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+# Public Pool Directory
+
+`pool.bitflash.network` should be a public directory, not a network dependency.
+Nodes discover pools through Nostr and `.btf`; the website only helps humans
+compare operators.
+
+Operators can publish the `pool_status.json` and `pool_rounds.json` files
+produced by:
+
+```bash
+bitflash -nogui -gen -operator \
+  -poolstatusfile=/var/www/pool_status.json \
+  -poolroundsfile=/var/www/pool_rounds.json
+```
+
+Build a static directory from one or more status files:
+
+```bash
+python3 scripts/build-pool-index.py --out-dir public/pool \
+  https://operator-one.example/pool_status.json \
+  https://operator-two.example/pool_status.json
+```
+
+The generated output contains:
+
+- `index.html`: human-readable ranking page.
+- `pools.json`: machine-readable API for `api.bitflash.network/pools.json`.
+
+The website is a convenience layer, not a consensus or discovery dependency.
+Nodes discover pools through Nostr descriptors and `.btf`; a missing website
+must not stop mining or pool operation.
+
+When a source is an HTTP(S) `pool_status.json`, the directory links to a
+`pool_rounds.json` proof file next to it. That file records the block height,
+block hash, coinbase txid, coinbase value, pool fee, total shares, per-address
+share counts, computed payouts, and payout txids once paid.
+
+Ranking order is intentionally simple:
+
+1. online pools first;
+2. higher reported hashrate;
+3. more authorized miners;
+4. lower fee;
+5. name as a stable tie-breaker.
+
+An entry is considered online when the source says the pool is running and its
+status file is no more than 120 seconds old.
+
+## Recommended Hostnames
+
+Use:
+
+```text
+pool.bitflash.network        human-readable pool directory
+api.bitflash.network/pools.json
+status.bitflash.network      relay/node health, not pool ranking
+docs.bitflash.network        operator setup guide
+```
+
+The GUI may use the API as a shortcut for humans, but it should keep the
+existing decentralized pool discovery path as the source of truth.