Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about Badge Box.
General
What is Nostr?
Nostr is an open protocol for decentralized communication. Instead of storing data on one company's server, information is distributed across many independent "relays." Your identity is controlled by cryptographic keys that only you hold.
Do I need to pay to use Badge Box?
No. Badge Box is free to use. Relays may have their own policies, but the default relays work without payment.
Where are my badges stored?
On Nostr relays — independent servers that store and share Nostr events. Badge Box publishes to multiple relays for redundancy.
Badges
Can I revoke a badge I awarded?
No. Badge awards are permanent records on Nostr. The recipient can choose not to display it, but the award event remains.
Can someone forge a badge?
No. All badges are cryptographically signed. Anyone can verify that:
- The badge definition was created by the issuer
- The award was signed by the issuer
- The recipient accepted it
What if a relay goes down?
Badge Box publishes to multiple relays. As long as some are online, your badges remain accessible. The decentralized nature means no single point of failure.
Account & Security
What if I lose my private key?
Your private key cannot be recovered. Without it, you can't create badges or accept new ones. Always back up your nsec securely.
Is my private key safe?
With a browser extension: Yes, it never leaves the extension.
With direct nsec login: It's stored temporarily in your browser and cleared when you close it. Use this method only on trusted devices.
Can I use Badge Box on multiple devices?
Yes. Your badges and profile are on Nostr, not on Badge Box's server. Log in with the same key on any device.
Technical
What Nostr events does Badge Box use?
| Kind | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 30009 | Badge definition (name, image, description) |
| 8 | Badge award (who received it) |
| 30008 | Profile badges (which badges you display) |
Which relays does Badge Box use?
Badge Box connects to several popular relays including relay.damus.io, nos.lol, and others. The full list is configured in the application.
Is the code open source?
The CLI tool is open source at github.com/rinbal/nostr-badges. The GUI uses this as its foundation.