❌ "Account", "Nostr Address", "Password", "Log In", "Sign Up"
✅ Name, Nsec (secret key), Npub (public identifier)
Keys can be incredibly fluid & fun to use.
Hiding them behind inaccurate legacy terminology is the worst of both worlds.
Discussion
what do you think about read key and write key?
You need the write key to read your most precious data (chat messages, private notes, docs, media, etc)
So that would inaccurate and confusing too 😕
Calling the npub a "key" confuses the heck out of normies.
"What do I open / secure with this key then?"
"Nothing, other people use it to find you"
"They use my key to find me?"
"Yes"
"So it's like an ID?"
"Yup 💯"
"Then why not call it that?"
"Uhm, ..."
the word "key" in computer science means an identifier
the use in combination with the concept of a secret is the reason for the muddle
the secret should be the key, and the public key should be the identifier, you see how the word "key" has different semantics in the CS convention? not only that, even worse is "private key" which is even more incorrect because private means not public, but doesn't exclude shared possession, and that's bad security!
I'm fine with not using the word "Key" at all.
Although I can't think of anything better than "secret key" for now. It makes it instantly clear that it gives you, and only you, access to certain data and/or actions.
I don't care about CS conventions.
I care about bringing freedom tech to creators, family and friends.
To them "Key" = 🔑 and "ID / Identifier" is self-explanatory.
yeah, "secret key" and "profile" are the words that i think will prevail eventually... a profile is like an icon of a person, one might be able to have many but usually each profile also represents one person... here's what the dictionary says about profile:
profile
[ proh-fahyl ]
Phonetic (Standard)
IPA
noun
the outline or contour of the human face, especially the face viewed from one side.
Synonyms: silhouette
a picture or representation of the side view of a head.
an outlined view, as of a city or mountain.
an outline of an object, as a molding, formed on a vertical plane passed through the object at right angles to one of its principal horizontal dimensions.
a drawing or the like representing this.
Surveying. a vertical section of the ground surface taken parallel to a survey line. Compare cross section ( def 6 ).
a verbal, arithmetical, or graphic summary or analysis of the history, status, etc., of a process, activity, relationship, or set of characteristics:
a biochemical profile of a patient's blood;
a profile of national consumer spending.
an informal biography or a concisely presented sketch of the life and character of a person.
Digital Technology. the personal details, images, user statistics, social media timeline, etc., that an individual creates and associates with a username or online account.
a set of characteristics or qualities that identify a type or category of person or thing:
a profile of a typical allergy sufferer.
the look, configuration, or lines of something:
cars with a modern profile.
degree of noticeability; visibility.
Psychology. a description of behavioral and personality traits of a person compared with accepted norms or standards.
Theater. a flat stage property or scenic piece cut from a firm, thin material, as of beaverboard or plywood, and having an irregular edge resembling the silhouette of a natural object.
(in a gear) the outline of either end of a tooth.
Naval Architecture. a longitudinal elevation or section of a vessel. Compare outboard profile.
Yup 💯
Why the hate on “nostr address”? Feels good to me
Nostr Address:
- It looks like an email, but isn't
- It is permissioned
- It ties your Profile, that you use for infinite use cases, to the domain of one such use case.
- You have to get it 👉 most often at a price
- You will likely change it or lose access to it, so it cannot be used as a permanent pointer
Npubs are great and can be enough.