mkstack/NIP.md
Chad Curtis 3d97870b59 init
2025-07-14 21:40:30 +00:00

3.6 KiB

NIP-GNOME: Gnome Speak Translation Protocol

draft optional

Abstract

This NIP defines a client-side translation protocol for converting kind 1 (Short Text Note) events into "Gnome Speak" - a whimsical fantasy language that transforms regular text into gnome-themed vocabulary and expressions.

Motivation

To create an immersive and entertaining experience for users of gnome-themed Nostr clients, where all text content is automatically translated into a consistent fantasy language that maintains readability while adding magical woodland charm.

Specification

Translation Scope

  • MUST translate all kind 1 events (Short Text Notes) into Gnome Speak
  • SHOULD NOT translate other event kinds to maintain protocol compatibility
  • MUST preserve original URLs, Nostr references (npub, note, etc.), and hashtags without translation
  • SHOULD maintain the semantic meaning of the original text

Translation Rules

Vocabulary Substitution

Common words are replaced with gnome-themed equivalents:

  • Greetings: hellogreetings, fellow earth-dweller
  • Technology: computerthinking-box of metal and magic
  • Time: todaythis blessed sun-cycle
  • Actions: goventure forth
  • People: friendcompanion of the woodland path

Gnome Expressions

  • Exclamations are enhanced with gnome phrases: !! By my pointy hat!
  • Sentence starters may be added: In the sacred grove, ...
  • Sentence endings may be appended: ...as the ancients foretold.

Special Formatting

  • Bitcoin/crypto terms: bitcoin✨golden acorns of the digital realm✨
  • Nostr terms: nostr🍄message-mushroom🍄
  • Greetings: gm🌅when dew kisses the earth🌅

Implementation

Client Behavior

Clients implementing this NIP:

  1. MUST detect kind 1 events
  2. MUST apply Gnome Speak translation before displaying content
  3. SHOULD preserve original content for editing/replying
  4. MAY provide toggle to view original content
  5. SHOULD indicate when content has been translated

Content Preservation

  • Original event content MUST remain unchanged in storage/transmission
  • Translation occurs only at display time
  • Replies and quotes SHOULD reference original content, not translated

Tag Usage

Clients MAY add a t tag with value gnome to indicate gnome-themed content:

{
  "kind": 1,
  "content": "Hello world!",
  "tags": [["t", "gnome"]],
  ...
}

Example

Original event:

{
  "kind": 1,
  "content": "Good morning! Having coffee and checking bitcoin prices.",
  "tags": [],
  ...
}

Displayed as:

"When dew kisses the earth! Partaking of bitter bean brew and witnessing ✨golden acorns of the digital realm✨ values, blessed by the forest spirits."

Rationale

This approach provides:

  1. Immersive Experience: Creates a consistent fantasy atmosphere
  2. Protocol Compatibility: No changes to underlying Nostr protocol
  3. Reversibility: Original content always preserved
  4. Interoperability: Non-gnome clients display original content normally

Security Considerations

  • Translation is purely cosmetic and doesn't affect event integrity
  • Original content validation remains unchanged
  • No additional attack vectors introduced

Implementation Status

This NIP is implemented in Gnome Nostr client as a client-side translation layer.

References