Hello, Redditor, and welcome to Nostr!

If you are reading this, you've likely recognized the inherent risks centralized platforms pose to the growth and development of communities. At any given moment, the rulers of these platforms can decide to prioritize profit over user experience, or suppress freedom of speech. Such actions tend to occur when these platforms feel invincible, believing that their users have no alternatives and will comply to maintain what they've been building for years. The annals of modern history are replete with instances where applications had to sacrifice functionality to avoid expulsion from Apple's App Store, or when apps dependent on Twitter's API were forced to abandon their work due to prohibitive cost increases. Now, this issue has [infiltrated](https://bitcoin-herald.org/posts/block-796048/#-freedom-to-redditors) Reddit. Rest assured, this is just the tip of the iceberg: as Apollo's existence atop Reddit is threatened, it strengthens Reddit's grip, empowering them to implement policies that further assert their dominance over end users. It's only a matter of time. Thus, while Reddit's recent actions may seem detrimental to the community, they may be a blessing in disguise. This provides the opportunity to recognize the problem, explore alternatives, and choose a platform that not only pledges to refrain from imposing draconian measures, but is inherently incapable of doing so.

Exploring Alternatives
----------------------

Recent research into the so-called "Twitter exodus" [indicates](https://www.deweysquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/DSG-Snapshot-of-the-Twitter-Migration-June-2023.pdf) that Mastodon is the preferred alternative for users dissatisfied with the escalating censorship on mainstream social media platforms.

![](https://nostr.build/i/7af610581c9d375f28b277197b4ef42cdbb90929f0dbe1737f7a52191db33de8.jpg)

While Mastodon offers a promising alternative, it primarily serves as a platform for short-form posts and carries its own set of challenges, as outlined by Nostr developer fiatjaf in his [Nostr Manifesto](https://fiatjaf.com/nostr.html). Key issues include:

-   User identities tied to domain names controlled by third parties;

-   Server owners maintaining the power to ban users, akin to Twitter, and block other servers;

-   Server migration is a secondary consideration, and can only be facilitated if servers willingly cooperate. This approach fails in adversarial settings where all followers are lost.

Some of these issues are being addressed by the ActivityPub protocol. This protocol has facilitated the development of a variety of applications for federated social networking. However, it too [has limitations](https://ariadne.space/2019/01/07/activitypub-the-worse-is-better-approach-to-federated-social-networking/). For example, users have expressed the wish for others to read their messages but not reply to them, a feature that the structure of ActivityPub does not readily accommodate. Similarly, challenges have surfaced around managing messages with specific policies, such as "followers-only" posts and direct messages, as ActivityPub lacks a mechanism to express these nuances.

There are a multitude of other apps and protocols that could potentially serve as a refuge for redditors seeking freedom, but each comes with its own set of compromises. Some are proprietary, others lack functionality, and some are centralized, which inevitably means they could succumb to the same fate as Reddit over time. Ultimately, the choice rests with you to select one (or more) solutions that best meet your needs. As an advocate of the Nostr protocol, I aim to provide insight into the development of Reddit-like clients (apps) on Nostr and offer a comprehensive guide with step-by-step onboarding for newcomers.

Nostr
-----

I'll refrain from delving deep into the workings of Nostr or its contrasts with other protocols, as there's a wealth of detailed material on this subject. A few notable resources include:

-   A FAQ-style [resource](https://uselessshit.co/resources/nostr/) by [Pitiunited](nostr:npub178umpxtdflcm7a08nexvs4mu384kx0ngg9w8ltm5eut6q7lcp0vq05qrg4)

-   A Documentation-style [resource](https://nostr.how/en/what-is-nostr) by [JeffG](nostr:npub1zuuajd7u3sx8xu92yav9jwxpr839cs0kc3q6t56vd5u9q033xmhsk6c2uc)

-   An [aggregator](https://www.bevstr.com/Nostr/) by [Bevo](nostr:npub12gu8c6uee3p243gez6cgk76362admlqe72aq3kp2fppjsjwmm7eqj9fle6), encompassing all things Nostr-related

Nevertheless, I'll touch upon several key features that set Nostr apart from other protocols and platforms:

1.  Nostr isn't a clone of Twitter or an alternative to Reddit. It's a decentralized communications protocol that ensures the broadest possible distribution of your notes (the information you transmit) to numerous mini servers known as "relays". This redundancy safeguards against censorship, permitting developers to create any application they desire that is interoperable with all other apps based on Nostr.

1.  While federated approach, implemented by Mastodon and the likes increases the level of decentralization - there is no single point of failure - its servers are not that lightweight and easy to spin up. It is still a compromise between centralized systems and full-on p2p protocols.

1.  Nostr achieves decentralization by minimizing the load on its servers (relays). Most of the computational work in Nostr is done by the applications (clients), making relays highly efficient, affordable, and easy to establish. Each client can connect to multiple relays, assuring redundancy of data transmission. Remember, once something is transmitted to a few relays, it cannot be undone - avoid posting while inebriated!

1.  At present, over 1500 Nostr relays are in operation, and the protocol has been in active development for less than a year. This number may seem small compared to the quantity of Mastodon servers, but remember that Mastodon, being almost seven years old, does not allow for simultaneous connection to multiple servers like Nostr does. For more on Nostr relays, see my guide [here](https://lnshort.it/nostr-relays).

![](https://nostr.build/i/39fae4c6d920e2c6c7456d713fbb3e7c177c394f3aed8836ab32d89df01862c6.jpg)

 5.  The second significant component of Nostr is the clients (apps). There are already dozens of Nostr clients, and while a client's developer could choose to mute or ban your account from their app, they cannot erase your previous interactions since they are stored on multiple relays. This ensures that if you are banned within one app or are displeased with an update, you can simply log into another app and find all your previous interactions intact.

However, don't feel obliged to use Nostr solely as a Reddit alternative. You're encouraged to explore the multitude of Nostr apps available, ranging from [Twitter-like apps](https://www.nostrapps.com/) to [platforms for long-form posts](https://habla.news/), [video](https://live.snort.social/) and [audio](https://nostrnests.com/) streaming. Moreover, there are several "utility" Nostr-based apps that expand the platform's functionality and enhance user experience. Notably, Nostr integrates unique features absent in other platforms, like the integration of the Lightning Network, a second-layer Bitcoin solution enabling censorship-resistant, instant peer-to-peer financial transactions. To kickstart your Nostr journey, check out my "[Welcome to Nostr](http://lnshort.it/nostr-welcome/)" guide. But now, let's shift focus back to Reddit alternatives, shall we?

Freedom to Redditors
--------------------

As we've already noted, Nostr offers a promising protocol for Reddit users seeking a haven from the possibility of future heavy-handed measures. Yet, can it deliver the necessary functionality and familiarity to both users and moderators? It's on the right track. Just a month ago, curated communities were not feasible within Nostr, but this is swiftly changing. Nostr is an open protocol, so anyone can propose an enhancement or a new feature; if it proves robust and valuable, it will be implemented. Recently, nostr:npub1gcxzte5zlkncx26j68ez60fzkvtkm9e0vrwdcvsjakxf9mu9qewqlfnj5z , the creator of the most popular Nostr-based Android app, introduced NIP-172 - a Nostr Implementation Proposal that facilitates the formation of curated communities. This proposal's integration led to the development of a dedicated Reddit-style Nostr client (app) known as Nostr.kiwi. What's more - and here lies the true beauty of Nostr - this proposal has also been adopted by the general-purpose Satellite app and the Reddit-like Nostr pioneer Zapddit. This means that from the onset of this new feature, there isn't a single point of failure. If the developer of Nostr Kiwi were to impose unreasonable rules on its users, they could instantly switch to Satellite.earth and continue their community interactions as if nothing had changed. As time goes by, we anticipate more Nostr apps supporting this feature to emerge. This will spark competition, encouraging the addition of new beneficial features and, consequently, enhancing the user experience.

Reddit on Nostr
---------------

Let's review existing Nostr applications that aim to offer a Reddit-like experience.

### Nostr Kiwi

![](https://nostr.build/i/6a4ad890bed7cdfd3229125d7a8fbbcc80a8f8a711dc2aea12edb0a3ac5808d4.jpg)

[Nostr Kiwi](https://nostr.kiwi/), although a newcomer, is advancing at a brisk pace. It's a PWA, a Progressive Web App, offering numerous benefits to its users and guaranteeing resistance to censorship. You can learn more about PWAs in my previous post [here](https://lnshort.it/pwa/). Recent [scrutiny](https://bitcoin-herald.org/posts/block-795072/#-apple-sounds-the-war-drums) directed at another Nostr-based app, Damus, by Apple have underscored to developers the risks of dependence on tech giants when building apps. Given Apple's discretion over the functionality we're permitted to incorporate, it's prudent to avoid app stores moderated by such tech giants.

#### Installation

The process of installing a PWA differs slightly from regular App Store or Google Play installations, but it remains straightforward.

**For mobile:**

1.  Access the[  https://nostr.kiwi/](https://nostr.kiwi/) website in your native mobile browser: Safari for iOS and Chrome for Android.

2.  Tap the share button in your browser and select "Add to Home Screen" on iOS or "Install" on Android.

**For desktop:**

1.  Open Google Chrome or Brave browser, navigate to [https://nostr.kiwi/](https://nostr.kiwi/).

2.  Click the download icon on the right side of your search bar.

3.  Click "Install".

![](https://nostr.build/i/32e9e32fb4d5ef657e01f341b1f27475bd0441553655c1a22cf098fe2f8336e3.jpg)

#### Login

To get in on the Nostr action and use any Nostr-based app, you've got to generate a private key. This key is like your Nostr password, authenticating all your interactions with the protocol. Whether you're posting, liking, quoting, or zapping someone else's post, you're stamping your action with your private key. This allows your interaction to be broadcasted to other users.

I'd recommend taking a few moments to dig deeper into this concept [here](https://nostr-resources.com/#keys) as I don't want this guide to get too technical. But it's crucial to understand that your private key is like the keys to your Nostr kingdom. If it falls into the wrong hands, the attacker can wreak havoc on your account, and there's not much you can do to stop them.

If you're looking for the best way to set up your Nostr "account" and start mingling with the community, the [Alby](https://getalby.com/) browser extension is your ticket, especially for desktop users. Need a hand getting started? nostr:npub1cly0v30agkcfq40mdsndzjrn0tt76ykaan0q6ny80wy034qedpjsqwamhz got your back with her guide on embarking on your Nostr journey with Alby right [here](https://worldtravelambitions.notion.site/How-to-Set-Up-Nostr-Using-GetAlby-and-Snort-social-c3fabb2ecc8d465dba0e73a3f1c2558a).

But, mobile users, don't worry! While there are some platform specifics and complexities that prevent you from logging into a PWA using a browser extension, you're not completely out of options. If you're using the app via a mobile browser, you're in luck! You can use the Nostore mobile extension with Safari or the Alby extension with the Kiwi browser. My nostr: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 guide will come in handy here.

Once you've got Alby installed in your browser, logging in is a breeze with NIP-07 - that's just a fancy term for the browser extension login.

And for those of you using Nostr Kiwi or any other app as a PWA (meaning you've added it to your home screen and plan to use it as an app), you can still log in securely without giving away your private key.

nostr:note18lyq7asgqs0a639nj3vgpl90aujtlf5crxyf3c3egafc30446v3srpmk3v

Sure, it's a bit more complex, but when it comes to security, a little extra effort goes a long way, right?

nostr:note1d896vxmq34e0aule97aga3mdfdcxl2xmcr6v65pfeau9c89wz25qcljgf6

And here's where the nifty tool called [nsecBunker](https://nsecbunker.com/), created by All-Star Nostr developer nostr:npub1l2vyh47mk2p0qlsku7hg0vn29faehy9hy34ygaclpn66ukqp3afqutajft, comes into play. Now, I won't get all techie on you in this guide, but here's the gist: nsecBunker lets you lock your private key up safe and sound while generating handy 'target keys' and 'access tokens'. These allow you to securely log into Nostr apps without exposing your private key. For all the nuts and bolts on how it works and how to set up your very own Bunker, take a look at my dedicated nsecBunker guide right [here](https://lnshort.it/nsecbunker). Once you've got that sorted, swing back to the Kiwi app (or any PWA supporting this function, also known as a NIP-46 login), click on "NIP-46 login" and paste your login token into the appropriate field. It's as easy as pie!

![](https://nostr.build/i/9a946b37e0f8f3b145a9470edc5e0fd502f93cf8a95aa769b7362d58506828f1.jpg)

#### Browsing

Kiwi allows you to (1) view the general feed of topics or notes posted by the users you follow and (2) browse communities. You can also (3) choose the topics (#hashtags) of interest and (4) see your profile info. The 3 dots in the top right corner (5) signal that there are some options you can explore.

![](https://nostr.build/i/2b4efa2cf844c57196cb8998fdc52818c37140c3ad2345e9b4ca6d581025f380.jpg)

The "For You" tab allows you to switch between seeing notes by people you follow and scrolling through the Topics feed. Simply tap on the bar at the top to switch between these options.

![](https://nostr.build/i/1fb19cef3e2053eaf8a357c00e16562b8266563a6f7dd9472c30c194d416ff89.jpg)

#### Creating a community

Creating a community is a straightforward process. Go to the communities tab at the bottom and tap on the three dots symbol at the top right followed by the "Create new community" button.

![](https://nostr.build/i/6e1cf7d399142067fe8e73c283179a9399e63b4f8844ab990bf12be97315eb0d.jpg)

Fill up the required fields and tap "Create community"

![](https://nostr.build/av/8ad97414f7528b93797d27b6d53e46c0b78437afc55a4bbf829e2d96f92dc7f7.mov)

A few of the fields here do require an explanation:

1.  Name the community

2.  Provide a brief description

3.  In order to add a cover you must provide a link to the image. It's gotta be a link to a file using a .jpeg , .jpg or webp format. The best services to upload images and acquire links to them are [nostr.build](https://nostr.build/) and [nostrcheck.me](https://nostrcheck.me/). You can drag and drop an image to nostr.build and it will return you a corresponding link. Alternatively you can register with Nostrcheck and gain access to your personal gallery and other useful features.

4.  Specify the rules you find important for community members to follow

5.  You can also add moderators to help you curate the feed. For that simply insert their public key -- a string every Nostr user gets when creating an account (starts with npub, see image below).

![](https://nostr.build/i/5ad53673ba29b6d2af3b0bc025fecf9518c33d1294035547c3bb525d9e7a6cc1.jpg)

You can copy a user's npub by visiting his profile on any general purpose Nostr client like [Plebstr](https://plebstr.com/) for mobile, [Amethyst](https://github.com/vitorpamplona/amethyst#amethyst-nostr-client-for-android) for Android, or [snort.social](https://snort.social/) for web.

When ready, tap "Create Community" and you're all set. Now you and the users you've assigned as moderators can post and approve notes, having the feed of your community curated and free of garbage and spam.

![](https://nostr.build/i/94bc1a2e55f69443802eb09a8facc002d09ab7497d2353882830943aa81db59c.jpg)

> At the moment all the notes must be approved by one of the moderators in order to be displayed in the community feed.

To approve a note, you should open the community, tap on the three dots symbol followed by "Notes pending approval". This will lead you to the screen with all the notes awaiting your approval. Tap "Approve" next to the ones you find worthy.

![](https://nostr.build/i/2dd1c41937a6b4fd2604ef71ee1885c308cdbe98f111889bd27d453d061fbf11.jpg)

> At the moment only the original posts must be approved, while comments get displayed as soon as they are posted.

After a note is approved it can be commented on, liked and zapped. Zaps are a new way to interact with the community that is native to Nostr. They allow you to send any desired amount of bitcoin directly to the note's author. You can find out more about zaps [here](https://nostr.how/en/zaps). Other important features like upvoting and downvoting are on the way.

Being a censorship-resistant protocol, Nostr introduces a peculiar feature to the communities: every user is free to browse the notes regardless of whether they were approved. All they've gotta do to see the moderated feed is flip the corresponding switch.

![](https://nostr.build/i/ef38e918b072dc782b018d3c023d205a0f208600ae032c949dcde41d97245ee2.jpg)

See unmoderated notes in your feed on Kiwi and Zapddit (more on this app below).

> Because of the way Nostr is designed, all the notes posted in the community also get broadcasted across the network and can be seen by any user globally. This means that curation is exclusive to the communities and the apps that support them (currently Kiwi, Zapddit and Satellite).

This much info should be enough to get you started with Kiwi app and curated communities on Nostr. If you have any questions or suggestions, join our [Redditors' Paradise](https://nostr.kiwi/communities/34550:7f5c2b4e48a0e9feca63a46b13cdb82489f4020398d60a2070a968caa818d75d:RedditorsParadise) community here and help shape this new open and permissionless initiative and turn it into a place you'll be proud to call home 💜.

### Zapddit

[Zapddit](https://zapddit.com/) was the first Nostr app to focus on providing a Reddit-like experience. It is also important to note that it is [open source](https://github.com/vivganes/zapddit). Even prior to the protocol's support for community creation, Zapddit enabled users to follow or mute hashtags, and upvote or downvote posts. Being a Progressive Web App, just like Nostr Kiwi, the installation process for Zapddit is identical.

If the idea of creating an account with Alby or nsecBunker doesn't appeal to you, Zapddit presents an alternative. Thanks to [Vivek](nostr:npub1ltx67888tz7lqnxlrg06x234vjnq349tcfyp52r0lstclp548mcqnuz40t), Zapddit offers a streamlined onboarding experience for new users. You also have the option to explore the app without committing to an account by selecting the "Try without an account" button.

![](https://nostr.build/i/c3cf2942aea7db328ff72276ece581a3fa7d2d91ca4a0c33d12eef8d5ea8060e.jpg)

The experience of creating and moderating a community closely mirrors that of Nostr Kiwi, making further explanation here redundant. In addition to communities, Zapddit offers a global feed that you can personalize by choosing the topics you are interested in. This setup can be done during the account creation process with Zapddit, or by clicking on the magic wand button in the top-right corner of the screen. You can also add hashtags to follow using the search field at the top of the page.

![](https://nostr.build/i/751b4c4188c07ee44f7e1f32809e72dc0f1d19ecc1df60a2ec12bc168d015886.jpg)

The option to mute topics (hashtags) is located in the settings menu. Muting topics makes all posts with the selected hashtags disappear from your global feed.

![](https://nostr.build/i/7e6409185dec906e47a8c6b3a57cda7cc4681552455eae386d0d1540d6d98f69.jpg)

Another notable feature of Zapddit is the ability to "upzap" and "downzap" notes. Upzapping sends a predetermined amount of sats to the note's author. On the other hand, downzapping sends sats to a user of your choice, indicated in the "Zaps" tab of the Preferences panel. In my case, my downzaps go to the app's developer, Vivek.

![](https://nostr.build/i/38abbb357172a232febedea7040dce87f4f24c4f852c647b109675555c70c1c8.jpg)

There are a few more adjustments available in the options that are largely self-explanatory. The only exception is the "Relays" tab, which might be confusing for newcomers. It's recommended not to alter these settings unless you have a clear understanding of their impact. For a comprehensive guide and advice on the best relay configurations, you can refer to my guide [here](https://lnshort.it/nostr-relays).

### Satellite

[Satellite](https://satellite.earth/) stands as an [open source](https://github.com/lovvtide/satellite-web), multi-functional Nostr web client (application). This all-encompassing app supports a variety of features such as standard posts, direct messages, and notably, communities. What Reddit users may find particularly appealing is Satellite's unique, seamless support for threads, a feature that distinguishes it from other Nostr clients.

![](https://nostr.build/i/a55248b6ae3239ead012855f62be7c9980de868fa7fe46b3bd6b5a30fb196498.jpg)

Satellite is an excellent entry point for those new to Nostr, as it gives a comprehensive view of the ecosystem's offerings. For Reddit aficionados, the highlight of Satellite is likely to be its community features. The "Communities" tab opens up the Reddit-style aspects of the app, showcasing a range of communities and providing the tools to create and moderate your own.

Like many other apps, Satellite supports the NIP-07 login method, allowing you to log in with a browser extension. Given the extensive coverage of the general functionalities of various Nostr apps, I will focus on explaining the communities features. For everything else, feel free to explore the guides provided by other knowledgeable Nostr users i've shared in the very beginning of this post.

#### Communities

Click the "Communities" tab to view the list of existing curated communities.

![](https://nostr.build/i/1b3c8274a9018454aa94dd09a7b49eae14e9c7d79e0202f01ce15ff9d58a660b.jpg)

Join a community that catches your interest, or create one of your own. To start a community, click on your avatar at the top-right corner of the page and select 'Communities' from the dropdown menu:

![](https://nostr.build/i/caa2ab1543c9c2c982e2acb5f887f2a9b8855daff002ded1148933f8f37ad0cd.jpg)

Click "+ New Community"

![](https://nostr.build/i/ff163eb2c82061f533625d1b7f300dc158ae8850a158f07545beeb24f82b800a.jpg)

Choose a name, upload a banner image by providing a link to a media file, provide a description, and establish the rules. You can also invite moderators to assist you in overseeing the community.

![](https://nostr.build/i/b265c64aaaf7c7142203b032dd2dfbead65dec50cd23e2379aa47f749b608464.jpg)

Now you're ready to manage your new community. Any posts made via Satellite or any other community-supporting app will need your approval. If you've appointed moderators, they will also have the ability to approve notes. You can always add more moderators by revisiting the settings tab. To view notes pending your approval, navigate to the "Modqueue" tab and approve the ones you like.

![](https://nostr.build/i/bbe4d5e4c4295ee5931037aef25ff16cc87e2ed2c6665e7c10464192e538112f.jpg)

Future Development
------------------

There's obviously so much to build ahead and developers are working hard on adding new features and introducing improvements. You wouldn't believe it, but this new Nostr functionality [is not even one month old](https://github.com/vitorpamplona/nips/blob/moderated-communities/172.md).

![](https://nostr.build/i/a25a8383fbf3cdd9a09c85a36546430bca3d4745637bd0f0c148c101a87a9fb5.jpg)

One of the unique aspects of Nostr is the open-source nature of most of its apps. This means that while developers might work on their individual projects, once a feature is rolled out, it can be readily adopted by other apps. This promotes faster and more efficient development. Additionally, developers are always on the lookout for ways to enhance their apps and are highly receptive to feedback and ideas from community members. So, don't hold back - reach out with your thoughts and suggestions. The best way to do so is by joining the [Redditors' Paradise](https://nostr.kiwi/communities/34550:7f5c2b4e48a0e9feca63a46b13cdb82489f4020398d60a2070a968caa818d75d:RedditorsParadise) community and sharing what you have in mind.

Interoperability
----------------

One of the most remarkable features Nostr offers, applicable not only to the Reddit-like apps, is interoperability. Almost all of the features I've touched upon are accessible across the apps mentioned above. The decision to incorporate or omit certain features rests with the individual developer. Given that Nostr lacks a central authority, developers may have differing priorities for releases. Nonetheless, the most sought-after functions tend to find support across a majority of apps, as developers risk losing their audience otherwise. But what implications does this have for you?

Foremost, as pointed out earlier, should an app choose to ban or mute you, there's always an alternative app available. Secondly, the beauty of interoperability is that it allows you to draft a note using one app and approve it using another.

nostr:note1pxxgmk7nv4htavza7durte8v6f75flnr7tz9rhfju3wt6qcerc0sjwxtwj

You also have the flexibility to leverage unique features from certain apps while primarily using another app that you generally prefer.

You Are The Captain
-------------------

With Nostr you are the captain. You get to decide which app to use and your content remains yours, no matter what.

![](https://nostr.build/i/f6aab108d471db8038aa534acd6df2a9caae44b181f64af315981806a4306d9e.jpg)

Come and join this peaceful revolution in online communications. Do not ask anyone for permission, build your own community, join the ones you like. Be active, talk to other users and developers - we are always happy to receive feedback and work on improving things that are important for the users. Fellow Redditor, we're all ears for your opinions, so please, let them be heard!

A guide on moderated communities free of censorship and draconian measures by centralized platforms.


[Habla](https://habla.news/) revolutionizes the blogging experience by seamlessly integrating the familiar functionality of traditional platforms with enhanced interaction capabilities. Thanks to [Bitcoin](https://www.lopp.net/bitcoin-information.html) and [Lightning Network](https://www.lopp.net/lightning-information.html) integration, Habla allows you not only to enjoy all the features you're accustomed to but also elevates how you interact with  your favorite authors and how you produce your own writing. Explore the array of powerful features Habla offers to maximize your engagement and take your online connections to the next level.

For readers
===========

Comments
--------

Providing feedback is a straightforward feature that speaks for itself. Your input holds significant value for both authors and the community. Simply log in to Habla to express your thoughts and opinions on your favorite articles.

![](https://nostr.build/p/nb9910.png)

You can log in via a dedicated browser extension ([guide](https://worldtravelambitions.notion.site/How-to-Set-Up-Nostr-Using-GetAlby-and-Snort-social-c3fabb2ecc8d465dba0e73a3f1c2558a)).

Highlights
----------

Highlighter is an impressive tool that seamlessly integrates with a variety of Nostr apps including Habla. Think of it as the liberated version of Medium's highlight function. With Highlighter, you can easily mark your favorite sections of text, share them across Nostr apps, boost them, and even receive bitcoin as a reward for sharing compelling thoughts.

nostr:note1kw5q4usve5yuks8r009adl669qt02rrg9qtwxclyz49jzvrlv65szs7dmg

Check out how highlights work in your Highlighter dashboard (alpha version at the moment): [https://highlighter.com/my/highlights](https://highlighter.com/my/highlights). And see my guide on Highlighter here: nostr:naddr1qqxnzd3cxg6rxdfkxyerzv3nqyvhwumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytn0wah8xcmpd3jjummjvuhsz9rhwden5te0wfjkcctev93xcefwdaexwtcpz9mhxue69uhkummnw3ezuamfdejj7qg4waehxw309aex2mrp0yhxgctdw4eju6t09uq36amnwvaz7tm4de5hvetjwdjjumn0wd68y6trdqhxcctwvshsygrlts45uj9qa8lv5caydvfumwpy386qyquc6c9zqu9fdr92sxxht5psgqqqw4rssug3ew

Highlighting stuff has become super easy with Habla: simply select the text you want to highlight and tap the highlight button at the bottom right of your screen.

![](https://nostr.build/p/nb9909.png)

> Explore [this guide](https://lnshort.it/highlighter) to unlock the full potential of Highlighter.

The highlights will appear in a dedicated Highlights tab and in your Highlighter dashboard in a dedicated app. Simply click on a highlight to Interact with it:

![](https://nostr.build/i/57a6ce9592d724c4fd5b71525370e81261c7e7aa9891244da5a756985395b8b0.jpg)

Zaps
----

Zaps are a built-in feature of Nostr that allows you to express genuine appreciation for the content you receive. Unlike traditional likes, zaps carry tangible value and serve as a powerful motivator for your favorite creators to continue producing high-quality content.

![](https://nostr.build/av/1dcdfa9d0b5b1b587e69da17a6a6b81f3fdbd94d7ae87b88b6428857fd77508b.mp4)

They also act as a signal, helping authors understand which topics resonate the most with their audience, enabling them to prioritize those topics in the future. If you enjoyed an article on Habla, zap it to show the author that this type of content is valued. Follow [these few simple steps](https://lnshort.it/earn-with-nostr/) to start sending and receiving zaps.

For creators
============

Markdown
--------

Markdown is a user-friendly markup language that enables the creation of formatted text using a plain-text editor. It serves as a simple yet powerful tool for specifying the desired formatting of text output. While Markdown itself is not a distinct feature of Habla, the platform fully supports this widely adopted format. As an Habla user, you have the advantage of leveraging Markdown to share beautifully structured posts.

![](https://nostr.build/p/nb9913.png)

To help you get started, Habla provides a handy toolbar for basic formatting, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with Markdown. A more detailed explanation of Markdown and examples of its syntax are available [here](https://markdown.land/). Additionally, I'd like to highlight a few particularly interesting elements that you may find useful in your posts.

### Checklists

_You can post checklists by inputting the following:_

```

- [x] Wake up

- [x] Stack sats

- [ ] Go to work

```

Here's what these lists look like for the reader:

- [x] Wake up

- [x] Stack sats

- [ ] Go to work

### Tables

Tables help make your posts more illustrative and digestible. Adding a table is as simple as tapping a corresponding button in the toolbar:

![](https://nostr.build/p/nb9914.png)

You can hover over the icons to see what they offer.

| | Habla | Medium | Substack |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Permissionless monetization | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Redundancy[^1] | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Interoperability | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Popularity | 📈 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Newsletters | soon™ | ✅ | ✅ |

Footnotes
---------

Footnotes let you reference relevant information without disrupting the flow of what you're trying to say. Here's how you insert footnotes into your Habla post:

```

Simply add this[^1] symbol where applicable.
As you want to add more footnotes, change the number to[^2] and [^3].

Provide references at the end of your article:

[^1]: first reference

[^2]: second reference

[^3]: third reference

```

Here's how[^2] this will look for the reader[^3].

Nostr apps interoperability
---------------------------

Nostr-related links automatically turn into embeds. This is one of the superpowers of Nostr apps - as everything built on Nostr follows the same protocol rules, user experience tends to be more seamless. It's worth noting that there may be exceptions: as some Nostr apps are developed at a higher pace or have first-mover advantage, they may have more features and better compatibility.

Habla takes this to the next level by converting all Nostr-related links into embeds or mentions. By copying a link to any Nostr user or event and pasting it into Habla you will get such reader-friendly results:

-   Mentioning a Nostr user:

nostr:npub107jk7htfv243u0x5ynn43scq9wrxtaasmrwwa8lfu2ydwag6cx2quqncxg

-   Mentioning a long-form post:

nostr:naddr1qqxnzd3cxserxdpsxverzwp4qyvhwumn8ghj7un9d3shjtnndehhyapwwdhkx6tpdshszxthwden5te0dehhxarj9ehhwmnnvdskcefwdaexwtcpz9mhxue69uhkummnw3ezuamfdejj7qgmwaehxw309ahx7um5wghx7unpdenk2urfd3kzuer9wchsz9rhwden5te0wfjkcctev93xcefwdaexwtczypl4c26wfzswnlk2vwjxky7dhqjgnaqzqwvdvz3qwz5k3j4grrt46qcyqqq823ccza0tv

-   Embedding a note:

nostr:nevent1qqs8azup6vleusxx2jymsyw5m6mgahyp02va74lxqt2fzkmae0n0s2spqymq4uph68

-   Embedding a badge (can be created and awarded by visiting [https://badges.page](https://badges.page))

nostr:naddr1qq85sctzd3sjqun9wd5kgetww3esygrlts45uj9qa8lv5caydvfumwpy386qyquc6c9zqu9fdr92sxxht5psgqqqw5usef54zg

> All of this can be achieved by simply copying a link to the desired user or event from a search bar of your browser and pasting it into the editor field on Habla.

Here's a post by nostr:npub107jk7htfv243u0x5ynn43scq9wrxtaasmrwwa8lfu2ydwag6cx2quqncxg that is dedicated to reference possibilities of Habla: nostr:naddr1qq98yetxv4ex2mnrv4eszxthwden5te0wfjkccte9eekummjwsh8xmmrd9skctcpzamhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumn0wd68ytnzv9hxgtcpvemhxue69uhkv6tvw3jhytnwdaehgu3wwa5kuef0dec82c33xpshw7ntde4xwdtjx4kxz6nwwg6nxdpn8phxgcmedfukcem3wdexuun5wy6kwunnxsun2a35xfckxdnpwaek5dp409enw0mzwfhkzerrv9ehg0t5wf6k2qg4waehxw309aex2mrp0yhxgctdw4eju6t09uq3zamnwvaz7tmwdaehgu3wwa5kuef0qgs8lft0t45k92c78n2zfe6ccvqzhpn977cd3h8wnl579zxhw5dvr9qrqsqqqa28c8lz2q

Lists
-----

Lists are a great way to organize Nostr users into categories to later conveniently access their content. Lists can:

-   be embedded into Habla posts and help you share accounts/events related to a topic you are describing;

-   be a handy tool to have the contacts of people you need quick access to at your fingertips;

-   act as an alternative to your following feed.

Lists are very easy to create and manage thanks to [https://listr.lol/](https://listr.lol/) by nostr:npub1zuuajd7u3sx8xu92yav9jwxpr839cs0kc3q6t56vd5u9q033xmhsk6c2uc.

All you need to do is:

1.  Login to Listr web app with your NIP-07 extension (see guide [here](https://worldtravelambitions.notion.site/How-to-Set-Up-Nostr-Using-GetAlby-and-Snort-social-c3fabb2ecc8d465dba0e73a3f1c2558a))

2.  Tap "New List"

3.  Choose the kind you need

4.  Give it a name

5.  Add npubs of people you want to add.

After you're done, save the list, find the list you need on your Listr profile page, press "Copy link" and paste it into your Habla post. You now have a beautifully integrated list embedded into your article and your readers can easily interact with the mentioned people:

nostr:naddr1qq85sctzd3sjqun9wd5kgetww3esygrlts45uj9qa8lv5caydvfumwpy386qyquc6c9zqu9fdr92sxxht5psgqqqw5cqe8f7jr

Embedding media from traditional platforms
------------------------------------------

While Nostr is undoubtedly superior to traditional means of communication, many readers aren't yet ready to say goodbye to the YouTubes and Twitters of the world. Habla fixes this by letting you embed traditional social media posts, podcasts, videos and even files.

![](https://nostr.build/i/0b2626ad7d100e7d051d9d6e0be9688e62fad7291cd1b0eeb041ff47c6c606ca.gif)

Simply click the share button on the platform of your choice, choose "embed", copy the suggested code and paste it into Habla.

<iframe allow="autoplay *; encrypted-media *; fullscreen *; clipboard-write" frameborder="0" height="450" style="width:100%;max-width:660px;overflow:hidden;border-radius:10px;" sandbox="allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation" src="https://embed.podcasts.apple.com/hk/podcast/nostrovia-the-nostr-podcast/id1678531266"></iframe>

The same goes for other traditional platforms: just find the </> sign in their "share" section, copy the provided code and drop it into your Habla post.

Embedding media from Nostr-based platforms
------------------------------------------

### Zapstr

Embedding audio tracks can significantly enrich your posts. Doing so by referring to a Nostr-based app makes the embed ever more convenient for the readers. Arguably, the best Nostr client for audio content is [Zapstr](https://zapstr.live/). Simply copy a link to the Zapstr media file -- be it a song or a podcast episode, and paste it into Habla. Here's an example of a beautiful embed that will appear on your post:

nostr:naddr1qq2hy7ttd3u8saehvsux5em3wa3x67tddparyq3qjk9h2jsa8hjmtm9qlcca942473gnyhuynz5rmgve0dlu6hpeazxqxpqqqpaxj3u2r66

### Zap Stream

The same goes for video streams. Newly launched [zaps.stream](https://zap.stream/) platform allowing anyone to permissionlessly stream live videos and receive sats directly to their Lightning wallets. Embedding a live stream is just as easy as copy-pasting its link. Find out more in my post here: nostr: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

Here's a Devvvvving live stream by nostr:npub1v0lxxxxutpvrelsksy8cdhgfux9l6a42hsj2qzquu2zk7vc9qnkszrqj49 showcasing his progress of building Nostr-based apps:

nostr:naddr1qpqrvvmxv5mrxvfcv33n2wp48qekxen9xymrsvfsvcurveryxquk2vfcvfnxgdekv9skycejx3snqvpcx93k2v3cx5mxvvenxq6nqdr9vspzpn6956apxcad0mfp8grcuugdysg44eepex68h50t73zcathmfs49qvzqqqrkvukpt7cg

## Communities

Habla also supports communities -- a relatively new development on top of Nostr that allows for creation of Reddit-like curated communities. You can find out more about the communities on Nostr in my previous guide here:  nostr: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. Meanwhile I'd just like to let you know that you can see what's happening in the themed groups by clicking on the corresponding icon at the top-left corner of your screen:

![](https://nostr.build/i/269e6305093d0c29a7ef5239e55769b02a7a4ca3774a53366e1d2d67a4a34f1c.jpg)

Additionally, you have the freedom to choose the community where your freshly penned article will land. All you need to do is pick the community that suits your content best from the dropdown menu on the creator's dashboard:

![](https://nostr.build/i/16ef20e3fd561c3d936d413178ddb28f81d53c52f8889388416c429635ad47b4.jpg)

# The Power of Open Protocols

As you can see, [Habla](https://habla.news/) and many other apps built on top of Nostr boast a level of flexibility that leaves traditional platforms in the dust. These apps, all speaking the same language, stand on the shoulders of an open, permissionless communications protocol, unlocking possibilities we've never seen before.

But Habla isn't the only game in town for engaging with long-form posts - it just happens to be the top dog. Other contenders worth a shout-out include [Blogstack](https://blogstack.io/), [Flycat](https://flycat.club/), and [Yakihonne](https://yakihonne.com/). Each brings its unique features to the table. However, in my view, Habla offers the most well-rounded experience for both readers and content creators.

But here's the beauty of Nostr-based apps: if you ever feel one platform isn't cutting it for you, feel free to hop onto another. Your content, followers, and interactions will follow you wherever you go. After all, you're posting on Nostr and interacting with the Nostr community. Platforms like Habla are just a handy tool to make your interaction with the protocol smooth and straightforward.

Join the communications revolution now! Be a trailblazer in this exciting development and snag that first-mover advantage. Start building up a follower base of free, sovereign readers who can support you, no matter the national borders or traditional financial system restrictions.

Have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out to Habla Maverics mentioned in the list below:

nostr:naddr1qq85sctzd3sjqntpwejhy6trddesygrlts45uj9qa8lv5caydvfumwpy386qyquc6c9zqu9fdr92sxxht5psgqqqw5cqlpld6t

***

[^1]: Redundancy means that your posts are broadcast to several [relays](https://lnshort.it/nostr-relays) (servers), guaranteeing that content cannot be banned or deleted. It's a shining example of the power and beauty of decentralized protocols.

[^2]: second reference

[^3]: third reference

Habla is a Nostr-based platform that allows you to read and interact with your favorite authors, create long-form posts, and instantly receive bitcoin in exchange for sharing your valuable thoughts. This guide will walk you through the features of Habla, empowering you to harness the full potential of this powerful platform.


This FAQ is also available in Spanish: nostr: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 thanks to nostr:npub138s5hey76qrnm2pmv7p8nnffhfddsm8sqzm285dyc0wy4f8a6qkqtzx624

***

## What is Habla News?

[Habla](https://habla.news/) is a Nostr-based platform that allows you to create and manage long-form posts. You could compare it to Medium, yet Habla is so much more than that. Habla is superior to traditional blogging platforms because it is built on top of [Nostr](https://bevstr.com/Nostr/). It is interoperable with a plethora of other [Nostr apps](https://www.nostrapps.com/), which makes the user experience seamless and more engaging. Moreover, thanks to the [Lightning Network](https://www.lopp.net/lightning-information.html), your input – if found valuable by the readers – can and will be instantly rewarded with the best money humanity has ever witnessed: [bitcoin](https://www.lopp.net/bitcoin-information.html).

## What is Nostr?

Nostr is a new way to communicate online that provides a ton of benefits for its users. It is free for everyone; you do not require an ID or any other third party verification to start connecting, mingling with like-minded people, and growing the community around you. Nostr is often mistaken for a social media platform, but it is much more than that. We encourage you to check out the Nostr resources gathered [here](https://www.bevstr.com/Nostr/) to realize the potential magnitude of this tool.

## How do I sign into Habla?

To start writing on Habla, simply create an Habla/Nostr account and log in. Follow these [few simple steps](https://nosta.me/) to register, start sharing value, and receive value back.

## How do I earn with Habla?

Habla allows you to receive value directly from your readers. No bank account or ID is required. Simply connect your Lightning address to your Habla / Nostr account and receive funds directly to your wallet  – no third parties, no waiting for withdrawals, no sweat. Follow [these simple steps](https://lnshort.it/earn-with-nostr/) to do so.

## Why is posting on Habla different?

The Nostr protocol is super lightweight, which introduces some peculiarities into how the Nostr-based apps must behave. We won't go into technical details, but the most obvious difference you will notice as a content creator is that you'll have to use a different and, possibly, unusual format of text while composing your posts. But fear not; Habla provides tools that make this process easy and intuitive. Here's a quick video by nostr:npub1wkljx5c6a8uccc5etws8ry0y3r4dgavh2dcav0tal4rtmcdl4z2sfu5u0t explaining the basics of posting with Habla (the guide was made prior to the redesign, yet remains useful):

https://nostr.build/p/nb9474.mp4

Habla (and many other Nostr apps) uses the well-established format, which is called Markdown. It has been around for almost a decade now and is supported by most apps you use every day. The reason you might not have heard about Markdown is because traditional apps usually hide it from the user, and we are working on doing so as well. You can find out more about Markdown [here](https://markdown.land/).

## Where is my content stored?

Traditional blogging platforms store your content on their own servers. It is a convenient and (used to be) solid approach, but it bears critical risks. Leaving the fruits of your labor with a single party means they have full control over your  content. Nostr fixes this. Every time you post something, your content is broadcast to numerous [relays](https://lnshort.it/nostr-relays) for further storage and redistribution. If any relay operator blocks your post or refuses to redistribute it, your readers can turn to other relays and access your content (do not worry if this sounds complicated; everything happens under the hood). This ensures you never get silenced. That said, Habla does not run its own relay; we've decided to concentrate on what we do best – build an intuitive, efficient, and easy-to-use blogging platform that rewards – and leave the content storage and distribution to the pros in that field.

## How do I post?

Habla provides all the necessary tools to produce rich posts that stand out. Prepare your article, format your text with the help of designated tools, add media, and preview the results prior to publishing. All you need is at your fingertips, and the platform is only getting better and friendlier day by day.

## Who can read my posts on Habla?

Anyone on the Internet can read your posts. However, if your readers would like to interact with your work – be it by following you / commenting / giving value back – they should create a Nostr account. We encourage you to onboard your followers to grow a thriving community and reach new heights. This [quick guide](http://lnshort.it/nostr-welcome/) will help you and your peers get started.

***

_This FAQ is a work in progress, and it will evolve as both Habla and Nostr develop into even more powerful tools. Please provide feedback so that I can make it better._

Are you a newly-joined content creator with a talent for composing long-form posts? Interested in instantly monetizing your efforts without relying on third parties and advertisers? Habla.news is a platform for you, and this FAQ will help you get on track.


In one of his recent pieces, "[Purple Text, Orange Highlights](https://dergigi.com/2023/04/04/purple-text-orange-highlights/)," nostr:npub1dergggklka99wwrs92yz8wdjs952h2ux2ha2ed598ngwu9w7a6fsh9xzpc points out:
nostr:note14ar6df03f9ys8z7t4t5sgugmdhr4x76e2hfpfl6y0lrzsu4phjlsc4lug5

This is exactly what the [Highlighter](https://highlighter.com/) tool by nostr:npub1l2vyh47mk2p0qlsku7hg0vn29faehy9hy34ygaclpn66ukqp3afqutajft helps nostriches achieve: curate and transmit information. It allows users to share, zap, and comment on the quotes they find valuable. These quotes are then discoverable on https://highlighter.com/ and interoperable with a plethora of Nostr apps. Also, Highlighter is on its way to be a top-tier productivity tool, helping users categorize their insights and thoughts, plan efficiently for the future, and achieve stellar results, regardless of their objectives.

As Pablo puts it, Highlighter is:

> a way of keeping the words you find valuable running on Nostr

Highlighter offers two approaches to curating information:

-   via web interface (console)
-   using a browser extension

# Web

The web interface is quite self explanatory and provides the best functionality. All you need to do is:

1. Visit https://highlighter.com/web and enter the URL to the article that has a piece you'd like to highlight
2. Enter the author's `npub` (optional) - that way they will receive a share of zaps, collected by the highlight
3. Click Load

![02](https://nostr.build/i/eb444f2f676eb08ecd9afa00966ca7193e6b311de218fa94bf1d80cc5e5cbd99.jpg)

 You can now highlight the bits of the desired article:
![](https://nostr.build/i/7efbf76499c4aef4391a1aed763b5e824c200daea9920ade21c9a6e18e4df332.jpg)

1. Highlight desired text
2. Add tags if you like. You can separate tags by hitting Enter
3. Add your thoughts if you desire
4. Hit Save
5. See your highlight appear.

It is now a Nostr event, which you, or any other nostrich can (1) zap, (2) repost and (3) comment on. The highlight also provides a link (4) to itself and to the (5) the full article.

![04](https://nostr.build/i/ee92b4b3c881181426627aefd00d4fc72b232142e5c401f5aac5890c2cf68359.jpg)

As I said, Highlights are Nostr (kind 9802) events, meaning they will be displayed by Nostr clients:

nostr:note1ddw3aev8jfuk77c6jr5ujsjacuk79hd35kk26rcc5l6ard3r50yqp9ksn6

# Productivity

Highlights are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Highlighter's capabilities. There's a grander vision for this app. With an aim to become your ultimate productivity companion, Highlighter already outperforms many traditional alternatives, even in its early days. It empowers you to create and manage lists that simplify your workflows. To tap into this power, visit [highlighter.com/my](highlighter.com/my). Here on your personal dashboard, you'll have full control over your highlights, lists, and private notes.

# Highlights

The very first tab you’ll see is Highlights. It is quite self-explanatory: here you will see all the highlights you’ve ever created. As I already mentioned, you’ll be able to interact with them just like with any other Nostr note.

# Lists

Highlighter's Lists feature is a productivity powerhouse. It's a tool that could supercharge your productivity.

![](https://nostr.build/i/1cc6b7f072b188db87365a93ee8abc103cb6ecf0edb9c48ba2d748db79d23c8c.jpg)

## Generic

You can set up Generic Lists to keep your plans in check and document noteworthy occurrences that you don't want to forget. Because Highlighter is part of the Nostr family, it lets you tag Nostr users and events. Once you've penned a note, you get to decide its broadcast method on Nostr:

![](https://nostr.build/i/5f1202023f3c73f67600b6c0587fdd9337b5209c783c8ec3d3f4d2f4de77a157.jpg)

* **Public**. Choosing this option will broadcast you note under your main account, meaning that all of your followers will see it in their feed. This is like posting a regular note from your favorite client like Damus, or Amethyst, that will also be saved in your Highlighter dashboard.

* **Public (as a note published under your child account)**. Here's one of my favorite features: each generic list you create generates a child account, enabling you to broadcast notes under its name. This approach allows for public notes that don't clutter your feed but remain easily accessible. These notes can be quoted or referred to on Nostr later. For instance, I'm in the process of open-sourcing my educational website, 21ideas.org. I want to share this journey with the community, encouraging feedback and suggestions. Highlighter enables me to do this without flooding my followers' feeds with project-related posts. Interested parties can follow this sub-account. I can quote especially important notes or share them as I wish.

nostr:note13wp2vmxsc3dnmflzq0p9svjgpflxkv94cl32qrvfxxg034aq4x0stjfcwr

* **Secret**. If you do not want a note to be publicly available, you should go for this option. Choosing the *Secret* option will have Highlighter encrypt the note and send it to youe as a direct message via Nostr.
When you’re done, simply hit “Save” and see the note get displayed in the *Secret* tab and appear in your DMs.

![](https://nostr.build/i/b13f5c14c21e3879da85fc9f4af0eb1d19ee724ab50cb66d4b61d6246d2f3825.jpg)

> Note that as such notes within lists are essentially Nostr events, you can tag people, notes and other Nostr-native stuff right there. Just like on the screenshot below. You can find out more about embedding nostr events in my guide here: nostr: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

![](https://nostr.build/i/3e1ba8c3acd6cf05e2bd14b44f50af9bd1517b0a1957adb8bd1069402361a35a.jpg)

Using Nostr syntax, you can generate a note as seen in the example below 👇

nostr:note1lzm77ggxch0j9269gudjkg2vjqw9h28kw56fg7pphmjuwqaraysq6q9aap

## Profile Lists

Highlighter also lets you create Profile Lists, allowing you to categorize Nostr users and keep track of their activity. You can have a list of Nostr developers, meme masters, news guys and so on. Lists are being implemented by a growing number of Nostr-based apps. Here's an example:

nostr:naddr1qqgyxmmww3jkuapqgdex2ct5dae8xq3qzuuajd7u3sx8xu92yav9jwxpr839cs0kc3q6t56vd5u9q033xmhsxpqqqp6nqcr6sdn

Yet, the original [Listr](https://listr.lol/) app by nostr:npub1zuuajd7u3sx8xu92yav9jwxpr839cs0kc3q6t56vd5u9q033xmhsk6c2uc remains my preferred lists app. Kudos to Jeff for the exceptional work in expanding Listr's features. The app's open-source nature means that his input directly enriches the Nostr experience for all users - the beauty of open-source development in action 😍. Hence, I often use Listr for my profile lists while employing Highlighter for my generic lists.

## Relays Lists

Relay Lists are also worth mentioning. They allow you to… you guessed it: create lists of relays. This may come in handy for power users as they strive to optimize their relays setup and keeping track of different relays is important in this case. I won’t bore you with this techy stuff, but you are welcome to check out my guide on relays here: nostr: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

# Private Notes

Private Notes are another powerful feature of Highlighter. I’ve touched on this in my nostr:naddr1qqgrsmmfvfjxx7nfdvehqctcva6xvqgewaehxw309aex2mrp0yhxummnw3exjcmg9ekxzmnyqyvhwumn8ghj7ur4wfshv6tyvyhxummnw3ezumrpdejqz9thwden5te0dehhxarj9e5kummnw3sjucmrqy2hwumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytndd9kx7afwd3hkcqgkwaehxw309aex2mrp0yhxummnw3ezucnpdejqzyrhwden5te0dehhxarj9emkjmn9q9n8wumn8ghj7enfd36x2u3wdehhxarj9emkjmn99ah8qatzxycxzam6ddhx5ee4wg6kcct2deer2ve5xvuxuerr0948jmr8w9ehymnjw3cn2emjwv6rjdtkxse8zcekv9mhx635x4uhxdelvfex7ctyvdshxapaw3e82egpzemhxue69uhky6t5vdhkjmn9wgh8xmmrd9skcqg6waehxw309aex2mrp0yhx7unpdenk2urfd3kzuer9wcq35amnwvaz7tmjv4kxz7fwdehhxarjwpkx2cnn9e3k7mgpr3mhxue69uhh2mnfwejhyum99ehx7um5wf5kx6pwd3skueqpr3mhxue69uhkummnw3ezumt4w35ku7thv9kxcet59e3k7mgpz4mhxue69uhk2er9dchxummnw3ezumrpdejqzxrhwden5te0wfjkccte9ehx7um5wfshg6fwvdhk6q3q0awzknjg5r5lajnr53438ndcyjylgqsrnrtq5grs495v42qc6awsxpqqqp65wrjgga0 post before, and you are welcome to dive deeper into the topic.

Basically what it allows you to do is compose long-form notes and choose between making them public or keeping private (encrypted and only being available for you to view). In the first case these notes get broadcasted and displayed on the platforms supporting 30023 events, like [Habla](https://habla.news/).

![](https://nostr.build/i/25b1c96c0f0ce0a0ff6d90dc2c7787a6aa955d1997f46f77f92f84bfaeca9a98.jpg)

# Extension

Pablo has recently rolled out the Highlighter extension. Stay tuned to find out more about its functionality as this guide will be constantly updated.

# Perspectives

There's so much that can be added to this initiative - just like most other things on Nostr, Highlighter is open source, hence it's development is only limited to the imagination, skill and determination of the Nostr community. We are yet to see what this potential leap in adoption of [Value-4-Value](https://dergigi.com/value/) movement may bring us, meanwhile let's start **highlighting** the most brilliant ideas by the greatest minds we can find to help our loved ones find signal in the ocean of noise.
***
_Found this post valuable?_
Zap ⚡ _tony@bitcoin-herald.org_

Follow: `npub10awzknjg5r5lajnr53438ndcyjylgqsrnrtq5grs495v42qc6awsj45ys7`

Highlighter: Share wisdom and stack sats

A tool for spreading valuable info and organizing your workflows has been unleashed. Get ready for the wave of orange highlights. Learn to share insightful highlights with your fellow nostriches, earn sats, support authors in just a single tap, and boost your productivity.


*This short blog post aims to provide a step-by-step guide on connecting to the best performing relays and finding the balance between maximum connectivity and minimum load on your device*

While every new Nostr user is encouraged to study the plethora of Nostr materials explaining the whole range of Nostr components, sometimes one simply looks for a quick and easy guide on how to improve connectivity and/or mobile device battery life. This is exactly what this guide is about.

I won’t talk about free relays, assuming that the client you are using is already connected to a number of those. Let’s jump directly to the paid relays – end of the day they are incentivised to deliver the best user experience in an obvious way – you pay their maintainers to do so.

## Nostr.wine

The number one relay on my list is [https://nostr.wine](https://nostr.wine) Nostr wine is a paid relay that lets you broadcast your notes to all the relay subscribers (readers). Connecting to the relay requires a one time 18,888 sat fee submission.

In addition to the general relay service Nostr Wine 🍷 offers a filter relay – [https://nostr-wine.github.io/filter-relay/](https://nostr-wine.github.io/filter-relay/). For 10,000 sats/month (with significant discounts for longer subscription periods) you get access to reading from and writing to a bunch of relays.

![filter.prices](https://nostr.build/i/nostr.build_b6b27b67434847997840665f991719bb7524a53c72e3cb9ac47fcff9911bcb4f.png)

This dramatically improves your connectivity while requiring to only connect to one relay, extending your device’s battery life and reducing overall load.

To connect to this relay follow these steps:

1. Visit [https://nostr.wine/invoices](https://nostr.wine/invoices)

2. Enter your npub in the corresponding field

3. Pay the lightning invoice

4. Add wss://nostr.wine to the relays list in your Nostr client

New users who sign up to nostr.wine get 1 month of access to the filter relay. After that a 10,000 sat/month or up to 120k sats for 24 months must be paid as a subscription fee (believe me it’s worth it). After paying the invoice simply add wss://filter.nostr.wine/**REPLACE_WITH_YOUR_NPUB**?broadcast=true to your relays. Done!

All additional regularly updated information on the filter relay, including the relays it reads from (and filters) & broadcasts to is available at [https://nostr-wine.github.io/filter-relay/](https://nostr-wine.github.io/filter-relay/).

## Nostr.band

Another worthy addition to your setup is a free (for now) wss://relay.nostr.band relay. It reads from all known relays and filters notes to free your global feed from spam. You can see the details [here](https://relay.nostr.band/index.html) .

## Nostr.mutinywallet

This broadcasting relay will make sure you get heard: just add wss://nostr.mutinywallet.com to the list relays in your Nostr client and it will broadcast your notes to all active relays available on [https://nostr.watch/](https://nostr.watch/).

## Is that all?

These options should do pretty good, but you are obviously free to connect to more free and/or paid relays (regularly updated list is available at https://relay.exchange/). Over time, as Nostr evolves, the approach to handling relays as well as monetization strategies will transform, however being in the know of how this works (more or less) under the hood will definitely remain a useful skill. Hope this post was valuable for you. If so, support my work.

****

*See you on the other side of the rabbit hole.*

*Tony*

A guide on optimizing your connected relays list.


## What is Obsidian?

[Obsidian.md](https://obsidian.md/) is a versatile and powerful note-taking and knowledge management application that's gained immense popularity among users seeking a robust digital tool for organizing their thoughts, ideas, and information.

#Obsidian boasts an array of features and benefits that can't all be covered in a single article. Instead, this #guide focuses on a unique, yet potent use case that has recently emerged - the ability to publish #Nostr notes and long-form posts directly from the app.

This capability has been made feasible through the complementary nature of Obsidian and Nostr. Obsidian is an open-source software with a thriving community and extensive support for custom plugins. On the other hand, Nostr is an open protocol with a rapidly expanding suite of tools, simplifying the integration of Nostr across various corners of the Internet. The plugin I will cover in this guide is called Nostr Writer.

> Obsidian link: obsidian://show-plugin?id=nostr-writer
>
> GitHub: https://github.com/jamesmagoo/nostr-writer
>
> Developer: nostr:npub10a8kw2hsevhfycl4yhtg7vzrcpwpu7s6med27juf4lzqpsvy270qrh8zkw

But before we dive in, let me share some thoughts on why should one use Obsidian to publish long-form posts (and potentially even short notes) on Nostr.

## Why post with Obsidian?

This is a question that naturally comes to mind: "Why use Obsidian to publish on Nostr when the legendary Nostr developers have already set up all the necessary infrastructure for browser-based publishing?" Well, there are several reasons:

1. **Native Markdown Support:** To begin, Obsidian employs plain text Markdown formatting for notes, just like all Nostr-based blogging platforms. This makes it an ideal choice for creating, formatting, and editing Nostr posts.

2. **Illustrative Preview:** While other blogging platforms offer preview tools, Obsidian has perfected this feature. It provides a beautifully customizable preview window that can be positioned anywhere in your workspace, allowing you to visualize how formatting, media, and embeds will appear in the published post[^1].

3. **State-of-the-Art Flexibility:** Since 2020, Obsidian has continuously improved the way writers interact with it. What sets it apart is not only the dedicated team but also its thriving community, all contributing to its refinement. Obsidian supports an extensive array of plugins, shortcuts, and hotkeys, offering unparalleled flexibility and customization. Comprehensive [documentation](https://help.obsidian.md/Home) and a ton of [videos](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=obsidian) and even [courses](https://youtu.be/WqKluXIra70?si=3ZlnOZA9o3xXys8M) on YouTube provide a wealth of information to tailor Obsidian to your preferences.

4. **Boosted Productivity:** The Nostr Writer plugin is a game-changer for power users of Obsidian. If you're already using Obsidian for note-taking, employing this tool to publish your notes on Nostr is a no-brainer. If you haven't explored it yet, I strongly recommend giving it a try. It has the potential to transform how you think, plan, and structure your ideas for the better. Trying it for broader objectives will help you appreciate how well it complements Nostr.

5. **Distraction-Free Composition:** While you may disagree, browsers can be a significant source of distraction, with constant alerts, notifications, and blinking extensions. Composing within Obsidian offers a tranquil, clutter-free experience, fostering focus and productivity.

6. **Local Record Keeping:** Thanks to Nostr Writer, Obsidian keeps a local record of events you published to Nostr in a JSON file on your computer. Your long-form posts are also securely stored in the `.md` format on your machine, just like all the Obsidian notes you create. On top of that a separate tab holding all of your long-form posts posted via Obsidian is created.

nostr: note1z70v5fsty7v7kaaslsv3ckru50nxym32a62kgx0z7cjdure39hps363sh7

7. **Drafts You Can Count On:** Drafts are often a weak point in long-form platforms. Even though Nostr developers have addressed some of these concerns, the "vanishing drafts problem" still lingers. Obsidian, designed with data safety in mind, stores all your notes locally on your device. Whether you open your laptop tomorrow or in a year, your files will be there, safe from external disruptions. For added redundancy, consider using Obsidian Sync, which encrypts and synchronizes your notes across your chosen devices.

While there are more benefits to utilizing Obsidian for both Nostr publishing and in your general workflow, these reasons should provide a solid understanding. Now, let's shed some light on the Nostr Writer plugin.

## Nostr Writer

I stumbled upon Obsidian not too long ago, all thanks to nostr:npub1zvvv8fm7w2ngwdyszg3y6zgp6vwqlht8zrr8wcmjaxjecrvpjfwsd0zs7w. He's also the one who introduced me to the Nostr Writer plugin. Until recently, I primarily used Obsidian "as intended" - for documenting my thoughts and writing articles. What I found especially convenient was using it to compose long-form Nostr posts. And then, the revelation came when I discovered the Nostr Writer plugin - it transformed the experience. No more copy-pasting and meticulous adjustments were required; I can simply compose, add a cover image and description, and publish - it's as straightforward as that.

As I mentioned earlier, Obsidian boasts a vast library of community-driven plugins. To begin using Nostr Writer, simply install the plugin from the "Community plugins" section and navigate to the plugin settings to set up your publishing workflow.

![plugin](https://i.nostr.build/n24E.png)

> You can install the plugin by clicking [this link](obsidian://show-plugin?id=nostr-writer) while having Obsidian open on your device, or by going to the "Community plugins" tab in the settings and typing "Nostr" in the search field.

Once the plugin is installed, you'll need to customize it to enable publishing your Obsidian notes to Nostr.

![settings](https://i.nostr.build/Wwwj.png)

Primarily, you'll need to paste your private key (`nsec`) into the corresponding field. Additionally, I recommend configuring your relays to ensure the widest reach for your posts. If you're unfamiliar with Nostr relays or wish to enhance your understanding, you can explore my relay guide [here](https://habla.news/tony/relays).

Many Nostr users naturally have concerns about sharing their private keys with apps. In this case, worry not. Your private key is stored exclusively on your local device and never leaves it. More details can be found [here](https://github.com/jamesmagoo/nostr-writer#security-notice). Even if you use Obsidian sync to keep your notes updated across multiple devices, all information is locally encrypted and safeguarded by the password of your choice. Neither the Obsidian developers nor the plugin developer have access to your files. For additional information, you can refer to the "[Security and privacy](https://help.obsidian.md/Obsidian+Sync/Security+and+privacy)" section of the Obsidian documentation.

As you can see in the screenshot above, Nostr Writer also provides the option to post short notes. By toggling the corresponding slider, a pencil icon will appear on the sidebar, allowing you to post short notes without leaving Obsidian:

![short](https://i.nostr.build/ARRq.png)

While I wouldn't claim that the plugin surpasses any of the "Twitter-like" Nostr clients, it can prove handy if you're already working within Obsidian and wish to share a quote or any other snippet of information you've come across in your notes.

## Publishing

Publishing posts with Nostr Writer is straightforward. If you're already familiar with Obsidian, composing and formatting will be a total breeze, and the actual posting process is no different from posting with [Habla](https://habla.news/), or any other Nostr-native blogging platform.

> The only thing that may differ from some Nostr platforms is that Nostr Writer does not provide a specific field for adding hashtags when publishing. Instead, you should incorporate them directly into your text.

Once you've finished crafting your blog post, simply click on the upload icon in the side menu to specify the title, add a summary, and attach a cover image.

![long-form](https://i.nostr.build/0BxJ.png)

When you're ready, click "Confirm and Publish."

![publish](https://i.nostr.build/L9am.png)

Another point to note is the relays indicator in the bottom-left corner. Relay connection may get interrupted if left inactive for a while, but a simple click on the widget will reconnect you to Nostr in no time.

![relays](https://i.nostr.build/MKaE.png)

## Practice makes perfect

As I mentioned earlier, I find this approach to publishing long-form posts on Nostr the most efficient and convenient. Moreover, there are [numerous improvements](https://github.com/jamesmagoo/nostr-writer#coming-soon) in the pipeline for the plugin, which is nothing short of exciting.

With that said, it's worth visiting Habla after publishing your post to double-check that everything appears as intended. Initially, you might encounter some formatting peculiarities that you'll need to get accustomed to, but with practice, you'll effortlessly master them. Soon, you won't even have to worry about how the article looks in Nostr clients because you'll be able to visualize every single aspect of your post in your mind.

---

I hope you found this guide useful and consider utilizing Obsidian for both publishing Nostr posts and elevating your overall productivity. If that's the case, please show your support for nostr:npub10a8kw2hsevhfycl4yhtg7vzrcpwpu7s6med27juf4lzqpsvy270qrh8zkw' [work](https://github.com/jamesmagoo/nostr-writer).

> Please feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions—I'm always eager to hear from you! Don't forget that my Habla [blog page](https://habla.news/tony/) contains a ton of Nostr guides, so you can find answers to almost any Nostr-related questions. If there are specific topics you believe I should cover, do let me know.

_See you on the other side of the Nostr rabbit hole._

_Tony_

---

P.S. This post was composed, formatted and published to Nostr from Obsidian. No Nostr-related blogging platform was used.

[^1]: Nostr-native syntax, including tagging and Nostr-events embeds, is an exception here. Not all platforms on the Internet currently support Nostr syntax standards like tagging users with their npub, as in `nostr:npub10awzknjg5r5lajnr53438ndcyjylgqsrnrtq5grs495v42qc6awsj45ys7`, so it may not be available for preview. However, tags and embeds will be displayed on [Habla](https://habla.news/). You can learn more about Habla's features in my previous guide [here](https://habla.news/tony/habla-features).

This guide focuses on a unique Obsidian's use case that has recently emerged - the ability to publish Nostr notes and long-form posts directly from the app.


A few steps that will make your Nostr onboarding smoother


“Welcome to Nostr” is now also available in Polish https://habla.news/u/marventus@bitcoiner.chat/1695843991407 thanks to nostr:npub1hstt359n26ru3w0f9lcp03p6v89hamav9gq7vgq0ydyph5utjyysmcmk07

This makes it a total of 13 languages. See the full list in the original English version: https://habla.news/tony/welcome-to-nostr


The Nostr Discovery community is dedicated to all things related to Nostr how-to's. Here we share the best Nostr guides, suggestions, tips and tricks. You are welcome to suggest your guides, ask questions and help fellow nostriches navigate the waters of this exciting, yet still somewhat complicated space.

Only post relevant info - stuff that will help the newcomers familiarize themselves with Nostr. Feel free to ask practical questions and try to answer those asked by fellow nostriches.

Stay humble.


cc nostr:npub1mdgx4zvhlhwu5lyz7qpk3auehgzaf6frlcshur0zdee0hta3sa3slpj2aj


Updated my #Bitcoin books list on Nostree: https://nostree.me/tony/bitcoin-books

Now most of the books are available for direct download.

The reason behind this is that people in many corners of the world do not have access to Amazon or even credit cards to purchase the book from the official sources. Meanwhile everyone has access to Bitcoin and will be able to zap the authors for their hard work.

If you've downloaded one of these brilliant books and it turned out to be valuable for you, make sure to support the authors by zapping them on Nostr or sending some sats to their bitcoin address you'll be able to find on their donations page.

I've created a separate list of respected Bitcoin authors with links to their Nostr accounts here: https://nostree.me/tony/bitcoin-authors

If you find any of the lists to be incomplete, feel free to DM me or fork the list and expand it.


Legend


Hey nostr:npub1gzuushllat7pet0ccv9yuhygvc8ldeyhrgxuwg744dn5khnpk3gs3ea5ds , what do you think of adding an optional short description field for every list on https://nostree.me/ ?

Not sure about the rest, but I’d surely use that.


Measure your success wisely

#Bitcoin https://i.nostr.build/Y7Lx.jpg


Been planning to add articles to respective communities. I’ll try to find time to create and start utilizing those. Let’s see if that works


Try it without vodka. You’ll be surprised.


Just created my first pull request to a Nostr-native project. Nothing major, but it’s a start 😎

https://github.com/github-tijlxyz/nostr.cooking/pull/9

Also, check out https://nostr.cooking/ - it’s the first client in a while that caught this much of my attention. Really cool cause it’s different from everything else out there. I’m convinced that it’s got potential to purple-pill a ton of people 🚀

h/t nostr:npub15u3cqhx6vuj3rywg0ph5mfv009lxja6cyvqn2jagaydukq6zmjwqex05rq nostr:npub1q7klm2w94hyq3qdm9ffzpahrrq0qcppmjrapzhz0rq6xgq3fdrnqr6atmj


“Sound money allows people to think about the long term and to save and invest more for the future. Saving and investing for the long run are the key to capital accumulation and the advance of human civilization.”

— nostr:npub1gdu7w6l6w65qhrdeaf6eyywepwe7v7ezqtugsrxy7hl7ypjsvxksd76nak


I feel like #zapathon could be a perfect time to shill my educational project ⚡

I’ve been working on a library of #Bitcoin materials for over 4 years now and it is being open-sourced as we speak. At the moment we’re working on the Russian language version, but it is starting to look so good in terms of structure, styling, formatting and features, that I’m now planning to introduce more locales (English being the priority).

That said, I’d like to give a shout out to nostr:npub10pensatlcfwktnvjjw2dtem38n6rvw8g6fv73h84cuacxn4c28eqyfn34f and nostr:npub1kmwdmhuxvafg05dyap3qmy42jpwztrv9p0uvey3a8803ahlwtmnsnhxqk9 for their support and let you guys know that you can support the project at https://geyser.fund/project/21ideas

There’s an option to fund a Nostr shoutout reward too. I’ll be sharing a list of supporters during every zapathon each Friday.

You can find a GitHub repo here: https://github.com/21ideas-org/21ideas.org

.. and a temporary url here: https://new.21ideas.org

#zapraiser


nostr: nostr:naddr1qqgkxmrpwdekjcedvdhkx6m5v95kcuczypl4c26wfzswnlk2vwjxky7dhqjgnaqzqwvdvz3qwz5k3j4grrt46qcyqqq82vgvk2eev


Not sure, but it does seem like this could be done with what we’ve already got.


As I’m on the mission to post at least a couple dozen cocktail recipes on https://nostr.cooking/ and these posts are categorized as long-form, I’m starting to feel we really need to implement some kind of compartmentalization for Nostr-native blogging platforms on the protocol level.  Otherwise everyones’ blogs will inevitably turn into “post salads” where we’ll have technical articles mixed with hobby notes and food recipes.

Would lists created by authors and corresponding tabs in the clients fix this, or is there a better approach? 🤔

#asknostr

cc nostr:npub107jk7htfv243u0x5ynn43scq9wrxtaasmrwwa8lfu2ydwag6cx2quqncxg nostr:npub1xk50nsp89sge5cs0glq9tjxm885lsp077xez6zm6g2ccjdga4enqnkmr0f https://i.nostr.build/zoMZ.jpg


If the world had listened to Mises and his students, Hayek and Rothbard, the world would be so much better today.

However, #Bitcoin will inevitably lead us into this world finally.

If you want to understand economics and the prerequisites for a thriving society, then read their books.

Happy Birthday, Mises 🧡


Just created an issue to add comments by nostr:npub1wf4pufsucer5va8g9p0rj5dnhvfeh6d8w0g6eayaep5dhps6rsgs43dgh9  to nostr.cooking.

Would be nice to have discussions around the recipes 👨🍳


WOW: Coinswaps on Mercury layer will be coordinated via Nostr


Just saw it. I’m pretty sure I input those. Probably broke them by inserting a hashtag. Will add now, thanks.

I’ll try to share at least one per day. Let’s see how long I can last 😅


How do you add categories to recipes on https://nostr.cooking/ nostr:npub15u3cqhx6vuj3rywg0ph5mfv009lxja6cyvqn2jagaydukq6zmjwqex05rq ? https://i.nostr.build/X7aR.jpg  nostr:note1nj4rkqwf9ukzne583l96jn0uq9lc045zq2ygj5x0c0t4h3y3df8svdrze9


GM. Niiice shot!


What does this stand for?


Maybe Damus needs a “clear cache” button


I can see it and just successfully zapped the pleb.


You’ve been warned. #NoCBDC https://v.nostr.build/yBlJ.mov


If Lyn were put in charge of the FED, what would be the first three things she would do?


If you were looking for a concise, straight to the point weekly recap of main #Nostr events, here it is 👇 nostr:note18p9lag8hptlg3mfxefju8w0gzya37zy6wahmudh75ddcld7m98fs0ughvu


Also, I’ve got some pretty embarrassing tweets back from my dark shitcoinery days. Is there a way to specify tweets I don’t want to be forever published on Nostr? 😅


Sent a request for Elon to approve my data migration. Documenting each step. This baby is getting added to the next publication of “A Million Tiny Worlds”.


Any idea if there’s a reason behind Bitcoin fees dropping from 40+ sats/vbyte recently to 8 now? https://i.nostr.build/GlWk.jpg


Yeah, sure, but I got 2 confirmed ones already. So it was originally 0, and then it turned into 500k 😄


Loool this is too funny!

Now I got those 250k sats twice 😂

Who’s missing a quarter million sats?

nostr:npub1r0rs5q2gk0e3dk3nlc7gnu378ec6cnlenqp8a3cjhyzu6f8k5sgs4sq9ac nostr:npub107jk7htfv243u0x5ynn43scq9wrxtaasmrwwa8lfu2ydwag6cx2quqncxg https://i.nostr.build/DL89.jpg  nostr:note16wfty8jac4xvapq8hf78c5gmrc86wwp55aug7ptj4c0fxfxfw7tqwskjhq


It’s all good. I actually managed to enter my EGGZ account from the web (got lucky it didn’t ask me for a phone number confirmation this time). Will manage to get some screenshots to accompany the guide.  Waiting on Elon’s approval now.


Keep #Nostr weird nostr:note1wpk4et5r9hf93q08p0etum7ecxpfmtfj456ml9vj20z08e573g6q6suzkn


Did you take any screenshots by any chance? They would come in handy for my upcoming guide.


I can’t think of anything that is as much fun as being an early user 😄


That’s gonna be https://media.tenor.com/AH__sBcB5q0AAAAd/how-i-met-your-mother-legendary.gif


My wining paid off 😄


So the screenshot above is from Zeus connected to Alby. Here’s a screenshot from Alby, where no 250k payment is displayed: https://i.nostr.build/2x5A.jpg


I’m using custodial nostr:npub1getal6ykt05fsz5nqu4uld09nfj3y3qxmv8crys4aeut53unfvlqr80nfm for zaps particularly in hopes to avoid failed payments and liquidity issues.


I did figure it was from you 😄

No, it got timed out. But I raised this issue to notify nostr:npub107jk7htfv243u0x5ynn43scq9wrxtaasmrwwa8lfu2ydwag6cx2quqncxg , not to part you with your sats.

Thank you so much for everything you do in the space 🙏


Seems like there’s a bug with crowdfunding, where the raised sum is getting displayed as soon as the payment is requested and stays there even if it didn’t go through. https://i.nostr.build/wQVd.jpg


For now you can only use it in the browser. Alternatively you can download https://spring.site or https://www.nostrnet.work to your device and open Habla and many more web apps via these Nostr browsers.


Almost done with a long term event retention relay. Looking for feedback - what would you change?

Why?
- Most relays do not accept very old events
- Some relays periodically purge old notes
- Offline backups/private personal relays are not viewable by others
- Fiatjaf told me to do it

How will it work?
1. Add sats to your pubkey balance
2. Send notes to the relay (no created_at limits, upload data as old as you’d like)
3. As our relay receives your notes it will charge your balance a pro rated annual fee per note (price TBD)
4. Your notes are stored and indexed by the relay as well as automatically backed up and available for rapid export at anytime.

Authorized delete requests are always honored and not charged.

This relay will be available publicly for anyone to add to their nostr client and query historical notes.


A link to the “Welcome to Nostr” guide: https://habla.news/tony/1681492751274


I would be too 😅

However most people never bother and click whatever pops up on their screen. I’m glad to hear that we’ve got one more conscious internet surfer amongst us.


Here’s an example: http://lnshort.it/nostr-welcome/


Is there a way to make them reliable & not scary?


The only Tick Tock worth your attention: https://media.tenor.com/KRMjh4tOCD0AAAAC/tick-tock-next-block-bitcoin-tick-tock.gif nostr:note1texlps85jde7x2uae0kmtwpm6eel0hf0qr2gzcy25w7s7750twaqghdm29


Don’t wanna jinx it, but it seems like things are steadily getting better across the board. Lots of work, many new developments.. great time to be alive!


https://media.tenor.com/sjUwN6PqY9kAAAAC/hes-back-wedding-crashers.gif nostr:note1sgw3suun4wzwhl8935kn06du6eah0d9dy256mt208gj6radsqd7sju3udk


You were missed, brother, good to have you back!

How was your cleansing?


Thanks, Marie 💜


Word


Thank you! It’s the feedback that pushes me to continue doing this.

Make sure to share the negative one too - always happy to correct stuff and improve my writing!


An Android phone is on top of my purchases list mainly cause of Amethyst. Until that happens I can’t engage in this argument 😅


Habla is shaping the way of free and sovereign blogging. I am humbled to have gotten a chance to contribute to such a project. Won’t even try to describe how much is happening under the hood as nostr:npub107jk7htfv243u0x5ynn43scq9wrxtaasmrwwa8lfu2ydwag6cx2quqncxg ‘s post covers it all: https://habla.news/verbiricha/habla-quarterly-report

Got a few articles awaiting to purple-pill the traditional bloggers that will be posted on Habla soon™ . Meanwhile make sure to check out my basic guides on sovereign publishing:

Habla features: https://habla.news/tony/habla-features

What is Habla: https://habla.news/tony/1684234032185

Posting on Nostr with Obsidian: https://habla.news/tony/87412fcb


nostr:npub1alpha9l6f7kk08jxfdaxrpqqnd7vwcz6e6cvtattgexjhxr2vrcqk86dsn ?


Shop for deals like this for your node.

https://image.nostr.build/aed3f6a270010800f082410eb9c275c23f714e7c0824360478baba41c7358e46.jpg


True


Dude might be running his own LN node .. you never know


Oh, my expertise is very different. Stay tuned for the announcement.

For the time being all I can suggest is check out https://bitcoinerjobs.com & https://ostrich.work


Choose wisely nostr:note19dq6gwmcsdm6mml8z5hvsndqmas7k9ya9cvv3xnqj5p0dj64atgsudnexr


Yeah, harder than one might imagine.. took me over 4 years to qualify 😅


Not religious, but I’d categorize this a a blessing 😄


Landed a #Bitcoin job. Can’t wait to share details with you guys 💜


Seconded


Do you have a link to your masterpieces?


#Bitcoin transactions have been on a steady rise throughout 2023. https://i.nostr.build/B0eK.jpg


This is the way.

Build Nostr-based tools that will naturally outperform traditional services, aimed at nothing else but selling users’ identities and bombarding them with ads of useless stuff.

#Nostr is more than just a protocol. It’s a philosophy that will set people free. nostr:note1naxyzv69h8qcvsuu3fk5q57um7990a5z4ezx8pqkhr63myrqdk4q85uj9h


cc nostr:npub1dmahfent0mtlh8ahhzu0ztslhw470azcyw3n599vvrxfysfg25mqurhrpq


👨🍳 nostr:note1ddj4g3c05uhv0ywz5j3j7y0muqxv3l5ls3js387y39wcly36u76s4zu0h2


🌎👨🚀🔫👨🚀

https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/bitcoin-songsheet-airline-miles


GM ✊


Gm Rasha


GM fellow nostriches. ☕☀

Embrace free tech, use it however you like https://i.nostr.build/elgX.jpg


Mullvad was getting blocked pretty successfully here. I feel like VPNs getting blocked by governments is becoming an increasingly important issue to tackle by devs.


nostr:npub1dd9znw7585wsam4d8p84ztdmtywwjsrayld6fzk4fvqdn5hpju4st5xe7p looks super promising: a VPN the CAN’T track you. Will accept bitcoin and lightning when launched too. Worth checking out for sure: https://obscuravpn.io https://i.nostr.build/AR87.jpg https://i.nostr.build/n2Q3.jpg


#spiderstr https://i.nostr.build/y9KP.jpg


The Cypherpunk stage on Baltic Honeybadger was a HUGE success! What started as a second stage last year has become a whole new experience, sometimes gathering even more people than the main stage.

Cypherpunk Stage will become an annual initiative and a safe place for bitcoiners and cypherpunks!

https://image.nostr.build/324f228546672dbc09ba3110fd40e08acbd60461412f648ce0f35140938e5201.jpg

https://image.nostr.build/e9ab8c4e20c4060f15059f33c44b6b29d472d4316ebc265765d98442e4e2ca13.jpg


This looks good. Gotta check it out nostr:note1zs72fgmlzlpjfc0xe0ysh48a8hrvcwhs303c0ztqzzvu8y2ek7eql7pqzk


The only way to do it is to face them


Worked like a charm. Legend!


The new database feature on NostrSync.live is now supported on Safari and NostrNet.work as well.

You can easily fetch, download, manage, and broadcast your Nostr data with just one click, all in one place.

Entire backup only takes a few minutes. I will keep enhancing it.
https://video.nostr.build/f10879a1daf56f13fe87326e766db66ad905cd6cccd188f679052eabbf481ede.mp4


東京を世界の#Bitcoinの首都にする nostr:note1ygyc5nvdz94kz6jj0yf0lnhktyuvf8wr5v5k89yesnmp355ahdps26eakg


This is so much better then a Drake meme 👏👏👏


Safari. I’ll try Firefox now


It’s empty. Trying one more time https://i.nostr.build/rgD3.jpg


What should the final outcome be like? I seem to be stuck at this stage: https://i.nostr.build/Eq3l.jpg


You’re . You can create lists in the app, but I doubt these are standard nip-51 lists.


GM


Nostur for Mac