P2P Matrix is a dialect of Matrix where the server runs inside the client itself - see arewep2pyet.com for details. In other words, there are no servers (other than optional store-and-forward relays). It's insanely cool - you can see a demo at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUPJ9zFV5IE&t=2192s. It's also unfunded and on hiatus until someone provides some $ so we can work on it again.
Right now, normal Matrix is a client-server model: you can't send messages from a client without it talking to a server (and then to another server, and then to another client). MatrixRTC VoIP and Video calls in Matrix 2.0 also go via server (for now), in order to support multiple participants and firewall traversal.
Obviously, both messages and calls are end-to-end-encrypted (other than in public chatrooms), which makes it less important that they go via a server today.
I'm sure there is p2p funding available on the sidelines. Give us an actual opportunity to privately sponsor it.
I am sure you have heard the dismay of people who would like to sponsor Firefox but only really have the option to finance the Mozilla Foundation, who put the money elsewhere? Some similar feelings here.
Unlike the Mozilla Foundation, if someone came to Element (or the Matrix Foundation) with a large bag of $ and asked for it to specifically fund P2P, then a conversation could definitely be had.
That is not enough, it is not certain, and it makes people more hesitant to spend money. I agree with another comment that mentions BTC and XMR, but it must go directly to P2P, or alternatively, people should have the option to choose specifically how their money is used.
The main issue here is uncertainty. If I contribute funds, what guarantee do I have that the money will actually go toward supporting Element P2P? This uncertainty is a major barrier for many.
Just put up Bitcoin and Monero addresses already? You/we can't possibly expect to rely on traditional centralized funding to chip in for for decentralizing the control and power over communication...? We want to fund this.
I guess the question was how to fund progress on P2P specifically. Everything you listed most likely will not go anywhere near P2P. If it were so, it would be be unfunded in the first place.
What a stupid statement! They certainly have money and decided to not invest into P2P. And now they make it seem like the reason that it is unfunded is because of outside factors. Whoever wrote this should be fired...
I forgot how it works right now, but I certainly would hope so in case of private messages (incl. P2P encrypted audio and video calls).