NOSTR

[dsanchez]

NOSTR and Bluesky are decentralized social media protocols, but they differ in ways that make NOSTR appealing to some users. Here's why NOSTR might be considered "better" based on its key strengths:

True Decentralization: NOSTR operates on a relay-based model where users publish messages to multiple relays (servers) using cryptographic key pairs for identity. If one relay bans you, you can switch to others or host your own, ensuring no single entity controls your access. Bluesky, while using the AT Protocol for theoretical decentralization, primarily relies on a single node (bsky.social), making it less decentralized in practice. User keys in Bluesky are managed by server admins, limiting user control.

Censorship Resistance: NOSTR's design minimizes censorship. Posts are signed with private keys and distributed across relays, so content remains accessible as long as some relays accept it. Bluesky's moderation, including a default moderation bot and trust and safety team, can feel restrictive to users who value unfiltered speech, as accounts can be blocked centrally.

Flexibility and Innovation: NOSTR supports a wide range of applications beyond microblogging, like blogging, marketplaces, and gaming, with clients like Damus, Amethyst, and Nos. Developers can create diverse apps without protocol constraints. Bluesky focuses on a Twitter-like experience, which limits its flexibility for non-microblogging use cases.

Open Ecosystem: NOSTR's bazaar-style open-source model fosters community-driven development, reducing the risk of a single entity dominating the protocol. Bluesky's cathedral model, controlled by a company, raises concerns about future centralization, similar to Android's open but Google-controlled ecosystem.

Bitcoin Integration: NOSTR natively supports Bitcoin Lightning Network payments (Zaps), appealing to crypto enthusiasts. Bluesky has no public plans for digital asset integration, which may limit its appeal in crypto communities.

However, NOSTR has downsides:

User Experience: NOSTR's apps are less polished, and setup (e.g., managing keys or wallets) can be complex for non-technical users. Bluesky offers a smoother, Twitter-like experience with easier onboarding.

Smaller User Base: NOSTR has 800k–1.3M users, often crypto-focused or libertarian, while Bluesky's 5.5M users include a broader audience, making it more vibrant for mainstream social interaction.

Content Moderation: NOSTR's hands-off approach can lead to unfiltered content, which some find off-putting. Bluesky's moderation creates a more curated environment but risks over-censorship.

(summary by Grok)

[Sacha8]

Is NOSTR short for nosotrxs in Spanish?

[Sacha8]

So, I'm currently reading more info on Nostr (including what the acronym actually stands for)... It kind of sounds complicated but fascinating at the same time. How do I access the link you put here @dsanchez , to the curefans group i mean. It didn't seem to work before, though if I'm not mistaken I only tried from the phone and not from the computer...

[Ulrich]

Nice text posted by dsanchez, still not sure I understand all of it. 

Is NOSTR short for nosotrxs in Spanish?

Apparently it means "Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays".

[dsanchez]

Jack (Twitter and Bluesky founder) explains NOSTR in two minutes:

[Sacha8]

Nice text posted by dsanchez, still not sure I understand all of it. 

Is NOSTR short for nosotrxs in Spanish?

Apparently it means "Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays".

Yep, it sounds really complicated to use - apparently you need to create a public and a private "key" before being able to be a member, but the political implications of the platform sound interesting, at least in theory...