rooms with wood burning or electric stoves without added steam (like Korean style saunas); and
3. Infrared saunas, which, unlike traditional saunas, don’t heat the surrounding air. Instead, they use infrared panels to warm your body directly.

In my opinion, it’s Banya style or nothing. I’m not a huge fan of dry saunas, and I don’t even bother with infrared saunas. Infrared is a fiat-shitcoin. I want steam!

How to Sauna

Sauna Etiquette

If you read no other part of this already-too-long-article, read this.

Saunas are social places. There are proper ways of being in a sauna with others, and there are ways to do it wrong. You don’t want to be the person who ruins it for everyone. Here are some important etiquette tips:

Silence vs. Chatting: It’s not a question of whether you have to stay silent in a sauna or if it’s ok to talk. It depends on the circumstances and who else is around. If you’re using a sauna that isn’t your own, ask the staff about the preferred custom. The noise level in a sauna differs depending on the group in the sauna at a particular time. If you do want to chat with others, there’s nothing wrong with that. But, pay attention to whether there are others in the sauna who'd prefer it quiet. And definitely do NOT be obnoxiously loud – yes, I’m looking at you bachelor(ette) group who just discovered the Russian Banya.

Coming and Going: People rotate in and out of the sauna at different paces, so there will be people coming and going during your shvitz. But there are ways to come and go that are considerate and proper.

Keep the f-ing door closed (which was the working title of this article). Once you leave, don’t come back inside moments later. Doing so disturbs your fellow sauna users, lets out the all-important steam, and prevents the sauna from reaching an appropriate temperature.

If you’re in the sauna with a group of friends, try to coordinate your comings and goings so you’re all on the same cycle.

If you can only last 5 min at a sauna, don’t go in too often at the risk of ruining it for others (assuming it’s not your own private sauna).

Be fast when closing the sauna door when you come or leave. Otherwise, you will get dirty looks from others and may even hear mumbles of “quick quick, fast fast” from a Gray Beard. And you will deserve it.

Never open the door right after someone puts water on the stove to make steam. It’s all about the steam. Don’t waste it.

Controlling the heat: if you can’t handle the heat in the sauna, don’t just turn the heat down, because it ruins it for others. Instead, go to a lower bench or get out and take your break. Saunas are meant to be hot. That’s the whole point.

Personal Hygiene: Shower before you go into the sauna. Don’t wear perfume, smelly deodorant, or fragrant lotions. Smells get amplified in a sauna. Have a towel under you, don't leave your drippings behind. Best yet, make a Z with your towel, this covers your butt and down under your feet.

Clothing: sauna is not a place for wearing clothing. It is a place to get back to nature. If you are shy, just wrap a towel around yourself. People ask if I don't feel awkward, the answer is no. Who cares, humans naked is not novel. In many countries, it is strictly forbidden to wear clothing or bring anything but a towel into the sauna. It's understandable that may not be possible in North American public saunas on mix gender "family" days. If you have to wear something, then wear something 100% cotton or marino wool. You don't want plastic being backed into your genitals. One more thing, leave the watch out as it gets hot and will burn you. Also, flip-flops/sandals, stay outside.

Some saunas sell body scrubs and masks for you to apply before or in the sauna. Note that once in the heat, these can get goopy and drippy and may melt into your eyes and mouth. So (in this opinionated guides’ wife’s opinion), they are better in theory than reality.

Adding Oils and scents: As discussed below, it can be nice to add certain oils and other scents to the steam. But if there are others in the sauna, ask first before you do.

Where and how to sit: Hot air rises. So, the higher benches are hotter and the lower benches are cooler. If you are a newbie, pick a lower bench so you don’t have to leave as quickly and open the door unnecessarily.

It’s great to lay down in the sauna, but if it gets crowded, sit up to make room for others.

When moving around to find your seat, don’t walk on the benches in your sandals. Leave your sandals outside the sauna or on the sauna floor.

Sauna Temperature

In most proper Russian style Banyas you will find temperatures of 80-95 degrees celsius, which, in my opinion, is the best range. Thats near your body. "Offical" on the dial will he 100-120C. But sometimes you want to take it a little easier or last a little longer in the sauna. In these cases, 65-85 at body, dial at 80-100. degrees celsius will do.

However, if your sauna is below 85 degrees celsius on the dial, you might as well just go hide under your bed sheets and not waste your time.

At some saunas in hotels, gyms, or spas, you may not be allowed to set the sauna as high as you’d like (see below). There are many tricks to circumvent these frustrating restrictions, but my legal counsel has advised me not to go into any details here.

Sauna Duration

The amount of time you spend in the sauna is a matter of personal preference and depends on the number of cycles you do (more on cycles, below).

For your first round, my opinion is that most people should try to last 15 minutes in the sauna. If a sauna is at the proper temperature, most people will struggle to stay inside any longer. If you can stay inside for 20-30 minutes, your sauna is probably too cold and/or there is not enough steam. Many saunas have hourglasses inside to keep time, and I’ve never seen a sauna hourglass with more than 15 minutes, which should be a good hint.

My preferred is;

Cold Plunge => Sauna 15 min => Cold Plunge => Hydrate with Salt & Water, Rest 5-10min => Sauna 15min => Cold Plunge => Hydrate with Salt & Water, Rest 5-10min => Sauna 15min => Cold Plunge => Hydrate with Salt & Water, Rest

if you can rest in the sun even better (no sunscreen poison please). You can add alcohol drinks to the hydration if you feel comfortable with that. But only add food after the last cycle.

For subsequent rounds, hydration starts to play a bigger role in how long you stay inside. Most people seem to last longer on their first round than on their second or third. If you can do 15 minutes on your second round, great. But 5-10 minutes is also fine.

Sauna Cycles

The traditional Russian Banya method (and in this writer’s opinion, the best method) is to do sauna cycles. Go into the sauna and just stay as long as you can take it (up to 15 minutes or so). Then take a cold shower and/or cold plunge (see below). Then robe-up and go relax with water, tea or beer. Once you start feeling “normal” again, repeat. For me, three cycles is the sweet spot. I’ll do more cycles if I’m spending the day at the Banya facility. If I’m at home, where I often sauna every other day, I find just one or two cycles does the trick. Sometimes I add a cycle or two on the weekend.

Occasionally, I like to go into the sauna as it’s warming up and before it reaches optimum heat (i.e. at around 60 degree celsius). This way, I can stay longer in the sauna for my first round (about 30-40 minutes). If I take this approach, I generally only do one more short round after my cold plunge.

Cold showers and plunges

In my experience, you want to take a cold shower or a cold plunge (or both, plunge is better) after the sauna cycle.After you come out of the sauna, immediately jump into cold plunge for a bit, i don't like to stay too long. Some Banya facilities will have a bucket filled with cold water that you can pull with a string to let the water pour over you, pull a couple times. The banyas may also have a cold pool of water into which you can plunge for a bit.

If I’m at my country place, after I get out of the sauna I jump into the cold lake. If it’s winter, I like to roll in the snow, which is satisfying. Some cultures would say that it’s not a real sauna experience unless you roll in at least one foot of snow.

After your cold shower or plunge, put on a warm robe and go relax before going back into the sauna. I like to relax for 5-20 minutes, depending on how much time I have. This allows the body’s temperature to decrease slowly. I do not recommend going directly back into the sauna after your cold plunge. If you don’t give yourself enough time after the cold plunge, you will overheat and won’t last very long when you return to the sauna.

Position

There really are no rules here. The way you position yourself in the sauna depends on your mood and preference, and there are many options. For example, you can sauna seated with your legs hanging down or with your knees up. You can lie down if there’s room. My favorite position is to lie down on my back with my legs up against the wall and, assuming the ceiling is low enough, with my feet stretched against the ceiling. This is a great way to stretch the hamstrings (check out stretching under “Sauna Activities”, below).

Choosing whether to sit on a higher bencher or lower bench is the best way to control the temperature you experience without adjusting the room temperature itself. You will notice the heat in the sauna increases exponentially every inch you go up. If you are struggling to stay in the sauna but don’t want to get out just yet, try moving down to a lower bench to last a little longer. Lying on the floor is the coolest spot and a great place for kids to start getting exposed to saunas.

---

There is no shame in going to lower benches or even the floor, there is only shame in opening the door before 15min

---

Getting Steamy

Without steam, the sauna would just be a sad, hot oven (I’m looking at you, infrared sauna).

The steam in the sauna has many benefits but most importantly it increases the thermal coupling of your body to the air and it feels great.

The amount of steam in the sauna is a matter of personal taste. You don’t want to make it into a steam room (remember, steam rooms are NOT saunas). But, you do want the sauna to be very moist. I find that two to four ladles of water in a mid-size sauna every five to seven minutes does the trick. Keep it between 50-60% humidity.

I keep a bucket of water in the sauna at all times so that I can continue to ladle water as I shvitz. Make sure to get a wood bucket and a metal ladle with a wooden handle. Wood ladles will crack, and if the handle is metal, it’ll burn you when you grab it.

If, when you enter the sauna, it’s already been on for a while, the wood is likely to already be wet and the sauna full of steam, so you may not need to add too much water. However, if you’ve just turned on the sauna and the wood walls are dry, you will need to ladle more water to make the air moist enough. If the sauna is too moist for comfort, open the door and let it dry out a bit (obviously, only do this in a private sauna).

Essential oils and even beer can all be added to the water to create scented steam. I recommend starting your sauna with just water, and add the scent as you get going.

You can try all sorts of different essential oils. I’ve tried everything from oak and cedar to tangerine and cinnamon (gag) essential oil. In the end, there are really only two oils that are worth it, in my opinion. The first is eucalyptus. I’ve experimented with different types of eucalyptus oil, and the variety you use makes a difference. My favorite is eucalyptus globulus. I also like diluted pine tar oil.

When you settle on your essential oil, add a healthy dose of the oil to the ladle filled with water. Never put the oil onto the oven directly. It’ll just burn.

In a few Russian facilities, I’ve seen Gray Beards pour Russian beer onto the oven and it was actually quite nice. It’s almost like being in a cozy bakery while you sweat

Some people like to place a salt brick or compressed solid blocks in their sauna from time to time. Put the salt block on the stove and pour water over it. The steam takes on a saltiness that feels nice. If a salt block is not available, you can get a cast iron teapot, fill it up with salt water, and place it on top of the stove.

And for my most important steam tip, I recommend using the “towel spin”. This is an effective and underrated technique to help circulate steam in the sauna. After creating steam, take your towel above your head and spin it around hard, like a ceiling fan. This movement works like a convection oven and spreads and equalizes the heat and steam throughout the room. It might make the folks sitting lower down in the sauna a little hotter, but that's what they’re there for, isn’t it?

Hydration

Being hydrated is important to having a positive sauna experience. You will lose a lot of your body’s water in the sauna. Ideally, start to hydrate well up to an hour before your sauna. I like to add a pinch of salt to my water to encourage water retention.

Do not bring any drinks into the sauna (the exception being a dedicated steam-beer, see above). Have your water or beverage when you’re outside the sauna, resting. If you find you need to drink water inside the sauna in order to cool yourself down, then it’s time for you to get out and allow your body a cool-down.

When you’re outside the sauna, don’t immediately down a glass of super cold water because you will cool down your internal body too fast. Personally, I like to drink warm tea after my first two cycles. After my second cycle, I enjoy a beer (pre-keto days), soup, or vodka drink. When non-keto, I do enjoy adult drinks in the cycles.

If you are doing a sauna while on a multi-day fast, you need to have water and salt, at a minimum. Otherwise, you will deplete your natural reserve of electrolytes and not be able to think straight.

Sauna Frequency

When it comes to frequency, if you are not in the equatorial heat do it every day. I now do mornings and end of day if I can. so 2x 2-3x cycles. In the summer, living in a hot & humid location, I sauna a lot less frequently. My desire to sauna is greatly diminished because I spend a lot of time in the sun and heat.

What to wear

Sauna Hat: I highly recommend wearing a Russian/Finish style wool hat when you’re inside the sauna. It may seem counterintuitive, but wearing a hat keeps your head cooler. An overheated head is not good for your brain. Wearing the hat stops you from overheating and lets you stay longer in the sauna. The temperature in a sauna is significantly hotter the higher in the room you are, and one’s head is at the top of the body (for most people). So protect your brain in style with a felt sauna hat. If you don’t have a felt sauna hat, buy one. They are easily found online. But in the meantime, you can wrap a dry towel around your head. Don’t forget to take your sauna hat off as you relax between cycles so your head can cool down.

Clothing: These days, many public saunas will have family days, men-only days, and women-only days. For obvious reasons, you’re only allowed to sauna naked if you’re attending one of the single-sex days.

If you’re at home, there’s no good reason to wear shorts or a bathing suit. Sauna naked. It's a lot more pleasant.

If you do wear clothing in the sauna, be careful with items with materials like metal or plastic attached. Things like pins, buttons, or string-ends will get very hot and probably burn you. Remember to take off any heat-conductive jewelry and leave your smart watch outside, as the heat will ruin its battery.

Don’t wear your robe inside the sauna. A robe is what you wear outside when relaxing or eating. If you wear it inside, you’ll overheat (and look like an idiot). Go ahead and sweat out that body shame robe-free. You can bring a towel into the sauna to sit on, if you want.

Shoes or sandals are highly recommended in public facilities. I mean, there are many people walking around wet. Ew. But keep your sandals outside the sauna itself, or on the sauna floor.

Sauna activities.

Don’t overthink it. Sitting in a sauna is activity enough, in my opinion. But there are some sauna activities you can do:

Veniks/Viht beating: these are bundles of leaves (commonly birch, oak, or eucalyptus) that are pre-soaked in hot water. Someone with both strength and capacity to exert themselves in the heat will beat your whole body with the leaves. This exfoliates your skin and also gets the plant oils to permeate your skin. And it’s very relaxing. If you’re at a sauna facility, don’t just grab any bundle you see lying around - that belongs to someone else and veniks aren’t shared. You have to bring your own or buy them at the front desk.

Stretching: this is a great activity to do in the sauna, but make sure to go very easy. Your muscles will be super warm and you don’t want to overdo it and hurt yourself.

Exercise or Sex: your heart better be in good shape if you try out these high intensity activities in the sauna. If you engage in the latter, you better be in your own home sauna. With respect to the former, I think doing some leg-ups can be very satisfying.

Phone use: If you’re at home, it’s nice to use your sauna time to shit-post on Twitter or read an article, if you feel like it. Just keep your phone close to the colder, lower parts near the floor or it’ll overheat and shut down. You can also place the phone outside of the air vent and play a podcast! The Bitcoin.review is great ;)

Napping: I don’t recommend this. If you fall asleep or pass out, you will probably die due to overheating or dehydration.

Chatting: Saunas are great places for conversations (subject to the caveats I address above). Note that nowadays, microphone modules are both very tiny and can withstand high temperatures, so it’s no longer recommended to reenact mafia movie sauna scenes.

Eating and Drinking: As discussed above, never have food or drink inside the sauna. But when you finish your sauna, take advantage of whatever snacks the facility offers. For Russian joints, the soups, fish roe and dry salty fish snacks are great. Again, don’t eat before your sauna; wait until you’re done. Some places will have bottled salty-ish lake water, and beer seems to be a good source of salts and re-hydration. Vodka drinks are nice sometimes, too. My favorites are vodka with beet juice and horseradish, vodka with pickle juice, or just a chilled shot of Zubrowka (vodka infused with bison grass). Teas are also very enjoyable post-sauna. I prefer non-caffeinated berry teas. Some Banyas even offer free tea to patrons.

Ready to Sweat It Out?

Thanks to this fantastic guide to sauna, you’re now feeling confident and excited to seek out a solid sauna. So where do you go?

Where to Find a Sauna

Spas: Spas are not the best place to have an optimal sauna experience. Saunas at spas are typically not hot enough and spas have annoying staff whose job it is to enforce idiotic rules and practices that prevent you from having a real sauna experience.

Gyms & Hotels: These are some of the worst places to sauna. For liability reasons, these saunas tend to be too cold and there are often mechanisms that prevent you from raising the temperature. Here, you’ll often see saunas with glass doors, which may look chic, but are inefficient and stupid because they don’t seal properly and leak steam. Gyms and hotels are high traffic areas, so people who don’t know what they are doing are constantly coming and going from the sauna, which, as we discussed, is a sauna no-no. If you still want to try the sauna at your gym or hotel, I recommend going in naked. It’ll deter people from joining you and ruining the little steam you managed to get going.

Traditional bath houses (Banyas): These usually offer a great experience because they deliver a super hot sauna, good cold baths and plunges, delicious food and drinks, and knowledgeable staff.

Home: Yes, you can build a great sauna in your own home! You can create a small space in your basement, turn a closet or cold room into a sauna, or just add an outdoor hut or barrel sauna in your backyard. This is the best way for you to control the whole experience and do it often. As with anything, the easier it is to access, the more you will do it.

Build it. They will Come

Many people have asked me for details about sauna building. If you’re ready to build your own personal home sauna, here are some important considerations.

Materials

Saunas are insulated rooms, most commonly finished with cedar tung and groove slats. Cedar is used because it doesn’t rot with moisture. You don’t want treated wood as it will release all the bad stuff that keeps the wood from rotting into the air when heated. Cedar interior is often placed over a vapor barrier, followed by insulation and then the outer wall. Many outdoor saunas are not insulated. They simply have a single layer of cedar 2x6 planks functioning as both the interior and exterior. Non-insulated saunas need much more heating power in the winter.

Structure

For indoor saunas, you may want to find a bricklayer to build something for you. Traditional facilities often have brick-lined rooms and very large wood-burning stoves.

You can buy prefab outdoor saunas, which are often sheds or barrels. After experimenting with both, I’ve concluded that barrel saunas are inferior, even though that’s what I have at my country property. This is because barrels have concave ceilings and inner walls. This means the benches are lower and the curve makes the topmost part of the ceiling (and the hottest part) the furthest from you, or inaccessible. The spinning towel trick really helps in the barrel.

When it comes to buying a sauna, go with the most traditional structure possible. They are based on thousands of years of evolution and knowledge.

Portable tent saunas are fun, but impractical because you have to set them up before each use.

Bench height inside the sauna is important. I think the top-most bench should be very near the ceiling. This way, when you’re lying down, you can use the ceiling to stretch the hamstrings. As a rule of thumb, bench length should allow you to lie down completely. It is also nice to have at least one lower bench for visitors or less intense sauna days.

Sauna Ovens

There are two main types of sauna ovens: wood burning and electrical (with gas heating being available, but not common). If the location you are building allows for it, go with electrical. It’s practical and easy to get going quickly. This means you will use it more often. Wood burning saunas are romantic and smell great, but it is a lot more work to get a fire going, especially in the winter.

Opt for oven sizes that are recommended or above recommended for the size of the sauna. A larger oven means more thermic inertia, more rocks for steam, and therefore less time to warm up the room. Bigger is better. The Scandinavians make the best quality ovens.

Oven controllers

There are two types of temperature control devices: the analog cooking-style or the digital type. I think, due to liability and safety, all ovens have a timer that max out at one hour.

The digital oven controllers are fantastic and I have one in the city in my basement sauna.

However, you have to consider your environment. For me, temperatures in the winter can reach below -30C and in the summer, over 40C. This massive range can take a toll on outdoor equipment and materials. For this reason, I opted for an analog controller for my outdoor sauna in the country, since the weather will likely ruin the electronics of the digital controller.

I would avoid ovens with analog pre-heat timers. They are great in theory, but the implementation is utter garbage. The timer won’t be precise and it’ll just lead to frustration, for example, when you thought you set the oven to start in three hours, but it actually started in two hours and already turned off.

Important Sauna Gear

Windows are nice to have, especially if you have a view to enjoy. Opt for at least a cedar door with a little window. Do not go with modern glass door styles. They are crap. They have gaps, no insulation, and let in too much light.

Saunas need thermometers and hygrometers (to measure humidity). The thermometers should be rated for saunas and be visible inside. This is both for safety and bragging rights.

I think having an hourglass inside your sauna is a must. Being able to know for sure how long you’ve been inside is important, since your sense of timing inside the sauna may be off depending on the state of your mind and body on a given day. You shouldn’t wear a watch inside the sauna, since it’ll overheat or break. Having a clock visible from the inside is also a good idea, especially if you sauna often and have a wife and kids who you don’t want to leave you.

Air circulation is an often-overlooked but important part of a sauna design. Saunas should not have stale air. The best sauna design creates natural “real convection” by placing an air intake under the oven wall and another at the top opposite wall. This allows fresh air to enter the sauna while in use. Be sure to add regulators, since you don’t want to cool the sauna or expel all steam. Without regulators you may get too much or too little air in. With too much air, you may cool the sauna down too much and/or lose too much steam.

Nice Things to Have

Lights are optional but welcome additions. It can be unpleasant to have no lighting at all, especially in an outdoor sauna on a cold, dark night. Lights should be warm-temperature and low power. I recommend an oven light, since they don’t sweat the heat (get it?) and are often low power.

Put a baking tray under your oven–thank me later.

Wood “pillows” for your head are nice and don’t get sweat-stained and stinky, like a fabric pillow.

Keep some extra felt hats near your sauna so when you or your guests forget their hat, you still have easy access to one.

I like to keep a couple of essential oils on the floor of the sauna, for easy access. If you keep the oils too high in the sauna, they’ll get too hot and spoil.

I place some duck boards over floor tiles in the sauna to prevent cold feet.

I also like to keep a small, natural broom inside the sauna to sweep up any dirt or leaves that come into the sauna on people’s feet.

Final words

As you can tell, I have some strong opinions when it comes to the proper way to enjoy a sauna. My hope is that my musings will help you to maximize your own sauna experience.. If you follow this guide, I’m certain you will benefit from and enjoy the sauna as much as I do and, just maybe, you too will develop your own strongly held opinions that will most definitely offend me.

Thanks for reading, please close the F-ing door.

ps, you can get a Bitcoin Honey Badger Sauna Hat here

• EOF

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 9f6a750b:aaffd7ab

2024-10-30 10:55:39

tldr

ai might revolutionize mental health, but still theres risks it could worsen inequality for a while; to get through this transition understand your strengths and take control of your environment as much as possible rather than taking shitty drugs

---

mental health and the future

~ biology approach

even if ai helps cure mental illness with ai-generated new drugs, that might not solve the whole problem, our lives, our homes, friends, jobs, and money; its difficult to understand how these social factors are connected to our brains yet, people struggling with their mental health often turn to medication for quick relief... these ugly drugs dont typically cause addiction now(?), because they arent personalized well, but what happens if ai creates perfect, personalized drugs for everyones brain? focusing only on biological fixes without improving a persons overall life situation(environment) wont be a long-term solution, people might become dependent on these drugs and lose the ability or motivation to solve their problems by changing their circumstances...

~ psychiatry + psychology approach

psychiatry + psychology seems offer valuable tools for understanding and addressing mental health today. but the question is, can ai truly grasp the complexities of our individual situations? can ai understand family problems, daily struggles, and personal experiences? for ai to real help, it might need to experience and learn about the ACTUAL world in a way similar to our lives (i need tesla robot, looks sexy af)

can we solve?

i believe ai will eventually solve many mental health challenges (the "☆HAPPY UTOPIA☆" era), but, improving psychiatry + psychology approach with ai will take longer than medical approach i guess, because its easier to study the biology of the brain than the complexities of human behavior. before ai can effectively address behavioral aspects of mental health (the "☆HAPPY DYSTOPIA☆" era) – theres inequality, ppl in difficult situations with limited resources, might worsening existing poverty and social divisions... this is a serious concern i think.

surviving the "☆HAPPY DYSTOPIA☆"

we need to focus on improving our environments and circumstances, this includes understanding how our actions affect others and minimizing harm. changing ones environment is a main challenge for those lacking of resources or facing limitations imposed by others, also, understanding our impact on others requires self awareness, which is a skill many people struggle with still. those lacking might have trouble fitting into societys norms.

lastly, if ai cant fix how we act, more poor people might use drugs to seem okay(happy niconico mode), even though their lives are getting worse and poor. concerning

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me

@ 6bae33c8:607272e8

2024-10-30 09:32:15

I went 3-2 last week to put myself at a decent 13-7 for Q2. This is the start of Q3, and realistically to have a shot at the quarterly prize, I’ll need a 4-1 week — or better. Seems like I’m back in the flow after a rough start at least.

Texans at Jets — I’d say maybe Texans +2.5 given their WR decimation and inability to pass protect. I’d probably take the Jets too.

Cowboys at Falcons — The Cowboys are a disaster, but the Falcons are nothing special, either. I’ll make the line three. If anything, I’m taking the Cowboys.

Dolphins at Bills — The Bills are good now. They have the offense in gear with Keon Coleman emerging and Amari Cooper in the fold. The Dolphins are back with Tua now too. I’ll say Dolphins +5.5 and probably take them to keep it close.

Raiders at Bengals — The Bengals never deliver for me, but the Raiders are really bad. I’ll say Raiders +7.5 and probably lay the wood if I had to.

Chargers at Browns — Jameis Winston gave the Browns new life last week, but he’ll still make catastrophic mistakes. Chargers -1.5, and maybe take the Chargers.

Patriots at Titans — I prefer Drake Maye over Jacoby Brissett, but it’s probably not that big of a difference at this point. The Patriots seem to have some purpose, the Titans have none. I’ll go Patriots +1.5 and stay away.

Indiginous Peoples at Giants — The Giants defense is good, but Danny Dimes is killing them. Still, the Giants are the play here. I imagine it’ll be IP -2.5 or so.

Saints at Panthers — If Derek Carr is back, this should be Saints -4.5. This is a stay away for me.

Broncos at Ravens — The Broncos are a nice story, but I’m laying the wood here. I’d expect it to be Ravens -7.5 or something that looks really big but isn’t.

Jaguars at Eagles — My temptation would be to sell the Eagles high, but you can’t count on the Jaguars. Stay away. I’ll say Jaguars +7.5 FWIW.

Bears at Cardinals — The Bears had a miraculous comeback, then lost on a Hail Mary. That’s a tough one from which to move on. I’ll say Bears +2.5 and take the Cardinals who are playing better of late.

Lions at Packers — If Jordan Love plays, I’d make this a pick ‘em in Green Bay and probably take the Lions.

Rams at Seahawks — Matthew Stafford is better than Geno Smith, and the rest of the teams are about even. I expect it to be Rams +1.5 and take them.

Colts at Vikings — The Colts with Joe Flacco are okay. The Vikings are reeling from a couple close losses. I’ll make it Colts +6.5 and probably stay away.

yakihonne.com iris.to jumble.social Me