Nostr Biweekly Review (29 Oct-10Nov 2024)

GM, Nostriches!

The Nostr Review is a biweekly newsletter focused on nostr statistics, protocol updates, exciting programs, the long-form content ecosystem, and key events happening in the Nostr-verse. If you’re interested, join me in covering updates from the Nostr ecosystem!

Quick review:

In the past two weeks, Nostr statistics show over 187,000 daily trusted pubkey events, a 10.17% decrease from the previous period, with new user growth showing signs of slowing. Around 33,000 users have profiles with bios, and 33,000 have LN addresses, both showing increases of 13.2% and 17.2% respectively. However, contact list users have dropped by 15.6%. More than 9 million events have been published, with posts leading in volume, totaling about 1.3 million. Total Zap activity reached over 11 million, showing a 12% decrease.

Additionally, 19 pull requests were submitted to the Nostr protocol, with 7 merged. A total of 40 Nostr projects were tracked, with 8 releasing product updates, and over 340 long-form articles were published, 31% focusing on Bitcoin and Nostr. During this period, 4 notable events took place, and 1 significant events are upcoming.

Nostr Statistics

Based on user activity, the total daily trusted pubkeys writing events exceeded 187,294, a 10.17% decrease compared to the previous period (October 15-28). The daily peak reached 19,124, the highest in the past two months, with a low of nearly 13,583. In terms of user numbers, profiles with bios are around 33,000, up 13.2% over the past two weeks; profiles with LN addresses are about 33,000, up 17.2%; profiles with contact lists are around 15,300, down 15.6%. Regarding event publishing, the total note events published has surpassed 9 million. Posts still lead in volume, totaling about 1.3 million, far outpacing reposts (320,000) and reactions (500,000). For zap activity, the total zap amount has reached over 1.1 million, a decrease of around 12%. In terms of relay usage, the top five relays by user count are: wss://realy.nostr.band/,wss://realy.diggoo.com/,wss://realy.lumina.rocks/,wss://bostr.syobon.net/,wss://nr.yay.so/ Data source: https://stats.nostr.band/

NIPs

Instagram feeds npub1gcxzte5zlkncx26j68ez60fzkvtkm9e0vrwdcvsjakxf9mu9qewqlfnj5z is defining is defining event kind 20 for image-first clients, where images must be self-contained, hosted externally, and referenced using imeta tags. Unlike kind 1 events, which can include an attached picture, picture events are designed to hold all relevant metadata about the associated media and to be displayed in image-focused clients rather than general micro-blogging clients. The intention is for events of this kind to be referenced in Nostr clients resembling platforms like Instagram, Flickr, Snapchat, or 9GAG, where the image itself is central to the user experience.The imeta tag annotate-user places a user link in the specific position in the image.And only the following media types are accepted: APNG (Animated Portable Network Graphics), AVIF (AV1 Image File Format), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), PNG (Portable Network Graphics), and WEBP (Web Picture Format).

Nip46 upgrade part2: remove nip05 and create_account, clarify nostrconnect, cleanup, add nip05 signer metadata nostrband is proposing that removing NIP-05, updating nostrconnect:// and moving create_account elsewhere. Also added Overview, shifted signing flow example below request/response format description, added nip05 signer metadata description to appendix, compressed nip89 use for signer discovery.

Feeds npub1jlrs53pkdfjnts29kveljul2sm0actt6n8dxrrzqcersttvcuv3qdjynqn is proposing that adds custom feeds that can (mostly) compile to filters, for content-addressable, user-customizable feeds, useful for clients with bandwidth limitations. Implemented by Coracle.

nip37: optional kind:1 edits npub180cvv07tjdrrgpa0j7j7tmnyl2yr6yr7l8j4s3evf6u64th6gkwsyjh6w6 is proposing a compromise that doesn’t make such a complex upgrade de facto mandatory and doesn’t force clients to all adopt the same significantly more complex techniques for handling, storing and indexing data that apps like Damus and Amethyst do, keeping Nostr simple and barriers to entry low enough. This NIP describes a flow for editing kind:1 notes that is mostly backwards-compatible (as long as clients support NIP-09 properly).The flow for editing a kind:1 note consists of creating a new kind:1 note to be published in its place, then issuing a kind:5 delete request for the first, in both cases attaching special tags that denote the nature of the operation to clients that want to support a more rich edit flow.

NIP-146 iframe-based Nostr Connect nostrband is defining a way for web apps to communicate with web signers embedded as iframes using browser APIs. It is applicable to self-custodial signers that store keys in the browser’s local storage. Basically, client app does nip-46 RPC with an iframe using postMessage. Due to privacy-related restrictions, local storage of iframes is partitioned from top-frame’s storage - iframe of signer.com can’t see the storage of top-level signer.com and can’t access user’s private key. The advantages include minimal latency, no reliance on relays or unreliable webpush, and full cross-platform support. Additionally, due to browsers’ cross-origin restrictions, the user’s private key is equally safe in an iframe’s local storage as it is in top-level storage.However, the disadvantages are the potential for more frequent “confirmations”and an increased surface area for web-based hacks.

Add support for address quotes npub1jlrs53pkdfjnts29kveljul2sm0actt6n8dxrrzqcersttvcuv3qdjynqn is proposing that address quotes, which are currently broken due to ambiguity with a tag usage, should be fixed to function like event ID quotes. The issue arises because using a tag with a mention mark conflicts with great-grandchild replies where the grandparent is a replaceable event referred to by an a tag. While it is acknowledged that this change could be disruptive, he suggests that since address quotes and replies are currently undefined in the NIPs repository, this is a good opportunity to standardize their behavior. Additionally, Flotilla currently uses the “q” tag for address quotes.

nip45: add hyperloglog relay response npub180cvv07tjdrrgpa0j7j7tmnyl2yr6yr7l8j4s3evf6u64th6gkwsyjh6w6 is proposing that implementation of HyperLogLog (HLL) for relay responses to improve follower counts without relying on a single global relay like relay.nostr.band. This approach aims to reduce bandwidth consumption while providing more accurate follower counts. HyperLogLog can be implemented in various ways with different parameters and configurations. Fortunately, most customizations (such as the differences between HyperLogLog++ and HyperLogLog) can be applied at the final step, so it remains a client’s choice. This NIP only focuses on the interoperability aspect, explaining how relays should compute the values and return them to clients. Since implementations need to agree on parameters like the number of registers, this NIP fixes the register count at 256 for simplicity (as it is the maximum value of one byte) and because it is a reasonable amount.

add token reserve kind npub1l2vyh47mk2p0qlsku7hg0vn29faehy9hy34ygaclpn66ukqp3afqutajft is proposing the introduction of “kind:7373” to the Nostr protocol, which would be used for reserving tokens. This proposal also includes refining the text based on @davidcaseria’s suggestions. Additionally, he suggests providing an optional method for validating whether relays are properly adhering to NIP-09’s deletion requirements. The overall goal is to expand the protocol with token reservation capabilities while ensuring clarity on relay compliance with specific deletion actions.

nip37: non-harmful editable short notes npub180cvv07tjdrrgpa0j7j7tmnyl2yr6yr7l8j4s3evf6u64th6gkwsyjh6w6 is proposing that an alternative approach to #1090, #1091, and #1556 with the introduction of NIP-37, which focuses on harmless, editable, and short notes. it maintains the openness of clients that haven’t implemented the feature and Type 1 events, while also enabling more complex clients to perform full editing without requiring more work than other proposals. This NIP describes a flow for clients that want to support editable short notes without breaking the experience of clients that don’t and keeping kind:1 a safe place.The idea is that editable notes are published as kind:31000 notes that follow all the same rules of kind:1, except for the fact that they can be replaceable anytime.

NIP-60: Provide an option to use ncryptsec water783 npub10td4yrp6cl9kmjp9x5yd7r8pm96a5j07lk5mtj2kw39qf8frpt8qm9x2wl is proposing a method that provides an option to use either the privkey or ncryptsec, helping prevent the user’s wallet privkey from being exposed in case the main nsec is leaked.

Notable Projects

zPay V4V model npub1cmmswlckn82se7f2jeftl6ll4szlc6zzh8hrjyyfm9vm3t2afr7svqlr6f

zPay.live is shifting its focus to the V4V model (Value for Value).Paywalls will remain an option, but we will prioritize upcoming V4V features.What to expect:

CrowdWall: When a target is reached, content unlocks for everyone. (in-progress)
V4V Paywalls (Flexible price) : Buyers can choose their own price, & creators can set limits if they want. (shipping in few days)
Blossom built-in storage & multiple file/folder upload option is also coming soon.

YakiHonne update npub1yzvxlwp7wawed5vgefwfmugvumtp8c8t0etk3g8sky4n0ndvyxesnxrf8q

Announcing YakiHonne 2.0: Simpler, Faster, and Built for Creators!

Onboarding: Easily create a non-custodial wallet with Npub & Nsec, experience zapping (Lightning payments), or browse as a guest.
Home & Discover: “Discover” is designed for creators, focusing on rich formats like long-form content, videos, and curated works. “Home” offers a social feed with short notes and curated contents, making it quick and easy for creators to share their work.
Wallet: Simple setup with easy creation, direct YakiHonne node linking, and multi-wallet support.
Dashboard: Manage all published and drafted content, check stats, and pick up right where you left off—all in one place.
Notifications: Reactions, Reposts, Mentions, Zaps, Comments, and Follows now appear in clear, categorized cards.
Settings: Completely revamped for simplicity, now including profile customization, appearance, relay settings, and wallet management. Additionally, re-engineered core now supports the outbox model with extensive functionality.

NDK 2.10.5 npub1l2vyh47mk2p0qlsku7hg0vn29faehy9hy34ygaclpn66ukqp3afqutajft

NDK 2.10.5 released reconnection bug fixed.

Hivetalk update npub1z0lcg9p2v5nzg5fycxq0k56ze6snp42clmrafzqpn5w6u74v5x9q708ldk

When you click someones icon the toggle pin for expanding their screen on your device is only available if they screen share.Moderators if you dont want anyone disrupting while you are presenting remember to turn on ‘Everyone can’t share screen’ in Mod Settings.

Nos.social 1.0.0 npub1pu3vqm4vzqpxsnhuc684dp2qaq6z69sf65yte4p39spcucv5lzmqswtfch

Nos.social version 1.0.0 now lives in Australia and New Zealand, complete with an updated onboarding workflow designed to help new users understand keys, find people to follow, and create their first post. Changes in version 1.0.0:

Updated the onboarding screens with a new design
Added a tip to the Feed to welcome first-time users and explain how the Feed works
Added a tip to Discover to prompt first-time users to go to their Feed
Removed integration with Universal Name Space
Remove most usage of xcstringstool-generated strings to improve performance
Added new authors and categories to the Discover tab
Fix Search bar disappearing on Discover tab when scrolling
Nos now hides the notes from blocked users when viewing their profile page
Added a tag to published contact lists to help us detect the source of lost contact lists
Added relay.mostr.pub to the default relay list
Fix two bugs that could result in muted users being unmuted

Nosta update npub1z29uqk4xl4pp6qxrcvufx20nnn782zcrtkmvmtfwkruc80l4v20sr9heag

A minor update of Nosta just rolled out.

updating the profile creation flow to show the new standard format (nsec) for private keys.
Login accepts both new and old formats (but you really should use an extension).
Some libraries got updated, which required a few code tweaks. Next up is implementation of a dedicated Nosta relay to provide reliable storage and retrieval of basic profile info. Goal is to speed up site load times and reduce “profile not found” situations.

0xchat 1.4.0 npub1tm99pgz2lth724jeld6gzz6zv48zy6xp4n9xu5uqrwvx9km54qaqkkxn72

0xChat 1.4.0 release is now available on Zapstore, App Store, Google Play, Android APK version.

Enhanced UX for a Telegram-like experience
Updated message and calling sounds, with special thanks to @Freakoverse for the audio
Added support for CashuB tokens in the Cashu wallet
Added support for ‘input_fee_ppk’ in the Cashu wallet
Improved compatibility with Android 9
Enabled support for ‘kind 15’ encrypted file messages. Additionally, some bug fixes,such as relay initialization，preventing call cancellation，e-cash wallet keyset is invalid.

DEG Mods update npub17jl3ldd6305rnacvwvchx03snauqsg4nz8mruq0emj9thdpglr2sst825x

Searching for profiles on the site now works
The source filter & some filters now appear in the URL (easier to share specific pages with friends)
Filters are temporarily saved locally (better UX)

Long-Form Content Eco

In the past two weeks, more than 340 long-form articles have been published, including over 80 articles on Bitcoin and more than 25 related to Nostr, accounting for 31% of the total content.

The Nostr articles mainly explore themes of decentralized communication, feature optimization, and improved user experience. They cover topics such as the importance of censorship-resistant communication, innovative app designs like Zapchat, user guides on enhancing information feeds, and the introduction of community-focused clients. Additionally, discussions include technology that bolsters security, the latest advancements in community tools. These articles emphasize the potential of decentralized technology to drive innovation and safeguard individual freedoms, while providing users with insights into feature enhancements and community growth.

The Bitcoin articles discuss its position in the global financial system and future prospects, particularly its role as “digital gold” with inflation-resistant characteristics. They also analyze Bitcoin’s technological advancements in privacy and scalability, especially innovations supporting decentralization and censorship resistance. The widespread adoption and growing popularity of Bitcoin across the globe are key topics, with a particular focus on its performance during periods of economic uncertainty. Furthermore, the articles delve into the factors contributing to fluctuations in investor confidence, as well as the market dynamics driven by major holders and institutional players.

Thankyou,@npub1xhe6ymx3ua6669k6mrxgar5afqjeljxtgc3shjtx8jqj0yka7gcspt896x，@npub180cvv07tjdrrgpa0j7j7tmnyl2yr6yr7l8j4s3evf6u64th6gkwsyjh6w6，@npub1g8n0yzcl92kjjnk59s9uqdyrtd38z6gvt8fa5tsr2uhespsynezs6lemp2，@npub1klxdfyljhdnkcfum90wztuud7lzdnq89r7rksj05hl2nw6azyc8st0snuu，@npub1t8039zy2ud9svf70yfxcfnsy7euk908qz9el0rlju7x60yhpw38se95l3r，@npub1l5sga6xg72phsz5422ykujprejwud075ggrr3z2hwyrfgr7eylqstegx9z， and others,for your work. Enriching Nostr’s long-form content ecosystem is crucial.

Nostriches Global Meet Ups

Recently, several Nostr events have been hosted in different countries.

The Latin American Bitcoin and Blockchain Conference (LABITCONF) took place from November 1-3, 2024, at the Costa Salguero Complex in Buenos Aires, Argentina. As the leading event in the Latin American Bitcoin and blockchain industry, LABITCONF focused on topics such as the latest Bitcoin technologies, blockchain applications, financial innovation, and the global cryptocurrency ecosystem. The conference organized over 200 sessions and invited more than 100 industry leaders and experts from around the world, including @npub1z94gps9nl5u0zq0hdq0t653np7rpc93pfslg20vyfq87n9zvxl6skk6x3g，@npub1hz5alqscpp8yjrvgsdp2n4ygkl8slvstrgvmjca7e45w6644ew7sewtysa，@npub1xtwy7fvu8f7wdtgnpm68wyrf6uxshf49tn5kp7kyusu6872amn8qh06rus，@npub1fc6w3gnast4m9fgeuzektuadw28dtper48cq7cvwlh0ah7nlf2ws72z9yh, and more ,exploring the role of Bitcoin and blockchain technology in the global economy and their potential applications and opportunities in the Latin American market.
Satsconf 2024 took place from November 8 to 9 at the São Paulo Expo in São Paulo, Brazil. As one of the largest Bitcoin events in Brazil.With over 80 sessions, it brought together nearly 110 Bitcoin experts from around the world to discuss topics like freedom, personal sovereignty, and the internet of money. Speakers included @npub19tv378w29hx4ljy7wgydreg9nu96czrs6clu8wkzr3af8z86rr7sujx4xe, @npub1tdc9um9kqfp9cqvjqtwswzsvqzdsgzkpn9swamed3286kfwpaljsrr8r0y，@npub1wlkfvm7dvnusz9fv44wuwucu0jp3lc3wqt36ax0lz33hukjga7wq6hqwhy，@npub1xtwy7fvu8f7wdtgnpm68wyrf6uxshf49tn5kp7kyusu6872amn8qh06rus, and many others. The event provided an in-depth look at Bitcoin’s potential to drive social change and foster innovation within the financial landscape.
The Getting Started with Nostr event was recently held online on the nostrelites.org platform, offering a wealth of Nostr resources, including videos, podcasts, articles, and technical guides, to help users quickly understand the fundamentals and applications of the Nostr ecosystem. Topics covered included the state of social media, decentralized media, and technology for freedom, providing participants with a well-rounded opportunity for learning and exploration. @npub18ams6ewn5aj2n3wt2qawzglx9mr4nzksxhvrdc4gzrecw7n5tvjqctp424
The Bitcoin Culture Festival was successfully held in London, UK, from October 29 to November 3, 2024, coinciding with Halloween and Bitcoin White Paper Week. The event featured art exhibitions, live music, and cultural activities, promoting open-source and cypherpunk values. It took place at Tooting Market, hosting 20 Bitcoin-related vendors offering food, drinks, and services. Attendees shared their Bitcoin stories, participated in open mic sessions, and showcased Nostr projects. The event concluded with all memorable moments captured by professional photographers. @npub1hmqvn57wfm7qcygkt4et3qffhvdwyer9mkz0lyzjwr29438fe55s4r0s33

Here are the upcoming Nostr events in November that you might want to check out.

Adopting Bitcoin 2024 will take place from January 26 to 28, 2024, at CTICC Ballroom West in Cape Town, South Africa. The event will feature over 50 experts, advocates, and innovators from around the world, including Jimmy Song, Femi Longe, and Ben Van Hool, who will discuss the future of Bitcoin, personal sovereignty, and parallel institutions, as well as how Bitcoin is driving financial independence and empowerment. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Cape Town and explore its iconic landmarks.

Additionally, We warmly invite event organizers who have held recent activities to reach out to us so we can work together to promote the prosperity and development of the Nostr ecosystem.