As I asked, what am I missing here? My impression is that this is some sort of paywall that prevents those without bitcoins from full participation with others on nostr.
Discussion
Yes but it’s a users right to use any mechanism they want to filter posts to them. Another client could require you to send a wire transfer to do the same thing, it would just be more difficult to program that .
Kind of like Elon Musk charging money for Blue Checks. I get it.
I suppose thinking of paywalls as a feature and not as a way to block users is rational to some, but wouldn't it just be easier to program a way to block users without requiring a payment that only some can easily use?
It almost seems like a reminder that some are more equal than others, which seems to go against the whole concept of a free, open source, de-centralized platform that is designed to prevent censorship... particularly if you have bitcoins
What are you suggesting? The point is to put some friction so that not everyone can DM you.
Could you do it so you could exempt some users of your choosing?
That would be nice, more for convenience once you’ve established trust with a person
Exactly.
I think the point is that you would be forced to have Bitcoin to get past the paywall.
Some people ARE more equal than others. Even you mustadmint that you don'tbtreat everyone the same. You have frienda, family, crushes, etc that you treat different than people who dont fall into those categories.
Like if some random came to you and started to tell you that you are tying your shoes incorrectly. You'd tell them to fuck off. Your friends and FAM? You'd laugh, or riff on them. Or even listen.
No one is forcing you or anyone to use bitcoin, or nostr. You are free to not use bitcoin, as you are free to not use the internet, internal combustion engines etc.
Everything on #nostr is voluntary.
If you don’t have bitcoin, and don’t know how to get it you could ask here.
Tag the #plebchain , #zapchain, #grownostr , #introductions hashtags and you will find very friendly and open folks who will show you how to get started.
Bitcoin is the open money protocol to nostr’s open communication protocol.
Nobody’s stopping anybody to get some bitcoin and fully participate in paid nostr features.