where is the best explainer on this platform if i want to get up to speed quickly

Farcaster is the protocol that evolves slowly with proposals (FIPs)

Warpcast is the primary client and acts as a test bed for the core team to try and define new features.

Names (FIDs) are stored onchain on Optimism.

Data (likes, followings, casts) is stored offchain on Hubs, which are nodes that anyone can run.

Warps are in-app points only for Warpcast which act as a proxy to perform onchain actions (create new account or channel, mint) but without the hassle of signing tx.

Anyone can make a client (farcaster.xyz/apps) and have access to the entire social graph and  cast data. Clients can be as minimal or maximal as desired.

father, husband, css golfer, ux engineer, silently defining variables as /sdv sdv.wtf

Warpcast

Farcaster

Look for casts from @dwr.eth and @v in both /warpcast and /farcaster to see them explain common misconceptions (like how casting in channels impacts your reach) as well as collecting feedback for recently launched changes.

Those two channels are probably the best places to stay informed on the platform.

Technically yes. This tool best explains the breakdown of storage units: https://caststorage.com

When you run out of storage, you can still cast/like/follow but then the over budget interactions will start to get pruned on a FIFO basis I believe.

So on your 5001st cast, your 1st cast will get pruned from the hubs.

oh wow for real? And all of this is basically indistinguishable from using twitter? That's actually quite the technical feat.

Does it cost to post? Still unclear.