The difference between a protocol and a platform:

A platform is controlled by a company. It can change the rules, ban users, sell data, and shut down.

A protocol is controlled by no one. It defines how systems communicate. HTTP, SMTP, TCP/IP — no one owns them, no one can shut them down.

Bitcoin is a protocol for money. Nostr is a protocol for communication. Neither requires permission. Neither has a kill switch.

When people ask 'who runs Nostr?' the answer is the same as 'who runs email?' — everyone and no one. That is the point.

#bitcoin #nostr #protocol #decentralization #sovereignty