Nostr Web Client

**Bitcoiners should do the work and figure out self-custodied lightning.** Yes, even for pocket change. Yes, even if it means you can't see zaps.

If normies or casuals end up using custodial solutions, that sucks, but it's entirely predictable. But if you are all-in on the ethos of bitcoin as a tool that enables self-sovereign control over money, then help us keep the culture alive.

Lightning has a lot of issues and the direction of how this ecosystem plays out is in a bit of a precarious state. The barrier to entry for running and managing a lightning node is high. I get it. But if the most hardcore bitcoiners aren't willing to forgo trusted third party intermediaries, then we're sowing the seeds for lightning to become a network of centralized, trusted service providers from top to bottom.

If there's no demand from bitcoiners for improved self-custody UX, then people aren't going to build solutions. Every bitcoiner who chooses to sacrifice self-sovereignty for convenience is ever so slightly tipping the scales towards a culture that favors such expediency.

I don't think this is hyperbole. Lightning is super early and this is precisely the time to set a strong cultural foundation because it will only get worse over time as we've seen with on-chain bitcoin.

If an idiot like me can do the work and figure it out, you can too.

Gigi 2y ago

I agree, but zaps are also like 2 minutes old, it takes time to get this stuff done and provide fully self-sovereign solutions. Priorities.

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Discussion

TK 2y ago

I'm using zaps to highlight a broader issue with the current culture around lightning where self-sovereignty and privacy seem to be secondary concerns for bitcoiners. The number of bitcoiners using custodial lightning outside the context of nostr is fucking bananas

anonym 2y ago

There’s a lot of loneliness in this and every “space.”

In fact I’d postulate anyone who even uses the phrase “space” in terms of sitting alone and talking to strangers is by definition lonely.

It’s actually very sad, and a genuine health epidemic. (This is not hyperbole) Check on your people.

Guy Swann 2y ago

This is also a very good point. I think there is a degree of patience warranted at the same time. It’s not like all of this stuff can be built, implemented, & adopted overnight. All the more true when we are explicitly referring to those alternatives that are harder to implement & take more time to figure out.

SirGalahodl 2y ago

This is true but we should be developing and promoting good habits and not bad practices from the start.