Parman is a prominent figure who focuses on promoting self-custody and decentralization through his innovative projects, including automated bitcoin node installations.
His work aims to simplify the process for users to run their own nodes, thus enhancing their control over their bitcoin holdings. Parman is also an advocate for educating newcomers about the intricacies of bitcoin and the Lightning Network.
First Steps into Bitcoin
- What initially drew you to the world of bitcoin and the Lightning Network?
I was first introduced to it by my cousin, traded it, didn’t know what I was doing, until I decided to look into what it actually was.
Overcoming Challenges
- What was the most challenging aspect of getting started in this space?
Getting passed the scam and distractions of shitcoins.
- What are some common misconceptions about the Lightning Network that you encounter?
That it’s not sufficiently private
- What are some of the biggest challenges currently facing the Lightning Network?
Adoption and the unrealistic expectation that everyone should run their own Lightning node and no one should use custodians – this is false.
- What advice would you give to newcomers looking to contribute to the Lightning ecosystem?
Dream big, start small, and chip away.
Building on Lightning
- Can you discuss some of the technical challenges you’ve faced while building on Lightning?
As with any software development, the real challenge is making it such that users are less likely to make mistakes.
- How do you approach user experience in your projects?
This is the primary focus
Influences and Community Engagement
- Who or what has been your biggest influence in the bitcoin community?
Probably Saifedean Ammous, initially.
- How important is community feedback in shaping your projects?
User feedback and bug reports help make the program stronger.
- How do you see collaboration between different builders in the bitcoin space evolving?
I have no idea
Personal Projects and Recommendations
- Can you walk us through a recent project you’ve completed on the Lightning Network?
My project is not “on” the lightning network, but allows users to easily install a lightning node.
- What are the most exciting use cases for the Lightning Network that you’ve seen or worked on?
Accepting bitcoin payments instantly, as good as final settlement.
- Where do you see the bitcoin Lightning Network in five years?
Same mostly, with more adoption
- If someone wanted to get started with using the Lightning Network today, what would be your top recommendation for them?
I don’t rank my recommendations, I customise it to the individual
- Are there any emerging technologies or trends that excite you in this space?
Not really, lightning is interesting as it is, it just needs more adoption.
Vision for the Future
- What advancements do you think are necessary for mainstream adoption of Lightning technology?
The technology can improve but nothing is holding it back
- If you could have dinner with any figure in the bitcoin space, who would it be and why?
Elon Musk – I’d try to convince him to do more for bitcoin.
- In one sentence, how would you summarize your vision for the future of money with respect to Bitcoin and Lightning?
Everyone will use bitcoin as money
- Finally, what’s next for you personally, and how can we support your journey moving forward?
I don’t ask for anything personally, I only need more people to see my guides, software and products which are made for the benefit of bitcoin and humanity overall.