protocols create a shared foundation for developers and for user experiences.
using an open protocol ensures a consistent user experience and broad compatibility across apps and platforms. instead of being locked into a single company/app’s interface or ecosystem, users can choose the apps they prefer while still interacting seamlessly.
features mostly work the same everywhere, content moves freely between applications, and developer innovation can happen without breaking compatibility.
this freedom, however, is fragile. it depends on developers committing to implement the protocol’s specifications consistently. when developers respect the shared guidelines, the ecosystem stays healthy: apps remain compatible, content stays portable, and users enjoy a smooth experience no matter where they go.
when implementations drift or selectively follow the specs, cracks start to appear, fragmentation develops, and overall user experience suffers.
that doesn’t mean you can’t build whatever you want. it just means we’re still so early in nostr’s evolution that we have to think about the greater good of the protocol as we create.
we should strive to not be selfish. nostr's future depends on the choices we make today. it depends on collaboration. it depends open communication.
it’s up to us as the early builders, creators, and adopters, to foster its growth and shape it into something world changing, that remains open and permissionless. nostr is our baby and it's growth is in all of our hands.
