I dont think they can be with 10k daily active users. Even if 1% pay $10 a month that's only $1000 spead accros all the apps, with most getting close to 0. Is this really a discussion?
Do Nostr Apps Need to Be Profitable?
— nostr:npub1hqaz3dlyuhfqhktqchawke39l92jj9nt30dsgh2zvd9z7dv3j3gqpkt56s & nostr:npub1j8y6tcdfw3q3f3h794s6un0gyc5742s0k5h5s2yqj0r70cpklqeqjavrvg
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And it gets even worse. On average users cost min. $0.25c a day on a network, probably more on nostr because there are more relays. So relay operators pay out $10,000 a month, and receive nothing back (this is also a reason its impracticle for nostr to level up rn), none of the donations ever make it to relays, not even 1% of the donations, let alone revenue. So why should apps make a profite if the relays are paying the bills.
You should come listen. The conversation might take a different turn than you expect 🙂