While nodes make excellent Bitcoin nodes, they are also a great way to become more private and self-sovereign by self-hosting all kinds of apps and services—many of which are not even bitcoin related. See https://marketplace.start9.com for a repository of easy-to-install apps. See https://servingbitcoin.com for a refurbished node / home server.

There are a lot of benefits to running a refurbished StartOS DIY node. The best reason is that it is yours. - you own it - you decide what open source software and apps to install - you don’t require permission - you don’t pay a subscription - you are not the product - you are private, secure, and self sovereign https://servingbitcoin.com

Or, run your own node on your own hardware using free and open source software. Crucial Steps for an Uncensored Nostr Relay: - buy an inexpensive used PC - install or for an easy App Store experience - install a Nostr relay app from the App Store - use Tor for all communication to/from your node and/or relay Or… - install a Linux OS - torify the OS to use either torsocks or transparent proxy for all WAN traffic - install Git or Docker - install whatever open source Nostr relay you want to use Result: - you don’t need a VPS or VPN - no monthly subscriptions - you own the hardware and full stack - you are private, self sovereign, and ungovernable - the only con is while this setup does offer technical privacy and safeguards, it might not offer you the strongest legal safeguards (not legal advice)