Well, it's not true that data is never removed. Relays are free to prune data (delete) if they wish and some do exactly for space saving.

We will likely see paid relays, where users get something in return (forever storage of data, storage of larger forms of data - video, etc)

A company could even run a lot of relays and provide a service similar to social media companies now. The difference is that they can't completely remove you from the network, just their own nodes. You could run your own relay for your content or simply move to a competitor without starting from scratch if your content still exists on other relays.

It's a misconception that you can't be censored or deleted. A client or relay absolutely can black hole you. The truth is that they just can't black hole you from the protocol, since anyone can run a relay.

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Interesting … Thank you Friend! Exactly the kind of answer I was looking for ✅

I'd also add that this is a good thing. I don't want every relay to be forced to host child porn, for example. They should have the ability to preserve their principles while running a relay. The same can be said for objectionable things that are legal, such as adult porn, etc.

Dealing with such things legally would be easier too since not all relays will allow illegal content. This reduces the chances that governments go after #Nostr as a whole vs particular relays that promote such activity. In my opinion, of course. I can't see the future.

Agree! Feels much like a network of effort. Who ever puts the most effort to it will be shaping how people are going to use it in the future.