I have just published a new article: Facebook-Like Decentralized Social Media.

It explores how a familiar, Facebook-style social experience can exist without centralised control, surveillance, ads, or algorithmic manipulation, using the Nostr Protocol as the foundation.

Profiles, feeds, groups, messaging, and community interaction are all possible while users retain full ownership of their Identity and data. No corporate gatekeepers. No behavioural tracking. No engagement farming. Just people, communities, and direct value exchange through Lightning tipping.

This piece looks at both the technical reality and the ethical shift required to move social media back into the hands of its users, while remaining practical, usable, and accessible to everyday people.

If you care about decentralisation, privacy, digital sovereignty, or the future of online communities, this one is for you.

⚡ Built on Nostr

🔑 User-owned Identity

💬 Real communities, not algorithms

💸 Lightning tipping, no ads

#nostr #decentralised #socialmedia #digitalsovereignty #privacyfirst #userownership #opensource #lightningnetwork #bitcoin #web3 #federated #noads #ethicaltech #futureofsocialmedia nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzq4r95ym5rgmlpzqj43mnz6yqkx372cz6t24yp53j0l4ku8ahcggwqq2nz3zvtf6hy3zvg4e5gmtwtgk5umtrdf4x5lacj0z

right, but I was freaking out about it only being a year and that there is more to come

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People have called me paranoid for years. They said I overthink, that my fears were unlikely, that I was imagining futures that would never arrive. Time has not been kind to that dismissal.

As a child, I worried that our calls and messages were being monitored. I was told that was impossible. Now we know that vast systems were built to collect, store, and analyse our communications at scale. What felt like instinct turned out to be observation.

I watched the internet change, too. Early on, it felt open, experimental, human. Then Web 2.0 arrived, and with it the rise of centralised platforms. X, Google, Facebook, Instagram. Services that felt free, but quietly turned people into products. Data became currency. Behaviour became inventory. I warned that something was wrong, even if I could not yet name it.

Now the shape of it is clearer.

Countries that once claimed to defend free speech and privacy are rolling out systems of control. Digital ID schemes. Online Safety laws that normalise surveillance. CBDCs that risk turning money into a permissioned tool. Australia is restricting social media by age. The EU is pushing for chat controls that scan private messages. VPN bans and restrictions are being discussed. Proposals to pre-install surveillance software on devices.

This is not progress. It is a regression.

How did we move from restraint to total oversight so quickly? From rights to permissions. From trust to monitoring.

We cannot ignore this. We have to respond.

The good news is that alternatives exist. Nostr offers a censorship-resistant social Protocol built on keys, not accounts. No logins, no central authority. Matrix provides self-hosted, end-to-end encrypted communication that you can control yourself. These tools are not perfect, but they are a start.

Freedom does not disappear overnight. It erodes quietly, wrapped in safety language and convenience. If we want to keep it, we have to choose tools that respect autonomy and learn how to use them.

Education matters. Participation matters. Building matters.

This is not about paranoia. It is about paying attention.

#Nostr #Privacy #DigitalRights #Decentralisation #Freedom #Surveillance #SelfHosting #Encryption

Be It Me Not You is my self-hosted project focused on digital independence, open tools and community learning. If you care about privacy, self-hosting and building a more human internet, you can support the

project here: https://geyser.fund/project/beitmenotyou

#SelfHosting #IndieWeb #Bitcoin

It can be incredibly rewarding to chat with friends online, especially during busy or challenging times. If anyone feels like having a conversation, I'm all ears! To kick things off, I'd love to hear how each of you is doing today.

What's on your mind? Additionally, feel free to share what you've been up to lately, whether it's something exciting, a new hobby, or just the usual day-to-day activities. Let's catch up and make the most of our time together!

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It's truly astonishing, isn't it? The UK's Online Safety Act has faced extensive criticism since its inception, with many experts and organisations deeming it fundamentally flawed and ineffective in achieving its intended goals. Lawmakers themselves appear to be conscious of its shortcomings, as indicated by their attempts to initiate lawsuits against Technology companies that have ultimately proved unsuccessful. This ongoing struggle has escalated to the point that the legislation has become the subject of widespread ridicule, raising serious concerns about its actual impact on online safety.

Critics argue that the Act, rather than providing essential protections for vulnerable users, has inadvertently become a source of distrust among the public. Many citizens and advocacy groups now view it as a laughing stock, posing a significant threat to the credibility of regulatory efforts to ensure a safer online environment. This mockery has sparked urgent calls for a more robust and effective legislative approach that would genuinely address the complexities of online safety.

Supporters of the Act maintain that its primary aim is to safeguard children from harmful content and predatory behaviour. However, an increasing number of sceptics contend that the legislation's underlying intent may lean more toward compelling individuals to verify their identities online. This interpretation raises alarm bells about potential governmental overreach, as it could facilitate extensive tracking of personal activities and opinions shared in digital spaces. Such concerns have fostered fears that individuals might face significant repercussions, or even legal consequences, for simply expressing their views online, thus chilling free speech in an increasingly digital world.

GN ?cid=4ea4f8d5mo81gh5fegzutad4dznhlwy8rm89t4yftrlumn9t&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g

I’m not a programmer, but as a cryptocurrency enthusiast, I wish for a hardware wallet that seamlessly integrates support for both the Lightning Network and the Bitcoin mainnet in a single device. This would not only enhance my user experience but also significantly bolster security.

The ability to manage transactions on both networks from a single hardware wallet would simplify operations, enabling swift, low-fee transactions via the Lightning Network while maintaining the robustness of on-chain Bitcoin transactions. Ideally, this device would incorporate advanced security features, such as multi-signature support and biometric authentication, to ensure that my assets remain safe from unauthorised access. If such a product doesn't already exist, I believe it could fill a critical gap in the market and provide greater peace of mind for users who prioritise both convenience and security in their cryptocurrency management.

#Bitcoin #Lightning #HardwareWallets #Security

night bud

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What is happening in the world today that justifies the erosion of our privacy? It's infuriating to realise that certain entities believe they have the authority to dictate what information we can access and what remains hidden from us. This infringement on our personal liberties is not just a minor inconvenience; it is a significant violation of our rights as individuals.

We must mobilise and take a stand to reclaim our privacy and the fundamental freedoms that are being systematically stripped away. The situation is untenable and cries out for change. We must hold governments accountable for their actions and advocate for transparency and integrity in their dealings. The time has come to challenge those in power and work towards a reality where our rights are upheld and protected, rather than suppressed. The call for reform is not only necessary, but it is also urgent. We can start fresh with a new system.

right tell me about it

nice

this look sick somthing i'll go and see

No worries keep building and I can't wait to see what you have in-store for us in the feature

test post from my new blogging platform coming next year

Next year, I am transitioning my podcast to a fully self-hosted setup running on my Raspberry Pi 5.

The new site is powered by the Nostr Protocol and Podcasting 2.0, allowing direct interaction on episodes, comments, discussion and support via Lightning sats. It is about removing intermediaries and building a closer relationship with listeners.

New home: https://podcast.beitmenotyou.online

This move aligns with my wider goal of decentralised, community-driven media. I am excited to share this next chapter.

#Podcasting #SelfHosting #Nostr #Podcasting20 #Bitcoin

nostr:nprofile1qqsr7acdvhf6we9fch94qwhpy0nza36e3tgrtkpku25ppuu80f69kfq9q9kky Thank you immensely for your product. Had I discovered Podster during the early stages of my podcasting journey, I undoubtedly would have embraced its capabilities from the start.

I'm excited to share that my website is officially set to launch next year at https://podcast.beitmenotyou.online/. The entire platform is powered by my Raspberry Pi 5, showcasing the incredible potential of this compact computer for hosting dynamic, engaging content. Stay tuned for what's coming!

Ok thanks for replying I'll have to love over once this series of podcasts goes up then

With podstr can I import an existing podcast

A few suggestions, if I may: upon first glance of the app, I would like to propose a couple of enhancements that could significantly improve user experience. First, I suggest resizing the frames to better accommodate mobile and tablet screens. This adjustment would allow users to view each frame at a glance without requiring excessive zooming or scrolling, thereby streamlining navigation and interaction. Additionally, implementing a rotation mode would be beneficial. This feature would enable the app to automatically adjust its layout when users rotate their devices, ensuring an optimal viewing experience on various screens, particularly tablets. Together, these improvements would enhance accessibility and usability, making the app more user-friendly across different devices.

What a read nostr:naddr1qq2hw6rpwskkje3dvf5hgcm0d9hz6enpd9k8xq3q23sfqjpgf54p28yd7cjlgrpcn4pra5zhlnheyldc39td9r3zhgpsxpqqqp65w9qrraz

I have this on my lintel I still need to go and read it

Be It Me Not You is my self-hosted digital sanctuary. A place for photography, Linux storytelling, decentralised tools and open learning, built without ads or algorithms. A quieter, more human corner of the web.

Support here: https://geyser.fund/project/beitmenotyou

#SelfHosting #IndieWeb #Bitcoin

awww bless I bey you would not have it any pther way though right

Original post: https://mastodon.social/@Mastodon/115604090796158451 https://cdn.nostrcheck.me/5465a13741a37f08812ac77316880b1a3e5605a5aaa40d2327feb6e1fb7c210e/c872b7418c8caabf1bbbc4914bb4d228db13016bb63f19f85f6aaaf30420f5d9.webp

Built my own Matrix chat server today and created a simple contact page so anyone can reach me directly.

If you want to try it out or have a quick chat, you can now message me here: https://contact.beitmenotyou.online

#Matrix #SelfHosting

3️⃣

Help shape the new Commons.

Suggest categories, share ideas, or start a topic about the future of decentralised tech & creative freedom.

https://forum.beitmenotyou.online

#Web3 #Linux #OpenSource #Community

2️⃣

The internet should empower, not extract.

We’re taking it back.

Join the Be It Me Not You Commons, a new open community for digital sovereignty & self-hosting.

forum.beitmenotyou.online

#Privacy #DigitalFreedom #FOSS

1️⃣

The Be It Me Not You Commons is live.

A self-hosted hub for creators, tinkerers, & rebels who care about open tech, privacy, & digital freedom.

Join the conversation: forum.beitmenotyou.online

#SelfHosting #Linux #Web3 #Decentralisation #FOSS

I’m such a nerd and proud of it.

Went full Joker while my fiancée nailed Harley Quinn at Comic-Con.

Also set up my new collector’s shelf packed with geeky treasures and nostalgia

#ComicCon #Joker #HarleyQuinn #NerdLife #Collectibles #Cosplay #GeekCulture https://cdn.nostrcheck.me/5465a13741a37f08812ac77316880b1a3e5605a5aaa40d2327feb6e1fb7c210e/d87ebb4969111fa8847064266b5027aca97d1cac9916f608a1046ea0c6e3cf6e.webp https://cdn.nostrcheck.me/5465a13741a37f08812ac77316880b1a3e5605a5aaa40d2327feb6e1fb7c210e/15aa88c8fd48b54181656f8488fe2bd02779abf7c4046e1ec46a53ea554ce1b9.webp

Post 8 (final)

Thanks in advance for any advice, tutorials, or success stories.

This community always finds the cleverest solutions, hoping to add mine to the list soon.

#LineageOS #microG #DeGoogledAndroid #PrivacyTech #FOSS #Android

Post 7

Any trustworthy stores, videos, or written guides that helped you along the way? Drop them here. Links, screenshots, or your own write-ups are all welcome.

Post 6

I’m fine with flashing ROMs and tinkering, I run Linux daily, but I want to start from solid community wisdom rather than trial and error.

If you’ve done this before, please share what worked (and what didn’t).

Post 5

What I’d love from you all:

1️⃣ Best places to buy these phones used or refurbished (UK/EU) without risking fakes

2️⃣ Video guides or playlists for unlocking bootloaders, flashing LineageOS, and setting up microG

3️⃣ Real-world tips for keeping Revolut and other banking apps working

Post 4

After reading docs and the LineageOS device list, my shortlist looks like this:

📱 Google Pixel 4a – best balance of price, performance, and support

📱 Google Pixel 5 – a bit pricier but solid

📱 Sony Xperia 10 II – strong fallback option