Get your Nostr username NIP-05 verified

About NIP-05
The widespread use of internet communication channels, such as email, social media, and instant messaging, has made it easier for individuals to reach a large audience. However, this has also resulted in an increase in spam, which is a constant challenge for companies to control. ISPs and services like Gmail are centralized entities responsible for reducing the amount of spam on their platforms, but spammers often find ways to bypass these systems and reach their targets.

Decentralized protocols, like Nostr, face similar challenges as they grow. Unlike centralized companies, there is no central entity to manage spam, so trade-offs and design decisions must be made to address this issue. Nostr must implement filters for relays and users to protect the platform from spam.

A Nostr Improvement Proposal (NIP) is a detailed technical specification that outlines proposed upgrades for the Nostr protocol. NIP-05 specifically deals with account verification. It offers a way for users to verify their Nostr account across all clients, similar to the blue checkmark on Twitter or Instagram. However, with NIP-05, users have the ability to verify their account without having to meet specific requirements set by a central entity. This offers greater flexibility and control for users on the Nostr platform.

How to create a Nostr account

  1. Set up a lightning wallet by creating an Alby account and then install the browser extension for easy browser use.
  2. Create a Nostr account on iris which seems to be a decent Nostr web client.
  3. Add your Nostr private keys into the browser extension (open extension, hamburger menu, then accounts).

How to verify your Nostr account (if you already have an account)

  1. Convert your Public key from npub to HEX format 
    npub10avjt0f3c8dpd4ccq6p3l402vxd0gnahhky4gxqw5u7wzt4t0s4qa9xzka
    to 
    7f5925bd31c1da16d71806831fd5ea619af44fb7bd8954180ea73ce12eab7c2a
  2. Open a text editor and format your Nostr username (like the twitter @username) and your HEX formatted public key: e.g. 
    "hotdog123": "7f5925bd31c1da16d71806831fd5ea619af44fb7bd8954180ea73ce12eab7c2a"
    (you'll need to copy this later)

  3. Click on the "Donate sats" button below

  4. Select 10k for < 48h turnaround, 20k for < 24h turnaround or 50k for < 6h turnaround and click next

  5. Pate the text you formatted in the text editor: e.g. 
    "hotdog123": "7f5925bd31c1da16d71806831fd5ea619af44fb7bd8954180ea73ce12eab7c2a"
    (keep the "s) in the memo

  6. Make the payment by scanning the QR code or clicking on it to use your Alby extension if you've funded it

  7. Update the NIP-05 Verification field in your Nostr account in your Nostr client. It will be your username@halfin.me e.g "hotdog123@halfin.me"

  8. Once your username has been updated, halfin.me will tag your account on Nostr and you will be verified on Nostr