I was reluctant to make this post, since I am sort of superstitious and I don’t want to attract negative attention to my favorite virtual hangout. I’m a natural pessimist, so it goes without saying that I hope my fears are unwarranted.

I have embraced territories with both hands. I have three right now. I believe this innovation can go far to further bitcoin adoption. The potential is immense, and that’s what worries me.

For all its cutting edge incentives and tech creativity, Stacker News is in essence a web site. Even more worrisome, it’s a web site based in the U.S. It has transformed overnight from a small clubhouse for us all to learn and discuss bitcoin into a chaotic, growing, and potentially very profitable business. It’s only a matter of time before U.S. three letter agencies will be snooping around, and maybe visiting Austin, subpoenas in hand, if even just to let their presence be known. This will almost certainly be the case if Stacker News is as successful as I think it can be. I know the principals of SN to be the most honest, decent people in the world. They would not violate the law. That’s not the point. I don’t trust the government. I would feel much better if SN was headquartered in el Salvador. The web site is an obvious point of vulnerability. I know there has been talk of non custodial wallets, nostr integration, etc, which will go a long way towards allaying my worst nightmares.

As it stands now, those who run the site have no control over what’s posted, and by whom. I don’t want to delve into the possibilities here and risk giving anyone any ideas. Owners cannot police their own territories. I know things will improve. I know the roadmap has not been made public, but this interim phase can be dangerous. I’m glad to see that there’s been an emphasis on legal lately. Still, just declaring some activity as “against the terms of service” does not absolve Stacker News of liability. I hope this post is overly paranoid. I hope Darth mocks me for being fearful of the guvs. I just don’t want to wake up one morning and find that the site has been seized.