Nostred

Overview

Nostred is a topical threaded messaging system that treats centralized censorship as damage and routes around it. Decentralized censorship (aka: popularity, zeitgeist) is just a thing that happens. Governments, corporations, oligarchs, and madmen attempt to influence the direction of decentralized censorship.

Links

• NIP-10, Threaded Discussions: https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/10.md
• NIP-72, Reddit Style Communities: https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/72.md
  • Combining NIP-72 with an automod filter in Strfry should be very doable.
    • Is it a top level post?
      • Is the signer top-level whitelisted?
      • Is the signer top-level blacklisted?
      • Do I have history or other to trust signer for top level?
    • Is it a reply? Is the signer reply-approved?
      • Is the signer reply whitelisted?
      • Is the signer reply blacklisted?
      • Do I have history or other to trust signer for reply?

Examples

Comment Format: Structured Discourse for In-Depth Analysis

Structuring discourse can elevate the quality of discussions, especially on a platform striving for more in-depth conversations. By borrowing from academic and professional writing, several formats can be introduced:

Introduction/Thesis

A brief introduction of the main point or topic. This sets the stage and provides context.

Facts & Data

• Sources: Categorizing information as primary, secondary, or tertiary.
• Methodology: Describing data gathering methods such as surveys, studies, or anecdotal evidence.
• Main Points: Highlighting the primary data points or facts.

Analysis/Interpretation

• Implications: Inferences or suggestions based on facts.
• Comparisons: Contrasting this data with other data or situations.
• Patterns: Observing trends or patterns in the data.

Editorial/Opinion

• Personal Stance: Explicitly stating personal beliefs or opinions.
• Justifications: Explaining the stance based on facts and analysis.

Alternative Viewpoints

• Contrary Evidence: Facts or data that might contradict the main point.
• Different Interpretations: Other possible readings of the same data.
• Broader Context: Additional background that might influence perceptions.

Conclusion/Recommendations

A summary of main points, opinions, and possible recommendations or next steps.

Questions/Points for Further Discussion

Open questions or related topics to stimulate deeper conversation.

References/Citations

For verifying the authenticity of data, either as a separate section or integrated within "Facts & Data".

Note: A Feedback/Response section can be added to allow structured feedback on posts. Providing guidelines or tutorials on this structure can guide users. While demanding, this approach can improve discussion quality over time.

Social Media's Dual Role in Public Health

Introduction/Thesis

Social media has become an intrinsic part of modern society, offering platforms for global connectedness. However, it also poses challenges to public health due to varying interaction types.

Facts & Data

• Sources: World Health Organization, Various scholarly journals on social media and health.
• Methodology: Cross-sectional studies, surveys, and meta-analyses examining social media's impact.
• Main Points: 70% of internet users are active social media users. Reports suggest a strong correlation between heavy social media use and mental health issues, but also benefits in terms of social connectedness.

Analysis/Interpretation

• Implications: The digital age has made it easier for people to stay connected, but it also has potential pitfalls for mental well-being.
• Comparisons: Prior to the digital age, face-to-face interactions were predominant. The shift to online has altered the dynamics of human interaction.
• Patterns: Increased screen time is often associated with sedentary lifestyles, leading to physical health concerns.

Editorial/Opinion

• Personal Stance: While social media bridges geographical gaps, its overuse, without a balance of real-world interactions, can lead to health challenges.
• Justifications: Numerous studies have outlined the rise in reported feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety among heavy social media users.

Alternative Viewpoints

• Contrary Evidence: There are studies that highlight the positive impact of social media, particularly for those with mobility issues or those in remote areas.
• Different Interpretations: Some researchers argue that it isn't the use of social media per se, but how one uses it, that determines its impact.
• Broader Context: As with any tool, the societal impact of social media is shaped by the nuances of individual and collective use.

Conclusion/Recommendations

Moderation and mindful use of social media, alongside education about its potential negative effects, can help harness its benefits while minimizing risks.

Questions/Points for Further Discussion

Should there be formal guidelines or public health advisories related to social media use? What role should social media platforms play in ensuring the well-being of their users?

References/Citations

World Health Organization (2019). "Impact of Social Media on Public Health". WHO official publication.

Screen Time and Its Impact on Mental Health

Facts & Data

• Recent studies indicate that there's a correlation between increased screen time and symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially among adolescents.
• A large-scale study conducted on over 40,000 American children aged 2 to 17 found that more than 2 hours of recreational screen time per day was linked to poorer psychological well-being, including decreased curiosity, lower self-control, more distractibility, and difficulty making friends.
• Another study indicated that adolescents who spent more than 7 hours a day on screens were twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety or depression than those who used screens for an hour.

Editorial / Opinion

• While studies show correlations, it's essential to note that causation hasn't been definitively proven. It's possible other factors, such as the content consumed or underlying psychological predispositions, play a role.
• Encouraging balanced screen time and real-world interactions might be beneficial. Technology offers numerous advantages, but like all things, moderation is key.

Recommendations & Solutions

• Implementing screen-free times during the day, such as during meals or before bedtime, can help regulate screen usage.
• Encouraging outdoor activities or hobbies can offer a counterbalance to screen time.
• Parents and guardians should set screen time limits for younger children and encourage regular breaks.

Screen Time and Its Impact on Mental Health

Facts & Data

• Recent studies indicate that there's a correlation between increased screen time and symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially among adolescents.
• A large-scale study conducted on over 40,000 American children aged 2 to 17 found that more than 2 hours of recreational screen time per day was linked to poorer psychological well-being, including decreased curiosity, lower self-control, more distractibility, and difficulty making friends.
• Another study indicated that adolescents who spent more than 7 hours a day on screens were twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety or depression than those who used screens for an hour.

Editorial / Opinion

• While studies show correlations, it's essential to note that causation hasn't been definitively proven. It's possible other factors, such as the content consumed or underlying psychological predispositions, play a role.
• Encouraging balanced screen time and real-world interactions might be beneficial. Technology offers numerous advantages, but like all things, moderation is key.

Recommendations & Solutions

• Implementing screen-free times during the day, such as during meals or before bedtime, can help regulate screen usage.
• Encouraging outdoor activities or hobbies can offer a counterbalance to screen time.
• Parents and guardians should set screen time limits for younger children and encourage regular breaks.

Ecological Benefits of Old Growth Forests vs. Tree Farms

Facts & Data

• Old growth forests are characterized by their diverse structure and age, with trees, underbrush, and dead wood at different stages of their life cycle. This diversity is crucial for providing habitats for a wide range of species.
• In contrast, tree farms, also known as plantation forests, are typically composed of a single species planted at high density. These farms lack the ecological diversity of old growth forests, often resulting in lower biodiversity.
• Soil in old growth forests tends to be richer in organic matter, which enhances water retention and supports a diverse array of below-ground life, including beneficial fungi and microbes.
• Tree farms can contribute to simplified ecosystems, especially when monocultures are prioritized. This can result in increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.

Editorial / Opinion

• Protecting old growth forests isn't just about preserving their inherent beauty; it's about recognizing the immense ecological services they provide.
• Tree farms have their place in providing timber and other wood products, but they cannot replace the biodiversity and ecological functions of old growth forests.

Recommendations & Solutions

• Land management should prioritize the conservation of old growth forests while promoting sustainable practices in tree farms.
• Tree farm practices can be improved by incorporating mixed-species plantations, maintaining buffer zones, and leaving dead wood for habitat and nutrient cycling.

Interaction with Game Characters and Empathy in Real Life

Facts & Data: Interactions with non-playable characters (NPCs) in video games can sometimes mirror the interactions and ethical considerations we encounter in real life. Studies have indicated that players can develop a sense of moral responsibility towards game characters, and this can reflect their real-life values and choices.

Editorial / Opinion: When players make decisions in games that adhere to an ethical or moral code (e.g., not using weapons where prohibited), it could be an indication of their underlying values. Their choices to behave kindly towards NPCs might reflect their intrinsic motivation to be kind in real life. It can also be viewed as a form of role-playing where players are exploring different facets of their personalities. Role-playing in games can provide a platform for players to navigate moral dilemmas and understand the consequences of their choices in a safe environment.

Anecdotal Observations: Many players, including the aforementioned 'OP' from Reddit, make decisions in games that are not necessarily the most strategic or beneficial for game progression, but are instead based on moral or ethical grounds. These decisions, while seemingly trivial in a virtual setting, could be deeply reflective of a player's character. For instance, a player who consistently chooses non-violent paths in games might be showcasing their general aversion to conflict or violence.

Questions for Further Exploration:

• To what extent do in-game decisions mirror real-life values and ethical considerations?
• Can playing video games in a certain way (e.g., always choosing the non-violent path) influence a player's behavior or mindset outside of the game?
• How do different game designs and NPC interactions influence players' moral and ethical considerations?

References:

Community Description

{
  "id": "<32-bytes lowercase hex-encoded SHA-256 of the the serialized event data>",
  "pubkey": "<32-bytes lowercase hex-encoded public key of the event creator>",
  "created_at": <Unix timestamp in seconds>,
  "kind": 34550,
  "tags": [
    ["d", "<Community name>"],
    ["description", "<Community description>"],
    ["image", "<Community image url>", "<Width>x<Height>"],

    //.. other tags relevant to defining the community

    // moderators
    ["p", "<32-bytes hex of a pubkey1>", "<optional recommended relay URL>", "moderator"],
    ["p", "<32-bytes hex of a pubkey2>", "<optional recommended relay URL>", "moderator"],
    ["p", "<32-bytes hex of a pubkey3>", "<optional recommended relay URL>", "moderator"],

    // relays used by the community (w/optional marker)
    ["relay", "<relay hosting author kind 0>", "author"],
    ["relay", "<relay where to send and receive requests>", "requests"],
    ["relay", "<relay where to send and receive approvals>", "approvals"],
    ["relay", "<relay where to post requests to and fetch approvals from>"]
  ]
}

New Post Request

Satisfies two NIPs:

• https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/10.md#marked-e-tags-preferred
• https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/72.md#new-post-request

{
  "id": "<32-bytes lowercase hex-encoded SHA-256 of the the serialized event data>",
  "pubkey": "<32-bytes lowercase hex-encoded public key of the event creator>",
  "created_at": <Unix timestamp in seconds>,
  "kind": 1,
  "tags": [
    ["a", "34550:<Community event author pubkey>:<d-identifier of the community>", "<Optional relay url>"],
    ["e", "<event-id>", "<relay-url>", "root"], // required for all replies, identifies the root post
    ["e", "<event-id>", "<relay-url>", "reply"], // optional, if this is a reply to a reply
  ],
  "content": "<My content>"
}

Testing

$ python bob_test.py send -r ws://localhost:7777 --content "Nostred" --kind 1 --private-key nsec1dgg7d6e0g2484twl9ygntc24ueehm44frrc8rc93vcvun04gmp9qgufd4g --tags '[["a","34550:npub10jlc40w2mexjzmhce54n8w3z2euemqdwpghg3f7lvxrunr7dgvasm0nurp:Nostred","ws://localhost:7777"]]' 
5b8440d62761bab91c36708a6143aa51a725a1f1fd320a5d580ae818455d1906
nevent1qqs9hpzq6cnkrw4ersm8pznpgw49rfe958cl6vs2t4vq46qcg4w3jpspzdmhxw309akx7cmpd35x7um58gmnwdehzt4mtw
$ python bob_test.py get -r ws://localhost:7777 nevent1qqs9hpzq6cnkrw4ersm8pznpgw49rfe958cl6vs2t4vq46qcg4w3jpspzdmhxw309akx7cmpd35x7um58gmnwdehzt4mtw
{"id":"5b8440d62761bab91c36708a6143aa51a725a1f1fd320a5d580ae818455d1906","pubkey":"7cbf8abdcade4d216ef8cd2b33ba2256799d81ae0a2e88a7df6187c98fcd433b","created_at":1696902240,"kind":1,"tags":[["a","34550:npub10jlc40w2mexjzmhce54n8w3z2euemqdwpghg3f7lvxrunr7dgvasm0nurp:Nostred","ws://localhost:7777"]],"content":"Nostred","sig":"cbe2434cf9d8790df669afbe0bb8a435999bef4539fa6a1c725fb0bda9073e97b1531bdedbcca7523fa5a375e4f472671047cde51c4870041e7971c6d218aecd"}
5b8440d62761bab91c36708a6143aa51a725a1f1fd320a5d580ae818455d1906
nevent1qqs9hpzq6cnkrw4ersm8pznpgw49rfe958cl6vs2t4vq46qcg4w3jpspzdmhxw309akx7cmpd35x7um58gmnwdehzt4mtw
$ python bob_test.py send -r ws://localhost:7777 --content "Nostred" --kind 1 --private-key nsec1dgg7d6e0g2484twl9ygntc24ueehm44frrc8rc93vcvun04gmp9qgufd4g --tags '[["a","34550:npub10jlc40w2mexjzmhce54n8w3z2euemqdwpghg3f7lvxrunr7dgvasm0nurp:Nostred","ws://localhost:7777"],["e", "nevent1qqs9hpzq6cnkrw4ersm8pznpgw49rfe958cl6vs2t4vq46qcg4w3jpspzdmhxw309akx7cmpd35x7um58gmnwdehzt4mtw", "ws://localhost:7777", "root"]]'
18334e45d9493d754016147a3546c340b6fca58f1695611197d3311f5dcc1312
nevent1qqspsv6wghv5j0t4gqtpg734gmp5pdhu5k83d9tpzxtaxvglthxpxyspzdmhxw309akx7cmpd35x7um58gmnwdeh5erhwd
$ python bob_test.py send -r ws://localhost:7777 --content "Nostred" --kind 1 --private-key nsec1dgg7d6e0g2484twl9ygntc24ueehm44frrc8rc93vcvun04gmp9qgufd4g --tags '[["a","34550:npub10jlc40w2mexjzmhce54n8w3z2euemqdwpghg3f7lvxrunr7dgvasm0nurp:Nostred","ws://localhost:7777"],["e", "nevent1qqs9hpzq6cnkrw4ersm8pznpgw49rfe958cl6vs2t4vq46qcg4w3jpspzdmhxw309akx7cmpd35x7um58gmnwdehzt4mtw", "ws://localhost:7777", "root"],["e", "nevent1qqspsv6wghv5j0t4gqtpg734gmp5pdhu5k83d9tpzxtaxvglthxpxyspzdmhxw309akx7cmpd35x7um58gmnwdeh5erhwd", "ws://localhost:7777", "reply"]]'
97136773dd2d482b71684085c6a33ede5e85f3cd410242adb3fb730c201a1bb1
nevent1qqsfwym8w0wj6jptw95yppwx5vlduh5970x5zqjz4kelkucvyqdphvgpzdmhxw309akx7cmpd35x7um58gmnwdeh9w968t
$ python bob_test.py get -r ws://localhost:7777 nevent1qqsfwym8w0wj6jptw95yppwx5vlduh5970x5zqjz4kelkucvyqdphvgpzdmhxw309akx7cmpd35x7um58gmnwdeh9w968t

The replies were actually failing with the following message in the Strfry log. Need to look at why the client isn't reporting the failure, and where it's getting that event ID from.

2023-10-10 02:05:53.063 (85038.540s) [Websocket       ]INFO| [20] Connect from 127.0.0.1 compression=Y sliding=Y
2023-10-10 02:05:53.125 (85038.602s) [Ingester 2      ]INFO| Rejected invalid event: uneven size input to from_hex
2023-10-10 02:05:53.171 (85038.648s) [Websocket       ]INFO| [20] Disconnect from 127.0.0.1 (1000/) UP: 120b (7.5% compressed) DN: 625b (30.7% compressed)

Looks like Strfry does not like unpadded hex, which I'm guessing was sent in by aionostr:

strfry$ more golpe/external/hoytech-cpp/hoytech/hex.h
...
    if ((input.length() % 2) != 0) {
        if (!allowUnevenSize) throw hoytech::error("uneven size input to from_hex");
        std::string padded; // does a copy if given non-even number of hex digits
        padded += '0';
        padded += input;
        input = padded;
    }
...

AHA! It's the hex message ID I have to send back, not the base 32 nevent id:

$ python bob_test.py send -r ws://localhost:7777 --content "Nostred2" --kind 1 --private-key nsec1dgg7d6e0g2484twl9ygntc24ueehm44frrc8rc93vcvun04gmp9qgufd4g --tags '[["a","34550:npub10jlc40w2mexjzmhce54n8w3z2euemqdwpghg3f7lvxrunr7dgvasm0nurp:Nostred","ws://localhost:7777"]]' 
3ab5991581bb23ebe51a24918c86abd5915cfec67225ec7d8b97542b84fa6e29
nevent1qqsr4dvezkqmkgltu5dzfyvvs64aty2ulmr8yf0v0k9ew4ptsnaxu2gpzdmhxw309akx7cmpd35x7um58gmnwdehy7k9rs
$ python bob_test.py get -r ws://localhost:7777 nevent1qqsr4dvezkqmkgltu5dzfyvvs64aty2ulmr8yf0v0k9ew4ptsnaxu2gpzdmhxw309akx7cmpd35x7um58gmnwdehy7k9rs
{"id":"3ab5991581bb23ebe51a24918c86abd5915cfec67225ec7d8b97542b84fa6e29","pubkey":"7cbf8abdcade4d216ef8cd2b33ba2256799d81ae0a2e88a7df6187c98fcd433b","created_at":1696905392,"kind":1,"tags":[["a","34550:npub10jlc40w2mexjzmhce54n8w3z2euemqdwpghg3f7lvxrunr7dgvasm0nurp:Nostred","ws://localhost:7777"]],"content":"Nostred2","sig":"eb148e6804e4e1b896adfd5c7e9c399d8e029a5010ee35547ab9eaab356d8f0524a6da99a15162463c3a1205062621da4b3001422b9e6ba7220c67d51f1dc474"}
$ python bob_test.py send -r ws://localhost:7777 --content "Grumble" --kind 1 --private-key nsec1dgg7d6e0g2484twl9ygntc24ueehm44frrc8rc93vcvun04gmp9qgufd4g --tags '[["a","34550:npub10jlc40w2mexjzmhce54n8w3z2euemqdwpghg3f7lvxrunr7dgvasm0nurp:Nostred","ws://localhost:7777"],["e", "3ab5991581bb23ebe51a24918c86abd5915cfec67225ec7d8b97542b84fa6e29", ""]]'
3346dce2124ae5cf674a0a0d427543a4d35fa592fcdf0dd078cff47806df432d
nevent1qqsrx3kuugfy4ew0va9q5r2zw4p6f56l5kf0ehcd6puvlarcqm05xtgpzdmhxw309akx7cmpd35x7um58gmnwdeh79mhys
$ python bob_test.py get -r ws://localhost:7777 nevent1qqsrx3kuugfy4ew0va9q5r2zw4p6f56l5kf0ehcd6puvlarcqm05xtgpzdmhxw309akx7cmpd35x7um58gmnwdeh79mhys
{"id":"3346dce2124ae5cf674a0a0d427543a4d35fa592fcdf0dd078cff47806df432d","pubkey":"7cbf8abdcade4d216ef8cd2b33ba2256799d81ae0a2e88a7df6187c98fcd433b","created_at":1696905458,"kind":1,"tags":[["a","34550:npub10jlc40w2mexjzmhce54n8w3z2euemqdwpghg3f7lvxrunr7dgvasm0nurp:Nostred","ws://localhost:7777"],["e","3ab5991581bb23ebe51a24918c86abd5915cfec67225ec7d8b97542b84fa6e29",""]],"content":"Grumble","sig":"de9f6b5737e4d97f270b7331d780c0c12ce3fe09f0804ae03bfe1025284100b3158f07a20199661e95242b007c6c7b2d1d556008852ef714d2d29795446e988e"}

I don't love it. How do I get that hex ID on the client side? I'm guessing it's generated on the server side, cuz why would the server let clients generate their own message IDs? But I could be wrong, and maybe Strfry returns the message ID in the response and AIONostr just doesn't display it (or doesn't display it as hex).

Yeah - or I could read the line before the base32 NIP-19 form of the id. You know, the previous line which is suspiciously hex looking. :D

Story

Using Cyberpunk 2077 as a rough framing device. Actors are not meant to be exact copies from the game, but to act as rough parallels.

Imagine a world in which amoral corporations and their oligarchic founders have extreme influence over government. People have become disenfranchised and some have begun to radicalize. Those people want to use Nostred for messaging to advance what they believe is in the best interests of society.

Nostred is a topical threaded messaging system that treats centralized censorship as damage and routes around it. Decentralized censorship (aka: popularity, zeitgeist) is just a thing that happens. Governments, corporations, oligarchs, and madmen attempt to influence the direction of decentralized censorship.

People

V

The object of everyone's machinations. V has no axe, a priori, to grind. Everyone else is trying to present, suppress, or influence information that V sees to get her to act as they see fit.

Punchin' Judy

Neutral good humanist. Wants everyone to be happy. Sees the best in people. Does not trust Arasaka (nor, by extension, Militech).

Johnny Silverhand

Chaotic good. Justice warrior with an emphasis on "warrior". Asymmetric urban warfare specialist.

Takahara

Lawful good. Believes the system would be good if it weren't for the few baddies in positions of power. Assassin.

Wakako

Chaotic neutral. Does for Wakako.

Orgs

Arasaka

Amoral corporation, only cares about money and power. Law is a constraint that must be worked around or manipulated - or in the worst possible case, followed.

Pacifica

Collective of counter-culture that is obsessed with money and power. Basically Arasaka, but Militech doesn't like them.

The Coyotes

Collective of counter-culture that is benevolent. Works against the big bads (Arasaka and, by extension, often Militech).

Militech

Abstract representation of government force. Often aligns with Arasaka, shot through with people of various conflicted interests; corrupt or idealistic, malevolent or benevolent, psychotic or rational, &c.

Fixers

Not truly an org, but a tag for the collection of indies who are just in it for the money.

Conflict

Arasaka Versus Society

Arasaka wants to control reality for Arasaka's interests. Uses law and influence to manipulate perception of reality.

Militech Versus Society

Militech wants to control society for good, with good defined in occasionally dystopian ways. Creates and enforces law for the benefit of those it (mis)perceives as lawful.

Stories

Silverhand Rabble Rousing

Johnny incites people to go to a flash-mob street performance that will turn into a riot against Arasaka. Messaging via Nostr.

Judy opposes because riots might get people hurt. Arasaka enlists Militech to suppress the messaging.

Arasaka Suppression

• Arasaka starts by finding unlawful material carried by the relays, and asking Militech to shut them down.
• Later, Arasaka plants copyrighted material, when the relays stop doing illegal things.
• Arasaka gets speech that incites violence ruled illegal and just cause for relay takedown.

Are these things illegal? The story has to be credible. Find the actual legal status.

• Section 230: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Section_230
  • Argument for Duty of Care: https://hbr.org/2021/08/its-time-to-update-section-230

Takahara Assassination

Takahara wants to knock off a VP and his cronies. Crowd-sources the solution and enlists actors via Nostr.

Arasaka enlists Militech to detect, unmask, and arrest Takahara.