removing the cost for real users to join and contribute to the network is an existential problem farcaster needs to solve

most people don't pay for social media - doesn't matter if it's $1 or $10 - it's not something they're used to

this is also an existential problem for apps building on farcaster

This is interesting. 
We’re accustomed to “free” web2 solutions, but they make money through shady, non-transparent methods. Web3 solutions, on the other hand, change that dynamic by charging you upfront and offering a chance to earn money on their platform. Unlike web2, where 90% of users end up paying just to stay visible, web3 provides a more transparent and potentially rewarding experience imo. 
But yes, the start (change of behavior) is always a very friction problem.

IRL: Creative Director who makes movies and ads.

I don't think that's the way too. But I do believe it's more transparent tho.

People always join social networks to make money, indirectly. Initially, people might have used Instagram because it was cool, but now it's primarily a platform for advertising. Whether for companies or personal brands, it's how we market ourselves these days.

i agree that incentives are not aligned in web2

i disagree that an upfront fee is the way to solve that (it's also not working for twitter/X)

i also don't think people join social networks to make money