DarthCoin

tech

Got tired of trusting VPN companies with my data. Decided to roll my own. Turns out it's easier than I thought, and you can pay for everything with Bitcoin through Tor. Full privacy from start to finish.

## Why Bother?

Most VPN services log your data despite what they claim. Even the "no logs" ones can be compromised or forced to start logging. Plus they know who you are because you paid with a credit card tied to your identity.

Running your own VPN means you control everything. No third party to trust. No logs unless you make them. And if you're smart about it, nobody knows it's yours.

## What You Need

- Bitcoin (obviously)
- Tor browser
- Basic Linux knowledge (I'll walk you through it)
- About 30 minutes
- 5000 sats for hosting

## Step 1: Get a VPS with Bitcoin

I used 1984 hosting because they're based in Iceland, accept Bitcoin, and don't ask for ID. Access their site through Tor.

Through Tor browser:
1. Go to 1984hosting.com (they have an onion address too)
2. Pick a VPS plan - their smallest one works fine for personal use
3. At checkout, select Bitcoin payment
4. They'll give you a Bitcoin address
5. Send payment from your wallet (use a mixing service first if you're paranoid)
6. Wait for confirmation

Takes about an hour to get your VPS details via email. They'll send you IP address, root password, etc.

## Step 2: Secure Your VPS

First thing - change that root password and set up proper access.

SSH into your VPS:
```bash
ssh root@your-vps-ip
```

Update everything:
```bash
apt update && apt upgrade -y
```

Create a new user (don't use root for everything):
```bash
adduser yourusername
usermod -aG sudo yourusername
```

Set up SSH keys for secure access:
```bash
mkdir ~/.ssh
chmod 700 ~/.ssh
```

Copy your public key to the server, then disable password auth:
```bash
nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config
```

Change these lines:
```
PasswordAuthentication no
PermitRootLogin no
```

Restart SSH:
```bash
systemctl restart ssh
```

## Step 3: Install WireGuard

WireGuard is fast, modern, and way simpler than OpenVPN.

```bash
apt install wireguard -y
```

Generate server keys:
```bash
cd /etc/wireguard
wg genkey | tee privatekey | wg pubkey > publickey
```

Create server config:
```bash
nano /etc/wireguard/wg0.conf
```

Put this in the file:
```
[Interface]
PrivateKey = [your server private key]
Address = 10.0.0.1/24
ListenPort = 51820
PostUp = iptables -A FORWARD -i %i -j ACCEPT; iptables -t nat -A POSTROUTING -o eth0 -j MASQUERADE
PostDown = iptables -D FORWARD -i %i -j ACCEPT; iptables -t nat -D POSTROUTING -o eth0 -j MASQUERADE

[Peer]
PublicKey = [your client public key - we'll generate this next]
AllowedIPs = 10.0.0.2/32
```

## Step 4: Set Up Client

On your local machine, install WireGuard and generate client keys:

```bash
wg genkey | tee client_privatekey | wg pubkey > client_publickey
```

Create client config:
```bash
nano client.conf
```

```
[Interface]
PrivateKey = [your client private key]
Address = 10.0.0.2/24
DNS = 1.1.1.1

[Peer]
PublicKey = [your server public key]
Endpoint = your-vps-ip:51820
AllowedIPs = 0.0.0.0/0
PersistentKeepalive = 25
```

## Step 5: Enable IP Forwarding

Back on the server:
```bash
echo 'net.ipv4.ip_forward=1' >> /etc/sysctl.conf
sysctl -p
```

Add your client's public key to the server config, then start WireGuard:
```bash
systemctl enable wg-quick@wg0
systemctl start wg-quick@wg0
```

## Step 6: Configure Firewall

Set up UFW to only allow what you need:
```bash
ufw allow ssh
ufw allow 51820/udp
ufw enable
```

## Step 7: Connect

Import the client config into your WireGuard app and connect. Check your IP at whatismyipaddress.com - should show your VPS location now.

## Random Tips

- Change the default WireGuard port from 51820 to something random
- Use different VPS providers for different purposes  
- Consider running your own DNS resolver too
- Don't use the VPS for anything else that could identify you
- Rotate servers periodically

## Troubleshooting

If it's not working:
- Check firewall rules on both ends
- Make sure IP forwarding is enabled
- Verify your keys are correct
- Check if your ISP blocks WireGuard ports

## Other Providers

1984 hosting works well but there are others:
- Njalla (accepts Bitcoin, privacy focused)
- BitLaunch (Bitcoin only, multiple providers)
- VirMach (cheap, accepts crypto)

## The Paranoid Version

Want maximum privacy? 
- Pay for VPS through multiple hops (exchange Bitcoin first)
- Use Tails OS for the setup process
- Route through multiple VPS servers
- Change servers monthly

## Is It Worth It?

For €5/month you get your own private VPN that nobody else controls. No logging policies to trust, no jurisdiction issues, no bandwidth sharing with sketchy users.

Setup takes maybe an hour. Maintenance is basically zero. And you learn how VPNs actually work instead of just clicking "connect" on some app.

## Current Status

Been running mine for 6 months now. Zero issues. Fast speeds. Complete privacy as far as I can tell.

Cost about €30 total so far. Compare that to NordVPN or whatever charging €100/year for worse privacy.

Plus now I actually understand how this stuff works instead of just trusting some company's marketing.

How to Set Up Your Own VPN with Bitcoin VPS (No KYC Required)

BBO_x34

bitcoin

There has been a lot of debate about a [recent discussion](https://groups.google.com/g/bitcoindev/c/d6ZO7gXGYbQ) on the mailing list and a [pull request](https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/pull/32359) on the Bitcoin Core repository. The main two points are about whether a [mempool policy](https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/q/120269/5406) regarding OP_RETURN outputs should be changed, and whether there should be a configuration option for node operators to set their own limit. There has been some controversy about the background and context of these topics and people are looking for more information.
Please ask short (preferably one sentence) questions as top comments in this topic. @Murch, and maybe others, will try to answer them in a couple sentences. @Murch and myself have collected a few questions that we have seen being asked to start us off, but please add more as you see fit.

Quick questions about OP_RETURN? Quick answers here.

tidwell

Politics_And_Law

Lawful income Tax Avoidance & Other Stuff IRS does Not want You to Know

Design

![](https://m.stacker.news/75774)

Welcome to the latest updated version of **Stacker News Media Kit & Brand Guidelines `v1.2`**, a pivotal location where all the visual elements find place and help us understand how to use them to have our communications cohesive. SN brand identity is built on simplicity, trust, innovation and a taste of Texas's Wild West. With the following guidelines, as [promised](https://stacker.news/items/855556/r/Design_r?commentId=855753), I'll try to outline the essential elements of SN visual language to be easily usable internally and externally.

As third interaction from the previous [discussion](https://stacker.news/items/786223), here below you will find all the media assets in PNG and SVG downloadable from this [zip file](https://nosto.re/0a8b02224c970de78fba3a0195dcf1ee44d18925ba941724497173b2bcbab901.zip). BTW: I've been using **`Nostr`** 🌸 **Blossom Serverservers** [check them out](https://blossomservers.com/), it's a really cool idea! In case the file will be not available we can always upload it in other servers. Just let me know if any issue downloading it, ideally I made three copies available from:
- https://nosto.re/0a8b02224c970de78fba3a0195dcf1ee44d18925ba941724497173b2bcbab901.zip
- https://blossom.poster.place/0a8b02224c970de78fba3a0195dcf1ee44d18925ba941724497173b2bcbab901.zip
- https://nostr.download/0a8b02224c970de78fba3a0195dcf1ee44d18925ba941724497173b2bcbab901.zip

The source file of all these assets still are the same [Figma file](https://www.figma.com/design/ZL3FLItd9j48pzKVi4qlOy/Stacker.News-Media-Kit?node-id=3-16&t=oEbUcC1tmLDRXgdH-0) and the [PenPot file](https://design.penpot.app/#/workspace/7ad540b5-8190-815d-8005-5685b9c670bc/7ad540b5-8190-815d-8005-5685c186216e?page-id=2643bc5a-0d34-80b2-8005-58099eabda41). This last one, has many issues and does not allow yet the same flexibility as Figma. Both files are open for contributions and comments, just need to register a dummy/anonymous account for each of the tools.

> **Note:** To use these assets across SN, just copy-paste the image relative code, i.e.: 
![](https://m.stacker.news/75773)

# Stacker News Logotype
SN logo is the most recognizable visual identifier of Stacker News. It captures the essence of its brand and is to be used across the platform and other marketing materials **consistently**. Find below all the possible variations and colors. Ideally you should stick with it to maintain SN identity coherent, or propose something new if you feel like. If you have any question on how to place or use the logo, DO ask below, and we'll help sort it out.

| Avatar on transparent BG | Avatar on BG | Logo Extended | Logo Vertical |#|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75562) `![](https://m.stacker.news/75562)` | ![](https://m.stacker.news/75552) `![](https://m.stacker.news/75552)` | ![](https://m.stacker.news/75555) `![](https://m.stacker.news/75555)`| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75566) `![](https://m.stacker.news/75566)` |Oil Black|
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75564) `![](https://m.stacker.news/75564)` | ![](https://m.stacker.news/75554) `![](https://m.stacker.news/75554)` | ![](https://m.stacker.news/75557) `![](https://m.stacker.news/75557)` | ![](https://m.stacker.news/75567) `![](https://m.stacker.news/75567)`| Golden Yellow |
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75563) `![](https://m.stacker.news/75563)` | ![](https://m.stacker.news/75553) `![](https://m.stacker.news/75553)` | ![](https://m.stacker.news/75565) `![](https://m.stacker.news/75565)` | ![](https://m.stacker.news/75568) `![](https://m.stacker.news/75568)`|With Shadow | 


# Stacker News Typography
![](https://m.stacker.news/75569)
This is the typography SN had used to create its logo. [Download LightningVolt OpenType Font file.otf](http://honeyanddeath.web.fc2.com/FontFile/honeyanddeath_Lightningvolt.zip) designed by **[Honey&Death](http://honeyanddeath.web.fc2.com/fnt_Lightningvolt.html)**, install it in your computer and play with it. 

Typography is essential to identify, increase readability and create consistency of brands. SN uses the default `font-family:sans-serif;` of your device's OS, usually are the most common and already installed in your device: `system-ui, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Noto Sans", "Liberation Sans", Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"`. Those are mostly used for:

# Example Header H1
## Example Header H2
### Example Header H3
#### Example Header H4
##### Example Header H5

**Example paragraph text**
The fonts selected will help to communicate the personality of the brand and provide maximum legibility for both print and screen.

`Example <code>`
For code, the approach is the same. Let's the device OS select its default `monospace` one. For example, on Mac will be one of the following: 
```
SFMono-Regular, Menlo, Monaco, Consolas, "Liberation Mono", "Courier New",`
```

# Stacker News Colors
A thoughtfully curated color palette gives SN trust, professionalism, and approachability. Colors play a key role in creating consistent visual experiences through digital and print communications. Make sure you are using the right color codes below:

| # | Name | HEX code | RGB code | HLS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75602) | Bitcoin-only | `#F6911D` | `rgb(246,145,29)` | `hsl(32,92.3%,53.9%)` |
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75590) | Blackr | `#000000` | `rgb(0,0,0)` | `hsl(0,0%,0%)` |
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75591) | Dark | `#121214` | `rgb(18,18,20)` | `hsl(240,5.3%,7.5%)` |
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75592) | Gold | `#FADA5E` | `rgb(250,218,94)` | `hsl(48,94%,67.5%)` |
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75593) | Gray | `#969696` | `rgb(150,150,150)` | `hsl(0,0%,58.8%)` |
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75594) | Light | `#F0F0F0` | `rgb(240,240,240)` | `hsl(0,0%,94.1%)` |
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75595) | Nostrch | `#8C25F4` | `rgb(140,37,244)` | `hsl(270,90.4%,55.1%)` |
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75596) | Pinkish | `#E685B5` | `rgb(230,133,181)` | `hsl(330,66%,71.2%)` |
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75597) | Ruby | `#C03221` | `rgb(192,50,33)` | `hsl(6,70.7%,44.1%)` |
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75598) | Sky Hover | `#007CBE` | `rgb(0,124,190)` | `hsl(201,100%,37.3%)` |
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75599) | Sky Links | `#2E99D1` | `rgb(46,153,209)` | `hsl(201,63.9%,50%)` |
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75600) | Sky Visited | `#56798E` | `rgb(86,121,142)` | `hsl(203,24.6%,44.7%)` |
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75601) | So Fiat | `#5C8001` | `rgb(92,128,1)` | `hsl(77,98.4%,25.3%)` |

# Stacker News Icons
SN utilizes a set of bespoke icons that support its communication internally across the platform. Icons help bring instant, intuitive cues for various types of content and features. We share them here for you so you can use as you wish and satisfy your creative needs.

| ![Arrow](https://m.stacker.news/75605) `![Arrow](https://m.stacker.news/75605)` | ![Bell](https://m.stacker.news/75606) `![Bell](https://m.stacker.news/75606)` | ![Bounty](https://m.stacker.news/75607) `[Bounty](https://m.stacker.news/75607)` | ![Caret](https://m.stacker.news/75608) `[Caret](https://m.stacker.news/75608)` | ![Cowboy](https://m.stacker.news/75609) `[Cowboy](https://m.stacker.news/75609)` | ![Sun](https://m.stacker.news/75610) `[Sun](https://m.stacker.news/75610)` |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ![Edit](https://m.stacker.news/75611) **`[Edit](https://m.stacker.news/75611)`** | ![Gun](https://m.stacker.news/75612) **`[Gun](https://m.stacker.news/75612)`** | ![Horse](https://m.stacker.news/75613) **`[Horse](https://m.stacker.news/75613)`** | ![Info](https://m.stacker.news/75614) **`[Info](https://m.stacker.news/75614)`** | ![Moon](https://m.stacker.news/75615) **`[Moon](https://m.stacker.news/75615)`** | ![Lightning](https://m.stacker.news/75616) **`[Lightning](https://m.stacker.news/75616)`**| 
| ![Bald Lost Hat](https://m.stacker.news/75617) **`[Bald Lost Hat](https://m.stacker.news/75617)`**| ![Markdown](https://m.stacker.news/75618) **`[Markdown](https://m.stacker.news/75618)`**| ![Nostr](https://m.stacker.news/75619) **`[Nostr](https://m.stacker.news/75619)`**| ![Referral](https://m.stacker.news/75620) **`[Referral](https://m.stacker.news/75620)`**| ![Rewards](https://m.stacker.news/75621) **`[Rewards](https://m.stacker.news/75621)`**| ![Horse Lost Saddle](https://m.stacker.news/75622) **`[Horse Lost Saddle](https://m.stacker.news/75622)`**| ![Search](https://m.stacker.news/75623) **`[Search](https://m.stacker.news/75623)`** |
|![Shoot](https://m.stacker.news/75624) **`[Shoot](https://m.stacker.news/75624)`** |![Texas](https://m.stacker.news/75625) **`[Texas](https://m.stacker.news/75625)`** | ![Upload](https://m.stacker.news/75626) **`[Upload](https://m.stacker.news/75626)`** | ![Zap Zap](https://m.stacker.news/75627) **`[Zap Zap](https://m.stacker.news/75627)`** |||


# Stacker News Banners
Banners are important visual elements used in our digital platforms and marketing materials. They help to highlight key stories, features or announcements while maintaining our brand aesthetic.

Here below you'll find custom banners for Sn and for individial territories. I try to build those that I follow most, for now @AGORA is the only one that designed its own banners. Comment below if you'd like some banners for your territory! 

#### SN Dark background
|970x250|
|---|
|![](https://m.stacker.news/75654) `![](https://m.stacker.news/75654` |

|250x250|300x250|300x600|
|---|---|---|
|![](https://m.stacker.news/75656)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75656)`|![](https://m.stacker.news/75657)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75657)`|![](https://m.stacker.news/75658)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75658)`|

|728x90|
|---|
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75655) `![](https://m.stacker.news/75655)` |


#### SN Gold background
|970x250|
|---|
|![](https://m.stacker.news/75641)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75641)` |

|250x250|300x250|300x600|
|---|---|---|
|![](https://m.stacker.news/75645)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75645)` | ![](https://m.stacker.news/75646)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75646)` |![](https://m.stacker.news/75647)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75647)` |

|728x90|
|---|
|![](https://m.stacker.news/75648)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75648)` |

#### SN by @Jon_Hodl
|970x250|
|---|
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75649)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75649)` |

|250x250|300x250|300x600|
|---|---|---|
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75651)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75651)` | ![](https://m.stacker.news/75652) `![](https://m.stacker.news/75652)`| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75653)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75653)` |

|728x90|
|---|
|![](https://m.stacker.news/75650)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75650)` |


#### ~AGORA territory
The SN P2P Marketplace
|970x250|
|---|
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75767)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75767)` |

|250x250|300x250|300x600|
|---|---|---|
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75769)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75769)` | ![](https://m.stacker.news/75770)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75770)`|![](https://m.stacker.news/75771)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75771)`|

|728x90|
|---|
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75768)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75768)`|


#### ~alter_native territory
|970x250|
|---|
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75669)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75669)`|

|250x250|300x250|300x600|
|---|---|---|
|![](https://m.stacker.news/75671)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75671)`|![](https://m.stacker.news/75672)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75672)`|![](https://m.stacker.news/75673)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75673)`|

|728x90|
|---|
|![](https://m.stacker.news/75670)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75670)` |


#### ~bitcoin_beginners
|970x250|
|---|
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75676)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75676)` |

|250x250|300x250|300x600|
|---|---|---|
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75677)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75677)`|![](https://m.stacker.news/75678)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75678)`|![](https://m.stacker.news/75679)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75679)` |

|728x90|
|---|
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75675)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75675)`|

#### ~Design territory
|970x250|
|---|
|![](https://m.stacker.news/75659)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75659)`|

|250x250|300x250|300x600|
|---|---|---|
|![](https://m.stacker.news/75661)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75661)`|![](https://m.stacker.news/75662)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75662)`|![](https://m.stacker.news/75663)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75663)`|

|728x90|
|---|
|![](https://m.stacker.news/75660)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75660)`|

#### ~Music territory
|970x250|
|---|
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75664)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75664)`|

|250x250|300x250|300x600|
|---|---|---|
|![](https://m.stacker.news/75666)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75666)`|![](https://m.stacker.news/75667)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75667)`|![](https://m.stacker.news/75668)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75668)`|

|728x90|
|---|
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/75665)`![](https://m.stacker.news/75665)`|




# Anything else we could add? 
If you feel something is missing, or you know a better tool to manage this media kit for SN in a collaborative and FOSS way then, DO share it in a comment below

Territory owners [^1], do you need banners for your territory? Feel free to edit the figma file liked above or comment below sharing your needs or ideas, I'll try to do something for you.

By following these guidelines, we ensure consistency and professionalism in every case where Stacker News is represented here internally to stackers or to our audience in the KYC internet, reinforcing SN credibility as a trusted source for data-driven journalism.


[^1]: FYI: @Aardvark @AGORA @anna @antic @AtlantisPleb @Bell_curve @benwehrman @bitcoinplebdev @Bitter @BlokchainB @ch0k1 @davidw @ek @elvismercury @frostdragon @grayruby @HODLR @inverselarp @Jon_Hodl @k00b @marks @MaxAWebster @mega_dreamer @niftynei @nout @OneOneSeven @OT @PlebLab @Public_N_M_E @RDClark @realBitcoinDog @roytheholographicuniverse @siggy47 @softsimon @south_korea_ln @theschoolofbitcoin @TNStacker @UCantDoThatDotNet @Undisciplined

Stacker News Media Kit & Brand Guidelines v1.2

deSign_r

crypto

I've been digging into lots of old(er) cypherpunk content this year so I've started to put together some notes and backing up some of the things like my own [anarplex.net mirror](https://anarplex.cypherpunk.wtf/) and downloading [Taz 0](https://taz0.sirion.io/) content in case @elsirion's mirrors ever go down.  I also want to have a collection of resources to point people towards because [I like to make directories](https://disobey.dev/directories/). 

There is also a lot of gems that people dont know about, like the [Untold story of the greatest crypto project ever](https://disobey.dev/the-untold-story-of-the-greatest-crypto-project-ever/) which I think deserve more attention. 

Long term goal of this project is to preserve history and distribute important works and information about crypto anarchy. I'll creates torrents and host mirrors of the content so it can be distributed around, but that will come later when the archive feels more wholesome, currently its just a seed of an idea.

If you have anything to add to the list you can leave a comment here or open a [PR on the repo](https://github.com/cryptoanarchy-info/cryptoanarchy-archive).



Cryptoanarchy archive project announcement

aljaz

> My rationale for support of various covenant proposals:
>
> To start, I am generally in favor of basically any covenants at this point. Bitcoin in its current form can only make 2 party protocols without huge amounts of interactivity and this greatly hinders scaling and threatens if people will actually be able to self custody their coins in the future. I also think we should be activating things in a timely manner, the window for soft forks is slowly closing and I would hate for bitcoin to ossify where custodians are our only solution to scalability. Politics aside, lets get into it.
>
> OP_CAT: This one is a beast. OP_CAT will essentially enable everything, just in a very inefficient way. It being inefficient is not necessarily a bad thing, it allows for other proposals to be activated based on market demand instead of guessing what people want like we have for the last 15 years. Cat also isn't just a covenant proposal, concatenating things is a useful thing and will allow for lots more things (merkle trees, SNARKs, etc). It's extremely simple in implementation so there's basically 0 risk for bugs, the real risk is what it enables. The only thing that can kill bitcoin imo is fucking with mining incentives and I don't think cat makes it any worse than it already is. OP_CAT is my favorite overall (even before I started my current job) but if we're activating cat, i think it'd be stupid to not activate it along with some other op codes.
>
> OP_CTV is the next most obvious upgrade to bitcoin, it is extremely limited in nature and essentially just locks the txid of the next transaction or acts as a pre-signed transaction, one of the most common things done in bitcoin today. CTV's main criticism today is that it doesn't do enough but I think it stands just fine on its own so long as its coupled with some other op codes.
>
> OP_CSFS (check sig from stack) isn't really a covenant proposal but when paired with CTV, allows for LN symmetry (or eltoo) and makes a ton of sense. It's a simple op code (checks  a sig), and doesn't add any new assumptions or add any new concerns about DoS.
>
> OP_INTERNALKEY, also not a covenant proposal, all this does is push a pubkey onto the stack, saving 31 bytes. This is such a simple op code, I'm honestly surprised this wasn't included in base tapscript.
>
> These are the ones that I'd most favor, I think this enables a million new ways to do layer 2 applications on top of bitcoin, some that we know will work (eltoo) and some that will be experiments (CatVM) and others that haven't even been invented yet. This also leaves the door open for more fine grained proposals in the future if we sufficient demand for other applications (ie vaults).
>
> I'll get into the remaining proposals on why I am okay with them but would rather have the previously mentioned op codes.
>
> OP_PAIRCOMMIT, not a covenant proposal but included in the LNHANCE set of op codes. This essentially is just OP_CAT with extra steps, it concats 2 items and then hashes them and puts the hash on the stack. I would bet on a long enough timeline people figure out how to do op_cat things with pair commit, so lets just do op_cat instead.
>
> OP_VAULT is great but not something that greatly excites me atm. I think vaults are a good idea but from what I've heard, there isn't much demand for vaults as of now (at least today's presigned tx version). This also doesn't address my main concern of scaling self custody. However, I do think its a great idea and can probably can still be used in ways to enable new layer 2s, so I am all for it.
> 
> OP_TXHASH is basically just OP_CTV++, so I am in favor of it. However, my understanding is there isn't a battle tested implementation yet and just feels like overly complicated CTV. Imo, TXHASH is a great follow up op code because we can fine tune it to what people are actually using covenants for, instead of prematurely optimizing everything with no data.
>
> OP_CCV, I know the least about this one but i think MATT is a good idea and in general favor of it.  If this was the only way we'd get covenants into bitcoin, then I'd be fine with that for now.
>
> APO feels dead these days, LNHANCE has usurped it in every regard. LNHANCE enables everything APO does but in a more fine grained and intentional way. APO is accidentally a covenant proposal while also not being very general, making it not very useful for applications outside of ln symmetry.

[source](https://x.com/benthecarman/status/1867275434376777930)

benthecarman on Covenant proposals

k00b

Stacker News Media Kit 1.0

Jon_Hodl

bitcoin_beginners

# INTRO

The first exploration of my Bitcoin Ecosystem Map. In this case, the target audience is mobile non-routing node users such as Blixt or Zeus that is looking for channel counterparty to open a LN channel with.

> _these lists must be maintained and updated_ - DarthCoin

I'm open to addition, removal & improvement of certain part of this post as soon as SN implements perpetual edit.

- Channel counterparty listed here are 100% private channel-friendly (trust me bro)
- Routing fees can change at any given moment, make sure to set a maximum limit of your maximum routing fees you're willing to pay (at least it's possible on Blixt)

# RESULTS


|Nodes|Routing Fee|Minimum Channel Size|
|:---------:|:-----------------:|:-----------------------------------:|
|[Blixt Wallet](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/0230a5bca558e6741460c13dd34e636da28e52afd91cf93db87ed1b0392a7466eb)|0 Sats + 1k ppm|20k Sats|
|[Boltz](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/026165850492521f4ac8abd9bd8088123446d126f648ca35e60f88177dc149ceb2)|0 Sats + 1 ppm|1M Sats|
|[Lifpay Me](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/038657a23145a49ca945e81f67bb5170dbefa7f6500cbf11ce8f0da83985745255)|1 Sats + 1 ppm|20k Sats|
|[Lightning Video](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/0301c3924df01f1a376ab20ce9273ee2c4a1f2354c3400e6357d3d4144981ae728)|5 Sats + 2480 ppm|1M Sats|
|[lnmarkets com](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/03271338633d2d37b285dae4df40b413d8c6c791fbee7797bc5dc70812196d7d5c)|?|5M Sats|
|[Megalithic Me](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/0322d0e43b3d92d30ed187f4e101a9a9605c3ee5fc9721e6dac3ce3d7732fbb13e)|0 Sats + 2k ppm|1M Sats|
|[Middle Way ₿⚡🌊](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/0376bd2f87ea8376ae5b451f85a4210e4df5ce81b949054288def4c7867640923c)|1 Sats + 1k ppm|10M Sats
|[Mostro](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/031df9367377758ef6a167f218023c5a1dcf3994d3e96327d32f0f008548fe4236)|0 Sats + 500 ppm|1M Sats|
|[NERV](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/028c589131fae8c7e2103326542d568373019b50a9eb376a139a330c8545efb79a)|1 Sats + 1 ppm|20k Sats|
|[⚡️ STACKER.NEWS ⚡️](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/03cc1d0932bb99b0697f5b5e5961b83ab7fd66f1efc4c9f5c7bad66c1bcbe78f02)|1 Sats + 1 ppm|20k Sats|
|[xmrk reloaded](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/02cad4ec4c8b0dc2c7035a1898f979c8c7169bdff74e01ad6ca7aea59d85c59e8b)|100 ppm ~ 2k ppm|2.5M Sats

Summary of other aspects :

- Blixt is the only node from this list that supports Taproot Channel & Turbo Channel
- All of the node listed supports Multi-Path Payment
- All of the node listed supports Keysend payment, except for Lifpay Me & Lightning Video
- All of the node listed supports Wumbo Channel, except for Lightning Video, NERV, & ⚡️ STACKER.NEWS ⚡️
- All of the node listed supports connection over Clearnet & TOR, except for Mostro & Lightning Video
- Mostro is TOR-only node while Lightning Video is Clearnet-only node


# KNOW YOUR COUNTERPARTY


|Nodes|🧭|Counterparty|
|:---------:|:-:|:--------------------:|
|[Blixt Wallet](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/0230a5bca558e6741460c13dd34e636da28e52afd91cf93db87ed1b0392a7466eb)|🇩🇪|Official Blixt Wallet routing node|
|||Blixt Wallet programmer|
|||@hampus|
|[Boltz](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/026165850492521f4ac8abd9bd8088123446d126f648ca35e60f88177dc149ceb2)|🇪🇸|Official Boltz Exchange routing node|
|||@boltz|
|[Lifpay Me](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/038657a23145a49ca945e81f67bb5170dbefa7f6500cbf11ce8f0da83985745255)|🇸🇬|Official Lifpay Wallet routing node|
|||@LifPay|
|[Lightning Video](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/0301c3924df01f1a376ab20ce9273ee2c4a1f2354c3400e6357d3d4144981ae728)|🇺🇸|Official Lightning Video routing node|
|||Shock Wallet programmer|
|||Lightning Pub programmer|
|||@justin_shocknet|
|[lnmarkets com](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/03271338633d2d37b285dae4df40b413d8c6c791fbee7797bc5dc70812196d7d5c)|🇺🇸🇨🇦|Official LN Markets routing node|
|||@romain_rouphael|
|[Megalithic Me](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/0322d0e43b3d92d30ed187f4e101a9a9605c3ee5fc9721e6dac3ce3d7732fbb13e)|🇺🇸|LSP partner on Alby Hub|
|||@megalithic|
|[Middle Way ₿⚡🌊](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/0376bd2f87ea8376ae5b451f85a4210e4df5ce81b949054288def4c7867640923c)|🇪🇸|Swap taker on Swap Market|
|[Mostro](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/031df9367377758ef6a167f218023c5a1dcf3994d3e96327d32f0f008548fe4236)|🇨🇴 ?|The current active Mostro instance|
|||Mostro programmer|
|[NERV](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/028c589131fae8c7e2103326542d568373019b50a9eb376a139a330c8545efb79a)|🇺🇸|Programmer at Lightning Labs|
|||Blixt Wallet programmer|
|||Eldamar Swap operator|
|[⚡️ STACKER.NEWS ⚡️](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/03cc1d0932bb99b0697f5b5e5961b83ab7fd66f1efc4c9f5c7bad66c1bcbe78f02)|🇺🇸|Official Stacker News routing node|
|||@k00b|
|[xmrk reloaded](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/02cad4ec4c8b0dc2c7035a1898f979c8c7169bdff74e01ad6ca7aea59d85c59e8b)|🇩🇪|@xmrk2|



|Nodes|Exclusive Benefits|
|:---------:|:---------------------------:|
|[Blixt Wallet](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/0230a5bca558e6741460c13dd34e636da28e52afd91cf93db87ed1b0392a7466eb)|Mandatory hop for Blixt Wallet LN address feature|
|[Lifpay Me](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/038657a23145a49ca945e81f67bb5170dbefa7f6500cbf11ce8f0da83985745255)|Less routing fee towards this PoS system|
|[⚡️ STACKER.NEWS ⚡️](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/03cc1d0932bb99b0697f5b5e5961b83ab7fd66f1efc4c9f5c7bad66c1bcbe78f02)|Less zapping fees on Stacker News|

In general, opening a direct channel towards integrated LSP of a certain wallet can have multiple benefits such as :
- Quicker pathfinding time
- Increased payment success rate
- Less fee towards the users of a certain wallet (that have the same counterparty ofc)

It also make sense to open a direct channel towards a certain services or apps that users often interact with (mainly to save Sats in routing fee).

But, in Alby Hub case, since the LSP model is open even tho there is a direct channel to a specific LSP, the Alby Hub users could choose a different channel counterparty thus the payment path is (probably) unaffected.

In Swap Market case, the users can open a direct channel towards their preferred Swap Taker to have multiple benefits such as :
- Quicker pathfinding time
- Increased payment success rate


# NOTES FROM NODERUNNERS


> _[Sure. Just be aware that we regularly close channels that don't have activity (usually if nothing within a week or two) ✌️](https://t.me/boltzhq/1180)_ - @boltz

> _I advertize on Magma, but could open a channel directly_ - Middle Way

> _To begin with. It is auto managed. As more sats go to my side, the fee will get lower. You now have 50 ppm discount for inbound flow._ - Middle Way

> _[If you want zero fees, open a channel to SN.](https://stacker.news/items/722833?commentId=724045)_ - @ek

> _I never succeeded in opening taproot private channel, and I tried, I thought it is fault of my peers, maybe I was wrong_ - @xmrk2

> _just changed it manually to 100, but it is dynamically adjusted by LNDg. Also set inbound fee to -50, which is more relevant right now._ - @xmrk2

> _difficult question, could you say "up to 2k ppm"? But I would prefer people to look at my avarage fee on amboss for example_ - @xmrk2

> _Yo, Yea sure we accept channels_ - @justin_shocknet

> _[We support Private channels, Wumbo channels, but not yet Taproot channels](https://t.me/lnmarkets/78453)_ - @romain_rouphael

> _yes, private accepted_ - @megalithic

> _Remember that these default fees can and will change at any time... so if you are setting up your viewers to "expect" certain fees, I'm  not sure that is a  great idea..._ - @megalithic

> _i just might suggest making a note for your users that your ppm values are "as tested on nov 7 2024 and could change" or something_ - @megalithic

> _[but I have to be clear on this, we are on beta but once we have a well tested release I will shutdown that node, I will let know users to close cooperatively all channels](https://t.me/MostroP2P/2551)_ - mostro


Some nodes could refuse to accept private channel for several reasons :
- Private channel can't be used to route payment (inefficient liquidity)
- It even worse if most (if not all) balance are pushed to the more-online node (locked liquidity)
- They wanna make money (LSP business)
- Avoiding force close risk (unless if most people use persistent mode, which they don't)

> _[We reserve the right to close those onchain funded chans at our own discretion](https://t.me/zeusLN/81426)_ - [Olympus by Zeus](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/031b301307574bbe9b9ac7b79cbe1700e31e544513eae0b5d7497483083f99e581)

> _[As Kote said, private channels might be problematic for our liquidity.
I would prefer if you took a look at my peers and chose one of them to open a channel.](https://t.me/robosats/44529)_ - [TheBigLake](https://lightningnetwork.plus/nodes/0385262f7e9e2eeeba1e7d6182a0efec98e79d01154b76189f3e0b88bcee279dd0)


# CLOSING BIT


Tools used :
- [Blixt Wallet](https://github.com/hsjoberg/blixt-wallet)
- [LN+](https://lightningnetwork.plus)
- [Amboss](https://amboss.space)
- Telegram X
- DarthCoin's [1](https://github.com/hsjoberg/blixt-wallet/issues/1033), [2](https://github.com/ZeusLN/zeus/discussions/2265) list
- [Lightning Decoder](https://lightningdecoder.com)

I've said it before and i'll say it again

> I'm open to addition, removal & improvement of certain part of this post as soon as SN implements perpetual edit.

REXPLORE : Channel Counterparty

Rexdentron

Bitcoin is not just a black hole. It has a far brighter future

davidw


![](https://m.stacker.news/58688)

### The Potential

Some of you may have read my recent [post](https://stacker.news/items/722173/r/siggy47) about the possibility of using meshtastic software with a LoRa radio for OTA (over the air) bitcoin transactions. 

I first got excited about this technology because of this article:

https://bitcoinmagazine.com/technical/making-bitcoin-unstoppable-part-one-mesh-nets

Here’s a passage I really liked:

> With a mesh network, we completely decentralize our communication infrastructure, as anyone can become an ISP in the network. Individuals may choose to offer mumble or matrix servers for communication or provide local access to Wikipedia, while open channels in the Lightning Network can be used to facilitate bitcoin transactions without an uplink to the broader internet. Mesh networks are also cost-efficient to deploy as already available hardware can be used to facilitate communication and provide unprecedented benefits for people who live under circumstances susceptible to disruptions of internet access. 

Then I found this article, which is much more technically in depth:

https://d-central.tech/can-i-send-bitcoins-with-mesh-networks/

I recommend you read this if you want to learn more about the network and the possibilities for bitcoin transactions.


It took me a while to actually get a radio and start to learn about this technology. I was a ham radio operator for years, though I let my license lapse. I like these unregulated bands better anyway. Also, licensed hams are prohibited from engaging in commercial transactions. My goal is to transact on the Lightning Network. 

### Some Useful Links


- Meshtastic github

https://github.com/meshtastic 

- Mesh Map Worldwide

https://meshmap.net/#1947155171 

- Review of Lilygo T-Echo and other radios

https://adrelien.com/blog/what-is-the-best-device-for-meshtastic/ 

### Lilygo T-Echo setup for Meshtastic. 

I decided to buy a Lilygo T-Echo. It is an out of the box ready to go radio, unlike many DIY kit choices you may decide to buy. @kepford just bought a RAK Pocket https://store.rokland.com/products/wismesh-pocket. His radio is nicer and a little higher end than mine. 

The T-Echo comes fully assembled with a USB cord and detachable antenna. Be sure to attach the antenna before plugging it in. The first thing you must do is load the meshtastic firmware on the radio. Go to this site: https://store.rokland.com/pages/lilygo-t-echo-getting-started-quick-guide-meshtastic You must unlock the bootloader on your device before you can connect it to your computer.  To unlock the bootloader on the T-Echo, click the reset button (top button on the left side of the device) twice. A new drive for the device will now be mounted on your computer. Next, download and flash the firmware for your radio. 

![](https://m.stacker.news/58695)

![](https://m.stacker.news/58696)


I downloaded the stable version of ntf52840 for the T-Echo. Next, you simply drag the downloaded file to the new drive that appeared on your computer when you unlocked the bootloader.  

#### Linux Issues

I had a nightmare trying to load the firmware on Linux with my Ubuntu laptop, but easily did it on my wife's windows laptop. @kepford gave me advice regarding linux, but none of the tips worked for me. He’s the guy to ask if you must flash the firmware with linux. He suggested you only use the Chrome browser, along with other advice I can't find right now. My own research led me to this one line terminal command to solve the issue

```sudo usermod -a -G dialout USER```

but this did not work for me. 

@kepford also located a possible permission issue through a web search, which can be resolved by running 

```chmod a+rw /dev/ttyACM0 ```

but, once again, it did not work for me. 

Keep in mind that you may get an error signal "Not enough space on drive" or error copying file. Ignore the error notices. When the file is downloaded the radio will reboot into the meshtastic firmware. 

### Pairing Your Phone To Your Radio

Next, download the meshtastic app from your phone. I have a graphene pixel and don’t use Google or Apple stores, so I got the app from @franzap 's zapstore. https://github.com/zapstore/zapstore-cli By the way, I highly recommend the zap store. The app is also available on fdroid. I don't know about the Apple version. 

![](https://m.stacker.news/58697)


I paired the device with bluetooth. The pin to pair the radio to your phone will appear on the Lilygo T-Echo screen once you click “pair new device” on your phone . If you are using graphene, be sure to grant the app location permission to turn on the GPS.  Click the + button on the meshtastic app on your phone to connect your radio. The first thing you must do is set a geographic region. Allow the app to find connected devices, then select your radio. It will give your radio a short alpha numeric name, which you can edit.

Now your radio is operational and able to find other local devices. So far I have made no connections. I think I will need to install a high antenna to improve my range, but that’s for another post. 

### The Future Of Meshtastic

It quickly becomes obvious when doing some research that this is an area where the potential for bitcoin has been barely explored. There are lots of useful youtube videos that will teach you about the meshtastic network, but very few that will actually address using it as a means to transact with bitcoin. This was all I could find:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wir_cRNKNQA

There is not much to work with, but if there are any developers out there looking for fertile ground, this might be it. I envision someone building a lightning wallet that can interface with the meshtastic firmware. I have no idea how difficult this would be, or if it’s even possible.  In any event, it's probably too early. The network needs to grow to make this a practical solution.



Setting Up My First Meshtastic Radio

siggy47

movies

1. 8 Mile (2002)
2. 12 Years a Slave (2013)
3. 127 Hours (2010)
4. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
5. A Braveheart (1995)
6. A Few Good Men (1992)
7. A Miracle on Ice (1981)
8. All the President's Men (1976)
9. American Hustle (2013)
10. American Sniper (2014)
11. Apollo 13 (1995)
12. Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
13. Black Hawk Down (2001)
14. BlacKkKlansman (2018
15. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
16. Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
17. Bridge of Spies (2015)
18. Capote (2005)
19. Chaplin (1992)
20. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
21. Chaplin (1992)
22. Che (2008)
23. Coal Miner's Daughter (1980)
24.Cold Mountain (2003)
25. Concussion (2015)
26. Coach Carter (2005)
27. Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
28. Darkest Hour (2017)
29. Deepwater Horizon (2016)
30. Dunkirk (2017)
31. Erin Brockovich (2000)
32. Escape from Alcatraz (1979)
33. Flight (2012)
34. Florence Nightingale (2008)
35. First Man (2018)
36. Freedom Writers (2007)
37. Frida (2002)
38. Goodfellas (1990)
39. Green Book (2018)
40. Harriet (2019)
41. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
42. Hidden Figures (2016)
43. Hotel Rwanda (2004)
44. I, Tonya (2017)
45. Invictus (2009)
46. Invincible (2006)
47. Into the Wild (2007)
48. Jackie (2016)
49. JFK (1991)
50. Judah and the Black Messiah (2021)
51. Just Mercy (2019)
52. Julie & Julia (2009)
53. Jungle (2017)
54. Joy (2015)
55. Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
56. Lincoln (2012)
57. Lion (2016)
58. Love & Mercy (2014)
59. Miracle (2004)
60. Milk (2008)
61. Moneyball (2011)
62. Monster (2003)
63. My Friend Dahmer (2017)
64. My Left Foot (1989)
65. Ray (2004)
67. Remember the Titans (2000)
68. Richard Jewell (2019)
69. Rocketman (2019)
70. Schindler's List (1993)
71. Selma (2014)
72. Snowden (2016)
73. Sully (2016)
74. Spotlight (2015)
75. Steve Jobs (2015)
76. The 33 (2015)
77. The Alamo (2004)
78. The Aviator (2004)
79. The Big Short (2015)
80. The Blind Side (2009)
81. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)
82. The Butler (2013)
83. The Conjuring (2013)
84. The Danish Girl (2015)
85. The Disaster Artist (2017)
86. The Elephant Man (1980)
87. The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
88. The Fighter (2010)
89. The Founders (2016)
90. The Greatest Showman (2017)
91. The Hurricane (1999)
92. The Impossible 2012
93. The Magdalene Sisters (2002)
94. The Man Who Knew (2017)
95. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
96. The Theory of Everything (2014)
97.Three Billboards Outside Ebbing,Missouri (2017)
98. Titanic (1997)
99. Unbroken (2014)
100. Vice (2018)
Walk the Line (2005)
When We Rise (2017)
Wild (2014)
Zodiac (2007)
Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

SN elects to go noncustodial on Nov. 5th - FAQ & AMA

This will create a lot of confusing among stackers.
I repeat: you should separate "upvotes" from "zaps".
- upvotes = use cowboy credits, stackers must buy them with sats from SN. These will not be able to withdraw, only circulate inside SN.
- zaps = use real sats, with external wallets attached and stackers will give them SEPARATELY to anybody else

**0. Intro**

Stablecoins and stablechannels are a bad idea for four reasons:

1. Compared to bitcoin, they all require extra trusted third parties (i.e. security holes)
2. As a store of value, they're worse than btc due to the constant depreciation of the fiat they emulate
3. As a medium of exchange, they are no better than btc because they face the same limitations
4. As a unit of account, they are no better than btc because this is a solved problem

**1. Extra trusted third parties**

The most popular stablecoins are effectively banks that issue bearer bonds. Depositors send real money or cryptocurrency to Tether or Circle or whoever, and they swap it for government bonds or cash, and then print an equivalent amount of USDT or USDC, which they give to the depositors in return. The recipients begin circulating these in the economy, and sometimes redeem them at the issuer for their face value in USD or other fiat currencies. The issuer is the trusted third party. They can freeze your assets, refuse to redeem them, go bankrupt and disappear, or require KYC on every transfer.

Stablechannels are partially algorithmic. You deposit bitcoin in a lightning node, find a counterparty who is willing to take on a "contract for difference" with you, and you begin paying them money if bitcoin's price rises, or they pay you if bitcoin's price falls. The point is to ensure that whatever amount you deposited is still worth that amount whenever you send it, receive more of it, or close out your position. And if either counterparty fails to pay when required, the channel force closes, which is typically more expensive than if you just kept up your end of the bargain. The trusted third party here is the source of price info. A set of price oracles report the price of bitcoin, which determines whether your device sends money or your counterparty does that. A malicious counterparty can collude with these price oracles to always report that your device should send them money, and thus drain your wallet while you sleep.

Bitcoin is better money than stablecoins and stablechannels because it has fewer trusted third parties. Bitcoin doesn't need banks and it doesn't need oracles. There are fewer people at the protocol level who can pull the rug out from under you and that makes bitcoin safer, better money.

**2. Store of value**

Stablecoins and stablechannels are pegged to fiat currencies. Fiat currencies typically have a built-in, intentional depreciation target of about 2% per year, and whenever the issuer feels like money is tight, they can (and often do) simply raise that target, announce that they did so due to economic necessity, and then print more for themselves. This steals value from anyone who holds that fiat currency, and *also* from anyone who holds money in a stablecoin or a stablechannel *pegged to* that currency.

Some might argue that stablecoins are a better store of value than bitcoin *anyway* because they are less volatile. But a cursory examination of any comparison chart reveals that bitcoin's volatility trends upward and that fiat currencies, while *somewhat* less volatile, are by no means immune from volatility. Their volatility is just more patchy, and trends *downward* instead of upward. So bitcoin beats stablecoins and stablechannels on *overall* store of value, and it's not as disparate a match on volatility as some people make it out to be. Patience heals the volatility wound.

**3. Medium of exchange**

Bitcoin and stablecoins and stablechannels are all built on the same technologies. When users go to use them at stores, they face the same limitations: the payment might get stuck in a pending state; the payment might fail altogether, if it uses lightning; the transaction fees might be expensive; and the shop might not have a compatible wallet. Stablecoins and stablechannels don't offer anything that *fundamentally* fixes these issues.

Some might say stablechannels do, since they use lightning, but all of the above things still apply: lightning payments can get stuck too, or fail, or be expensive, or be unrecognizable to the recipient's device. Some might say stablecoins on tron, solana, or ethereum L2s fundamentally fix this, but they have the same problems: tron and solana and ethereum L2 payments sometimes get stuck, fail, have high fees, and aren't supported by all wallets.

The same problems afflict all options, bitcoin and stablecoins and stablechannels. It is unwise to divide efforts by trying to increase adoption of stablecoins or stablechannels while fixing the same problems on disparate platforms. It is wise to push for adoption of bitcoin directly as the best money while aligning all available efforts to fix problems on bitcoin.

**4. Unit of account**

The unit of account problem was solved by technology. Point of sale devices can easily obtain the price of any currency or cryptocurrency and show an invoice or address to the users for the equivalent price of whatever they are buying. Users typically have devices that *also* tell them what amount is being asked of them in whatever currency they like best, and if they opt for "advanced" wallets that *don't* convert to fiat terms, then they are probably sophisticated enough to just look at the amount and intuit whether it looks about right.

Some might say "but it's easier to denominate in stablecoins than BTC because bitcoin's price changes more frequently/quickly than stablecoins do." But "denominating in stablecoins" is actually just a proxy for denominating in fiat, because *stablecoins* are just a proxy for fiat. And more importantly, this is only true for *some* currencies *some* of the time. Argentinian pesos and Venezuelan bolivars are two of the most recent monetary units to collapse, leading to many people in those countries refusing to use them as a unit of account. Nothing stops the same thing from happening to the dollar, or the euro, or even to bitcoin.

But technology has made this part pointless. Whichever currency or cryptocurrency you use, your point of sale device can figure out the appropriate exchange rate when the customer approaches you to buy something. Thanks to digital devices, the unit of account problem is no longer a problem. So stablecoins and stablechannels don't beat bitcoin on this front either.

**5. Conclusion**

Stablecoins and stablechannels are worse money than bitcoin in four important categories. Those who push for their adoption stand in the way of hyperbitcoinization. Some folks think they are pushing for bitcoin adoption, but when it comes to merchants, they recommend they use a stablecoin or a stablechannel wallet like Strike or Boardwalk Cash. I recommend they use bitcoin. It is better money anyway, and the point of all this is to help the world use a better money, not just make it so your wallet works at a few more places.

Why stablecoins and stablechannels are dumb

supertestnet

AGORA

# Maxims of Commercial Law [^1]

There are ten essential maxims or precepts in commercial law. Here they go:

### 1. 1. WORKMAN IS WORTHY OF HIS HIRE. 
The first of these is expressed in _Exodus 20:15; Lev. 19:13; Mat. 10:10; Luke 10"7; II Tim. 2:6_. Legal maxim: "It is against equity for freemen not to have the free disposal of their own property."

### 1. 2. ALL ARE EQUAL UNDER THE LAW
The second maxim is "Equality before the law" or more precisely, ALL ARE EQUAL UNDER THE LAW. (God's Law - Moral and Natural Law). _Exodus 21:23-25; Lev. 24: 17-21; Deut. 1;17, 19:21; Mat. 22:36-40; Luke 10:17; Col. 3:25._ "No one is above the law". This is founded on both Natural and Moral law and is binding on everyone. For someone to say, or acts as though, he is "above the law" is insane. This is the major insanity in the world today. Man continues to live, act, believe, and form systems, organizations, governments, laws and processes which presume to be able to supercede or abrogate Natural or Moral Law. But, under commercial law, Natural and Moral Law are binding on everyone, and no one can escape it. Commerce, by the law of nations, ought to be common, and not to be converted into a monopoly and the private gain of the few.

### 1. 3. IN COMMERCE TRUTH IS SOVEREIGN
This one is one of the most comforting maxims one could have, and your foundation for your peace-of-mind and your security and your capacity to win and triumph -- to get your remedy -- in this business. IN COMMERCE TRUTH IS SOVEREIGN. _(Exodus 20:16; Ps. 117:2; John 8:32; II Cor. 13:8 )_. Truth is sovereign -and the Sovereign tells only the truth. Your word is your bond. If truth were not sovereign in commerce, i.e., all human action and inter-relations, there would be no basis for anything. No basis for law and order, no basis no accountability, there would be no standards, no capacity to resolve anything. It would mean "anything goes", "each man for himself", and "nothing matters". That's worse than the law of the jungle. Commerce. "To lie is to go against the mind". Oriental proverb: "Of all that is good, sublimity is supreme."


### 1. 4. TRUTH IS EXPRESSED IN THE FORM OF AN AFFIDAVIT. 
_(Lev. 5:4-5; Lev. 6:3-5; Lev. 19:11-13: Num. 30:2; Mat. 5:33; James 5: 12)._ An affidavit is your solemn expression of your truth. In commerce, an affidavit must be accompanied and must underlay and form the foundation for any commercial transaction whatsoever. There can be no valid commercial transaction without someone putting their neck on the line and stated, "this is true, correct, complete and not meant to mislead." When you issue an affidavit, it is a two edged sword; it cuts both ways. Someone has to take responsibility for saying that it is a real situation. It can be called a true bill, as they say in the Grand Jury. When you issue an affidavit in commerce you get the power of an affidavit. You also incur the liability, because this has to be a situation where other people might be adversely affected by it. Things change by your affidavit, in which are going to affect people's lives. If what you say in your affidavit is, in fact, not true, then those who are adversely affected can come back at you with justifiable recourse because you lied. You have told a lie as if it were the truth. People depend on your affidavit and then they have lost because you lied.

### 1. 5. AN UNREBUTTED AFFIDAVIT STANDS AS TRUTH IN COMMERCE. 
_(12 Pet. 1:25; Heb. 6:13-15;)_ Claims made in your affidavit, if not rebutted, emerge as the truth of the matter. Legal Maxim: "He who does deny, admits."

### 1. 6. AN UNREBUTTED AFFIDAVIT BECOMES THE JUDGMENT IN COMMERCE. 
_(Heb. 6:16-17;)_. There is nothing left to resolve. Any proceeding in a court, tribunal, or arbitration forum consists of a contest, or duel, of commercial affidavits wherein the points remaining unrebutted in the end stand as truth and matters to which the judgment of the law is applied.

### 1. 7. IN COMMERCE FOR ANY MATTER TO BE RESOLVED MUST BE EXPRESSED. 
_(Heb. 4:16; Phil. 4:6; Eph. 6:19-21)_. No one is a mind reader. You have to put your position out there, you have to state what the issue is, to have someone to talk about and resolve. Legal Maxim: "He who fails to assert his rights has none.

### 1. 8. HE WHO LEAVES THE BATTLEFIELD FIRST LOSES BY DEFAULT
The primary users of commercial law and those who best understand and codified it in Western civilization are the Jews. This is Mosaic Law they have had for more than 3500 years past which is based upon Babylonian commerce. This one is: HE WHO LEAVES THE BATTLEFIELD FIRST LOSES BY DEFAULT. _(Book of Job; Mat. 10:22;)_ This means that an affidavit which is unrebutted point for point stands as "truth in commerce" because it hasn't been rebutted and has left the battlefield. Governments allegedly exist to resolve disputes, conflicts and truth. Governments allegedly exist to be substitutes for the dueling field and the battlefield for so disputes, conflicts of affidavits of truth are resolved peaceably, reasonably instead of by violence. So people can take their disputes into court and have them all opened up and resolved, instead of going out and marching ten paces and turning to kill or injure. Legal Maxim: "He who does not repel a wrong when he can, occasions it".

### 1. 9. SACRIFICE IS THE MEASURE OF CREDIBILITY 
(NO WILLINGNESS TO SACRIFICE = NO LIABILITY, RESPONSIBILITY, AUTHORITY OR MEASURE OF CONVICTION). 
Nothing ventured nothing gained. A person must put himself on the line assume a position, take a stand, as regards the matter at hand. and One cannot realize the potential gain without also exposing himself to thew potential of loss. (One who is not damaged, put at risk, or willing to swear an oath on his commercial liability to claim authority) (Acts 7, life/death of Stephen). for the truth of his statements and legitimacy of his actions has no basis to assert claims or charges and forfeits all credibility and right Legal Maxim: "He who bears the burden ought also to derive the benefit".

### 1. 10. SATISFACTION OF A LIEN. 
In commerce a lien or claim can be satisfied in any one of three ways. _(Gen. 2-3; Mat. 4; Revelation.)_.
By someone rebutting your affidavit, with another affidavit of his own, point by point, until the matter is resolved as to whose is correct, in case of non-resolution. You convene a Sheriff's common law jury, based on the Seventh Amendment, concerning a dispute involving a claim of more than $20. Or, you can use three disinterested parties to make judgment.
The only other way to satisfy a lien is to pay it.

Legal Maxim: "if the plaintiff does not prove his case, the defendant is absolved".


### 10. A LIEN OR CLAIM CAN BE SATISFIED ONLY THROUGH REBUTTABLE BY AFFIDAVIT POINT BY POINT, RESOLUTION BY JURY, OR PAYMENT.

Commercial Law is non-judicial. This is pre-judicial (not prejudice). This is timeless. This is the base, the foundation beneath which any government or any of their court systems can possibly exist or function.

That means what the courts are doing, and what all governments are ultimately adjudicating and making rules about, are these basic rules of Commercial Law. When you go into court and place your hand on the Bible you say, "I swear the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth..." you have just sworn a Commercial Affidavit.

It's the conflict between Commercial Affidavits of Truth that gives the court something to talk about, that forms the entire basis of its action, and its being there, in their venue. Hence, one of the reasons attorneys always create controversy.

No court and no judge can overturn or disregard or abrogate somebody's Affidavit of Truth. The only one who has any capacity or right or responsibility or knowledge to rebut your Affidavit of Truth is the one who is adversely affected by it. It's his job, his right, his responsibility to speak for himself. To issue his own affidavit because no one can speak it for him. No one else can know what your truth is or has the free-will responsibility to state it. This is YOUR job.


[^1]: source: https://understandcontractlawandyouwin.com/ten-essential-maxims-precepts-commercial-law/

10 Essential Maxims or Precepts in Commercial Law

history

If you only clicked on the post to tell me crypto sucks let me disappoint - crypto in this case stands for cryptography, as it is for a long time before shitcoins came into existence. 

Many of you might have read Paul Rosenberg's amazing [A lodging of wayfaring men](https://freemansperspective.com/product/a-lodging-of-wayfaring-men/). Some of you might even know that Max Hillebrand recently created [an audiobook version of it](https://freemansperspective.com/audiobook-a-lodging-of-wayfaring-men/). 

But there is a story that predates that book, a real story that probably served as an inspiration for A lodging of wayfaring men. That story is called [The Untold Story of the Greatest Crypto Project Ever](https://freemansperspective.com/product/the-untold-story-of-the-greatest-crypto-project-ever-e-book/). If you are too cheap to buy it (you should support Paul, he is a legend!) there is a way to read it free as it was published as blog posts. It took a bit to dig them up since the originals on his blog are not available anymore but I think the story is too inspiring not to be shared.

[Introduction](https://web.archive.org/web/20221006080808/https://freemansperspective.com/untold-story-greatest-crypto-project-ever-introduction/)
[Part 1](https://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Article/254699-2019-01-17-the-untold-story-of-the-greatest-crypto-project-ever-part.htm)
[Part 2](https://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Article/255038-2019-01-24-the-untold-story-of-the-greatest-crypto-project-ever-part.htm)
[Part 3]( https://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Article/255408-2019-01-31-the-untold-story-of-the-greatest-crypto-project-ever-part.htm)
[Part 4](https://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Article/255758-2019-02-07-the-untold-story-of-the-greatest-crypto-project-ever-part.htm)
[Part 5](https://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Article/256127-2019-02-14-the-untold-story-of-the-greatest-crypto-project-ever-part.htm)
[Part 6](https://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Article/256562-2019-02-22-the-untold-story-of-the-greatest-crypto-project-ever-part.htm)

This story is a great starting point to dig further into people involved and their  cypherpunk and anarhocapitalist ideas from the 90s. Maybe more on that in another post.

The Untold Story of the Greatest Crypto Project Ever

lightning

![attach Nostr Wallet Connect](https://m.stacker.news/53717)
- - -
# 0.0 Intro:

Nostr Wallet Connect (NWC) look's like being, lately, the most requested and used option to connect your node to SN! And SN to your node... In this guide, we will go through a few simple steps to _leverage_ the nostr protocol to move sats around wallets: SN wallet and your (ideally NON-custodial) wallet. [NWC.dev](https://nwc.dev/) is the open protocol to connect lightning wallets to apps. Pretty damn powerful, considering its level of censorship resistance and privacy.

There are still not many options that have NWC integrated and working, providing the capability to generate public keys and secret keys to connect wallets and apps through nostr relays. @Alby Hub is the latest one, and THE one we gonna use in this guide. Ready?
- - -
# 1.0 Requirements

- [x] 1 public or private Lighting node
- [x] 1 AlbyHub app installed and running
- [x] 1 [SN account](signup/r/supratic) (Last but not least important!)
- [x] 2 NWC connection keys


![attach NWC error](https://m.stacker.news/53739)
Yes, we'll need two different keys! One for sending and another different connection key for receiving.
- - -
# 2.0 Creating the NWC connection keys on AlbyHub

If you are still learning and or evaluating options for your Lightning node, I highly suggest you starting from @Darthcoin guides, forever available on [github](https://darth-coin.github.io/) and [substack](https://darthcoin.substack.com/) in many languages.

At this point, I'll assume you have your LN node running and some channels already opened with some perfectly balanced liquidity (sats). It's an absolutely vital detail we cannot miss! You ca also check the health status of your node after installing AlbyHub. 👇

![AlbyHub Node Liquidity and Health](https://m.stacker.news/53787)
![](https://m.stacker.news/53691)

The cool stuff about AlbyHub is that allow, not only to check your node and channel status, but most essential for this scenario, it gives much better management capabilities of the permissions you want to assign to specific NWC keys. If you care about your privacy, and to mitigate future issues, it's important to give each key the right authorization access. If you want to learn more about AlbyHub you can open [guides.getalby.com](https://guides.getalby.com/user-guide/v/alby-account-and-browser-extension/alby-hub/node/node-health) in another window to read more later ;)

![AlbyHub App Store preview](https://m.stacker.news/53736)
![](https://m.stacker.news/53691)
### 2.1 Select "stacker news" from the App Store
I'll start from the AlbyHub App Store because in this way our Connection will be later featured in the AlbyHub connections page with the beautiful SN icon instead of being a just generic one. 

![](https://m.stacker.news/53745)
![](https://m.stacker.news/53691)

### 2.2 Creating the Connection keys
Let's click on the **stacker news** **[🔌 Connect]** button, and we'll see that by default, the Connection is set to give **Full Access** to the app, you can keep it this way if you like. 

![](https://m.stacker.news/53785)
![](https://m.stacker.news/53691)

My suggestion is to set the permission at a minimum to define exactly what access each Connection key to do just what it supposed to do with your wallet! Check the settings below respectively for sending NWC connection key and another different one for receiving:

| **connection key** for sending | **connection key** for receiving |
|---|---|
| ![](https://m.stacker.news/53781) | ![](https://m.stacker.news/53780) | 


In the Connection key for sending you also have the option to set a badget, in the example below, the connection will be allowed to take from your node until a max of 100k sats a month.

Indeed, if you are really control freak, you could set an expiration date for both connections keys independently. 
> Note: you'll be able to edit all the connection keys parameters after you create it.

![](https://m.stacker.news/53691)
### 2.3 T̲e̲m̲p̲o̲r̲a̲r̲i̲l̲y̲, save the keys somewhere
Each time you create a Connection, you'll see this screen. **Note that after leaving this screen you'll be not able to retrieve the Connection keys provided, and if you close it accidentally just delete the Connection and create a new one.**

![](https://m.stacker.news/53782)
![](https://m.stacker.news/53691)

- 2.3.1 Click the **[Copy pairing secret]** button, it will keep the Connection keys in your clipboard.
- 2.3.2 Paste them in a text file for a moment, don't save the file, just keep them there for a sec! You could also go back and forward between AlbyHub and SN to do one at a time, whatever is easier for you.
- - -
# 3.0 Connecting your node to SN via NWC

Now that we have both connection keys, for sending and for receiving, let's open our [SN wallet > attach wallet > NWC](https://stacker.news/settings/wallets/nwc) also accessible directly from the url [`https://stacker.news/settings/wallets/nwc`](https://stacker.news/settings/wallets/nwc).

![](https://m.stacker.news/53783)
![](https://m.stacker.news/53691)

Make sure you respectively paste the right key in the right input field
![](https://m.stacker.news/53793)
![](https://m.stacker.news/53691)

We are nearly there... just make sure to set:

- **desired balance** = `0`,
- **max fee** to a min of `1%` and...
- . ... click on the yellow **[ attach ]** button.

![](https://m.stacker.news/53435)

- - -
# 4.0 Congratulations, stackers! 
You just did your first step into bitcoin sovereignty! Your sats now should be landing directly in your Lightning node. 
Two NWC keys, One Connection, Zero stress... Happy stacking!

![](https://m.stacker.news/53796)

How to Connect your LN node to SEND/RECEIVE sats to/from SN via NWC with AlbyHub

supratic

# NR Tools: Essential Utilities for Lightning Node Operators

The Lightning Network stands out as a pivotal technology aiming to enhance Bitcoin's scalability and transaction speed. For those running Lightning nodes, maintaining optimal performance, security, and efficiency is paramount. Enter NR Tools, a comprehensive GitHub repository designed specifically to empower Lightning node operators with a suite of utilities tailored to streamline node management and enhance overall functionality.

# What is NR Tools?

NR Tools is an open-source collection of utilities crafted for individuals and organizations operating Lightning nodes. Developed by jvxis, this repository aggregates a variety of scripts and tools that address common challenges faced by node operators, from monitoring and diagnostics to automation and security enhancements. By providing these tools in a centralized location, NR Tools aims to simplify the complexities of managing a Lightning node, allowing operators to focus more on leveraging the network's capabilities rather than wrestling with its intricacies.

# Key Features of NR Tools
#### 1. Comprehensive Monitoring

* Real-Time Analytics: Gain insights into your node's performance with real-time data visualization tools. Monitor metrics such as channel balances, transaction throughput, and uptime to ensure your node operates smoothly.
* Alerts and Notifications: Set up customizable alerts for critical events like failed transactions, channel closures, or unexpected downtimes, enabling proactive management.

#### 2. Automated Management

* Channel Management Scripts: Automate the opening and closing of channels based on predefined criteria, optimizing liquidity and reducing manual intervention.
* Backup and Recovery: Ensure your node's data integrity with automated backup scripts that regularly save your node's state, facilitating quick recovery in case of failures.


#### 3. Security Enhancements

* Access Controls: Implement robust access controls to safeguard your node against unauthorized access, including SSH hardening and firewall configurations.
* Audit Logs: Maintain detailed logs of all node activities, aiding in security audits and troubleshooting.

#### 4. Integration Capabilities

* API Support: Seamlessly integrate NR Tools with other applications and services through its well-documented APIs, enabling extended functionalities and custom workflows.
* Compatibility: Designed to work with popular Lightning implementations like LND, c-lightning, and Eclair, ensuring broad applicability across different setups.


#### 5. User-Friendly Interface

* Command-Line Tools: Leverage intuitive command-line utilities for efficient node management, suitable for both novice and experienced operators.
* Documentation and Support: Comprehensive documentation accompanies each tool, providing clear instructions and examples to facilitate easy adoption and troubleshooting.


# Why NR Tools?

Operating a Lightning node involves juggling various tasks, from ensuring network connectivity to managing liquidity and safeguarding against potential threats. NR Tools consolidates these functionalities into a repositorie, offering several advantages:

1. Efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows, saving time and reducing the potential for human error.
2. Reliability: Benefit from a suite of tools tested and refined by the community, enhancing your node's stability and performance.
3. Flexibility: Customize tools to fit your specific needs, whether you're running a personal node or managing a large-scale Lightning network operation.
4. Community-Driven: As an open-source project, NR Tools thrives on community contributions, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptation to emerging challenges in the Lightning ecosystem.


# Getting Started with NR Tools

#### 1. Clone the Repository
```
git clone https://github.com/jvxis/nr-tools.git
```

#### 2. Navigate to the Directory
```
cd nr-tools
```

#### 3. Install Dependencies Depending on the specific tools you intend to use, follow the installation instructions provided in the repository's README.

#### 4. Configure Your Environment Set up necessary configurations such as API keys, node credentials, and preferred settings as outlined in the documentation.

#### 5. Run the Tools Execute the desired scripts or utilities to start managing your Lightning node efficiently.


# Conclusion

Managing a Lightning node doesn't have to be a daunting task. With NR Tools, node operators are equipped with a powerful arsenal of utilities designed to enhance performance  and simplify daily operations. Explore the repository today and take your Lightning node management to the next level.

Feel free to check out the **[NR Tools GitHub](https://github.com/jvxis/nr-tools)** repository for more information, contribute to the project, or raise issues if you encounter any challenges.

NR-TOOLS - Essential and Life-Saver Tools for Node Runners.

morata_voltz

⚡️ I am excited to introduce Voltz Swap Out, the new swap-out service that offers low costs, an easy process, and gives you complete control over your own swap with fair on-chain fee selection. ⚡️

Imagine swapping your savings in Lightning or eCash for on-chain Bitcoin quickly, securely, and, best of all, privately. That’s right! If privacy is important to you, eCash will be your best ally!

💼 With Voltz Swap Out, you can:

Receive your satoshis in eCash or LN directly into your on-chain Bitcoin wallet.

Take advantage of eCash’s privacy to break the trail of your satoshis.

Connect to Voltz Mint (https://lnvoltz.xyz/ecash) and make payments easily with your preferred eCash wallet.

If you’re a node runner, you can use Voltz Swap Out to open inbound liquidity without needing to buy channels or to get on-chain funds to sell channels.

💸 Exclusive Offer for BR⚡️LN Members:

We value our community, so all members of the closed BR⚡️LN group get a special discount on the service fee!

🎉 You’ll enjoy just a 0.25% service fee if you’re already part of this amazing community! 😍

🔗 To join the community, visit: https://br-ln.com

🌐 How Does It Work?

Access Voltz Swap Out directly via our bot on Telegram: https://t.me/voltz_swap_bot

Choose the amount you want to swap within the specified limits and select the on-chain fee that best fits your needs (high priority, medium, or low).

Receive the LN invoice for payment, and you can pay using Lightning or eCash funds.

Once the payment is confirmed, your satoshis will be sent directly to the Bitcoin on-chain address you provided. 💰

🌟 Questions? Need help? I’m here to provide support and ensure your experience is fully satisfying. 🤝

Welcome to Voltz Swap Out! Privacy, security, and speed in your hands. 😉

🌟 Voltz Swap Out 🌟

I am a Family Doctor. 

I have 25 years of experience in medical consultations related to: Pregnant women, Children, Young adults and Older adults; HEALTHY OR SICK 

My goal is to offer advice for your self-care and provide tools for a
BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE 

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I AM AT YOUR DISPOSAL.

[OFFER] HEALTH COUNSELING [21 SAT/ consultation]

BTCLNAT

The AI hype has been non-stop for the last 2 years ever since ChatGPT came out with its 3.0 chat. Since then, there's been an insane amount of investment into AI tech from every direction. There are hundreds of startups, every tech giant has been making investments and companies in between have been putting a lot of money toward it as well. It's not a small amount, either, as the AI hardware costs make Bitcoin mining look like discount bargains.

Yet after two years, what have we to show for it? Maybe some faster image editing on newer phones? Slightly faster answers to questions you would normally ask Google? Some productivity increase among junior programmers? The investment was enormous, as can clearly be seen in NVIDIA's growth, but the results are pretty underwhelming. As with any hyped technology, the possibilities have run past the actual use.

One of the supposed benefits of fiat money is that capital accumulation is unnecessary to create real value. You can build roads, for example, without having to save up for it. What this misses are many obvious drawbacks, but one of them is that there has to be someone that evaluates whether something will create value and create the money out of thin air to fund the project. This is not just inherently centralizing, but also deeply political. 

For whatever reason, AI passed this political test and got the blessing of the money printers, which, to a company that sells, shovels like NVIDIA has been great news. But the drawback is that there's bound to be at least *some* that don't pan out. Maybe some segment of the economy can't use AI profitably, for example. Yet the powers that be, mostly Cantillionaires, have decided that this is worthwhile and have poured insane amounts of money into this bet.

But much like hyped tech of the past, it's looking more and more likely that there's little profit to be made here. Yes, there's some useful things that can be made, but the costs are simply too high right now to justify spending that much. It's a luxury item that mostp people simply don't need, and hence don't want to pay for. AI has become an expensive solution looking for costly problems to solve.

This was always my analysis with another hyped tech: blockchain. It never really made any sense as the cost was too high for what was really just a distributed, very redundant but hard to upgrade database. It, too, couldn't find costly problems to solve, with the exception of one. That, of course being Bitcoin.

What differentiates Bitcoin from AI is that people *need* Bitcoin. It's its own killer app. AI is not so popular that people will pay for what it costs right now. And that means that most of the investment will be wasted. Like most hyped things in a fiat economy, it's doomed to have significant malinvestment.

A lot of people complain about Bitcoin businesses and how hard it is to make them profitable. In a sense, I get it. You want more people to have steady jobs and so on. But in another sense, I think this is the market speaking. You're not going to get paid from Bitcoiners easily and there's no flood of printed money looking for a place to go. At least there won't be once fiat money has run its course. Building a profitable company is hard and so few meet that mark, especially in a new segment as AI has shown.

So in that way, I'm encouraged, because the companies that survive in Bitcoin will have something truly worthwhile. By contrast, the companies that survive in AI will probably be the ones that get subsidized the longest.

AI vs Bitcoin

jimmysong

### Introduction
Few days ago I was talking with one of my "padawans" about how he is using his LN wallets. And I discovered a mistake he's doing: using his LN wallets as holding wallets not as spending wallets (as I told him to do).

LN liquidity is a very delicate subject that many new BTC LN users still do not grasp it entirely. And [here is a very good guide about LN liquidity by Bitcoin Design team](https://bitcoin.design/guide/how-it-works/liquidity/) that I want you all to read and bookmark it.

So I will write here what I've explained (again) to him, so other new users will do it right and understand better how this LN liquidity works.

We are talking here ONLY about private LN nodes / channels using well known apps like: Zeus, Blixt, Electrum, Breez, Phoenix, Green, Bitkit, Alby Hub. Those were the user is opening private channels and manage them.
We are NOT talking about PUBLIC routing nodes, those are another story.
![](https://m.stacker.news/51043)

### Basic recommendations 
First thing first and you should always remember this: the rule of 3 levels stash
![](https://m.stacker.news/51042)
- onchain (cold) wallets are for holding long term
- cache wallets (onchain and LN) are for coin control, managing liquidity, nodes etc.
- LN wallets are for SPENDING. LN is THE payment network for Bitcoin network (onchain).

In other words, put in your LN wallets enough sats just for your regular spending.

### Small analogy
Think about a LN channel as a "credit line" with your local bar. You put an amount of money in a box (LN channel), that both of you have control, but is deducted from it ONLY when you consume some beers in the bar. So you will open that channel only when you know for sure you will go in the next days to consume some beers. 

The box content cannot be taken, only if both of you put a key to open it. Inside each of you will find his own balance, if you decide to open the box and take your part. That is the "closing channel" operation.

In any moment each of you will know the balance of the box (channel). 

But think about this situation: you were the one depositing first an amount of sats as a "credit line" into that bar. But in time the sats are changing the owner. For you, as a consumer is not a problem, you can refill it anytime with more sats. Also the bar owner can move sats from that box, when are too many on his side, into another box (channel) or outside (onchain) using a swap. But can do that ONLY when you are refilling that channel with more sats (also from a swap).

The tricky part comes when you, the consumer, already consumed let's say 90% of that channel and forget about it, months and months. That is a problem for the bar owner... because now he have some funds stuck in a channel that is NOT moving, is not creating any business flow for him that generate revenue. So will be forced to close that channel and redeem his sats and returning you the remaining sats.

In other words, if you do not have a constant movement of funds with that channel, and most of the funds are on THEIR side, you put a lot of pressure on their liquidity. As business they cannot use these sats to buy more merchandise and stock, until they close the channel and redistribute the capital.

Read here also one of my old posts explaining LN with another analogy: https://stacker.news/items/552822

### What you should do as a regular LN private user (not public router)

I would recommend these general steps:
- Use several LN wallets, not just one, spreading your liquidity on few channels, I would say 2-3 channels per wallet/node. No need for more.
- Do not open tiny channels like 10k-20k-50k-100k. Open like min 500k-1M-2M per channel. Depends also of your spending habits, if you have large amounts moving or small amounts. Think in how much a channel can handle a payment of yours, in and out.
- Try to have each LN wallet for a specific spending habit (one for zaps, tips,small donations, one for buying beers, groceries, one for buying sats from exchanges, one for swaps etc as you desire).
- Always move around funds from those channels ! Do not keep them with more than 50% of the balance on the peer side.
- If you know that will not use a depleted channel anymore, but you hope that someday (you don't know when) you will use it to receive more sats, better just close it and buy an inbound channel on the fly from many other LSP that are already offering on the fly inbound channels. If you already bought such "inbound channel" and you have a contract for 6 months or 1 year with the LSP, you better use it in this period.
- If you do not have enough spending in a certain period of time, just move around funds between your own LN wallets. Yes, I know this have a cost in fees. But if you want to keep your channels alive, you must move funds. Otherwise you will get closed.
- If you are just stacking slowly and you do not have enough sats to move to a cold onchain wallet, [read the following guide here](https://darth-coin.github.io/beginner/getting-started-stack-sats-en.html).

### FINAL REMINDER
LN CHANNELS (private) are not for long term stacking, are for SPENDING.
More stas flowing = generate more fees, routing nodes are happy and keep providing good routes = LN is flourishing and create slowly a Bitcoin Circular Economy