From Corporate Control to Decentralized Freedom

The social media landscape has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. 

What began as a platform for free expression and connection has evolved into a landscape 

dominated by a few major corporations. These corporations, often referred to as "Big Tech", 

have immense control over what content is allowed and who can participate.

This shift has led many users to feel like employees of these corporations, subject to their 

rules and algorithms. However, there is a new wave of decentralized platforms emerging, 

such as Nostr , which offer a different approach to social media.

On Nostr, users cannot be banned and it is by design.

Escaping Corporate Control

In the early days of social media, platforms like MySpace, Yahoo, reddit and Facebook were seen as 

revolutionary tools for self-expression and connection. However, as these platforms grew, 

so did their influence and control. Today, major corporations like Meta (formerly Facebook), 

Twitter, and Google own the most popular social media platforms. 

These companies have the power to ban users, censor content, and dictate the terms of 

engagement. This level of control has led to a sense of unease among users, who feel that 

their freedom of expression is at the mercy of corporate policies.

The Rise of Decentralized Platforms

Enter Nostr , a decentralized social media protocol that aims to give users full control over 

their content and interactions. Unlike traditional social media platforms, Nostr is not owned 

or controlled by a single entity. Instead, it operates on a network of nodes (relays), each of which 

contributes to the overall functionality of the platform. This decentralized structure ensures 

that no single entity can censor content or ban users, providing a level of freedom and 

autonomy that is unmatched by traditional social media platforms.

Nostr's Ecosystem

One of the most exciting aspects of Nostr is its growing ecosystem of applications. 

Just like traditional social media platforms, Nostr supports a variety of use cases, 

from microblogging (jumble.social, yakihonne.com, etc ... ) to video sharing. 

Here are a few examples of what Nostr has to offer:

• Microblogging: Similar to Twitter, Nostr allows users to share updates and engage in real-time conversations.
• Video Sharing: Nostr supports video sharing, providing an alternative to platforms like YouTube.
• Photo Sharing: Users can share photos and engage in visual storytelling, much like on Instagram.

Decentralized Identity: Nostr allows users to create and manage their own digital identities (private key), ensuring that they have full control over their personal information.

Why Choose Nostr?

For users who value freedom of expression and autonomy, Nostr offers a compelling

alternative to traditional social media platforms. Here are a few reasons why you might 

consider joining the Nostr ecosystem:

No Censorship: Because Nostr is decentralized, no single entity can censor content or ban users.

Full Control: Users have full control over their content and interactions, ensuring that their data is secure and private.

Innovative Ecosystem: Nostr's growing ecosystem of applications provides a wide range of use cases, from microblogging to video sharing.

posted on nostr

Nostr statistics (July 2024)

Looking at primal statistics the figures are:

Global Overview: 

    1,652,323 users
    38,385,828 public keys
    3,330,307 zaps
    19.16099363 btc zapped

Looking at nostr band statistics (stats.nostr.band) 2 or 6 months period: 

 2 month overview:

    Pubkeys: 33,398,599
    Users: 991,064
    Trusted users: 162,784
    Events: 272,346,539
    Posts: 88,342,896
    Zaps: 296,0441
    Zap amount: 1,631,822,155 satochis (1,050,355 USD)
    Relays: 2,469

Recap:

Pubkeys: 33,398,599 (vs 38,385,828 public keys from Primal)
Users: 991,064 (vs 1,652,323 users from Primal)
Trusted users: 162,784
Events: 272,346,539
Posts: 88,342,896
Zaps: 296,0441 (3,330,307 zaps from Primal)
Zap amount: 1,631,822,155 satochis (1,050,355 USD or 16.32 BTC) vs 19.1 btc zapped from Primal
Relays: 2,469 (no data)

Nostr and Mastodon (Fediverse)

The Fediverse is a network of interconnected servers (instances) that use decentralized protocols for communication. It encompasses various social media platforms and services, each running on its own server but able to interact with users on other servers. The key concept here is federation, where users from different instances can communicate with each other seamlessly.

It is basically like emails, there are plenty of providers out there (yahoo.com, gmail.com, hotmail.com etc ...) but they all manage to send each other messages.

Mastodon is one of the most popular platforms in the Fediverse. It's a decentralized microblogging platform (similar to Twitter/X). Users in the Fediverse can post short messages (toots), follow others, and engage in conversations. Mastodon instances are independent servers, each with its own rules and community, but users can interact with people on other instances.

Nostr is another (more recent) decentralized social platform, (similar to Mastodon) but with some differences in architecture and design. It uses a new protocol for transmitting data between servers (relays), making it lightweight and efficient. Nostr focuses on decentralization, privacy, and censorship resistance, allowing users to communicate without relying on a central authority.

Compared to mastodon, you do not need to signup when connecting to another server (instance/relay) ; the same nsec key is shared on all relays, making a smooth transition between all services. And second big change is the micro-payment (zap) featured in Nostr, which can serve as incentive to be active on the platform.

Nostr: The Glue That Holds Everything Together

Nostr and the Need for Decentralization

Today, we're diving into the world of decentralization and exploring a fascinating protocol called Nostr. If you're curious about how this innovative technology is reshaping the way we interact online, then you're in for a treat. Let's unpack the power of Nostr and why decentralization is the way of the future.

What is Nostr?

Nostr stands for Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays. It's not just a catchy acronym – it represents a groundbreaking open, permission-less protocol that prioritizes censorship-resistance and interoperability. In simpler terms, Nostr is all about breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive online environment. Whether you're looking to build a social network or a specialized app, Nostr has got you covered with its versatile capabilities.

The Power of Decentralization

Now, you might be wondering, why is decentralization such a big deal? Well, imagine a world where power is distributed evenly among users, rather than concentrated in the hands of a few tech giants (which can then ban you, censor you, change the algorithm, or change their terms and conditions constantly ...). 

By decentralizing control and promoting user autonomy, Nostr is fostering a more democratic online ecosystem.

Nostr: The Glue That Holds Everything Together

One of the most exciting aspects of Nostr is that it's not a standalone website or app. Instead, it serves as the glue that binds together a network of apps (clients). This interconnected approach allows for seamless communication and collaboration across various platforms. In essence, Nostr is the backbone that supports a diverse array of applications, making it a game-changer in the world of decentralization.

It's clear that this innovative protocol is paving the way for a more inclusive and user-centric online experience. By prioritizing censorship-resistance, interoperability, and decentralization, Nostr is reshaping the digital landscape for the better. So, next time you're interacting online, remember the power of decentralization and the role that Nostr plays in making it a reality.

First step on Nostr

 I have just joined this new community gathered around Nostr (this new Internet protocol) and this is quite different from every other social media I had tried before.

First the registration is super easy in one step ; choosing a nickname, once it is done a 'secret code' is generated and associated with the account, and with this Nostr code (which you shall never share with nobody) plenty of other website can be joined (and will transfer stuffs between them using relays).

This has potential to replace all the old (dying) platforms like twitter, facebook, tumblr, and many more ... because these are now filled with ads, fake news and censorship.

I am not saying Nostr is the perfect place, it is filled with bitcoiners and conspirationists, and weirdos (which is great). But it sure is refreshing. 

Anyway, you want to find me, here is my public code (that one I can share)

primal.net/p/npub1xchtl75ftt9s4f8v9ugetxcuyvawcgn47cdnhmhpnvdkujfwyuvs34sudw

Sora, Gemini, 2024 AI news update

bard.google.com is now https://gemini.google.com/app

It is possible to edit and run Python code snippets directly in Gemini's user interface.

It is important to remind people that "Gemini Apps" are an experimental technology and may sometimes give inaccurate (or inappropriate) information.

For example don’t rely on medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice given by the AI, double check everything.

It is good to know as well, that Google will collect your:

• Conversations
• Location
• Feedback
• Usage information

The Mystery has been resolved

Have you ever found yourself staring at a photo, completely stumped about who's in it? Yeah, me too.

This has been going on for months, scratching my head over who could be that cosplayer, and I posted a few articles using this picture, hoping someday to find a match in google lens.

Enter the hero of this story, an online gentleman by the name of cliffordpadraig, who had the answer!

With a keen eye he identified the person in the photo as none other than the fabulous Fabibi World cosplay! 

The mystery of the "unkown Cammy Bison cosplayer" photo  was solved, and it was all thanks to this amazing individual.

Online small act of kindness have big impact. 

It not only cleared up my confusion but also reminded me of the power of online communities. 

Here was the picture:

Fabibi, the Chilean cosplay phenomenon, has graced stages at conventions worldwide, dazzling audiences with her diverse costume creations. Cammy White in her various flavor (Classic Cammy, Killer bee Cammy, and Bison Cammy).

Here is the link to clifford's blog: https://blogclif.wordpress.com/

Once again, thank you very much, good Sir!

"Emma Norton" video interview

Emma Norton, widely known as emmanorts, is a popular figure on TikTok (and Instagram). 

She is a multifaceted individual who has a deep passion for various forms of self-expression. 

In response to the 2020 pandemic, Emma chose to channel her love for makeup, storytelling, dancing, and acting through social media platforms. 

Her dedication and creativity have resulted in the creation of more than 1,000 captivating videos, which have attracted a substantial following of 9 million fans.

Reviewing SeaArt.ai

SeaArt.ai is a web-based AI art generator that allows users to create high-quality digital artworks with just a few clicks. It offers a wide range of features, including:

• A powerful AI engine that can generate realistic and creative images from text descriptions, image prompts, or even sketches.
• A variety of art styles to choose from, including painting, drawing, photography, and 3D art.
• A user-friendly interface that makes it easy to create and edit images.
• A community of artists and creators who share their work and tips.

SeaArt.ai is a great tool for artists of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals. It can be used to create concept art, illustrations, product designs, and more. It is also a fun and creative way to experiment with different art styles and techniques.

Here are some of the pros and cons of SeaArt.ai:

Pros:

• Wide range of features, art can be generated from the website itself, or discord
• User-friendly interface, generating art is done via an assisted interface
• High-quality results up to 2048x2048 and more 
• Active community on discord

Cons:

• May look a little complex for beginners at first
• Some features require a premium subscription
• Can be slow to generate images at times

Overall, SeaArt.ai is a powerful and versatile AI art generator that is well worth checking out. It is a great tool for artists of all skill levels, and it can be used to create a wide variety of digital artworks.

If you are looking for an AI art generator that is easy to use and produces high-quality results, I absolutely recommend SeaArt.ai.

Recap AI links

All AI links from this blog

- dreamstudio.ai/dream

- https://www.bluewillow.ai

- https://blogmymix.blogspot.com/search/label/2023

Getting started with Blue Willow

It is using discord.gg

and could compete with midjourney (also running on discord)

https://discord.com/invite/wEUGsNCvUs

https://www.bluewillow.ai

Once inside discord 

go to #rookie channels (select one of them)

use the prompt /imagine just like for midjourney

and wait for the result

This is the kind of result you can expect - with a minimal prompt (manga waifu)

Instagram top 10 - September 2022

#	PROFILE	FOLLOWERS	FOLLOWING	POSTS
1st	Instagram	540M	136	7,204
2nd	Cristiano Ronaldo	474M	519	3,338
3rd	Kylie	366M	83	6,943
4th	Leo Messi	358M	296	894
5th	Selena Gomez	343M	227	1,831
6th	Dwayne Johnson	333M	593	6,744
7th	Kim Kardashian	328M	197	5,600
8th	Ariana Grande	326M	4,963	623
9th	Beyoncé	273M	0	2,039
10th	Khloé Kardashian	268M	103	4,112

Fan Arts thrive on Instagram

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Martin-olivier Dagenais (@martinodagenais)

all credits to instagram.com/martinodagenais/

Fan Arts thrive on Instagram

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Aspirezno❄️ (@aspirezno)

Aspirezno

 

Internet Gem: Emily Carroll

She needs no introduction

Amazing visual artist 

go directly to her website

and Enjoy!

Emily Carroll

http://emcarroll.com/comics/worthington/

Blog, microblogging, and returning for more

Blogging used to be the king way to publish content on the Internet back in the 2000s

Historically, wordpress, blogger, livejournal, and all these platforms used to be receiving enthusiastic bloggers daily content, that would start great exchange of ideas, experiences, tutorials, and that precluded the arrival of the game changer that was youtube

Blogs were superior because - they were searchable, using keywords

youtube videos - are searchable via keywords too - but when there is a 2 hours lecture of Tom Campbell, I don't think you could retrieve a particular video by typing a sentence you heard, and remembered - because it is a video and searching text within a video is not yet possible.

Currently writing in blogger.com seems to be like typing in an empty place - the blogger.com platform is not well designed for exchange.

How do you end up on this blog? probably via a google search

well, once you (reader) have found the content you were looking for, you leave and never come back

That is where the second game changer has arrived, facebook

This social platform from 2010 - is more like a microblogging platform - you can spend your entire day there on facebook and type 2 lines updates or post a meme, and leave - but then the next day most people are returning ; because their friends are there, their family and that will push them to come back.

Nobody has a family setting up a blog for each member, and typing their life experience, and exchanging there - because it is not a forum.

Wordpress now is that blogging social platform, that looks a bit like a cross between blogger.com and facebook - from there you can set up a reading list, add new content, but also like and reblog from other blogs you are following ...

Instagram too, in a way is enabling such social platform where the content (photo) is king - and allowing the exchange between users.

for more How to Write Great Blog Content

Hotforword: latest update

 

In a nutshell:

More revelations in this video - the good, the bad and the ugly

From there, readers will be able to more or less see what happened

all videos from her channel ceased 6 years ago (2015) 

she may have gotten married around that time

during the pandemic 2020 - something bad happened (separation, divorce?)

Then some strange, weird controversial videos were posted (and later removed)

Now in 2021, Marina is back on Instagram and OnlyFan (her new favorite platform)

Building an audience with Instagram

Success does not come overnight on Instagram

there are no miracle secrets that will propulse you to the top of the influencers sphere

but there are ways to climb the top - these are not secret, but discipline

First you need to find your niche (comics, cyber, cosplay, watercolor, acrylics, modeling, photography, landscape, aquatics, sea landscape, mountain, sports, bodybuilding, cosmetics and so on) and once you're set - keep that direction and post good content.

What will make your instagram account pop in the middle of all these daily posts - (there are close to 100 million photos and videos shared on Instagram each day)

The biggest tip would be to post daily, and post frequently - one post each day and all days around 2pm GMT 

Then tag people you know - then tag influencers, if they are nice, they will post your photo in their story - that will help immensely

Then comment in the other photos of the people in the same niche, industry where you are working

After that, tweak your content a bit - according to the reaction of the public

Check your statistics, engage with the commenters, engage via direct messages (but do not harass anyone).

Be nice, kind and post good content daily - just one post

Avoid spamming, posting like 10 photos in a row and then nothing for a week - that won't work.

Follow closely trends, and the news - see what hashtag is trending, and try to be in the pioneers wave - once the trend is dying, find a new trend.

Collaborate as much as possible in cool projects - there are some hashtags that will open 'challenges' daily for fun content - one of them is #dtiys (draw it your style) if you are a graphic artist, this might help you get new viewers.

daniellachavezofficial Verified on Instagram with 13.8m followers

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Daniella Chávez (@daniellachavezofficial)

ToonMe and ToonApp

Ah, the fun of choosing an avatar for your social media 

there are plenty of offers today - snapchat filters, are pretty amazing

and you must have seen a few avatars already that look cartoonish and it looks like Artificial Intelligence has made enormous progress in face recognition

the result is convincing and so fast

A mobile alternative exists from Lyrebird Studio called ToonApp