At same token, if tools are created that use nostr where the user doesn't know nostr is the underlying mechanism, but later discovers it has the social features of the extended nostr network, tha might be an entry point for wider adoption. I think its a both/and situation rather than either/or.

Bootstrap and foundation. At any point removing the social layer would also severely hurt the value prop for using nostr elsewhere

true, Nostr already won, because it exists by the way 🤷

> I’m bullish on the identity, not the social > WTF is the difference?

Agreed.

What if the other stuff uses your verified ID to replace your identity card, driving license and passport? What if yourname@yourdomain is your contact details, bank account and identity? Isn’t that the goal of self sovereignty?

🎯

The ratio of social to "other stuff" will trend towards zero over time.

Good point. Social is the catalyst that brings users in, builds network effects, and tests the resilience of the protocol in real-world conditions. Without that organic adoption, the “other stuff” struggles to gain traction. Nostr’s potential as a censorship-resistant communication layer start...

who is saying they are not “bullish” on the social use case?

Thats like being bullish on podcasting 2.0 and not going live in nostr:npub1v5ufyh4lkeslgxxcclg8f0hzazhaw7rsrhvfquxzm2fk64c72hps45n0v5 but instead using Twitch and Youtube. Leaving sats on the table.

I'm bullish on blockchain not bitcoin.

I agree