Our traditional payment systems were built in the 1970s. 💳 They’re expensive, slow and permissioned. So when software tries to trigger the high-frequency, automated payments we now expect... Settlement still takes days, and fees pile up fast. They’re also subject to fraud and have chargeback risk. Lightning changes that. Machines can coordinate and exchange value in real time—globally, with minimal cost. 3 examples of automated commerce powered by Lightning (now and in the future): 1. Gaming platforms – Players earn, spend, and trade instantly. No banks. No chargebacks. Just peer-to-peer value. 2. API marketplaces – Devs pay per call in real time. No subscriptions. No credits. No waiting for end-of-month billing. 3. Content delivery – Bandwidth and video priced per byte or minute. Streaming payments settle while you watch. This unlocks lower costs and zero billing friction—for users and builders.

Custodial yield platforms require trust. Lightning routing doesn’t. Avoid 3 major risks by stacking sats through your own node: 1. Counterparty risk – Custodial platforms take control of your Bitcoin. Routing keeps it in your possession—no intermediaries. 2. Regulatory exposure – Custodial yield accounts can be frozen, geo-fenced, or seized. Lightning runs on permissionless infrastructure. 3. Access restrictions – Centralized platforms can delay or block withdrawals—especially when you need funds most (BlockFi or Celsius sound familiar?). Routing rewards node operators who keep BTC moving—without giving up control. 💪