"mixing criticisms of SSP and SO" -- sure, you could look microscopically at these definitions and try to untangle them......and I started down that road when I was looking into Spark, but then I had the realization that it didn't really matter....

What matters is so much more simple: To actually USE any of this, in ANY capacity, requires using an API that LightSpark solely controls, and has the unique power to invite others to (or censor others from.)

It's extremely simple.

Spark has GraphQL endpoints -- basically, a web server. You need to use those GraphQL endpoints to actually do anything. Your device has to make a network connection to LightSpark's computers. You have no alternative.

What is worrying is that many observers have somehow missed this very important fact, and now..... we are seeing that influencers (Stephan Livera, whose work I usually like, for one....) continue to muddy the waters by calling Spark an "L2" -- making it sound fancy and sophisticated, and maybe something that isn't just a website controlled by a company that does some stuff.

Spark is an API. It's completely unlike technology that Bitcoiners should be using -- Lightning, for one.

Spark is GREAT for what LightSpark is focusing most of its energy on right now -- gambling, tokens, memecoins, etc. None of those user care about decentralization or privacy, and honestly, if we can get some of these degens to pay for their gambling with Bitcoin instead of Solana or a credit card --- I have absolutely no problem with that.

But we all need to be very clear here: Spark is the OPPOSITE of decentralized -- it's fully controlled by one company, who has full surveillance (and censorship) powers on all transactions.

Spark is controlled by LightSpark, who spent, as far as I can tell, all of 2023 and 2024 claiming that it was a "compliance"-focused Lightning company... which enabled it to get Coinbase and other casinos on its client list.

The fact that now, an unsuspecting Wallet Of Satoshi user, will (quietly) have his data shared with LightSpark -- his transactions, his IP address -- everything. This is completely fucked up and never should have happened.