Derek Ross on Nostr: And then there's the affinity scam Zap, where platforms have co-opted the term Zap ...

And then there's the affinity scam Zap, where platforms have co-opted the term Zap when it doesn't involve Nostr at all and only includes a Lightning payment.

Anyways, I'm for Nutzaps be called Zaps.

Users don't care about the technology being utilized in the background. The foreground is all that matters.

quoting nevent1q…qzsj

Alright, Nostr fam, what's a "Zap"?

Are we just slapping the word on any digital tip jar, or are we sticking to a core value? Because frankly, if I wanted vague financial gestures, I'd use Venmo.

Words are important. And our users need definitions.

Here are some options:

- 1: The "Participation Trophy" definition:

Oh, you sent value, any value as a reaction to a post? That's a Zap! Doesn't matter if it's sats, seashells, or your grandma's IOU. You can "Zap" anything, through any means: on-chain, lightning, cashu, whatever. It only has to transfer value.

Pros: Everyone gets a gold star! (Even if they don't deserve it.)

Cons: Turns "Zap" into meaningless digital confetti. (Isn't confetti fun?)

- 2: The "Bitcoin Or Bust" definition:

It's gotta be Bitcoin! It can use any chain, any L2, lightning, cashu and even BTC bank accounts, either custodial or self-custody. The method is irrelevant as long as it is valued in BTC.

Pros: Bitcoin-centric

Cons: Custodial shenanigans.

- 3: The "Any Lightning" definition:

If it didn't come through the Lightning Network, it's not a Zap. Period. However, Taproot assets count as lightning. So, It can be any token.

Pros: No other L2 shenanigans

Cons: Cashu is out. Might hurt calle 👁️⚡👁️ (nprofile…xnfk)'s feelings

- 4: The "Lightning and BTC" definition:

"Bitcoin, Lightning, no exceptions. If you're not doing it this way, you're doing it wrong."

Pros: Clarity. Precision. Dictatorship.

Cons: Still hurting calle 👁️⚡👁️ (nprofile…xnfk)

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So, which is it? Are we watering down "Zap" until it's just another internet high-five, or are we maintaining some semblance of integrity?

How would you define the boundaries of what a zap is and isn't? Should a cashu zap count as a zap? Or should we name it something else?