# Nostr: How do Nostr communities work?

There is more than one community model.

2026-08-12
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Switchboard Tech Services


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## Short answer

There is more than one community model. NIP-29 describes relay-based groups where a relay enforces membership and posting rules, while clients display group events. Other approaches have existed, so check what your client and chosen relay actually support. A group can move or fork, but its history and rules depend on relays willing to host and enforce them.

## Sources

[NIP-29: Relay-based groups](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/29.md).

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Canonical URL: https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/nostr-how-do-nostr-communities-work/

Language: en-us

Content type: guide

Author: Switchboard Tech Services

Published: 2026-08-12T07:05:43+00:00

Description: A practical answer to How do Nostr communities work?