Donations aren’t a guarantee of direct interaction. You and I both know how busy things can get, especially for people who receive a high volume of messages and notifications. And let’s be honest, Nostr’s notification system hasn’t always made that easier.

I always try my best to respond to everyone, but sometimes messages slip through. That’s just the reality. The best way to stay connected is to keep reaching out. Persistence really does help.

Also, I don’t think anyone here is taking their zaps and spending them on trips, unless it’s clearly stated ahead of time as part of a specific fundraising event. A $300 donation in early 2023 doesn’t mean someone shouldn’t enjoy personal time or travel to a conference. Developers often use their own money to maintain infrastructure, build tools, and support the ecosystem, work that absolutely deserves support.

I appreciate the perspective. There's always room for improvement, but I also feel that it's hard to understand someone's situation or be in their shoes without actually being there.