💯

Focus is key. There is almost no room for exploration with this number of FTEs.

The only core operational revenue stream Damus has is the wallet split. Is there anything else?

Merch is not a true revenue stream.

R u really into freedom tech if you build ios only? 😁

I have a lot of thoughts on the subject, considering my own developer journey over the last 20+ years in various settings around the world.

Ultimately, Damus is set up in such a way that it's all about what nostr:npub1xtscya34g58tk0z605fvr788k263gsu6cy9x0mhnm87echrgufzsevkk5s wants to do. I greatly admire what he has done, and I've told Will numerous times that I'm always there if he wants to talk and share experiences.

Regarding what I would say publicly, the most important point is: when you are contributing to FOSS, you're building a reputation, not compensation. You won't make nearly as much as you would if you chose traditional routes (fiat job, startup, VCs, etc.).

A critical side effect of this is that you need to take care of the reputation, self-actualization, and motivation of everyone involved. Managing a FOSS project is a heavy burden. Money is a very powerful tool, and the fact that every civilization that has scaled invented it is no coincidence. It allows you to remove a lot of variables. Beyond a certain point, you can only scale with money to maintain structure.

So, if I were in Damus, I'd prioritize the happiness and reputation of contributors over impact. The track record clearly shows that something great is being done, so I wouldn't worry too much about making it "greater." Instead, as long as the work continues to be meaningful for Will and others participating, that's all that matters.