Nostr is a simple, open protocol that enables global, decentralized, and censorship-resistant communication.

Unlike Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, no single entity controls Nostr. Your data isn't sold to advertisers, because it isn't collected.

With Nostr, you own your identity through cryptographic keys. No phone numbers, no emails, no KYC. Just pure, sovereign control.

Nostr uses a network of relays (servers) that pass messages between users. If one relay censors you, simply use another.

Your cryptographic identity remains the same across all relays. No central authority can deplatform you or silence your voice.

Even if governments block relays, new ones can appear anywhere in the world. The network is resilient by design.

Getting started with Nostr is simple. First, generate a key pair—this is your identity in the Nostr ecosystem.

Next, choose a client (like Damus, Amethyst, or Iris) and connect to some relays. These are your windows into the Nostr network.

IMPORTANT: Backup your private key securely. If lost, your Nostr identity is gone forever. This is the price of true ownership—responsibility.

Bitcoin is the first truly scarce digital asset—only 21 million will ever exist. In contrast, fiat currencies can be printed at will, devaluing your savings.

Bitcoin operates on a decentralized network. No central bank, no CEO, no single point of failure. It's money that governments cannot easily seize or censor.

When you hold Bitcoin, you're not trusting a bank or payment processor. You're trusting mathematics and open-source code that anyone can verify.

Bitcoin is secured by cryptography and a process called "proof of work." Thousands of computers (miners) compete to solve complex mathematical problems.

This mining process makes the Bitcoin ledger immutable—to change history, an attacker would need more computing power than the entire network combined.

Your bitcoins are secured by private keys. If you control your keys (not your keys, not your coins), your bitcoin cannot be confiscated by any authority.

You can buy Bitcoin on exchanges, but remember: exchanges are centralized entities. Once you buy, move your Bitcoin to a wallet where you control the private keys.

For small amounts, mobile wallets like Muun or Blue Wallet are convenient. For larger holdings, consider hardware wallets like the Bitkey or Coldcard.

Backup your seed phrase (12-24 words) on metal, not paper. Store it in multiple secure locations. This is your ultimate backup if your device is lost or destroyed.

The Lightning Network is a "Layer 2" protocol built on top of Bitcoin. It allows for instant, high-volume micropayments without waiting for blockchain confirmations.

Bitcoin's base layer prioritizes security and decentralization over speed. Lightning solves this by creating payment channels between users that can handle thousands of transactions per second.

With Lightning, you can send 1 satoshi (0.00000001 BTC) instantly with negligible fees. This enables new use cases like streaming money, pay-per-view content, and micropayments for API calls.

Lightning inherits Bitcoin's security model but with different trade-offs. Channels are secured by on-chain Bitcoin transactions, making them cryptographically secure.

However, Lightning requires users to be online to detect and respond to potential channel closing attempts. This is why many users use "watchtowers" — services that monitor channels on their behalf.

For everyday spending, Lightning's security model is more than adequate. For large amounts, the base Bitcoin layer remains the most secure option.

The easiest way to start is with a non-custodial Lightning wallet like Phoenix, Breez, or Muun. These handle the technical complexities while still giving you control of your funds.

For more advanced users, running your own Lightning node (like Umbrel or RaspiBlitz) gives you maximum sovereignty and helps strengthen the network.

Once set up, you can receive payments via Lightning invoices or send payments by scanning QR codes. Many services now support Lightning payments, from exchanges to online stores.