Call for steem seed nodes!

samupaha (66) · 8 years ago

Maybe blockchain should pay for people to maintain seed nodes?

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gtg (70) · 8 years ago

It is how it works. Block producers are rewarded. It is expected that they provide also seed nodes.

smooth (70) · 8 years ago

Exactly right and there is no excuse for top 19 witnesses not to have at least one working seed node. Please check the list posted by liondani and vote accordingly.

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teamsteem (74) · 8 years ago

Thank you for that post.

I currently 4 blocks day.

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the-ego-is-you (59) · 8 years ago

Could it not be made a requirement to run a seed node in order to be a witness in the first place?

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smooth (70) · 8 years ago

It was stated as a requirement when the blockchain was launched and people were first coming forward to be witnesses. Now you can't literally force people to do anything, it is up to voters.

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omitaylor (56) · 7 years ago

So anyone can just be voted into witness-hood without any hardware?

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smooth (70) · 7 years ago (edited)

You at least need a node to sign blocks or you won't get any rewards (regardless of votes), but that's separate from a public seed node.

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mahdi-nerd (30) · 5 years ago (edited)

I think it applies only to witness nodes, which are selected through an election. In election only a few elites win. I really can't trust that they would not be contacted by some governments dealers asking them for IP logging of bloggers in exchange of some money

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ericrnydegger (38) · 7 years ago

Hello.
I am quite new to stemmit and not a programer. I am crypto currency fan and Larimer vision's fan. Member of the Bitcoin foundation since 2012 and occasionally bitcoin miner. I am studying steem in order to better understand eos. I woul like to run a node at steempool.net (Germany) but unable to set the steemd config.ini probably because I am not a witness. May I still help?

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gtg (70) · 7 years ago

Thank you for your willingness to help but since you are not a witness, it would be unfair to make you have expenses instead of those who already get their block producing rewards.
Fortunately situation with nodes improved since the time when I wrote that post (it's quite old).
Of course, you don't need to be a witness to run your own Steem node. It's actually a great idea to get some better knowledge about this platform.
For your own needs you can follow same instructions that are for exchanges (using your account name). It's a consensus node that runs account history plugin for a single account (your own in your case).
I think I will cover such configuration in my next episode of Steem Pressure.

Good luck.

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ericrnydegger (38) · 7 years ago (edited)

Thank you for your keen and clear answer. Anyway even being an absolute fan of Larimer's general goals for humanity and definitely considering him one if not the major "blockchain thinker", of present times, on the way to provide a blockchain technology able to be the future of the internet itself. My old believes as a bitcoin miner get my into hard times in truly understanding the value of DPOS. It is good that the miners (the witnesses) don't compete between themselves, but to become a witness is the big challenge. I would deem interesting that the voters for the witnesses get a reward for their vote, a little bit like the bitcoin miners who join a pool and get a share of whatever block a miner of the pool has the luck to produce, . i.e. I am trying to figure out the would-be functioning of a Steem mining pool

gtg (70) · 7 years ago

It is good that the miners (the witnesses) don't compete between themselves

Oh, you are wrong.
They do and that's great.
There's a lot of blood, sweat and tears on the blockchain.
Everybody wants to be better than others which in this case is serving the platform the best they can.
Otherwise, the minimum that they have to do would be as simple as generating blocks i.e. running single machine with some software on it. Monkeys can do that.
Also, it's not really a mining. Most of STEEM goes to non-witnesses, i.e. authors, curators, shareholders. Smallest piece of cake is shared between the witnesses.
It's not the witnesses who are important on this platform. It's YOU. Those who have Steem Power and vote.
If a witness doesn't do what you expect (within your subjective opinion about being best for the platform) you take away your vote and such witness is fired.

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novacryptoltd (30) · 6 years ago

We hare now Jun 2018 and we see that's exactly the inverse happening on EOS. Hopefully. The witness don't compete (no blood, no tears) in this Blockchain. Thank you to the EOS Constitution, Arbitration and ECAF. EOS is the first blockchain with governance with legislation (the voters) and execution (the BPs). Thank you for this 21 BPs + reserve that are smart people and doing all to serving the plaform the best they can.

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gtg (70) · 6 years ago

If - as you say - they don't compete then how can you say, that current top 21 BPs are smart? :-D

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novacryptoltd (30) · 6 years ago

That's your point of view.
Because if you follow the EMLG and closely, you will see that is not necessary to compete to be smart :-D The BPs are not compete , they collaborate, that's a big difference !
EOS is really the first blockchain with a heart. EOS can mean also "Everyone's Open Society". EOS.IO software will retain 21 but a BP has interest to be in good contact with another BP for the network sustain, for the community satisfaction. That's that ... also ... DPOS

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gtg (70) · 6 years ago

That's your point of view.

Of course, what do I know about DPoS, right?
Competition among witnesses is healthy. Lack of competition is not.
Competition doesn't mean lack of cooperation with other witnesses, especially when it comes to such vital things like maintaining network stability.

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Show 1 more reply

liondani (69) · 8 years ago (edited)

See in real time which seednodes are online...
https://status.steemnodes.com/

PS Witness wackou created it

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beeskee (62) · 8 years ago

This is a cool list. A nice feature would be a "vote for witness" link next to each node.

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klye (73) · 8 years ago

My seed node at steem.global:2001 is operational. Hopefully more continue to run for witness and start up seed nodes as well.

it should be nearly mandatory that a witness runs a seed node in my opinion. We're here acting as server jockeys for the network and it's not terribly difficult nor expensive to set up a seed node.

sneak (64) · 8 years ago

Is yours in seednodes.txt? If not, please send a PR.

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https://github.com/steemit/steem/blob/master/doc/seednodes.txt

klye (73) · 8 years ago

Looks like it is on line 24 on the seednodes.txt seen here:

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the-ego-is-you (59) · 8 years ago (edited)

Is there a reason for it currently not being obligatory?

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timcliff (73) · 8 years ago

Here is mine:
176.31.126.187:2001

gtg (70) · 8 years ago

I saw your node on @wackou's list and already added it to my branch.
Thank you.

germansailor (70) · 8 years ago

I upvote and resteem this important post.

lafona (60) · 8 years ago

http://seeds.quisquis.de/steem.html has a list of seed nodes worth checking. cyrano.witness made it a while back and I think it still updates automatically.

gtg (70) · 8 years ago

True, that is pretty useful tool. Please note, however, that those are not only seed nodes, but also other p2p participants, looks like a lot, but for example 13 of them are those I run (or I was running temporarily).

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beeskee (62) · 8 years ago

I could start up an AWS instance, does anyone have recommendations as to what EC2 server type to use?

sneak (64) · 8 years ago (edited)

An 8GB instance with SSD should be more than enough. An m3.large (~$100 USD monthly on-demand, or $69 USD/mo with a 1 year commit (-29%)) should be ideal with its 32GB instance store. (You may have to issue some additional commands in addition to those below to make sure the local SSD instance store is formatted and mounted on /var/lib/docker.)

Simply run the following on a fresh Ubuntu 16.04:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y apt-transport-https ca-certificates
sudo apt-key adv \
    --keyserver hkp://ha.pool.sks-keyservers.net:80 \
    --recv-keys 58118E89F3A912897C070ADBF76221572C52609D
echo "deb https://apt.dockerproject.org/repo ubuntu-xenial main" |
    sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y linux-image-extra-$(uname -r) linux-image-extra-virtual
sudo apt-get install -y docker-engine
sudo service docker start
sudo docker run -d -p 2001:2001 -p 8090:8090 --restart unless-stopped \
    --name steemd steemit/steem:stable

With these exact commands you should have a steem p2p node up and running. Don't forget to open the ports in your security group.

To watch it synchronize, run:

sudo docker logs -f steemd

codydeeds (66) · 8 years ago

At that price what is the motivation to run one of these? Kind of lost here, have it setup and running just seems like a zero sum game.

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beeskee (62) · 8 years ago

Ouch, yeah, looks like that had higher requirements than I thought.

It would be cool if a node could be run on a Raspberry Pi. XD

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sneak (64) · 8 years ago

I agree, but even the beefiest rPIs have only 1GB of ram AFAIR. Also, there are sadly still some x86-isms in the code. I've actually tried building (works) and running (doesn't work) steemd on a Pi 3 Model B (in theory it should work with a low memory build and lots of swapping).

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gtg (70) · 8 years ago

Thank you for your willingness but as I replied already to @ervin-lemark: since you are not a witness, it would be unfair to make you have expenses instead of those who already get their block producing rewards for being a witnesses.
So same advice here: please review your votes for witnesses. Ask your candidates if they are running seed node or any other service to support Steem network (API? Exchange? Steem powered website?). Vote for those who do.

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sneak (64) · 8 years ago

Just witnesses running seed nodes is not enough seed nodes. Everyone who can, should.

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dragosroua (74) · 8 years ago

I am replaying the blockchain now on this one 89.36.26.82:2001.

Also, ignore the dumb question in chat, I figured it out.

gtg (70) · 8 years ago

Do not worry. There is no such thing as a dumb question.
Thank you.

noisy (67) · 8 years ago

I am ready to setup node (I have one very powerfull dedicated server, which is mostly not used), but I would appreciate your help :)

gtg (70) · 8 years ago

Awesome! :-)
While I cannot set it up for you because of the chronic lack of time, I can assist you if you have any questions.
Catch me on steemit.chat

bitcoinparadise (67) · 8 years ago (edited)

Here's mine 104.198.222.18 :2001. Hopefully it's working now? :P I have been updating and running tests here and there so my seed node may go down from time to time but only when I need to replay.

Yea it's not really worth being a witness unless your top 19 or after the proposed changes, top 20. I've have to downgrade my full witness to only witnessing and signing transactions atm since it was too much for me to maintain cost wise not being in the top witnesses.

klye (73) · 8 years ago

"Yea it's not really worth being a witness unless your top 19 "

It's worth it. All depending on what your monthly expenses for server are.

if you're not willing to run a witness at a loss until it finds support in the community I wouldn't really advise running one. It's not meant to be a highly profitable venture but one as a show of support for our network and it's smooth running.

bitcoinparadise (67) · 8 years ago (edited)

I was speaking in financial aspects. Running at a loss makes it difficult for anyone outside the top 19 to continue to support the network, hence why we see a list of under 100 witnesses globally... with @gtg assessment, there is only 20... There was more witnesses before...

But if you believe in the platform and want to support the network and learn and all that to see in that value then yes it's very worth it.

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klye (73) · 8 years ago

As someone who's been a witness for months with varying degrees of success along the way I can safely say at current STEEM prices you only need to be ranked around #40 on the witness list if you were aiming to break even using a minimum requirements server.

It all depends on what you're using for servers really.

When you add the seed node, a main and backup witness server it can get costly all depending on how much you're paying per box.

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bitcoinparadise (67) · 8 years ago (edited)

That was with the old economic model... The current made it difficult which is why we seen a lot of witnesses shutdown. but yes with current steem prices you're right.

I get what you're saying but not everyone is aware of the information on how to reduce server costs, I wasn't. I know it's a competition too but there's more to being a witness than running nodes right? :)

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klye (73) · 8 years ago

The primary function of the witness is to ensure their witness server is operational and able to produce a block when it's called to do so.

Everything else is a bonus and we have a number of individuals that serve as witness that bring different skills and talents to the table.

If you're not aware nor willing to do the research into how to minimize server costs when running a STEEM witness that is fine, but fundamentally the witness payout is acceptable compensation and anyone wishing to become a witness can do so given enough ambition.

It's not expensive by any means to set up a seed node and witness server. In fact I'd go as far to say that anyone who's got a job or making income on their skillset can afford to do so.

You don't need a backup witness server until you get up into the top #50 list in my opinion anyways. So depending on what type of security you need for your servers for less than a case of beer a month you could run a witness server in theory.

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bitcoinparadise (67) · 8 years ago

@klye you know how much I spent before I figured this out? lol Ah but it's not about the money, it's about the information :)

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gtg (70) · 8 years ago

Thank you @bitcoinparadise, it is working now :-)

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chitty (69) · 8 years ago

Okay, I have set up a seed node for my witness @chittty, here is the address:

138.197.17.188:2001

Thanks for this post and helping me on steemit.chat @gtg

gtg (70) · 8 years ago

Thank you.

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ervin-lemark (71) · 8 years ago

What are requirements for running a node?

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gtg (70) · 8 years ago

To run a seed node you need steemd compiled with LOW_MEMORY_NODE=ON
8GB RAM, low latency storage and network. CPU usage for seed node is negligible.

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ervin-lemark (71) · 8 years ago (edited)

Thanks for your quick reply.

8 GB is enough? How many CPU cores, how much disk space, swap file?

Is it possible to run it on some cloud solution? Both HW-wise and cost-wise?

If it is possible than I am willing to set up some nodes on clouds :)

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gtg (70) · 8 years ago

For now 8GB it is enough, hard to say when it comes to next releases. Also if you want to run some more plugins that required for just seed node then you would need more... a lot more for account_history, etc.
Currently you would need 10GB of disk.
That is minimum. To work comfortable you need more.
Maybe when I get some time I would write more details about my seed node specification.
Sure, you can use some cloud solutions but it is tricky when it comes to storage IO. If you can't put it all in RAM, then cloud solution iops limits might be very troublesome.
Thank you for your willingness but since you are not a witness, it would be unfair to make you have expenses instead of those who already get their block producing rewards.
But you can make one thing instead: review your votes for witnesses. Ask your candidates if they are running seed node or any other service to support Steem network (API? Exchange? Steem powered website?).

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ervin-lemark (71) · 8 years ago

Thanks a gain for your reply.

Can rewards be enough to cover cloud solution expenses? How are rewards determined, anyways?

A slightly unrelated question - can I display steem data without a local node? Read only is OK.

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gtg (70) · 8 years ago

To be exact: there are no rewards for running seed node. There are rewards for running witness node, but since Steem is DPoS all depends on amount of stake behind your witness. Rewards are determined by number of blocks produced. As I mentioned already, with current conditions being within top60 witnesses makes it possible but not easy to cover hardware expenses (but not taking into account your time / money / effort).

Yes, you can. All you need locally is to run cli_wallet and connect to one of public nodes (regular seed node might be not enough for that as it lacks of many plugins)

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ervin-lemark (71) · 8 years ago

@gtg Thanks #3 :)

How will this change with forthcoming fork? Will there be rewards for running a seed node?

I am asking to find out if the cost of hosting can be zeored with rewards for running the node. I am not talking about the profit. No deficit would be enough :)

cli_wallet is linux only, I guess? OK, I will give it a try. I tried several months ago without success. I hope I'll be able to put it up this time.

Ps: 6th level reached. Congrats :)

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sneak (64) · 8 years ago (edited)

1 core is sufficient. 8GB of RAM and ~20GB of SSD storage.

Amazon m3.large instances are great - they're ~$100/mo on-demand, or $69/mo on a 1 year reservation with no upfront.

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abit (70) · 8 years ago

Just FYI my seed node is running on an AWS spot instance. Monthly costs are around:

instance 15$
storage 5$
data transfer 10$

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ervin-lemark (71) · 8 years ago

Thank you. Very helpful.

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omitaylor (56) · 7 years ago

@abit I've been reading through the discussion (late) is this still the case? What are the monthly costs now running on AWS spot instance (in 2018)

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ervin-lemark (71) · 8 years ago

TNX!

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seud (41) · 8 years ago

Still trying to wrap my head around how all this works, but if you still need ppl come march (when I get Gigabit fiber), I can devote a VM or 2.

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seud (41) · 8 years ago (edited)

Sorry for not reading all comments before posting, but can you point me towards the proper resources for anyone interested in helping out?
EDIT: Nvm, found some useful links @ /witness-category/@gtg/re-witness-questionnaire

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screenname (66) · 8 years ago

This post has been ranked within the top 50 most undervalued posts in the second half of Jan 13. We estimate that this post is undervalued by $8.64 as compared to a scenario in which every voter had an equal say.

See the full rankings and details in The Daily Tribune: Jan 13 - Part II. You can also read about some of our methodology, data analysis and technical details in our initial post.

If you are the author and would prefer not to receive these comments, simply reply "Stop" to this comment.

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codydeeds (66) · 8 years ago

Can you link instructions to set one up? I have the hardware and connection speed.

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gtg (70) · 8 years ago

Most straightforward would be to use @sneak's instructions from one of his comments here.
(If you want to get better idea what is going on under the hood you might want to search through other posts on steemit regarding setting up witness nodes and seed nodes)
After you set it up please let us know on #seed-nodes channel on steemit.chat

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codydeeds (66) · 8 years ago

need some help, pm me in chat please, thanks!

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gtg (70) · 8 years ago

sure :-)

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codydeeds (66) · 8 years ago

Will do, does a node include mining or is that separate?

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gtg (70) · 8 years ago

Well, would be possible to mine on your seed node by adding appropriate config entries, like:

witness = "your_witness_id"
private-key = WIF_SIGNING_PRIVATE_KEY
miner = ["your_witness_id","WIF_ACTIVE_PRIVATE_KEY"]
mining-threads = 4

or so.

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codydeeds (66) · 8 years ago

not sure where to add this info

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codydeeds (66) · 8 years ago

Thanks for the info, would I still be getting steem for just running a node?

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gtg (70) · 8 years ago

No, just running a seed node is not rewarded.

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penderis (63) · 6 years ago

Lots of googling and a 2 year old post :) While I am here, I would like to ask if you have any links I can check out to create a node that only runs steem discussions posts specifically I don't need anything else... Is this possible? or is that what they call the p2p node?

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gtg (70) · 6 years ago

I don't understand what exactly you need.
Think about set of API that you will going to use in your project, then what exactly do you need (in terms of steemd config / plugins) to satisfy those API calls.
Btw, upcoming changes to api nodes provided by Steemit Inc.

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penderis (63) · 6 years ago

mmm... Ok get_discussion_by_created will be moving to hivemind but I don't understand how I can get that content and only that then still serve it say for public, I would like to build an advanced filter tool like steemlookup that curie made , my only option now seems to actually just hit a public node and get all the posts and keep it updated that seems very harsh and that is all I want is a up to date copy of the latest posts. I will check futher and see how they do things thanx for pointing that out. Aka I basically know some php and js so yeah maybe out of my depth here. :)

!tipuvote 0.06

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tipu (67) · 6 years ago

This comment is supported by $0.07 @tipU upvote funded by @penderis :)
@tipU voting service guide | For investors.

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