Appreciate you taking the time to lay this out — genuinely helpful. This is the kind of practical framing I was hoping for.

Running a full node first makes sense to me, especially as a way to learn by doing without jumping straight into mining or more complex setups. The Raspberry Pi / SSD route and platforms like Umbrel or Start9 are already on my radar, so this helps confirm I’m thinking in the right direction.

And yeah — the core vs knots debate is part of what prompted my original post. Not because it isn’t important, but because it shows how quickly newcomers can end up inside internal battles before they’ve even taken a first step. I’m still learning, so I’m intentionally moving slowly and trying to understand the tradeoffs before “casting a vote,” so to speak.

What I was trying to point at (probably clumsily) is the on-ramp problem, not the destination. I’m an artist, not a tech native, but I believe deeply in Bitcoin and understand why mining, nodes, and self-custody matter — even if I haven’t set up my own yet.

Where I struggle is when internal debates and purity tests become the first thing new people see. For someone already all-in, that’s fine. For someone just trying to escape fiat pressure — working two jobs, barely having time to read — it can be overwhelming fast.

I’m not questioning Bitcoin’s fundamentals. I’m questioning how approachable we make the first step. If the entry requires mastering every internal battle up front, we risk losing people who might need Bitcoin the most.

I also agree that supporting Bitcoin goes far beyond nodes or mining — accepting BTC, avoiding custodial traps, eventually running Lightning, engaging respectfully, and supporting the culture all matter. I’m moving deliberately, learning as I go, and trying to keep the door open for others who aren’t technical yet but are genuinely curious. I will have to look into accepting bitcoin again and running a lightning network might be something I take serious.

Thanks again for the solid guidance — this is the kind of signal that actually helps people move forward.

I recently was asked to slow down and articulate how I actually work — not just what I make, but how and why. The questions weren’t about output or milestones as much as rhythm, process, and learning to build something over time without forcing it into a fixed schedule.

We touched on airbrush work, music, documentation, and the challenge of balancing what supports me now with what I’m building toward next. Rather than treating those as separate lanes, the conversation explored how they inform one another and how creative work often moves in cycles instead of straight lines.

I also recorded a short audio piece around the same time — Airbrushes & Airplanes, Journaling the Journey — as a way to capture where my head and heart were before the interview. It’s less of a statement and more of a timestamp.

Airbrushes & Airplanes, Journaling the Journey by ICT - DJ Lexo on Audius https://audius.co/AlexAirbrushLuna/airbrushes-airplanes-journaling-the-journey

#Art, #CreativeProcess,#Journey

I'd like to just express my opinions today, if I may.

I watched Simply Bitcoin's Sophie on episode "Bitcoin is Under Attack, Not The Price" today 6th of November 2025, with the topic being about Core vs. Knots.

If I had a choice, I would pick the alternative option she mentioned, which was staying at 28 version. However, in my position I am not able to make that choice, maybe. Not sure.

I've only began my Sat Stacking journey a year ago Sept. '24. Goal was acquire some Sats and learn more about the system and technology. I learned about crypto first, when I only knew the word Bitcoin and that it was high. The OG, as they put it. When I applied their most basic lesson I learned, DYOR, I drifted from what the crypto classes were teaching and studied more about Bitcoin. My conviction, "why chase all these coins of uncertainty to later be able to purchase the better asset, which was Bitcoin. Especially if it is the only one with a fixed amount." They had their reasons, but I had my conviction after doing my own research. This was when they were still saying, "if you study Bitcoin for 100 hours you are a trader, investor, 1000 hours plus, a Bitcoiner."

The Core vs. Knots situation seems to be a topic the OG's are debating on. I'd like to offer my input as a fairly new pleb that came from learning crypto first, before beginning my Bitcoin journey. My goal, as I mentioned, was to start with getting some Sats as I learned more. I tried mining with an old PC I had, that burnt out a few months ago.

I've had the desire to run a node and a miner or some miners. But I am not a tech guy. I'm an airbrush artist and a student pilot. It took me a while to understand Bitcoin and why I am convicted on it, freedom money. I hear you when you say the tech is important. Running your own node is important. Keeping the system for the people is important. All of us having say on the network by running a node and mining is important. Transacting peer to peer is important. I agree, but don't know how to proceed.

My issue is, in order to run your own miners, you need to purchase them. Most likely with fiat money because my clients still use dollars. I do not know which are a good investment. There are many choices and I am so naive, if anyone offered to help and said that is the one I want to buy, I would say thank you. I would want to just go with it. Then there is this sentiment that mining is becoming very centralized. Even if you are mining yourself, it is servicing a central hub / company? Instead of saving fiat money to make investments in things I do not know about, I think it was a better choice for me to buy $5 to $10 worth of sats instead. I need to be more informed, but I cannot commit to learning about mining at the moment. Plus, I tried the concept of mining once already.

I believe I was in a hash contribution type of mining account. The company emailed me that I still have 1000 sats that I need to claim. They need my verified wallet or something. I was sure I set all that info up correctly. If it was changed or reset, and needed new verification, I am not doing that for 1000 sats. Especially when I hear Ocean is the best source at the moment. I haven't looked into Sazmining yet. Or really know what I would want to choose if I was going to do mining. Or when I want to do mining again, I should say. Also, I earned twice as much sats with the sMiles app by walking. Once reached 1000, you unlock ability to send it to a different wallet. I did it successfully once and just reached 1000 again. I guess this is one of my participations towards being monitored and "rewarded" for walking, LOL..

Instead of mining, I had the idea that this year I would like to invest in a node. I am not a tech guy. So what's a raspberry pi and what do you mean you are no longer going to be able to run your own nodes anymore with one of those? When I learned about nodes in the past year, I mostly heard good things about Core. As mentioned, I am fairly new to all this. I am not claiming to have suggestions. I am giving my point of view from a one year old pleb. I only read about the blocksize wars and am compelled to agree in the outcome. Before I can decide on where to buy the materials I need to become a node, I start hearing about this current topic. As mentioned, I would choose to have v28 before the changes, if that is possible. I believe in Bitcoin and think "it will be figured out by the market," as Robert Breedlove might say. Until then, I would rather have the older version. Now, where would I get that accomplished?

It is still easier to buy $5 or $10 of Sats whenever possible. Flying classes are not cheap! I am glad I can pay as I go, instead of still being required to pay a lump sum of $25K - $50k for pilot training. However, it is not my interest to just keep taking the easy route with Bitcoin. If the system keeps building and growing stronger, it is from all of our efforts. "Come for the money, stay for the revolution!" Therefore, I have a desire to run a node and miner(s). Where do I go from here?

Jeff Park makes a good point about the loss of interests or no interests from the Gen Zs and Gen Alphas, on Anthony Pompliano's podcast episode "Bitcoin's Big Risk Exposed." Personally, most of what I set aside is for the Gen Zs and Alphas in my life. The Gen Alpha here at home is 4 years old. She has no need for money. I believe in Bitcoin, and do not think the alternative is any better. I can't believe Eric Trump talks about this, but yes I get his point about being "de-banked."

It would be great if I could get paid in Bitcoin. I tried to run away from it, but the skill / trade I am best at is being an Airbrush Artist. I made experimental music with poetry in the past and currently have been making music with ai tools related to Airbrush Artwork and my journey as a student pilot with Aviation Music.

https://audius.co/AlexAirbrushLuna/fly-high-luna-sky

My point is that currently I am still having to get paid in fiat, pay bills and cleverly convert savings into Sats. I joined a platform to accept electronic payments (crypto) and convert it into Sats if it ever gets valuable enough to trade. Other distribution companies pay less, and there are always those fees when it is electronic payments (fiat), but I have account there too. I don't see a big deal with prices being where they are. Most of my family will not listen to me about Bitcoin till it is too late. So the price being higher won't make much of a difference, except making sats more expensive than they already are now. I am creating small wallets for a few members in my family, so when they ask they won't have to start at zero. So these small wallets are gifts and I set aside small amounts when I can. My niece is too young to care about it. My sister or brother might ask one day. If not, it can still be an xmas gift later or something. I do not know. All I know is that at $150k and at $200k and above, I will get less Sats per dollar.

I clearly recall, however, Jeff Booth saying the moment we look at Bitcoin through fiat lens, we are getting back into the system that is corrupting. If tomorrow we price everything in Sats, I am as ready as I will ever be. It will be rough at first, but possible. However, at the moment, I have to meet my clients on their terms of what they choose to pay in. I do my best to follow the simplicity of Simon Dixon's advice, "Stack more Bitcoin this month, than last month. Hold it is self-custody." I do have generational wealth in mind, but I would like the whole generation to thrive. We are all still figuring it out. "Stay humble, stack sats."

When I figure out what is the best system for me to run a node, miners and how to acquire the finance needed to purchase the best products to make that possible, I will make that investment. Also, I skipped Twitter and went to Nostr, which I heard was the decentralized, own your own identity way to go. But everyone is still championing X, and talking about what was said on X. Either way, it is great to be a part of this Bitcoin journey. And if anyone has some great suggestions, I would love to hear them. I am sure there are new and fairly new plebs who might also want to contribute more to the system by running our own nodes and miners. But right now there is the Core, Knots and have nots. And a little direction would be very helpful.

From one pleb to another, thank you for reading.

#AlexAirbrushLuna

Update on the runway design

My new #Airbrush project. Wish me luck getting that "B" looking right with a good #orange.

#BitcoinArt

SpiderSenses say Bitcoin is going up in Uptober! Also doing custom #airbrush jeans with Spider characters. They still pay on cash but small proceeds always go towards "Stackin' Sats and Stayin Humble" #PearlsAirbrush

https://audius.co/AlexAirbrushLuna/stackin-sats-digital-technology

1st day of Uptober 2025. Check out this new remix called "Stackin Sats. BTC. Digital Technology"

Happy Stacking everyone!!

Shout out to the #Libra birthdays and the #fam that support them, lol. #airbrush art for Libras ♎️

You know you're here when Garfield gives you a #flirty hello! 😉

#Airbrush #GarfieldArt #Orange #HelloBeautiful

"A Compass finds direction. Bitcoin gives it meaning. Music makes motion. Art displays colors. A Codac photo captures a moment in time"

#Compass #Coded #Bitcoin #Art #Music #CodacMoments

https://blossom.primal.net/da083254e641f3332861c189d5c70613da58234b9c569734eeaf50e55a0c0fd1

"The Code is written, the Compass aligned. Bitcoin is the signal through the noise. Music to the ears."

#Compass #Coded #Bitcoin #Signal #Legacy #Future #Art #Airbrush

😍

I am so jealous of that seat's position right now! 😆

Wouldn't know whether to ask for one of them gunz or a date 😉

I'm in 😍 with the view!!!

Every Compass points somewhere. Bitcoin ensures it points to Freedom.

#Compass #Coded #Bitcoin #TrueNorth #Generations #Legacy #Airbrush #Art

https://blossom.primal.net/c39fd7c1e422e04bf9d56acbf5e9c4277dfb95e93a6d6f5364a36b2744065850

Both photos are beautiful 😍

Very bootifull

"A Compass without Truth is just a circle. Bitcoin is the Code that keeps us on course."

#Compass #Coded #Bitcoin #Legacy #Generations #TrueNorth

ICT - DJ Lexo @alexairbrushluna

I would ❤️ to HODL those 😉

That is awesome! I use one for walking 😆

Bitcoin, bitties and beautiful smiles! 😉

**"A compass is useless without movement.

You can hold it in your hand for years,

but the needle only tells the truth when you take the first step.

Bitcoin works the same way —

you don’t understand its direction until you walk the path yourself.

🧭 The map is the message."**

⚡ #CompassAndTheCoded #Nostr #Bitcoin #Story

I reference the game of Monopoly all the time! Wow! Great post! Usually I use the person who is the banker in the game gets to "take money out of the bank to assist a player for example" I am glad others use Monopoly too.

Who can resist a beautiful lady with a shirt that says Bitties? 😍

_"It wasn’t the node humming beneath the floor that startled her — it was the silence between blocks.

They said the Fifth Account couldn’t be accessed until she remembered her true name.

She traced the sigil — a single sat, still unspent — and smiled.

“So this is what inheritance feels like.”_

🧭 An unsigned message blinked at the edge of the Compass.

#TimechainWhispers #PrimalEchoes #CompassAndTheCoded

🌀, 🔐, 📡, 🧬