**Imaginary dialogue: Me and my NIP-05 provider**
**Me:** Hey, my NIP-05 is crossed out again. I followed all instructions. Why?
**NIP-05 Provider (with a tired server voice):** Because you put `"nip05": "me@mysite.com"` but the `.well-known/nostr.json` file won't open. You forgot CORS headers, or maybe you used Cloudflare and it blocked the MIME type.
**Me:** But I copied the JSON from GitHub!
**Provider:** Yes, but you saved it with a `.html` extension by mistake. And then you have a broken HTTP → HTTPS redirect. Nostr client sees `
http://`, but you only have `
https://`. Crossed out.
**Me:** So NIP-05 is useless?
**Provider:** It's meant to make you look “verified” in clients. But if the provider is unreliable, your checkmark becomes a cross. Real verification is the Web of Trust, not a JSON file.
**Me:** What should I do?
**Provider:** Either use a stable provider like `nostrcheck.me` or `nostplebs.com`, or give up on the checkmark and just use your public key. NIP-05 is a crutch, not legs.
**Me:** And crossed-out addresses?
**Provider:** They mean the client tried to resolve your NIP-05, got a 404 or 500 error, and tagged you as “unreliable.” But it's not you: it's your hosting that sucks.
**Me:** Thanks, I'll switch to a free provider that works.
**Provider:** Remember: free often means crossed out after two weeks. Either learn to run a web server, or accept being an anonymous npub. No shame.
**Moral:** NIP-05 is like a tie at a wedding: nice if straight, embarrassing if crooked.
