Jacob | Five Eye Tea

Public Key

npub14zwvjvf0ztfp8hlwzv2hqtpjhaugwrgecrvlwrggq2vj8kdd36tscjmw42

Profile Code

nprofile1qqs238xfxyh395snmlhpx9ts9set77y8p5vupk0hp5yq9xfrmxkca9cpz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0dsg5te3v

Publishing to

relay.damus.io

nos.lol

Author Public Key

npub14zwvjvf0ztfp8hlwzv2hqtpjhaugwrgecrvlwrggq2vj8kdd36tscjmw42

Show more details

Last Notes

2024-09-12 18:07:55

- reply

I understand the convenience of being able to freely move between EU territories if you're a legal citizen. However, if I'm not mistaken, this action by Germany is just applying to non-citizen illegal immigrants, right?

2024-09-12 09:54:16

- reply

I fail to see how this is a bad thing? National borders are a good thing, it's only logical to only let people in if they go through a vetting system.

2024-09-07 01:07:41

- reply

I don't own one because money is really tight for me, but I certainly plan to get one at some point when I am able to afford both the weapon and classes to use it safely and effectively. Sounds like a great concept!

2024-09-06 16:01:50

- reply

I think he would be, if not for the fact that he's the richest man alive and has virtually unlimited resources (as well as a growing friendship with the potential next president of the United States). Pavel Durov, he is wealthy, but nowhere near as wealthy as Elon. Plus, Elon's business ventures span more industries than Pavel's. That means that arresting him would cause more of an economic reaction than arresting a man who runs a chat app.
Now, if we're talking cause, it's definitely 100% political. The fact that Discord and Facebook propagate far more illegal materials than Telegram, yet neither company is in legal trouble over it, tells you all you need to know. Telegram may not be the best app for privacy, but they didn't really censor political speech, and I think that is the number one cause for Durov's arrest.

2024-09-06 15:55:21

- reply

I remember getting somewhat of a similar reaction back in the day when I said that I didn't have Facebook. I eventually caved and got Facebook, but I wish I didn't because now I want to get rid of it, but I can't since some family only communicates that way 😂 But yeah, I have noticed that people do seem to get shocked if you don't have whatever the trending social media is. I say that I don't have TikTok and I get some Gen Z'ers looking at me as if I'm insane haha

2024-09-06 15:52:22

- reply

In all fairness, it is kind of a nasty thing to think about. I know some people really like it, but I just can't get past the concept of it.

2024-09-04 14:22:33

- reply

That's a really good question. For me, Bitcoin is the one because of how it's thoroughly decentralized and has a robust network alongside the value that BTC holds. It's absolutely not a maxi thing for me, I just feel it makes more sense to use both BTC and XMR for different use cases.

2024-09-02 11:43:30

Amethyst outright hiding perfectly legitimate notes that I end up missing, it's starting to REALLY drive me nuts...

2024-09-02 11:41:55

- reply

Agreed, it gets really old. I've deleted all of them except MeWe, Nostr, Tusky (Mastodon) and X. X is just a PWA now, though the app is still on my phone since the PWA doesn't allow me to upload media, but almost all of my time is away from big tech social networks.
Also, if people wondered what MeWe is, it's a privacy-friendy Facebook alternative, no algos and a pretty great community, so I don't mind hanging out there.

2024-09-02 08:52:28

Phenomenal short! Naomi Brockwell summarizes this subject so well in less than a minute.
https://odysee.com/@NaomiPrivacyTips:1/why-is-privacy-important-shorts:7
#privacy #privacymatters #digitalfreedom

2024-09-01 07:42:43

I have not been moved by a piece of music like this in a very long time. I had heard all the albums independently but listening to them in story order in one sitting, you really pick up on the story and all the use of leitmotif through it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdoVoUjwKYM
#music #rock #metal #progrock

2024-09-01 02:36:55

- reply

Quick question. I understand using SimpleX and Session because those are decentralized and private options that also offer censorship resistance. However, Threema is a paid app, and as far as I know, it isn't decentralized, is it?
Personally, I use Signal for most things, although I find myself using Matrix (through Element) for decentralized communities, as well as Session if I want to engage in anonymous discussions. I've recently been exploring SimpleX; I like the concept but I have some concerns over ownership as well as how they conduct their anonymity. Oh, and the notification spam is problematic so I couldn't see myself using it unless I'm only talking in a couple groups.

2024-08-29 22:22:17

- reply

I don't have many sats myself so I won't be able to contribute much if that's what it is 😂

2024-08-29 22:19:52

So, as a relative newcomer to #Nostr, can someone explain #zapathon to me? Is it just where people go nuts sending zaps?

2024-08-29 22:14:43

- reply

I use Cake Wallet and then Minibits for Lightning.

2024-08-29 21:54:57

- reply

That's why I hate typing on a phone keyboard.

2024-08-28 13:36:44

- reply

I definitely get what you mean. I'm a small town guy from rural Pennsylvania so I get a pretty decent picture of how bad western cities are any time I visit a big city in the States.

2024-08-28 13:13:06

- reply

There are quite a few places in Asia that I want to see (mostly in Japan) but Singapore is definitely on the list.

2024-08-28 11:53:39

- reply

Wow, the fact that you listed me among so many great people in this space is an honor, thank you! Found some new people to follow, also, thanks to this list.

2024-08-25 01:13:06

I really need to change my profile pic. That thing is, what, six years old at this point? Goes to show how much I dislike having my picture taken. 😅

2024-08-25 01:05:24

- reply

And #FreePavel (even if Telegram itself sucks).

2024-08-25 01:04:40

- reply

I try to promote it but I also do my best to be realistic as well. There are issues that make it difficult for people to get into it, sadly, but I do believe it rests at the core of what CAN help fix the world's issues.

2024-08-23 02:58:31

- reply

Okay, that worked but the blocked words are in Garnet now too. I can't unblock them, it literally won't work when I push the unblock button... It's really starting to frustrate me because that's why I tried Garnet instead of Amethyst in the first place.

2024-08-22 04:08:45

- reply

True, but there are also a lot of people who tend to fall back on a very ignorant "if I ignore it, it won't happen" mentality. For those people, presenting Bitcoin as the solution to fiat won't really do much.
As for the know-how, I'm a tech geek myself and I tend to get easily confused on matters pertaining to Bitcoin and cryptocurrency in general, even the less desirable options out there. I definitely don't ever see a lot of the elderly population using it and, well, younger generations lack attention spans thanks to TikTok and the like that I'm not sure it'd work great with them either.

2024-08-22 03:41:38

Resist with all your might. This is the line in the sand. If this goes through, freedom is dead and it won't be coming back.
https://reclaimthenet.org/big-brother-goes-digital-the-feds-race-to-integrate-mobile-ids-in-america
#privacy #DigitalRights #freedom

2024-08-21 10:49:42

- reply

I guess I can grasp that. I just don't see a reason to never use Bitcoin even when you still have fiat in your possession. If I were able to obtain Bitcoin (tried and just can't figure out a viable means for me), I'd obviously save and stack as I can but I'd also try to use that Bitcoin for transactions if it's a possibility.

2024-08-21 10:25:08

- reply

Sure, but most people assume fiat is the only real option outside of trading, and that's not exactly feasible for every sort of business. Bitcoin has to be there when people start to see the flaws of fiat.
And honestly, between KYC and the general technical know-how you need to understand it, it makes things difficult even then.

2024-08-21 00:00:33

- reply

Yes, but the unblock button won't work. It literally does nothing no matter how I tap the button, and that's the case for all of the hidden words.

2024-08-20 11:40:20

Okay, someone's gonna need to tell me how to removed blocked words from #Amethyst. The unblock button does nothing and I legitimately cannot see one of my own posts because of it.
Please help, #asknostr!

2024-08-20 10:37:31

Can someone more knowledgeable explain to me the reason so many Bitcoiners embrace the #hodl mentality?
I get the logic, that's not the problem. Saving money is generally better than spending. That's just wise personal finance skills. However, money is money and if you never use it to buy things, how is it any better than an incredibly expensive collection of cryptographic data? And how are more businesses expected to start accepting #Bitcoin if Bitcoiners don't ever spend their money? Furthermore, how will a Bitcoin-powered parallel economy function if everyone is stingily hoarding their coins?
As always, this is a genuine question. No hate or coin wars intended, I'm just trying to figure out what the argument is. #asknostr

2024-08-18 15:38:23

- reply

To be fair, I think it's good that it's not an "escape Elon" destination. Mastodon took that approach when Elon bought Twitter and thus all the hardcore political content is there, whereas Nostr has a much better community focused more on life and self-improvement.

2024-08-18 15:34:16

If I want to send my sats from #zaps to my main #Bitcoin wallet in Cake Wallet, how would I go about doing that? Is it even possible?
#asknostr

2024-08-17 05:22:45

- reply

I tried both In n Out and Whataburger when visiting Texas for the first time last November. Both knock everything us east coasters have out of the park. I actually preferred Whataburger's burgers overall, but In n Out's simplicity and consistency makes them just as good in different ways. Plus, the atmosphere of their restaurants is immensely appealing.

2024-08-17 05:20:34

After months of gradually watching bits and pieces of this interview, I finished it just now. Chuck and David are already my favorite content creators in this space, with Chuck being the one who influenced me to step out into studying networking/cybersec. This interview just led me to respect the both of them 100x more than I already did, especially that wholesome last segment.
https://odysee.com/@davidbombal:0/network-chuck-hacked-youtube!-learn-how:1
#IT #cybersec #networking #pentesting

2024-08-17 02:42:39

Starset takes aim at #TikTok, influencers and the people who follow them. Unfathomably based lyrics. 🔥
"Zoomers and boomers and fascists and groomers
And commie consumers and lions and tigers and bears.
Oh my!
Oh my!
Dunning and Kruger are your real abusers
Cause you are a product and I say it's buyer beware.
Hands over eyes!
I think that they have you so afraid,
You say what they think you don't really think what they say.
Keep them at bay!
Killed off religion and made up a new one
Where no one can question at all if it's ever your fault.
Hey, what's that called?
I can't recall...
Oh yeah, you're in a cult!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHDSz5PFF14
#music #dystopia

2024-08-16 13:52:27

Every day, I'm using #Nostr more than #Mastodon/the Fediverse. Don't get me wrong, I really like the technology of the Fediverse and definitely think it has a place, but I'm just getting so sick of the toxic political garbage over there. All of that toxicity went to Mastodon when Elon bought #Twitter and it has made the last month or so completely unbearable, and I suspect it will only get worse leading up to the election.
It's wild when Twitter offers better, more productive discussions than the platform that the allegedly "enlightened side" fled to. I have no issues with different political opinions; if they can respect me, I'll respect them no matter how much I disagree (though I am quite firm on some moral issues). However, if you're anywhere even remotely right-leaning, you'll run into all sorts of people who are just waiting for the opportunity to waste time with antagonistic, truly hate-filled nonsense.
Meanwhile, Nostr's community seems to be focused on improvement: of technology, of the world, of the self.
Don't get me wrong. I'm a traditionalist who is massively against big government and would be considered right-wing. I get into political debates sometimes in my personal life. However, in the real world, you can end the discussion, walk away and do something else. Online, it's incredibly draining seeing that crap everywhere, especially when I see ignorance or comments that I STRONGLY disagree with.
Using Nostr (and my home/private life social network, MeWe) is a nice digital oasis to rest and recharge in before heading back out into the desert of AI, attention-hog influencers and genuinely hateful individuals.

2024-08-16 13:35:31

By chance, does anyone know how to remove the default blocked words on #Amethyst? I try to use the unblock button but it does nothing.
#asknostr

2024-08-16 12:58:18

- reply

I'm 28 and not a dad but my humor is mostly dad jokes. They're the best haha

2024-08-16 03:54:56

We're halfway into August and yet Samsung has not pushed a security update for my phone since January. This isn't acceptable. It's bad enough they've relegated my phone to update every six months, but they're outright late on it.
#Samsung #Android #security

2024-08-14 20:36:06

- reply

Does Silent use traditional cell service? If not, it wouldn't be very helpful for those of us in America, especially those of us with family who refuse to ditch SMS in favor of messengers like Signal.

2024-08-14 11:50:44

- reply

My main concern is that unless you use a provider like Tracfone which requires no KYC to use, you're still going to have to provide info. Just like KYC destroys Bitcoin's privacy, it destroys privacy with a cellular plan. As for providers like Tracfone, I have no idea if they'd support Graphene.

2024-08-13 06:51:46

- reply

Yep, I currently use Amethyst but I'm not sure if I'll stick with it. I like it but I'm not keen on how it seems to hide certain posts for "blocked words".

2024-08-13 05:58:34

- reply

How do I do that? When the signing popup shows up, I only see an approve or deny button.
As for the Amethyst issue, that's pretty sucky, not going to lie. I really like Amethyst but if they're trying to censor a platform designed to be uncensorable, I definitely do think I'll start looking for an alternative. Can anyone confirm/deny if Garnet has this issue? I've had folks recommend it to me.
Either way, thanks for your response!

2024-08-13 05:50:01

So, I have two quick questions for Nostr:
1) On the web version, I get a lot of authorization requests from Flamingo whenever I'm doing things and sometimes, even when I'm idling. I understand that I have to authorize notes, reactions and so forth but I'm not sure why it's asking for authorization on so many things. I use Coracle as my web client, as no other Nostr web client seems to work for me.
2) On Android, I use Amethyst and I've noticed lately that a lot of notes tend to be hidden due to "words you've blocked" or something along those lines... yet I never did block any words, and I didn't know that was even an option. It still lets me see the notes if I tap the unhide button but I'm just curious why this keeps happening and if there's a way for me to fix this.
Thanks for anyone who can offer suggestions!
#asknostr

2024-08-13 05:38:03

- reply

Well said. I'm not at all a fan of the idea of not being able to delete or edit a comment. The argument of a "more honest internet" is a cope. Yes, both features can be misused but privacy is a human right. While it's true that you can't truly, fully delete things online (and, of course, the technical challenges of throwing a decentralized platform into the mix), that doesn't mean users shouldn't have full control over their online presence as far as the technology permits.
I mean, every one of us has said things online that we would like to forget, and definitely wouldn't want associated with our modern persona. It's not like we're all born with the knowledge of privacy and the permanence of the internet, especially those of us who grew up with the internet. How is it fair that we would all have to potentially pay the price of our past internet idiocy just so we can have a "more honest internet"? It's just a stupid concept. It's like saying, "privacy is dead so let's just give every bit of info to everyone who wants it". That whole argument is a total joke and it doesn't hold up to logic.
See, this is exactly what bugs me about the maxi mentality against privacy coins like Monero. Yes, I love Bitcoin but that doesn't mean I don't take issue with some of its concepts. The immutable, public ledger is a privacy issue; just because it's pseudonymous, that doesn't mean I'm okay with people knowing every transaction I make if they are able to attach a real-world identity to my wallet address(es).
At the end of the day, you cannot have self-sovereignty without privacy.

2024-08-13 03:33:46

- reply

Yep, I had that issue with my old email, Im very glad I changed emails.

2024-08-12 15:03:35

- reply

I see what you're saying but I don't think that is solely because of fiat. Some humans have been that way since the dawn of our existence. I DO, however, think that the fiat system/fractional reserve banking has certainly exacerbated that mentality, though. Probably a byproduct of the fact that everyone's in a perpetual state of debt when living under fiat.

2024-08-12 14:45:29

- reply

Cake is the best wallet I've used, even though I don't exactly have a lot of experience with crypto wallets. Aside from a bug that I'm going to have to message support about, it has been a completely positive experience.
Congrats and best wishes for this new journey!

2024-08-12 14:42:32

- reply

I don't hate Twitter unlike most people here but if this happened to me, I'd just quit it entirely. Not going to KYC myself just to use a social network.

2024-08-12 14:38:50

- reply

I cross-post on Nostr, Mastodon and X, but it's manual so it can get a bit tiresome at times. I usually just back away from all of it for a few days when I feel exhausted of it. I would give it all up but I'm enjoying the networking I've been doing. Good for finding friends and for finding people who can help boost a career, which is good for me since I'm working on a career change.

2024-08-12 14:32:16

- reply

Yet Telegram remains, yes? Guess that proves Pavel was talking out his backside with his recent slander against Signal 😂

2024-08-12 07:58:27

- reply

No. Companies need to remain neutral as much as possible. After all, there are two sides to pretty much any debate and there's no reason a company needs to start taking opinionated sides on things that are totally unrelated to their business.

2024-08-12 06:11:42

- reply

Absolutely, and I totally get that a lot of Bitcoiners and Nostr users genuinely are just really passionate about the tech. I'm sure the trolling comes from a minority of the community, and maybe some of them don't even realize they're acting the way they are. I just think that the easier we make this stuff for people, the quicker we'll start seeing something closer to mass adoption. There's a lot of skepticism in the world of blockchain (rightfully so), so keeping things difficult definitely doesn't help matters haha

2024-08-12 05:18:51

- reply

Yes, I agree, that approach is what got me interested in Bitcoin. Previously, I only saw it as an "investment" opportunity until it started going up and down. I didn't realize how freeing it can be.
I agree entirely about how we need to be able to quickly summarize it. An elevator pitch, as it were.

2024-08-12 03:57:22

- reply

My guess is that if you link to an untrustworthy Nostr app/PWA, that could be a problem as well. It's why I wish browser extensions like Flamingo would add PIN locks to them. In theory, any site could access your private key because the extension isn't locked.

2024-08-12 03:55:57

- reply

I mean, we've all heard some of the same concerns. Concerns over the "hackability" of the network, the lack of understanding surrounding self-sovereignty, the fact that you aren't FDIC insured, the way you have to get a cold wallet if you want to get serious about Bitcoin... I know the answers to all of those but even intellectuals are concerned about that and I can't blame them because the responses are usually just "Bitcoin is superior", "Bitcoin is unconfiscatable" and so forth.
Again, I agree with statements like those but to an outsider, it really does just sound like a cultish ponzi scheme. Then, there are also the concerns surrounding the ways you obtain Bitcoin. I'm pro-BTC but there aren't any good ways to obtain it if you don't have friends who are willing to pay you in Bitcoin, and that has kept me from buying any for myself. Either you surrender your privacy AND risk your identity by buying from CEXes, you risk your money by buying from DEXes, or you pay a huge fee buying from an ATM.
At the end of the day, no matter how great this technology is, I do believe that we -- as a community -- need to be ready to answer skeptics patiently and with proper information rather than "You're not bullish enough", "Bitcoin fixes everything", "all others are s***coins" and other such vague/cultish/goofy statements. We don't win people over by making them feel like idiots. Not every skeptic is a troll, and unfortunately, I've seen so much ridicule toward people who genuinely might have been interested before then.

2024-08-11 20:47:01

- reply

Gotcha, but that can also happen with any social media. I guess the immutability of the private key and lack of 2FA is particularly a problem in that case though.

2024-08-11 15:52:39

- reply

I'm new and a bit of a security geek, can you explain how the private key can be leaked?

2024-08-11 04:12:25

I really love free software. I could go on about WHY I love it but there's just such a peace of mind when you think about just how free you are when you use this sort of software. #FOSStr #opensource

2024-08-11 00:03:39

- reply

Thanks, I'll check that out!

2024-08-10 14:39:35

- reply

That's definitely apparent to me haha. Really trying to learn because I can see how this tech will be important in the coming years, decades and beyond.

2024-08-10 14:34:33

- reply

Thanks, I really appreciate this. I know I'm following a few of those but I'll take a closer look!

2024-08-10 14:31:08

- reply

Thanks for these, I will definitely make note of them.

2024-08-10 14:19:12

- reply

I use Amethyst, how would I access the live feature? I've spotted things like communities, the video shorts feed and so forth.
And I'd certainly appreciate recommendations, thank you!

2024-08-10 14:16:19

- reply

Well, in this instance, I'm basically just curious if there are general coverage channels that discuss the technology, do feature tutorials/explanations and so forth.

2024-08-10 14:12:28

- reply

Well, that sucks but thanks for your reply. Shame I'm still so new to Nostr, otherwise I'd do it myself haha

2024-08-10 14:10:35

- reply

I'm new to Nostr so I can't answer whether relays can see your IP but Signal's servers definitely can see your IP. Other users can't unless you do a video call and you can force Signal to route through their servers for video calls if you want to protect your IP (though non-contact video calls are routed this way automatically).

2024-08-10 13:59:21

- reply

Closest I can think of would be Session. Runs on a decentralized onion routing network, end-to-end encrypted and anonymous.
Problem is that it's quite slow at times and a lot of maxis would have an aneurysm over how the onion routing nodes are secured by staking OXEN (soon to be Session Token), but the average user doesn't have to even think about that and it helps prevent sybil attacks like Tor is vulnerable to.
Still, I'd be interested in seeing what the Nostr devs could come up with!

2024-08-10 13:55:29

Are there any good content creators that discuss #Nostr in an intermediate way? Not for normies but also not in a jargony technical manual way?
I'm studying IT so I can grasp technicality but I prefer content that doesn't take the tech manual way.
#asknostr

2024-08-10 13:31:00

You know, this is dead accurate. When I'm on my free time, I'm thinking about all sorts of #IT subjects, from Linux to retro computers to antivirus software.
Meanwhile, when I'm working on things, I tend to daydream about hobbies like drinking #tea, playing games or watching anime/Kdrama. It's bizarre but true 😂 #memestr #techmemes https://image.nostr.build/c5dd181d2cbd1a48a270fdfdaae341180a3531a8deeb652df2cc7de444abdfd0.jpg

2024-08-10 02:30:20

- reply

Independent indexes like Brave Search help reduce this issue.

2024-08-09 03:10:15

- reply

2024-08-08 14:53:35

- reply

This is the problem I take with your stance. Use BTC only, if that's your preference. That's all good! However, when you're effectively telling others they shouldn't use altcoins because they're not Bitcoin, that's where the problem lies. I'm not telling YOU to stop using Bitcoin and I'm not insulting your choice.

2024-08-08 13:17:21

- reply

I'm not telling you what to do, I'm simply saying that there ARE genuine use cases for some altcoins. Just because you choose not to use them, that doesn't make them useless.

2024-08-08 12:03:01

- reply

SMH y'all realize that this insufferable, cultish mentality that some maxis have is exactly what turns people away, right?

2024-08-08 12:02:32

- reply

Never heard of it but I'll have to look into it, as a decentralized DNS alternative sounds pretty awesome.

2024-08-08 06:16:00

- reply

Thanks for the recommendation! I might give it a try at some point.

2024-08-08 06:00:35

- reply

Yes, Nostrudel seems to have gone for that old Reddit look and it's just not for me. I can tolerate a blocky interface like Coracle's but it has to be readable and Nostrudel just didn't feel readable to me hah

2024-08-08 05:47:52

- reply

I tried using Snort and Primal when I first started using Nostr, neither ever seemed to want to load content for me and I'm not quite sure why. I ended up having to settle for Coracle, which is just about the only web client that actually works for me, though its GUI is quite outdated.
That said, on mobile, I use and love Amethyst as it just works perfectly for me.

2024-08-08 05:30:56

There are a lot of great #Linux creators out there but DistroTube is, by far, my favorite. Not only is his presentation style great and easy to follow, but he has a very fair and moderate approach to #FOSS topics, while still doing his best to try to get people to switch. It's a unique balance that I highly respect!

2024-08-08 04:03:43

- reply

Whoa okay, thanks again for this response! What you're basically saying is that the reason they don't go after Bitcoin/Monero that way is because they'd effectively only be feeding both economies while destroying their own fiat economy?
Geez, that's genius design haha

2024-08-08 04:01:01

- reply

Considering the fact that money is central to the human existence, it's usually not completely separate. IPFS, as a network, functions on its own without Filecoin. However, with Filecoin, it incentivizes more people to host, making the network stronger. Voluntary hosting can only do so much.
This is similar to how Session, as a messaging app, is just an end-to-end encrypted messaging app running over an onion routing network, and you never have to even think about the crypto side of things, yet the nodes in that onion routing network are hosted by people who stake the OXEN cryptocurrency (though they're switching over to a new token called Session Token). By staking this token, it locks down that node while also earning the host some income over time. This reduces the likelihood of sybil attacks (one of Tor's only inherent anonymity weaknesses) because governments would have to stake OXEN/Session Token and, well, the blockchain transparency means we'd be more likely to know about it as a community.
In terms of LBRY, they probably would have been better off NOT having their token (LBC) since that's what the SEC went after to shut down the company, but the network lives on because it's driven by the LBRY blockchain. It's also what allowed Odysee, which was once just LBRY's main web front-end (and spun off into its own company ~2-3 years ago), to regroup and start switching over to a new framework that's operating on Arweave.
I can also give another example of blockchain being used like this: MeWe. Previously just a centralized, privacy-friendly alternative to Facebook, they've recently completed a migration over to Frequency, using Decentralized Social Network Protocol (DSNP). Frequency is specifically designed to be a utility blockchain that hosts decentralized social networks. Frequency tokens aren't worth any money, yet they will eventually offer voting power over the way the blockchain is governed over time.
In general, I totally get the skepticism over crypto. I also agree that Bitcoin is undoubtedly the best cryptocurrency and blockchain. However, we also have to be fair and recognize some of the weaknesses, as well as the fact that there are definitely still ways that blockchain and altcoins can be useful to a future digital society. Not all of them are ponzi memecoins, some of them have some really awesome potential that we can use side-by-side with Bitcoin.

2024-08-08 03:00:37

- reply

I've not been able to get into Bitcoin because of the KYC issue. It's not even so much of a principle thing for me (though that's certainly part of it), I just don't feel comfortable offering sensitive documents to CEXes, which are undoubtedly one of the largest targets for black hats. Considering the fact that I have no way to verify they're doing due diligence on their security, and considering the fact that the docs they require aren't easy to replace if there's a data breach, I certainly won't give it to them. Most I might consider is a passport.
That said, KYC itself is complete anathema to the core principles of what Bitcoin is supposed to be. I really don't know how anyone is okay with it, but I also don't know any other way to get around it unless you know people in your personal life who can transact with Bitcoin (and I don't, since I live in a rural small town that has a majority of elderly folks). DEXes might be an option but every time I've tried to use one, it just didn't work out, and there are a few Bitcoin ATMs within an hour's drive... but the problem is that they cost a 20% fee, which is absolutely ABSURD.

2024-08-08 02:56:07

- reply

Thanks for the in-depth answer. That's really good for stopping most attacks but what if a major government operating on a bank-sponsored blank check (which is pretty much any government running off of fractional reserve banking) wakes up someday and decides to set their sights on Bitcoin? If they have as much money as they need, couldn't they just say "screw the fees" and attack regardless?

2024-08-08 02:52:16

- reply

Some quick suggestions.
For decentralization, check out IPFS or LBRY. While IPFS isn't specifically a blockchain, it does make use of blockchain for its Filecoin token which incentivizes people to contribute to the IPFS network (which, itself, offers a potentially better version of the internet in the long run).
Meanwhile, LBRY runs off of the LBRY blockchain and allows users to upload content that's decentralized and solely under the control of the person who uploads it. It can't just be taken down arbitrarily.
And in terms of governance, that's the area where things are still developing but it's related to the concept of a DAO and the utility purposes that NFTs CAN offer. A DAO can allow decentralized and democratic governance of an app or organization. NFTs don't have to just be "owning a JPG", they can be tokens that offer an individual voting rights, among many other purposes. Again, this area is developing and far from perfect but it offers a lot of potential.
Despite that last one being a WIP, the first two are objectively ethical and important purposes that non-Bitcoin blockchains can offer, and there are many other examples as well.

2024-08-08 02:47:52

- reply

Well, that certainly rules out script kiddies and other non-state level threats but what about those state level actors? If a government with a blank check decides it wants to attack the network, would the fee really be enough to stop it?

2024-08-07 13:35:16

- reply

Thanks for making me aware of that hashtag!

2024-08-07 13:23:36

Really starting to dig #Nostr. I always thought the tech was cool but the zaps concept is so awesome. It's not much but this is currently the only way I can obtain #Bitcoin (or #Monero) and despite the fact that it's such a small amount, the principle of knowing those sats belong to me (until I inevitably start zapping back) is an awesome feeling similar to the feel of freedom when switching to #FOSS.
Good morning, y'all!

2024-08-07 13:14:39

So, I have a question related to Bitcoin and/or Monero.
What protects these chains from attacks like DDoSing?
I know the distributed nature and strong cryptography make it effectively impossible to actually crack the network but with AI bots dominating the web these days, what stops some force (namely state actors) from tying up the network by, say, sending and receiving sats en masse between a huge botnet?
Geeky, albeit genuine, question.
#BTC #XMR #blockchain #cybersec

2024-08-07 13:05:16

- reply

I can understand that argument with almost any altcoin (though I'd disagree) EXCEPT for privacy coins. There's an objective usecase for them, even if Bitcoin is your preference.

2024-08-07 13:03:19

- reply

No ethical reason? So, having decentralization, democratized governance of apps, and immutable trust in the system is unethical?

2024-08-06 11:33:45

- reply

Oh just in the description? Sounds good, thanks!

2024-08-06 04:24:10

- reply

I couldn't seem to add the repository in F-Droid so I tried through Obtainium, yet it was registering as Amethyst and wouldn't let me install 🙃

2024-08-06 03:53:39

- reply

So, I couldn't figure out where to get Garnet and I don't see a field where I can paste my Monero address, but I did create a Monero wallet to use for this.

2024-08-05 21:53:11

- reply

Makes sense to me, I know a lot of people only use Monero so it couldn't hurt! I'll try looking into it over the next week if I have the time.

2024-08-05 11:00:03

- reply

Thanks for the tip, I'm not specifically loyal to Amethyst or Bitcoin itself, just trying to focus on getting this sorted for now. I might give Garnet a whirl down the road, I do like what Monero is doing.

2024-08-05 06:45:17

As I learn more about public key cryptography and the way it's being used for tech like passkeys, #Web3 dapps, Nostr and older tech like PGP, I'm starting to understand why people quickly started to prefer passkeys.
While I still have my concerns about it (mainly due to the fact that big tech seems to be the main ones pushing for it), I really do "get it" now. My only issue is that, for whatever reason, you can't get passkeys working on my phone because it's "incompatible". I'll gladly take the SD card slot and aux jack on this phone over passkeys, at least for now.
#cryptography #security

2024-08-05 06:31:50

- reply

Oh, and on another note, I found a web client that seems to work for me (Coracle). It's not the prettiest GUI I've ever seen but the more appealing ones like Primal or Snort just don't want to work for me for whatever reason hah

2024-08-05 06:30:56

- reply

Oh, I really appreciate that, thanks! It seems like it went through, I'm seeing 500 sats in minibits. And yeah, I was thinking I'd probably transfer it once a month or so. This makes Nostr even more worth using for me, to be sure!

2024-08-05 06:04:19

- reply

I use Proton VPN's free plan; I can't afford Proton Unlimited right now, but I can't give up my Proton Pass subscription and they don't allow you to have multiple subscriptions unless you get the Unlimited one which is $8+/month. The free VPN doesn't let you choose what country to connect from, unfortunately. It's totally random.
That said, I did get minibits working for the zaps at least. Taking it one thing at a time haha