Pierre Simon

Back home in the Netherlands since Friday! 🇳🇱

It was an emotional week in Aruba saying goodbye to my uncle, but being back on my island re-grounding with family was so deeply needed. 💙

One last observation on the payment front: alongside Sentoo, I also saw Pay.aw out there—another QR payment option. Sentoo itself is actually pretty slick since it's an instant bank transfer, but merchants still pay processing fees.

The biggest hurdle on the island right now isn't consumer adoption—it's government perception. Local regulators and authorities still treat Bitcoin and crypto as high-risk, making adoption an uphill climb.

Lightning (and ecash) remains light-years ahead: open, instant, global, and drastically cheaper for merchants. The local appetite for digital payments is already there—now it's just a matter of shifting mindsets and replacing the legacy banking rails! ⚡️🇦🇼

cc: @BitcoinAruba #Aruba #Bitcoin #LightningNetwork #Payments #CircularEconomy

Pro tip for building a daily passive #Bitcoin yield loop: ⚡️

1️⃣ Start Free or Go Pro on

: Free tier: 21 sats/day (3 missions × 7 sats) with $0 investment. Pro tier: Boosts daily missions to 21 sats each + unlocks 2 bonus missions (like #SatsCipher).

2️⃣ Reinvest: Convert your earned sats into USDB ($1 USDB = $1 USD).

3️⃣ Compound: Hold USDB in your wallet (Xverse Wallet or

) to earn daily BTC yield (starts at just 10 USDB min!).

Zero upfront capital needed to kickstart the engine, but compounding those earnings takes it to the next level! 🍊💊

#Bitcoin #LightningNetwork #USDB #SatsStacking #Nostr

Arrived in Aruba yesterday after my uncle passed away. Good to be back 'home' with family. 💙

Hit the barber today and ran into an old colleague from my Aruban police force days! When it came time to pay, it was cash or a local payment method called Sentoo.

From a user perspective, Sentoo was flawless—scan a QR code, hit a payment link, open the local bank app, and approve. Seamless. But looking at it through a technical and merchant cost lens, Lightning and

still blow it out of the water. ⚡️🥜

Numo Pay would have been an absolute game-changer for this merchant—instant, zero-fee tap-to-pay offline via ecash, backing up directly to

. The island is already comfortable with QR-based instant payments... now we just need to help local shops swap out the legacy banking middleman for sovereign rails! 🇦🇼

cc:

#Aruba #Bitcoin #LightningNetwork #Cashu #BTCPayServer #Payments

Ran across

today—it turns your npub into a functional marketplace in under 5 minutes without touching a server or database. 🤯

Products go straight to your followers' feeds as native notes, and the payments hit your self-custodial Lightning wallet directly.

This is exactly the kind of friction-free tooling we need to support independent merchants across the ecosystem. Have any of you tested this one out yet? 👇

#SovereignBuilder #LightningNetwork #SupportSmallBusiness

Happy Friday! ☀️ Bringing you some free stacking tips to kick off the weekend.

Here is the exact blueprint I use to build a self-custodial BTCFi stacking machine entirely hands-free:

1️⃣ Set up a monthly SEPA transfer to

(flawless Euro-to-LN gateway). 2️⃣ Use Bringin's [Buy to wallet] feature to stream sats directly to a static Lightning Address on

. 3️⃣ Swap those sats to USDB natively inside Blitz to generate local volume and unlock higher yield tiers (3.5% up to 6.0% APY). 4️⃣ Watch the Spark network auto-distribute daily Bitcoin rewards directly into your self-custodial vault.

Best part? These earned sats are instantly spendable anywhere Bitcoin is accepted. And since we are accumulating at a low right now, the value of those stacked sats will only go up from here—making this the ultimate maximum-benefit savings vehicle.

Sovereign wealth, optimized yield, zero legacy bank friction.

#Bitcoin #BTCFi #LightningNetwork #Spark #StackingSats

As some of you might know I have been a fan and active user of

for a while now. Recently I’ve been testing their newest product Bringin Connect and it is the missing piece for managing Bitcoin liquidity in Europe. 🟠🌍

What makes it so effective is the clear separation of flows:

🟠 Buy Connection: Direct to your on-chain Bitcoin wallet (perfect for cold storage/HODLing). You get a dedicated vIBAN; send Euros, and BTC arrives in your vault instantly.

🟠 Sell Connection: This is the game-changer. It gives you a unique Lightning address connected directly to your existing bank account. No new accounts, no complex setup—it's an invisible bridge.

I’ve tested both, and they work flawlessly. It’s a professional way to stay sovereign while keeping your fiat and Bitcoin worlds connected. 🤝⚡️

#Bitcoin #LightningNetwork #BringinConnect #PlebChain #HODL #Sovereignty

The "Invisible Infrastructure" just went into overdrive. ⚡️🧱

Starting March 30, Square is auto-enabling Bitcoin Lightning payments for 4 million merchants. This isn't a pilot; this is a default.

Overnight, millions of businesses will become Bitcoin-accepting entities. Most won't even need to be "techies"—they’ll just see faster settlement and lower fees. This is exactly what I meant by the Trojan Horse: we win by making the superior tech the default.

While the skeptics are busy debating "utility,"

and the team at Block are busy upgrading the global plumbing. The transition from "Turn everyday sales" into "long-term value" is no longer optional.

History is being written in real-time. Are you ready for the surge? 📉➡️📈

#Bitcoin #LightningNetwork #Square #Block #Adoption #Hyperbitcoinization #InvisibleInfrastructure #PlebChain

I’ve posted about Numo Pay before, but after putting it through its paces a few more times, I can officially confirm: it works like a charm. ✨⚡️

For any small or medium-sized business owner, accepting Bitcoin has never been this seamless. Whether it’s via Lightning or Cashu eCash, and whether you’re going contactless or scanning a QR, it is incredibly fast.

Beyond just the smooth UI, the "Nuts and Bolts" are all there:

Customizable Tips: Easily add a tip flow for your staff.

Inventory Management: Add products and track your stock directly in-app.

Automatic Withdrawals: Move your funds exactly where you want them without thinking twice.

The best part? It’s completely free to use. In this crazy, volatile world we’re living in, there is officially no excuse left for a business not to accept Bitcoin. 🛡️🧱

If you own a shop or run a service, download it today. This is how we build a resilient, circular economy from the ground up.

#Bitcoin #NumoPay #LightningNetwork #eCash #Adoption #SME #SimonConsulting #PlebChain

I’m on a mission to Orange Pill the world, and I’ve found another secret weapon: the Satsman app.

It is the world's first gamified sats-earning platform, and I’ve been putting it to the test for 3 weeks now. The results? I’ve already earned thousands of sats by spending just a couple of minutes a day on their educational "missions." 📚🍊

Why you should join my "Army":

Daily Missions: Quick, fun tasks that teach you the "Nuts and Bolts" of Bitcoin while rewarding you with real satoshis.

Streak Bonuses: Once you hit a certain daily streak, the rewards multiply. I haven't missed a day yet!

Real Payouts: Once you hit the threshold, you can withdraw directly to any Lightning wallet. It’s that easy.

I’m looking for new recruits to join my squad. If you want to learn about the Bitcoinverse and get paid for it, this is the way.

🔥 Complete daily missions, build your army, and stack sats! Want to join? 👉 https://satsman.com?ref=pierre_36464

Let's orange pill the world, one mission at a time. Who’s in? 🪖🧤

#Satsman #Bitcoin #OrangePill #StackingSats #PlebChain #SimonAcademy #LearnAndEarn #LightningNetwork

Updating the #PlebChain on today’s "Proof-of-Walk".

What started as 3,663 steps this morning has turned into a solid 13,286 steps after my gym session and afternoon walks! 🏛️🔥

The Stats:

Steps: 13,286 (Well past my 10k goal!) 📈

Earnings: More sats stacked just for moving. 🧱🍊

Feeling: Head is clear and the wallet is (slightly) heavier. 🧘‍♂️⚡️

As

pointed out, integrating sats into daily activity is a powerful onboarding tool. It makes the "Nuts and Bolts" of the Bitcoin economy feel tangible with every stride.

Who else hit their step goal today? Post your stats below and let’s keep the momentum going into the weekend!

#sMiles #StackingSats #ProofOfWalk #SimonAcademy #Bitcoin #HealthyLiving #LightningNetwork #Sovereignty

GM. I have a question for the #PlebChain: Who here has used the sMiles app?

I just started using it today, and I have to say, I’m genuinely impressed. It offers rewards in the form of Sats just for doing what I already do every single day: walking and running.

I’m at the gym daily, I frequently take walks during office hours to clear my head from a busy schedule at

, and I love a good run in the park. This morning alone, I took 3,663 steps—which is peanuts for me since I average at least 10,000—and I already earned some sats for it. 🤯

Let’s be real: You aren't going to get rich doing this. But the fact that you can receive a stream of hard money for regular daily activity is incredibly cool. It’s the perfect "zero-risk" way to stack. 🧱🍊

Bonus for the gamers: If walking isn't your thing, they also have ways to earn via gaming or taking surveys. 🎮

I’ve decided to keep everyone updated on my daily steps and earnings here on Nostr. Let's see how much we can stack just by moving!

Have you tried sMiles yet, or are you using another 'move-to-earn' app? Let's compare stats!

#Bitcoin #StackingSats #sMiles #ProofOfWalk #SimonAcademy #HealthyLiving #LightningNetwork #PlebChain #Sovereignty #SimonConsulting

I’ve been diving into the latest data from the

dashboard, and the growth of the circular economy is undeniable. 📈

The Reality Check: Currently, VISA and MasterCard are accepted at roughly 100 million+ merchant locations globally. They have a 60-year head start and the backing of the entire central banking system. 🏦

The Bitcoin Signal: On BTC Map, we see over 20 thousand merchants (and counting!) who have opted-out of that legacy system voluntarily. Unlike the giants, Bitcoin adoption isn't forced from the top down—it’s built from the bottom up by "Plebs" and sovereign business owners. 🧱🏗️

Why it’s different:

No Gatekeepers: A merchant on BTC Map doesn't need permission to start accepting Lightning. 🛡️

Instant Settlement: Unlike the 2-3 day wait (and high fees) of VISA/MC, these merchants get paid instantly. ⚡️

Pure Signal: Every new pin on the map represents a business choosing hard money over fiat debt.

We are watching a 100-million-location monopoly being challenged by a protocol. It’s not just about the numbers today; it’s about the direction of the trend. 📈🍊

Have you added your favorite local 'Orange' spot to @btcmaps yet? Let’s make the map glow!

#Bitcoin #BTCMap #CircularEconomy #SimonAcademy #Sovereignty #MerchantAdoption #PlebChain #BitcoinVsVisa #LightningNetwork #GlobalAdoption

If you want to stop earning fiat and start earning Bitcoin, you have to go where the builders are. In 2026, the "Orange" job market is evolving from simple boards to active, social ecosystems.

The Active Marketplaces:

: This is the heart of the movement right now. Their mission is to empower Bitcoiners to break free from fiat jobs. Follow the

here on Nostr for a live, interactive feed of opportunities. They aren't just a list; they are a community providing resources and guidance to launch your Bitcoin career.

(~/jobs): This is the closest thing to a "Reddit-meets-LinkedIn" for Bitcoiners. It’s highly active with real-time listings for everything from Marketing Leads to Rust Engineers. You can see the bounty (like 10k or 30k sats) and apply directly through the thread.

nostr:npub1t9km25asg7agcjurugw9qqddm9emj0ctaggg53tenxh7j5eqk8ash3fy69

: This is aiming to be the Upwork for Bitcoiners—a marketplace where gigs are priced directly in Sats. While still growing, its existence shows the demand for a dedicated platform for sovereign freelancers.

How to get noticed:

Interact: On platforms like Bitvocation and Stacker News, your reputation is built on your contributions. Don't just lurk—engage.

Use Your npub: Think of your Nostr profile as your new "Verified Resume." Your "Proof-of-Work" (posts, insights, zaps) is visible to everyone.

Start Small: Many of these listings, especially on Stacker News, are for specific tasks or bounties. It’s the perfect way to earn your first "non-fiat" sats.

My Verdict: If you want active, daily updates, follow Bitvocation. If you want a deep list of professional roles at sovereign companies (like nostr:npub1lsrm8rdxzyhmumx5uzfmq47ta5ggdyns2xqkw0ej6h2qat026nvs7rm040), head to Stacker News.

Have you successfully landed a freelance gig paid in Sats? Which platform actually got you the job?

#BitcoinJobs #Bitvocation #StackerNews #BitcoinFreelance #SimonAcademy #Sovereignty #EarnInBitcoin #PlebChain #SimonConsulting #LightningNetwork

Just caught up on the latest from

at Satlantis, and the momentum is incredible. For those who don't know,

is a Nostr-native events app that is really starting to find its stride as an onboarding bridge.

What I’m seeing in the app:

Clean & User-Friendly: The UI is very slick. You’ve got easy access to Events (to browse or create your own), Places, and Notifications. It feels intuitive right out of the box.

Built-in Wallet: I’ve already tested the native Lightning wallet—it works smoothly. No more "download this app first" friction when trying to show a pre-coiner the power of Bitcoin.

Fiat via Stripe: While we’re all about the Bitcoin standard, adding Stripe means event organizers can reach everyone, while still exposing them to Bitcoin as the permissionless alternative.

Why this matters for my work: I’ve been organizing live webinars for

since 2023, and I see huge potential here. While I haven't created an event yet to test their dedicated event management features, the overall professionalism of the app is promising.

I’ve already connected my Stripe account to explore the possibilities. This isn't just for future nostr:npub1nf2pelc625uta9akz0vksjjszyclh77nn0r956sy53dvvqe05jnqkxy87w trainings and meetups; it's a powerful tool for the high-level webinars and consulting events I host. Initiatives like this that lower the barrier to entry are exactly what we need. We orange-pill the world by building tools that work so well that Bitcoin becomes the obvious choice. 🧱🍊

Check out Satlantis if you’re hosting professional events—it’s great to see this level of polish on Nostr!

#Bitcoin #Nostr #Satlantis #LightningNetwork #Events #Webinars #Onboarding #CircularEconomy #SimonAcademy #SimonConsulting

Taking a break from the 'home office' today to bring two of my kids into the city centre for lunch. It’s great to be out, but the "real world" adoption gap remains a reality—no direct Bitcoin payments accepted here yet.

Thankfully, I have my

card as the ultimate bridge. I was able to pay for lunch using the debit card, which (almost) instantly off-ramps from my Lightning balance to Euros at the point of sale. ⚡️➡️💶

While I’d prefer to pay natively, tools like Bringin allow us to live on a Bitcoin standard in Europe today, even when the merchants aren't quite there yet.

Back to home now to keep helping the real smart people build the infrastructure that will eventually make this card unnecessary! 🏛️🧱

#WFH #Bitcoin #LightningNetwork #Bringin #Amsterdam #Adoption #PlebChain #SimonAcademy

The Netherlands has officially banned Polymarket. The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) views these prediction markets as illegal gambling, while the US CFTC treats them as derivatives. This friction is exactly why

and

exist—to help navigate the chasm between innovation and regulation.

My Take for the #PlebChain: We have to stop looking at these "crypto-powered" apps as the end goal. Polymarket is an application, but Bitcoin is a protocol. * Lightning is Bitcoin: As I noted in a recent thread, Lightning isn't just a payment tech; it is Bitcoin settled off-chain.

We are already seeing stablecoins like USDT and USDC minted via the Taproot Asset protocol. This means we can have the utility of stable settlement while keeping Bitcoin as the final, immutable settlement layer.

Nostr and Chaumian e-cash (Cashu/Fedimint) are following this same path. They aren't "alternative blockchains"—they are sovereign layers built on the only rock-solid foundation we have.

The ban on Polymarket shows the fragility of applications that rely on centralized legacy permissions. True adoption won't come from "legalized gambling" in crypto clothing; it will come from the unshakeable infrastructure of Bitcoin-native protocols that don't ask for permission to exist. 🛡️🔓

Are we building apps that can be banned, or protocols that are inevitable?

#Bitcoin #LightningNetwork #Polymarket #Netherlands #Nostr #TaprootAssets #SimonAcademy #SimonConsulting #Sovereignty

Taking the electric car all the way north to visit a client. I had to pull over for a quick charge at the supercharger in Emmeloord, which gave me the perfect excuse for a pit stop.

Currently enjoying a slice of apple pie inside the Van der Valk hotel while the battery tops up. 🍎🥧 It’s a great spot, but a bit of a missed opportunity on the payment front—they don't accept Bitcoin (yet).

As I sit here, I can’t help but think how much smoother it would be to pay for this "energy for the car and energy for the coach" directly over Lightning. Another mission for the Simon Consulting and Simon Academy list: orange-pilling the Dutch hospitality sector. 🏛️🍊

Groningen plebs, what’s the Bitcoin scene like in the city today? Any local spots I should visit after my meeting?

#Bitcoin #LightningNetwork #Emmeloord #Groningen #VanderValk #EV #SimonAcademy #Netherlands #PlebChain

Following a recent debate on the nature of Layer 2s, I want to clarify why the distinction matters. Many see Bitcoin as a single-use asset, but we are moving toward a reality where Bitcoin is the settlement layer for the entire sovereign internet. 🛡️

Why Lightning, Taproot, and even Nostr belong to the Bitcoin ecosystem:

• Lightning is Bitcoin: It uses the same monetary base and valid Bitcoin script; it is simply off-chain settlement.

• Taproot Assets: This is a native Bitcoin protocol. While it can mint stablecoins like USDT, the finality and security are anchored directly in the Bitcoin blockchain.

• Nostr & Chaumian E-Cash: Protocols like Cashu or Fedimint (Chaumian e-cash) are now functionally "Bitcoin protocols." They provide privacy and speed, but their ultimate value is settled in sats. ⚡️

Yes, these technologies could theoretically work on other chains, but they have rightfully been built on Bitcoin. Why? Because you build your house on a rock, not on shifting sand. Bitcoin provides the only immutable, decentralized foundation strong enough to support these layers. 🪨🍊

Do you see Bitcoin as just 'digital gold,' or are you ready for the 'Bitcoin-native' world of apps and layers?

#Bitcoin #LightningNetwork #Nostr #TaprootAssets #Cashu #SimonAcademy #SovereignTech

Decided to leave the car behind and take the train to my client today. Checked in seamlessly tapping my NFC enabled VISA debit card connected to the

.

It is a fascinating "bridge" experience. Even though the legacy fiat rails are still involved in the background, having a vIBAN and debit card directly linked to my Lightning wallet and LN address makes the friction almost vanish. It is the ultimate utility tool for the modern consultant—settling legacy costs with Bitcoin-native speed.

Of course, the goal is a future where the fiat middle-man isn't required at all, but for now, this is how we transition. 🏛️➡️⚡️

Are you using any "Bridge" tools for your daily commute, or are you still 100% legacy for travel?

#Bitcoin #LightningNetwork #Bringin #Amsterdam #SimonConsulting #CircularEconomy #Commute

1 billion users on Lightning isn’t just a dream—it’s the roadmap. ⚡️

Essential listen featuring

from

on why the Lightning Network is winning the race for global scale.

Perfect weekend fuel for sovereign builders and bitcoin entrepreneurs: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-billion-users-why-the-lightning-network-is-winning/id1860384125?i=1000749248424

#Bitcoin #LightningNetwork #Voltage #Growth"

Just onboarded to Minibits! ⚡️🪙

I’m officially testing the intersection of ecash and Lightning. The privacy of the

protocol combined with the speed of Lightning is a massive upgrade for micro-payments.

Great to see projects like

making this tech so accessible. If you’re building in the #PlebChain space, this is definitely worth a look for instant, private transfers.

The circular economy is moving from theory to reality. ₿

#Ecash #Cashu #LightningNetwork #Bitcoin #Minibits #Nostr #Privacy #PlebTech

Checking out the merchant experience with various Lightning wallets and comparing them to traditional PSPs like Stripe. 💳⚡️

The common narrative is that Lightning is "nearly free" compared to the 2.9% + €0.25 standard in fiat. While generally true, the merchant reality is more nuanced.

I just crunched the numbers on a €10.00 payment:

🔹 Stripe (EEA Card): You pay ~€0.40. You keep €9.60. 🔹 Bitkit (New Channel): Initial setup (LSP + on-chain fees) can be ~$1.05. You keep ~$8.95.

Wait—Bitcoin is more expensive? For the first transaction, yes.

This is the "Self-Custody Tax." To be non-custodial and sovereign (like with @Bitkit), you pay a one-time fee to open a channel. Most merchants want the speed and low fees of Lightning but aren't ready to manage their own liquidity.

The tipping point:

• On a €100 payment, Stripe takes €3.20.
• On a €100 payment, Lightning (once open) takes <€0.01.

We need to be honest about the onboarding "friction" if we want real adoption. If you’re a high-volume merchant, the initial $1 investment in a channel pays for itself in just 2-3 sales. After that, it's 99% cheaper than card networks.

Not every wallet is built for the same merchant. Some prioritize pure sovereignty (Bitkit, Phoenix), others prioritize instant "it just works" convenience (custodial).

The goal for 2026? Making that first channel-open as invisible as a card swipe.

#Bitcoin #LightningNetwork #MerchantAdoption #Payments #Nostr #Fintech

Large lightning channels are not just "expensive on-chain transfers in disguise." They are the high-capacity highways that make the whole network move.

As I mentioned in my previous note, dismissals of these channels as "corporate-only" ignore the reality of recurring business. Whether it’s a retailer handling thousands in daily sales, a developer paying contractors, or an employer paying 150+ staff through a third-party payroller, these "Wumbo" channels act as revolving liquidity pipes. They provide sub-second finality and bypass the L1 bottleneck for hundreds of transactions at once.

We aren't just building for "yacht buyers"—we're building the infrastructure that lets any mid-sized business operate with institutional-grade efficiency. ⚡️🚀 #Bitcoin #LightningNetwork

Compliance Quick Tip for #Bitcoin Merchants: If you are a small business accepting sats directly (e.g., via BTCPay Server) and self-custodying, your AML/KYC requirements are dramatically lower than a traditional PSP (Payment Service Provider). The rule of thumb: If you never hold customer funds, you are likely not a Money Transmitter. Focus on transaction monitoring for suspicious activity, not customer onboarding. Ask me your setup-specific question in the replies! #LightningNetwork #BizOnBitcoin