If it’s called ‘running your own node’ only nerds will do it
Everyone can run their own private relay on nostr. Running your own relay allows you to take control of your own social data for the very first time. Plus, you cannot be censored if you run your own relay. If you don't care about either of these, then this note is not for you.
Running your own nost relay isn't overly hard, but you do need to have your own home server and make some networking decisions. This can be an old laptop, computer, or a Raspberry Pi. You also need to decide how you're going to access your private relay. Are you going to use a VPN like Tailscale to access your relay or are you going to setup port forwarding on your router and go the more complicated route?
If you run your own Bitcoin node, you're probably ready to tackle the above scenarios. In fact, many of the popular "node OS" platforms include the tools to run your own node. Umbrel, MyNode, and Start9 all offer relay solutions.
If you aren't overly technical, but still want to run your own nostr relay, I now have a solution for you.
It's https://relaying.io
You don't need to run your own equipment. You don't need to configure network settings on your router. You don't need to know how to run commands on a terminal window.
Relaying.io by nostr:npub1utx00neqgqln72j22kej3ux7803c2k986henvvha4thuwfkper4s7r50e8 has a simple and easy to use web interface allowing you to spin up a personal relay for you or your family.
But wait? Couldn't Relaying shut down their service? yes, they could. Have no fear, backups are here! Well, they soon will be. Relaying will be adding a backup tool on their dashboard, allowing you to download copies of your social data. You'll be able to use this to import to your own personal relay server or another relay provider if the need arises in the future.
Check it out.
Discussion
exactly, but clicking on 4 buttons on a web page, everyone can do that.
wholeheartedly disagree here. lots of "non technical types" want to run nodes. Of all kinds.
4 buttons on my parents computer requires weekly visits
Why do you want your parents to run their own node?
There are plenty of people that use tooter and faceplant and never even download their tweets for backup.
There are plenty of people that own bitcoin and will never run their own node.
There are people that rely on the government to 'protect' them with guns and will never touch a gun in their lives.
There are people that rely on 'free speech' only to read what other people are paid to write in newspapers and never express their own opinion, not even under their own roof.
Dont try to fix your parents.
Running your own node is for those that are motivated to do so for the good of humanity and for their own security.
Be a nerd