I run a node because I want to learn more, I want this thing to succeed, and because I want to minimize my trust in third parties.

I like contributing to the distributed nature of the network. I also like being able to verify my transactions using my own node

Bitcoin and lightning node runner here. Plus a website and the associated backend I wrote for a lightning channel advisor

Reason: Self-sovereign

Run bitcoin node and LN, use to move value.

I run a Bitcoin node but not lightning. I have been a bit hesitant to jump on the lightning node bandwagon but I am interested.

I'm running a node and Electrs so I can connect to it and not a public server, which allows me to avoid sharing my xpub. It also feels good to be contributing to the network, and to be part of the Bitcoin revolution. I imagine people who vote in elections feel good that they participate in democracy, which is the closest thing to freedom they can think of. My running a node is something similar, but IMO much better.

I don't yet but I'm exploring requirements for setitng up BTCPAY Server on a Raspiblitz or something so I can take online payments.

Open to suggestions.

I want to be able to take recurring payments on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis. Can I do that with BTCPAY SERVER?

I run one just to run one. Good for the network, good for me is how I see it. I am interested in lightning but opening/closing/balancing channels isn't in the cards for me right now.

I run a node because I'm a bitcoiner. Don't trust, verify. Running a node means I can know for myself. Running a node means I don't need to trust someone else's node. It means they aren't logging my IP address when I validate a transaction. Running my node strengthens the network. Another version of the blockchain is out there. Understanding how bitcoin works is valuable knowledge. I've learned many things while running a node. I don't want to be a passive part of bitcoin. I wanna understand it and be a part of its growth and success. There are many ways to prove you value bitcoin and running a node is one of them. Everyone should run a node.

First my node was a learning exercise.

Then it was a way for me to help grow the network.

Then I thought I could make a few sats by routing Lightning transactions. No.

Now I use it for my own Lightning transactions and I find peace in the universe.

Because I like telling my friends I run a node so they can ask me how much I earn from mining BTC :D lol

I run one to help freedom and to also stay up to date with the tech. And of course to be my own bank.

I run a node to be a peer in the peer-to-peer network, increase privacy and reduce trusted 3rd parties, and influence/enforce consensus rules.

2024 goal is to run a lightning node in a reasonably competent way. It's a bit challenging bc there's no real use case for it for me. I guess funding my SN wallet might count ;)