Don’t you feel you should reply and maybe users could also sign a petition. I just chat gpt’ed a suggested response with some points. Not sure if you will find if useful.
Dear App Store Review Team,
Thank you for bringing the new information regarding our app, Damus, version 1.4.3, to our attention. We have carefully reviewed the points you raised and would like to address them accordingly.
Firstly, it's important to note that digital content creators form a small part of our user base, accounting for approximately 1% of our total users. While we understand the guidelines regarding in-app purchases, the "tips" feature is intended to support and encourage creators, rather than serving as a primary revenue stream.
We would like to emphasize that Damus is merely a platform for users to interact with the Nostr protocol, which is open source. The exchange of tips is conducted in a peer-to-peer manner (similar to email), and Damus does not exercise control over the protocol itself. Our app serves as a gateway for users to engage with the protocol, but the protocol's functionality extends beyond our app.
Regarding the monetary value associated with the tips, it is important to note that the amount involved is negligible, approximately 5 cents per transaction. Tracking such minimal amounts can be impractical and burdensome, both for us as the app provider and for the users themselves. In this context, we believe the impact on users' financial transactions is insignificant.
It is worth considering the broader competitive landscape in which Damus operates. Existing apps in the market are already established, and introducing competition and alternative platforms can promote innovation and benefit both users and content creators. Restricting nascent technologies and controlling the market could be seen as anticompetitive, hindering progress and limiting users' choices.
We would like to clarify that Damus is not the sole access point for the Nostr protocol. The protocol can be accessed through various channels, including desktop applications and similar interfaces. This decentralized approach ensures that users have multiple options to engage with the protocol, making it akin to platforms like Netflix, where users can access content from different devices.
Lastly, we would like to emphasize that the exchange facilitated by Damus is primarily the exchange of goods (digital content) and not direct monetary transactions. It is comparable to peers exchanging digital cards or other digital items online, which may hold some monetary value but are ultimately insignificant in their individual worth. The focus is on supporting creators and fostering a sense of community, rather than serving as a payment processing platform.
We hope this clarifies our position and addresses the concerns raised. We genuinely believe that Damus enhances the user experience and supports content creators within the bounds of a fair and open ecosystem. We kindly request a reconsideration of our app's compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your App Development Team]
