I’m just a Pleb — In 2017 when I first read about running a node and lightning scaling these things were just theoretical to me… I never thought they’d become so accessible only 2 years later. They will continue to do so, exponentially.

FOSS software and communities like #Plebchain and #Nodestrich are at the core of this expansion.

My mom is turning 65 this year and she runs a lighting node. If she can do it, anyone can ⚡️

I haven't seen anyone say this. Most people I've come across have setup their node. I'm glad that you were able to get set-up and join the node runners family. The best part for beginners is that someone somewhere has had the exact same issue and is willing to help. Just ask! 🤙

Idk how to zap you but I would if I could. Well done. (Non-TestFlight damus user. DM an invoice)

I am definitely the type that would devote a weekend to setting up a node, although I have so-so tech skills. I did it with Linux projects all the time. Problem is that I really am a ‘digital nomad’ and currently live off of a T-Mobile hotspot. When I’m spending more time at home base in the future, I’ll set up a node.

I haven’t looked in to setting one up but your post makes it sound nearly impossible for most people. You needed a weekend and a community of people to support you in order to make it work?!!? And you’re on here so you’re more technically minded than most even if you’re not a computer professional.

People say understanding fediverse user names is beyond most people’s ability. And that takes like 5 minutes in an explainer video at most.

Unless you can drop $500+

It is not easy at all

Just because it's possible does not mean that it's feasible / realistic for everyone. You were able to do it by buying specific hardware and with help from a team of experts. People who can't or don't want to go through that process won't be able to do it. And that's not to mention backups, especially if you're using CLN (which is preferable), ongoing maintenance, risks with running a routing node, and so on. If you're only using LN sporadically with small amounts, it might not make sense to go through the hassle.

I'm not trying to discourage anyone from giving it a go. It is definitely worthwhile. I run two nodes (one CLN, one LND). Just saying that I don't want to call "BS" on it, because there are perfectly legitimate reasons for not wanting to do it. It's at least an order of magnitude more complicated than running a Bitcoin node (launch GUI & wait).

I built this with my teenage kid in an hour two years ago. My technical ability was limited, but I had a deep desire to be my own bank.

These early Plebs and Maxis (like you and I) will definitely enjoy the benefits and ease-of-mind from non-custodial LN. However, in a hyperbitcoinized scenario, the majority of people will never have non-custodial L2 (L1 or saving is different IMO), and that's okay. Moreover, because there's currently no way to have non-custodial LN without opening channels (I hope this changes), LN as a payment solution can only scale with custodial solutions. I like Nik Bhatia's idea of LN banks and I think that's where it's headed. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all for non-custodial L2 solutions and would support any efforts to make this happen, it's simply not the current case for scaling in billions of people. My 2 sats.

I'm tre lazy and nonversed in egghead dynamics, so nah, none of that shit for me lol

I'm a lightning pleb using https://mynodebtc.com/