# Nostr is not decentralized nor censorship-resistant

Peter Todd has been [saying this](nostr:nevent1qqsq5zzu9ezhgq6es36jgg94wxsa2xh55p4tfa56yklsvjemsw7vj3cpp4mhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mqpr4mhxue69uhkummnw3ez6ur4vgh8wetvd3hhyer9wghxuet5qy8hwumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytnddaksz9rhwden5te0dehhxarj9ehhsarj9ejx2aspzfmhxue69uhk7enxvd5xz6tw9ec82cspz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduq3vamnwvaz7tmjv4kxz7fwdehhxarj9e3xzmnyqy28wumn8ghj7un9d3shjtnwdaehgu3wvfnsz9nhwden5te0wfjkccte9ec8y6tdv9kzumn9wspzpn92tr3hexwgt0z7w4qz3fcch4ryshja8jeng453aj4c83646jxvxkyvs4) for a long time and all the time I've been thinking he is misunderstanding everything, but I guess a more charitable interpretation is that he is right.

Nostr _today_ is indeed centralized.

Yesterday I published two harmless notes with the exact same content at the same time. In two minutes the notes had a noticeable difference in responses:

![](https://blob.satellite.earth/53b3eec9ffaada20b7c27dee4fa7a935adedcc337b9332b619c782b030eb5226)

The top one was published to `wss://nostr.wine`, `wss://nos.lol`, `wss://pyramid.fiatjaf.com`. The second was published to the relay where I generally publish all my notes to, `wss://pyramid.fiatjaf.com`, and that is announced on my [NIP-05 file](https://fiatjaf.com/.well-known/nostr.json) and on my [NIP-65](https://nips.nostr.com/65) relay list.

A few minutes later I published that screenshot again in two identical notes to the same sets of relays, asking if people understood the implications. The difference in quantity of responses can still be seen today:

![](https://blob.satellite.earth/df993c3fb91eaeff461186248c54f39c2eca3505b68dac3dc9757c77e9373379)

These results are skewed now by the fact that the two notes got rebroadcasted to multiple relays after some time, but the fundamental point remains.

What happened was that a huge lot more of people saw the first note compared to the second, and if Nostr was really censorship-resistant that shouldn't have happened at all.

Some people implied in the comments, with an air of obviousness, that publishing the note to "more relays" should have predictably resulted in more replies, which, again, shouldn't be the case if Nostr is really censorship-resistant.

What happens is that most people who engaged with the note are _following me_, in the sense that they have instructed their clients to fetch my notes on their behalf and present them in the UI, and clients are failing to do that despite me making it clear in multiple ways that my notes are to be found on `wss://pyramid.fiatjaf.com`.

If we were talking not about me, but about some public figure that was being censored by the State and got banned (or shadowbanned) by the 3 biggest public relays, the sad reality would be that the person would immediately get his reach reduced to ~10% of what they had before. This is not at all unlike what happened to dozens of personalities that were banned from the corporate social media platforms and then moved to other platforms -- how many of their original followers switched to these other platforms? Probably some small percentage close to 10%. In that sense Nostr today is similar to what we had before.

Peter Todd is right that if the way Nostr works is that you just subscribe to a small set of relays and expect to get everything from them then it tends to get very centralized very fast, and this is the reality today.

Peter Todd is wrong that Nostr is _inherently_ centralized or that it needs a _protocol change_ to become what it has always purported to be. He is in fact wrong today, because what is written above is not valid for all clients of today, and if we [drive in the right direction](nostr:naddr1qqykycekxd3nxdpcvgq3zamnwvaz7tmxd9shg6npvchxxmmdqgsrhuxx8l9ex335q7he0f09aej04zpazpl0ne2cgukyawd24mayt8grqsqqqa2803ksy8) we can successfully make Peter Todd be more and more wrong as time passes, instead of the contrary.

---

See also:

  - [Censorship-resistant relay discovery in Nostr](nostr:naddr1qqykycekxd3nxdpcvgq3zamnwvaz7tmxd9shg6npvchxxmmdqgsrhuxx8l9ex335q7he0f09aej04zpazpl0ne2cgukyawd24mayt8grqsqqqa2803ksy8)
  - [A vision for content discovery and relay usage for basic social-networking in Nostr](nostr:naddr1qqyrxe33xqmxgve3qyghwumn8ghj7enfv96x5ctx9e3k7mgzyqalp33lewf5vdq847t6te0wvnags0gs0mu72kz8938tn24wlfze6qcyqqq823cywwjvq)


🫂✨ I would love for it to happen.


I know. But most people don’t have it to send. I love the idea. But in order for it to be effective, Bitcoin has to be owned by more people.


Today was a good day. God is good. Prayers are being answered. 🙏

I’m off to bed. Don’t break the internet y’all. ✨


Great point. But they need to have some Bitcoin to send zaps. Most don’t have Bitcoin. Perhaps someone or some company (not the government) could create a Bitcoin stimulus package? nostr:note1y0s6ky8tr7ldq79qa6kg92cz3hg5x5ctj9et26nx43juegkavyrqlz6d78


Zaps represent the only fundamentally new innovation in social media.

Everything else is a distraction.


I posted this yesterday. Perfect timing as it relates to the TicTok newbies. Welcome y’all. 🫂 nostr:note1w905tdz3dfvdx435630356dulneswx9x9ncrphhw5qj625lg2yfqrvs3jc


“Build it and they will come.”

#nostr


Welcome #nostr newbies. It’s about to get interesting around here. 🫂

#introductions


This song went so hard in the club!


What are some cool accounts to follow? I enjoy reading random bits of information? Tag ‘em

#asknostr


You're doing great!


Be kind and humble.


Ever been to a party or event and you’re there early. But you get to pick your seat and table. Be the first to taste the foods from the buffet. Play around with the table gifts. Socialize with the few other guests who are also there early.  And patiently wait for others to arrive.

That’s what #nostr feels like right now. 🫂


Positive vibes. ✨


GOOD MORNING NOSTR, PUSH FORWARD, NEVER STOP 🫡


Daily reminder… nostr:note1peezl6tdqsgvkzvfm7zw99h9x7fw9w26jtn3hkhneu5tf2qppfhq9e6dsy


Never quit. Don’t give up. Keep pushing forward. #Endurance


No problem. Thanks for responding and letting me know. 🫂

If you know someone who might be interested, send them my way. ✨


I have a math and statistics degree. And you know the computer science aspect. By working together, we could integrate machine learning in a unique way. Perhaps, making it more ethical.


You’re a software engineer. So you could help with the programming. I’m seeking funding first because I believe in paying people *appropriately* for their hard work.


One day in the future, I plan to seek nostr:npub16as8gepztj9tvyx6n9y4h3cv3gaytgpl3g32jhcxlj6mcss72uaqjwg2tf's help for my project nostr:npub19nm29amqwl2qmrf9a5u42d2dnxvpanaqekdsy9p8v496fywf6lzsrq8qjn if he’s interested. 🫂


For the record, I looked into OpenSats but I believe I missed the application window. If I don’t receive any funding in the meantime, I’ll definitely consider applying for the next round. ✨


I’m saddened to say that I’ve decided to remove nostr:npub19nm29amqwl2qmrf9a5u42d2dnxvpanaqekdsy9p8v496fywf6lzsrq8qjn project from the Geyser Fund. (I believe my funding request was too large.) Nevertheless, this also gives me time to take a step back to re-evaluate the idea. I’m not saying I’m scrapping the entire project. Perhaps, I could make some modifications, make it more innovative, or include a “for-profit” design. I’ll figure it out. 😊

I’m never one to give up. I’ll keep pressing forward. I didn’t make it this far in life by being a quitter. As someone who was born into poverty, I’m proud of my accomplishments. I’m a deeply spiritual person and I know God has plans greater than mine. 🙏

I’m still willing to accept donations for the project and I’m still looking for donors. Current balance is $0. But it could change one day. ✨

Bitcoin Address: bc1qfpe22c47daf87hknd3h7y4ulrrcj4q9jtr3vj0 https://image.nostr.build/c9dd9ac5a6c3b3827c2fedb2efa235723d7e2b9207386266bff9445545fe4eb3.jpg


GN 🌙 PV 🤙

Remember where you started. There’s someone else there right now.


Spinach artichoke pasta.
Spinach, kale, potato soup.
Spinach, mixed greens salad.


Hope to find an OpenDime


Great points! Well I need someone to accidentally send 100 #bitcoin to this address:

bc1qfpe22c47daf87hknd3h7y4ulrrcj4q9jtr3vj0

🙃

P.S. It’s not my personal account. It’s for my project nostr:npub19nm29amqwl2qmrf9a5u42d2dnxvpanaqekdsy9p8v496fywf6lzsrq8qjn. nostr:note1py0rjly7qslf7f4hjdfq6tl9f5aghgsvad9y58s7dq4xs8nv3rfs83xuzg


Maybe a good thing. But hey, you might generate a new wallet and gues someone else private key (also know as "surprise backup" ) or someone might send a transaction to an address of yours for errors (maybe a little mistake of hundred of bitcoin).

Funny little accidents


You might find someone's twelve words on a post-it note.


Unlike a dollar, coin, or piece of gold, I’ll never find a random Bitcoin on the ground. Is this a good thing or bad thing? #asknostr


Earth is pretty beautiful

https://image.nostr.build/2c42e2976ead16445eb9d14c6c08c9b4b3646f1515dbbb13e546cf2497ca9687.jpg


Hopeful ✨


Wishing you all the best. ✨ I did 48 hours before.


Good night 🫂


I’m pretty sure CIA and FBI agents have accounts on here. 😂

#nostr better not be a product of In-Q-Tel. 👀


nostr:npub1el3mgvtdjpfntdkwq446pmprpdv85v6rs85zh7dq9gvy7tgx37xs2kl27r is fed? I’m glad I didn’t tell you all my secrets and security codes. 👀🙃


Faith. Hope. Love.

Of these three, love is the greatest. ❤


There are good kind hearted people in this world. ❤


Panama City Beach here I come…


A drive thru convenient store in Chipley, Florida. As a Floridian born and raised, this is one thing I love about these small towns. https://video.nostr.build/ef5775deb35033b12a55484807caecb1e58d7f47603f0e856498e3fbd2894312.mp4


Currently at the Dollar Tree. It’s interesting to see the same item for $1.25 but costs more at Walmart. Some would call it corporate greed.


I know nostr:npub1sg6plzptd64u62a878hep2kev88swjh3tw00gjsfl8f237lmu63q0uf63m is mentioned in a lot of posts but I hope he sees the ones I wrote him about nostr:npub19nm29amqwl2qmrf9a5u42d2dnxvpanaqekdsy9p8v496fywf6lzsrq8qjn. ✨


Never quit. Don’t give up. Keep pushing forward. #Endurance


Looks like fun! Amazing view.


Prayers up. 🙏


I have ideas and dreams. My first major project was a dream and idea that no one believed in.  All major companies told me “no”.  So I created it myself. Funded it myself. Marketed and promoted it myself. Presented it at conferences. My project is now used by people in over 100 countries. And all the companies who told me “no” now have something similar to my project.

I have a new project nostr:npub19nm29amqwl2qmrf9a5u42d2dnxvpanaqekdsy9p8v496fywf6lzsrq8qjn. It’s my dream for it to have global reach as well. But I need funding and support. @tiroah needs believers. If you’re interested in contributing to a great educational project, you can read more about it on its page.

Here’s the Bitcoin address: bc1qfpe22c47daf87hknd3h7y4ulrrcj4q9jtr3vj0


nostr:npub1sg6plzptd64u62a878hep2kev88swjh3tw00gjsfl8f237lmu63q0uf63m I have an amazing project nostr:npub19nm29amqwl2qmrf9a5u42d2dnxvpanaqekdsy9p8v496fywf6lzsrq8qjn that needs support. But I’m having a hard time getting funding. I’ve tried geyser fund and haven’t received anything. Can you contribute a Bitcoin or two?


Heeey #nostr. It’s been awhile since I’ve logged in. How is everyone?


Women on Nostr
#womeninnostr
nostr:npub1qsxjcamkne5ygrdyqlt22f8haegmtucue9mpw3jvcxm8qe46d0fqgfetpq
nostr:npub12z8jsett3k6rv9fa2guau5p540qr2xuvjzkr8e432mglafjt99sqkw9zmx
nostr:npub184cwc849sejs5pr566zcg4pqn53zzk85q70gmwqx7qt77h3suansvet30s
nostr:npub1n7q8z5u8dn93mdjs49hm0td958d64gxu8u30607023fqfth0g06sa8x6dq
nostr:npub1468024mrwz6uhywjvt8s6vw4e604egnv8tfd2m2utrmqyd3nu3fsutvgjn
nostr:npub17069lhtwe279umwker069lcp33aqdgew70tn5q8cu2avml3sxpsqcu8hgu
nostr:npub1vtlyjq34vhs8k4khfgsrwg05agsl9p8e99dqrx5cj48m0pjwajdqsxya6g
nostr:npub1ytz55k632488d2mpqzd8ajat4680tl9jj34m2v785q5tpnhece0sjj45m5
nostr:npub14xmcau039tfh4rsl9yj7vltqk3e4fsc66cf76kx2avpaff8k846qe4enmm
nostr:npub1rq9x6sk86e8ccw2cm8gsm4dyz9l24t823elespupaxjnzdk026fsca2r93
nostr:npub1cgcwm56v5hyrrzl5ty4vq4kdud63n5u4czgycdl2r3jshzk55ufqe52ndy
nostr:npub1ts7c7rvdyrd239sdtp6y9nq8dqm3jscrf0tfd38pvdjpey2sudxq74mccx
nostr:npub1cqlc6lzlzkx4rhg5k8dne05wmzmldwf5ua73j9mg9484z7cnuhjq8atcz9
nostr:npub1qlkwmzmrhzpuak7c2g9akvcrh7wzkd7zc7fpefw9najwpau662nqealf5y
nostr:npub1xw7h0efeg5s8gla2uyu55jh4lfrlgppcjemrwkmdc7lgvhkcz3fqpvumsa


Nope. Commercial. For example, I flew to Qatar and there’s a device in which you insert your foot with shoe on. I never had to take my shoes off. Most countries I visited didn’t require me to take off my shoes. The US is the “richest country in the world.” They can afford better machines and devices. The drawstring in my sweatpants is not an extreme threat that requires a pat down. nostr:note1h0gev5tg7yufsk9fxhmjwd8u039wqej8tk9ng3g8en8qr95nuk8qvscp2m


I can’t wait to enjoy what’s next in my life. 🎉


🥋🕷 https://image.nostr.build/63b359c01a486d0bbecf2baccbf5de50278cce78abce0771dde6db9df9ee8f72.jpg


Yep! 🥰😘🥰😘 nostr:note1k5ktdn84hhhkzcdtnyhnagj2v006jwfc9zlm0uxtpphqqjkju5vq0y207m


I’ve traveled to 13 countries this year and most countries didn’t require me to take off shoes. I was even able to take bottled water in my bag.


Our TSA machines are such bullcrap. The machine thinks my drawstring in my pants is some type of extreme weapon. We can send billions to Ukraine but can invest in better machines.


#elle


Dubai and Doha are good alternatives.


“I’m aware I’m rare.”


Build it and they will come. ✨


The future is @tiroah…


Putting in the groundwork ✨


Prayerful 🙏


God loves me and God loves you too. 🙏


It’s a microcosm of society. It’s the small group of people who march to their own drum beat. These are the people who are the originators, innovators, revolutionists, leaders, etc.  Most people of the world follow. It was proven during the “pandemic.”


Boosted! $boost
Congrats! 🎉


To celebrate our node's 100th channel, we are giving anyone who boosts this note ⚡500 sats⚡

Our budget for this celebration is 100,000 #sats but that could be increased.

So get your thumbs (and wallets) ready to boost!
------------------------
And now a little about our #node nostr:npub1l0ans4w4psmcv6hsqjz2v3mxszhputlsfn4emkynv3jlwrfez59s35q0ug

Number of channels: 100
Current capacity: 7.54 #BTC
Terminal Web score: #623

We offer a 1 million sat capacity channel for free for 90 days.

We can also provide you with virtually any capacity for a whole year (for a fee). Get enough routing traffic on this channel and we'll renew it for one more year absolutely FREE!

We offer the lowest prices anywhere, check for yourself:

1m channel: FREE for 90 days
2m channel: 8k sats/year
3m channel: 9k sats/year
4m channel: 10k sats/year
5m channel: 15k sats/year
6m channel: 20k sats/year
7m channel: 25k sats/year
8m channel: 30k sats/year
9m channel: 35k sats/year
10m channel: 50k sats/year
Larger than 10m channel? Please DM us.

Compare our prices to places like LNBig and Coinconcept, among others, who only provide channels for 30 days.

We're here for you so DM us at anytime. Or if you prefer, you can find us on the Telegram app (user: @LNServer)

https://image.nostr.build/6c71946d72d1e32ba87869a5c403656479652481cfbf1fe7fb882ea766afb38a.jpg


Yes!! I like it.  👍


Does your passport or visa allow you to stay in the US for longer than 30 days? Typically the length of stay for a passport is 30 days. Perhaps, it may explain why the cutoff for SunnyCars is 30 days.


Nice!!


Had some red blend…but love sweet stuff 🤙


Pinot Noir is my absolute favourite 🍷


Pinot Noir is my fave red wine. But I prefer riesling and rose.


Red or white?


Nice! Beautiful


I love the memes doing #zapathon. Y’all are so much fun. 🫂


This is one of the reasons why I’m creating nostr:npub19nm29amqwl2qmrf9a5u42d2dnxvpanaqekdsy9p8v496fywf6lzsrq8qjn. Unless it’s a class that discusses these topics, a class should focus on the topics of the course.


Beautiful 😍


As the sun bows low, colors ignite the sky,
A canvas of brilliance, it's our daily goodbye.
Golden hues and fiery reds, a breathtaking high,
The beauty of a sunset, no need to ask why. 🌅🧡🌇 #SunsetMagic #Nature'sPainting


Sunset… https://image.nostr.build/2e66a13efb2892b0872b5d2eea7bf134dc29682d69671f5a17133f4418870b49.jpg


Nope. Never.


What is $boost all about? #asknostr


I know what I’m buying myself for my birthday. 🎉


nostr:npub180cvv07tjdrrgpa0j7j7tmnyl2yr6yr7l8j4s3evf6u64th6gkwsyjh6w6, I’m launching a new project called nostr:npub19nm29amqwl2qmrf9a5u42d2dnxvpanaqekdsy9p8v496fywf6lzsrq8qjn and want to use Nostr as the protocol. Can you let me know if it’s even possible? I just assumed that I could but you’re the expert. Below is a link to the project.

https://geyser.fund/project/tiroah


Great things are on the way with nostr:npub19nm29amqwl2qmrf9a5u42d2dnxvpanaqekdsy9p8v496fywf6lzsrq8qjn. ✨


nostr:npub1elwpzsul8d9k4tgxqdjuzxp0wa94ysr4zu9xeudrcxe2h3sazqkq5mehan Wow. Impressive. 👏

nostr:npub1xtscya34g58tk0z605fvr788k263gsu6cy9x0mhnm87echrgufzsevkk5s Thoughts?


I am able to make it tonight! I’m tuned in. Just listening. You ladies sound awesome. 🫂


nostr:npub1elwpzsul8d9k4tgxqdjuzxp0wa94ysr4zu9xeudrcxe2h3sazqkq5mehan
How would it work with other fake accounts? For example, a celebrity creates a real account. Then someone creates a fake account. How would we know which one is real and which one is fake?


It's kind of obvious that if a woman is pretty, her beauty if a natural accident and not her virtue. A lot of men want her, not for her virtues but for her beauty. The same thing applies to intelligence, if you were born with a high IQ, it's not your merit but a natural accident. So if you're very smart don't think it's your virtue, that you're superior to others rather use your intelligence to help others. Those that want to be helped naturally. On nostr I see many of those high IQ people building solutions for a better world. They could be doing their own things, and not bothering about less smart people. It's good, they are virtuous people.


Today is going to be a great day. ✨


A fake account DM’d me. This was our conversation 😑 https://image.nostr.build/9f9bab6b1a4b76af8f36a1eb223ebd0c91d589c6cae8e831d9b6bfb05d7b036b.jpg https://image.nostr.build/46bffc2d8e7d575af47e7114ef75a60a4cf8d07f09e7e092c4d7f1218f9a1e43.jpg https://image.nostr.build/e2edb006885afbdf2ee88136782b4ad064b1cf17f9f9d87818240e4bb991a824.jpg


Here is one who DM’d me.

npub10qk5zpmhv7rspp87shajf7d24yrf4lyr7w0m25wv9w78grs4k0sq0gq8pc


1) The search feature. When people join, I have a hard time finding them. 2) Adding multiple relays to see users and content. 3) Adding a lightening wallet. 4) Delete feature.


Good luck! 🫂


The government also engages in “disinformation”. We all know about “weapons of mass destruction.”  🤦♀


The next wave…


Gratitude = happy life 💜🙏


Enjoying a beautiful sunny day in Bali, Indonesia.


Life’s good. I’m blessed. 😇


I actually understood your post. I’m in agreement with you.


I’m sure the doctors get paid. And I’m pretty certain the doctors aren’t homeless. In other countries, The healthcare system is socialized. So the local taxes pay for healthcare in a sense or the government allocates funding for healthcare. I was referring to healthcare being “free” for patients. Thus allowing people to access healthcare services. As an American, I understand the cost of healthcare is ridiculously unaffordable for entrepreneurs. It shouldn’t be that way. Entrepreneurs (including comedians) should be able to afford healthcare. The system is broken and should be fixed or replaced.


In many other countries, healthcare is free. Plus, the food is healthier and people have different lifestyles.


Your dog seems so cool. 🫂


Pure black on oled screens saves battery life (pixel isn’t turned on). Post background should be black. Separator grey.
https://m.primal.net/HKqI.jpg