[eluusive]

It depends on the host you use. Right now it's basically free. Anyone can run a relay server and set their prices.

[petra]

//Anyone can run a relay server and set their prices.

Will this always be the case?

And if I'm only talking to my friends via IM, why would I need spam protection? Or in other words , could I just use a free server?

Because there's a huge difference between free and paid.

[eluusive]

Why would your friends require you to pay them? You set your own fees. What’s your attention worth?