I accidentally created network-centric pirate jukebox. All I wanted to do was start a Telegram chat where I could drop links to music I like. As soon as I involved bitcoin lightning payment tipping, it went from a music link dumpster to a community lightning faucet supporting great music finds. Listen in.
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Want to create your own? A subgenre chat I can link to? Here’s what goes into it:
Meet your helper bots
There are two bots involved in this chat: @scdlbot and @LNtxbot. The first bot creates an .mp3 file from any YouTube, Soundcloud, or Bandcamp link and posts it in the chat, assembled by @gpchelkin and based off this repo . The second is a bot that keeps track of your tips. In more geeky terms, it’s a full-featured custodial bitcoin lightning wallet with text-based commands and a QR code reader.
Setting up the SoundCloud Download bot (@scdlbot) is as simple as adding the bot to the chat. Then, you can use the “/settings” command to set your preferences with the pretty interface gpchelkin created.
Setting up the Lightning Network Transaction bot involves a couple more steps.
- Add @LNtxbot to the chat.
- Make @LNtxbot an admin of the chat. (This lets commands be shorter e.g. “/tip 100” instead of “/tip@lntxbot 100”.) Navigate to the Group Description > Edit icon > Administrators > Add Admin.
- In the chat, make the bot “spammy” so that it reads out that you successfully tipped someone for a great track. Use the command “/toggle@lntxbot spammy” to turn on/off bot text responses when a payment is made in the group chat.
- Take a moment to revel in the fact that you have enabled commerce to occur in yet another part of the internet. Not only that, the commerce here happens in a place with great music.
If you’re starting up a new genre chat, send me a link (@Jestopher) so we can link to each other as true lightning networking professionals. ⚡🎓
Getting Your Finances in Order
How are you going to start tipping people without some internet money already? If you have no experience with lightning or bitcoin, download Strike app just as you would Venmo or Cash App. The only main difference is that Strike can turn dollars (soon other fiat, too) into bitcoin on-the-fly as you make a payment.
We’re not talking large amounts here! Just put $5 in Strike so you can pay to @lntxbot. After all, LNtxbot is a custodial lightning wallet, which means dear @fiatjaf can shut down the bot and you’d lose access to your funds. Your keys, your coins!
To add a balance to @LNtxbot, create an invoice in a PM with the bot by typing “/invoice <sats> [description]”. The bot will create an invoice payable with Strike or another lightning wallet.
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