<p>I recently met someone who is living a real-life <em>Severance</em> on AppleTV work vibe. After watching a few episodes on a plane ride, I know enough to assume that <em>Severance</em> is about the lore of corporate office culture, lingo, and the nuances of working for a company that has multiple departments, complex org charts, and soul-sucking "work."</p>
<p>The discourse around office culture is growing louder and louder as more people become divided on what they think is appropriate and more efficient when it comes to making a living. In 2025, the divide is generational. The tipping point was Google and their rise to dominance in the tech space, and how they shaped a workforce that came to love the cool open offices with modern furniture, mini kitchens with free snacks and lunches, and some organizations based in Silicon Valley. These spaces quickly became popular as quintessential tech offices&mdash;super different from more traditional cubicles, PC computers, and outdated printers the size of laundry rooms.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>​Recent research underscores the significant impact of workplace culture on employee performance and satisfaction. A study by <a href="https://www.eaglehillconsulting.com/news/workers-say-culture-drives-productivity-innovation-and-customer-service/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Eagle Hill Consulting </a>found that 72% of U.S. workers believe their company's culture directly influences their productivity and efficiency. Additionally, a 2024 Stanford University study revealed that hybrid work models, which blend remote and in-office work, have no adverse effects on productivity or career advancement and substantially improve employee retention rates. ​</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Then office culture evolved into co-working spaces thanks to WeWork, which birthed a whole new culture of offices on demand. Now people outside of tech had access to modern office hubs for small teams&mdash;startups and small businesses who weren&rsquo;t big enough for a high-res 10,000 sq ft office space on the Empire State Building floor. I spent the latter half of my 20s touring these luxury office spaces, like Spring in downtown New York City, for a family office where I was the Chief of Staff. My favorite office I rented was Spaces in Hudson Yards. My boss rarely used the space, so I got to decorate it to my liking&mdash;and it was right across the street from a mall with the best fashion stores and fancy food court.</p>
<p>After I stopped working for private investors, I spent a few years working out of the 32nd floor of a high-rise in Times Square. My corner desk window view was great, but I wasn&rsquo;t senior enough to get a coveted office with floor-to-ceiling windows. The bathrooms had stalls and I&rsquo;d spend all day avoiding them until I got home. It was easy to go to, but I&rsquo;d work from home at least once a week. Taking the A train to Times Square in the morning was the definition of grit. The navigating the hustle and bustle of rush hour, homeless people and getting groceries after a long day of feeling "not enough" is not something I am willing to go back to.</p>
<p>By the time COVID happened, I started my permanent work-from-home lifestyle. It took me a year to manifest.&nbsp; But I missed leading strategy briefs and brainstorms in a huge boardroom, vying for a half-million dollar RFP for big brands like Samsung and Netflix. However, I hated the drama. Editorial teams were fueding with leadership, my boss hated my guts and wasn't impressed with my decks, even after maintaining a 75 percent close rate, and the turnover was disgusting. They also failed to give me my boss after claiming the company was not in a good financial place. The holiday parties got cheaper and cheaper, even though I still use the Alexa radio I won at the Xmas party in 2019.&nbsp; &nbsp;On top of that, the stress of getting to work on time, presentable in the rain, sleet, snow and scorching hotness, was leading me to burnout.</p>
<p>Fast forward five years later and people ask me how I got into the blockchain space. Crypto is remote but at the same time in person. Now that I have a home office, I like going into shared third spaces to see people and gossip about the latest lore. However, recently this lifestyle isn&rsquo;t normal for everyone in tech. Some people have to report to the office 2&ndash;3 days a week and are forced to sit under bad lighting&mdash;something I know contributes to depression. I digress, send me a message on lens or X about your preferred working style.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

The lore of marketing 

Office Culture 

<p data-start="843" data-end="884">This was my fourth time attending, participating and hosting during Eth Denver. A lot of planning always goes into attending a blockchain conference, and this time I was hosting multiple events. This year, the booths and side events were so well organized and intentional. It looked like a free version of CES in Las Vegas. There were robots, high tech screens and stages, plus content creators galore! They took up literally 50 percent of the floor space, which totally made up for 20,000 people who claimed tickets.&nbsp;</p>
<p data-start="843" data-end="884">Meanwhile, I managed to hit the gym and have a few good meals at <a href="https://www.guardandgrace.com/">Guard and Grace</a> Steakhouse and <a href="https://www.matsuhisarestaurants.com/">Matsuhisa</a> (Nobu's sister restaurant). I stayed at the Kimpton Monaco Hotel, which actually ended up being a vibe! Any hotel that offers robes and slippers is an added luxury. They didn't have an in-room coffee bar, however they made up for it with their whiskey tastings every day at 6pm. Overall, the restaurant breakfast was fresh and the location was pretty central.&nbsp; It was nice seeing my close friends, and managed to sneak 1:1 time with a few VV favorites as well. 💛 There were a few hiccups that could have led to a crash out, but I got through it and it didn't take cigarettes. The Boys Club events felt like home. The brunch and Tradwife Prom were my highlights and I even went home with an custom embroidered VV tea towel! Moreover, ya girl arrived back home healthy!&nbsp;</p>
<p data-start="843" data-end="884">Here are my notes from Vana, an event organized by Dani Osorio:&nbsp;</p>
<h3 data-start="843" data-end="884"><strong data-start="847" data-end="884">Trust Assumptions in Data Storage</strong></h3>
<ul data-start="885" data-end="1492">
<li data-start="885" data-end="1003">In choosing a storage provider, Vana operates with <strong data-start="938" data-end="973">no trust assumptions on privacy</strong>&mdash;trust is placed in ZK proofs.</li>
<li data-start="1004" data-end="1104">Data is encrypted, uploaded via elliptic key, and proof of contribution is verified through a TEE.</li>
<li data-start="1105" data-end="1300"><strong data-start="1107" data-end="1140">TEE vs. Centralized Companies</strong>:
<ul data-start="1144" data-end="1300">
<li data-start="1144" data-end="1214">Secure enclaves: Intel started development due to security concerns.</li>
<li data-start="1217" data-end="1300">TEEs as a trust assumption in cloud providers&mdash;linked to Eric Snowden revelations?</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li data-start="1301" data-end="1492"><strong data-start="1303" data-end="1319">Breaking SGX</strong>:
<ul data-start="1323" data-end="1492">
<li data-start="1323" data-end="1404">If a cloud provider is compromised, can they provide proof of secure computing?</li>
<li data-start="1407" data-end="1492">Governments with significant resources could potentially break TEE security models.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-start="1494" data-end="1538"><strong data-start="1498" data-end="1538">Encrypted VMs &amp; Private Key Security</strong></h3>
<ul data-start="1539" data-end="1915">
<li data-start="1539" data-end="1591">If a hack is detected, can assets be moved safely?</li>
<li data-start="1592" data-end="1915"><strong data-start="1594" data-end="1644">Biggest vulnerabilities in decentralized data?</strong>
<ul data-start="1648" data-end="1915">
<li data-start="1648" data-end="1674">Hardware-level security.</li>
<li data-start="1677" data-end="1748">TEEs depend on hardware manufacturers like <strong data-start="1722" data-end="1747">AMD vs. AWS vs. Intel</strong>.</li>
<li data-start="1751" data-end="1835">AWS &amp; Intel introduce additional layers that act as intermediaries in attestation.</li>
<li data-start="1838" data-end="1915">Tamper-proof software challenges&mdash;how does the network persist in an attack?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-start="1917" data-end="1958"><strong data-start="1921" data-end="1958">User Experience &amp; Wallet Security</strong></h3>
<ul data-start="1959" data-end="2168">
<li data-start="1959" data-end="2015"><strong data-start="1961" data-end="1991">Hot wallet vulnerabilities</strong> &ndash; Users getting rugged.</li>
<li data-start="2016" data-end="2093"><strong data-start="2018" data-end="2046">Smart contract (SC) risk</strong> &ndash; If it's not your keys, it's not your wallet.</li>
<li data-start="2094" data-end="2168"><strong data-start="2096" data-end="2144">Arbitrage calculations &amp; data security risks</strong> &ndash; How to prevent leaks?</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="2170" data-end="2173">
<h2 data-start="2175" data-end="2210"><strong data-start="2178" data-end="2210">Data Sovereignty &amp; Ownership</strong></h2>
<h3 data-start="2211" data-end="2244"><strong data-start="2215" data-end="2244">Defining Data Sovereignty</strong></h3>
<ul data-start="2245" data-end="2568">
<li data-start="2245" data-end="2332">Vana&rsquo;s perspective: <strong data-start="2267" data-end="2292">Ownership and control</strong> over where data is stored and accessed.</li>
<li data-start="2333" data-end="2420">From a technical level: <strong data-start="2359" data-end="2393">Home servers vs. cloud servers</strong>&mdash;who holds the access keys?</li>
<li data-start="2421" data-end="2504">Can users export their data? If yes, they maintain <strong data-start="2474" data-end="2503">some level of sovereignty</strong>.</li>
<li data-start="2505" data-end="2568"><strong data-start="2507" data-end="2536">The right to be forgotten</strong> &ndash; Is proven deletion possible?</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-start="2570" data-end="2605"><strong data-start="2574" data-end="2605">Google Drive &amp; Data Sharing</strong></h3>
<ul data-start="2606" data-end="2861">
<li data-start="2606" data-end="2695">Google actively reads PDFs and targets ads&mdash;how can Web3 enable true <strong data-start="2676" data-end="2694">data ownership</strong>?</li>
<li data-start="2696" data-end="2778"><strong data-start="2698" data-end="2716">"Data exhaust"</strong> &ndash; Users generate excess, often monetizable, data unknowingly.</li>
<li data-start="2779" data-end="2861"><strong data-start="2781" data-end="2811">Building bridges &amp; consent</strong> &ndash; Can decentralized storage resolve these issues?</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="2863" data-end="2866">
<h2 data-start="2868" data-end="2908"><strong data-start="2871" data-end="2908">Future Breakthroughs (5&ndash;10 Years)</strong></h2>
<h3 data-start="2909" data-end="2930"><strong data-start="2913" data-end="2930">Key Questions</strong></h3>
<ul data-start="2931" data-end="3268">
<li data-start="2931" data-end="3010"><strong data-start="2933" data-end="2960">LLMs &amp; Data Sovereignty</strong> &ndash; Will users own their data in AI-driven systems?</li>
<li data-start="3011" data-end="3079"><strong data-start="3013" data-end="3043">Critique of Crypto Economy</strong> &ndash; Are Web3 builders too idealistic?</li>
<li data-start="3080" data-end="3179"><strong data-start="3082" data-end="3110">AI Agents &amp; the Internet</strong> &ndash; Will personal LLMs act as core assistants, managing personal data?</li>
<li data-start="3180" data-end="3268"><strong data-start="3182" data-end="3216">Livable Data &amp; User Experience</strong> &ndash; Can data ownership be <strong data-start="3241" data-end="3257">frictionless</strong> for users?</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-start="3270" data-end="3297"><strong data-start="3274" data-end="3297">Innovative Concepts</strong></h3>
<ul data-start="3298" data-end="3483">
<li data-start="3298" data-end="3397"><strong data-start="3300" data-end="3324">"Witness Encryption"</strong> &ndash; Data encrypted &amp; accessible only to those meeting specific conditions.</li>
<li data-start="3398" data-end="3483"><strong data-start="3400" data-end="3437">ChatGPT &amp; Data Replication Issues</strong> &ndash; How can AI models respect self-sovereignty?</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="3485" data-end="3488">
<h2 data-start="3490" data-end="3519"><strong data-start="3493" data-end="3519">Data as an Asset Class</strong></h2>
<h3 data-start="3520" data-end="3564"><strong data-start="3524" data-end="3564">Key Discussion Points from the Panel</strong></h3>
<ul data-start="3565" data-end="3822">
<li data-start="3565" data-end="3822"><strong data-start="3567" data-end="3613">Market Structure for Data Financialization</strong>:
<ul data-start="3617" data-end="3822">
<li data-start="3617" data-end="3666"><strong data-start="3619" data-end="3653">We've mastered data collection</strong>&mdash;what&rsquo;s next?</li>
<li data-start="3669" data-end="3737"><strong data-start="3671" data-end="3702">Quality rating &amp; validation</strong>&mdash;how do we ensure trustworthy data?</li>
<li data-start="3740" data-end="3822"><strong data-start="3742" data-end="3770">Building actual products</strong>&mdash;how do we bridge data into real-world applications?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-start="3824" data-end="3852"><strong data-start="3828" data-end="3852">Early-Stage Examples</strong></h3>
<ul data-start="3853" data-end="4072">
<li data-start="3853" data-end="3925"><strong data-start="3855" data-end="3868">Data DAOs</strong> &ndash; Incentivized data pooling &amp; community-led initiatives.</li>
<li data-start="3926" data-end="4072"><strong data-start="3928" data-end="3952">Real-World Use Cases</strong>:
<ul data-start="3956" data-end="4072">
<li data-start="3956" data-end="4018"><strong data-start="3958" data-end="3972">Tesla Data</strong> &ndash; Audience member collecting automotive data.</li>
<li data-start="4021" data-end="4072"><strong data-start="4023" data-end="4033">Reddit</strong> &ndash; Selling user-generated data for $6M.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-start="4074" data-end="4112"><strong data-start="4078" data-end="4112">Challenges in the Data Economy</strong></h3>
<ul data-start="4113" data-end="4545">
<li data-start="4113" data-end="4287"><strong data-start="4115" data-end="4142">Scarcity vs. Oversupply</strong> &ndash; Data is valuable when exclusive, but overwhelming when abundant.
<ul data-start="4212" data-end="4287">
<li data-start="4212" data-end="4287">Example: YouTube has endless videos, but only a fraction hold real value.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li data-start="4288" data-end="4368"><strong data-start="4290" data-end="4318">"Tragedy of the Commons"</strong> &ndash; When does it make sense to share personal data?</li>
<li data-start="4369" data-end="4450"><strong data-start="4371" data-end="4393">Separate Audiences</strong> &ndash; Data users vs. data providers&mdash;how to incentivize both?</li>
<li data-start="4451" data-end="4545"><strong data-start="4453" data-end="4476">Economic Incentives</strong> &ndash; Most users don&rsquo;t care about privacy unless there's tangible value.</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="4547" data-end="4550">
<h2 data-start="4552" data-end="4587"><strong data-start="4555" data-end="4587">Physical vs. Digital Economy</strong></h2>
<ul data-start="4588" data-end="4863">
<li data-start="4588" data-end="4706"><strong data-start="4590" data-end="4612">Cost of Operations</strong> &ndash; The physical world is becoming more expensive, while digital spaces are easier to navigate.</li>
<li data-start="4707" data-end="4789"><strong data-start="4709" data-end="4737">Luxury vs. Accessibility</strong> &ndash; Walmart is thriving; <strong data-start="4761" data-end="4777">Birkin dupes</strong> are rising.</li>
<li data-start="4790" data-end="4863"><strong data-start="4792" data-end="4814">Product-Market Fit</strong> &ndash; When does privacy become a core selling point?</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="4865" data-end="4868">
<h2 data-start="4870" data-end="4907"><strong data-start="4873" data-end="4907">The Wildest Future Predictions</strong></h2>
<ul data-start="4908" data-end="5252">
<li data-start="4908" data-end="4994"><strong data-start="4910" data-end="4926">Bryan&rsquo;s Take</strong>: <strong data-start="4928" data-end="4994">Most data in the future will be generated without human input.</strong></li>
<li data-start="4995" data-end="5069"><strong data-start="4997" data-end="5027">Diminishing Human Commerce</strong> &ndash; How will AI reshape consumer behaviors?</li>
<li data-start="5070" data-end="5161"><strong data-start="5072" data-end="5110">Parasocial Celebrity Relationships</strong> &ndash; AI will redefine engagement with public figures.</li>
<li data-start="5162" data-end="5252"><strong data-start="5164" data-end="5191">The Hero&rsquo;s Journey &amp; AI</strong> &ndash; What used to take a lifetime may now take an hour with AI.</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="5254" data-end="5257">
<p data-start="5259" data-end="5301" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">&nbsp;</p>

Moments from the conference, a look into the challenges of building AI + Denver Guide

Eth Denver 2025 

<p data-start="146" data-end="459">It&rsquo;s been a long 2025 as I slowly settle into the memecoin cycle and prepare to attend yet another Ethereum Denver. This time, it feels different. I&rsquo;m in a committed career role, speaking on a cool panel, hosting a five-star dinner, growing my hair out, and&mdash;most importantly&mdash;feeling optimistic about the future.</p>
<p data-start="461" data-end="885">This week, my focus has been on process-heavy activities. Today, the Executive Director of the Ethereum Foundation, <a href="https://x.com/AyaMiyagotchi"><strong data-start="577" data-end="594">Aya Miyaguchi</strong>,</a> stepped down after a very public debate over the state of Ethereum&mdash;why it hasn&rsquo;t really grown from a token or protocol level in recent years. Her leadership style was bound to be scrutinized, but watching the reaction unfold on X was frustrating. The misogyny in crypto is still rampant.</p>
<p data-start="887" data-end="1418">Aya is such an amazing leader and has done a lot for the <a href="https://twitter.com/ethereumfndn" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="944" data-end="993">@ethereumfoundation</a>. I remember her presentation during Devcon Bogot&aacute; in 2022&mdash;she talked about how the <strong data-start="1069" data-end="1091">law of subtraction</strong> shapes her decision-making, and it couldn&rsquo;t be more true in crypto. The tech is already so complex, and when you&rsquo;re &ldquo;managing&rdquo; people through a decentralization lens, sometimes the best move is elimination. Maybe, in her case, that meant her own position. Looking forward to seeing how Ethereum evolves in the coming cycles.</p>
<p data-start="1420" data-end="1956">That said, <strong data-start="1431" data-end="1528">I don&rsquo;t think she did enough when it came to reaching out to women in the Ethereum ecosystem.</strong> If she did, it wasn&rsquo;t as public. Maybe she played a major role in onboarding APAC audiences&mdash;which would explain Ethereum&rsquo;s strong presence in that region&mdash;but beyond that, there weren&rsquo;t many women in leadership roles under her tenure. When I saw her speak at Devcon Bogot&aacute;, she didn&rsquo;t stop by the women&rsquo;s collective circle which I helped organize, and it definitely stood out to me. In a space where representation is already lacking, those small moments matter.</p>
<h3 data-start="1958" data-end="2008">Data Storytelling &amp; the Peak of Marketing BS</h3>
<p data-start="2010" data-end="2244">Some of y&rsquo;all don&rsquo;t know anything about data storytelling, and it clearly shows. I think I&rsquo;ve officially reached the peak of marketing nonsense. Watching people pivot, hedge, and repackage the same ideas over and over is exhausting.</p>
<p data-start="2246" data-end="2623">Meanwhile, the crypto charts are making people act completely out of character, abandoning all values&mdash;though, let&rsquo;s be real, crypto never really had any to begin with. Culture capital in relation to how to treat people is seriously lacking. You can't just replicate good cultural capital online. It comes from one's own circle of influence. The rules of the "game" don&rsquo;t exist.&nbsp; Everyone's rugging and taking profit as soon as they can. There&rsquo;s no use getting upset about the $TRUMP or $LIBRE token when laws are literally changing before our eyes. Entire websites are being erased, disappearing into the void of the internet.</p>
<h3 data-start="2625" data-end="2667">The Hardest Part of Running Software</h3>
<p data-start="2669" data-end="3096">Running a platform like <a href="https://github.com/Violet-Verse/VioletVerse">Violet Verse</a> has been tough. A few months ago, I was hit with a cease and desist letter&mdash;beyond frustrating, especially after spending years building up SEO and traction. I wouldn&rsquo;t say I was neglecting VV, but I do feel like it&rsquo;s something with real staying power. Luckily, a lawyer friend (and VV community member!) secured some serious legal counsel for me, and I&rsquo;ve been beyond grateful ever since.</p>
<p data-start="3098" data-end="3362">With all of that behind me, I&rsquo;m making some big content shifts. People are craving more event coverage and local insights, and I&rsquo;ve been feeling incredibly tapped into the scenes in Miami and NYC. Expect more guides, more events, and more ways to stay connected.</p>
<p data-start="3364" data-end="3409">Stay tuned&mdash;2025 is just getting started. 🚀</p>

Software Update 

We're Back On-Chain

<h1>Into the Violet Verse</h1>
<p>This is a test post.</p>

This is a test subtitle

Test Title

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<p>While I&rsquo;ve been deep in the crypto world for over four years, every so often, the fashion industry lures me back with an invite I simply can&rsquo;t resist. When Cartier extended an invitation to their opening exhibition night, I knew it was one of those moments. Excited and curious about who might be in attendance, I made my way to the Miami Design District.</p>
<p>As I arrived, I was welcomed by two bell boys in Cartier&rsquo;s signature hats, a red carpet stretched before me. Inside, the exhibition was a wonder&mdash;a multi-room maze filled with fascinating history about the Trinity ring, interactive installations, and endless photo opportunities.</p>
<figure><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gd7GNsKW4AAFE45?format=jpg&amp;name=large" alt="Image" width="500"><canvas style="display: none; top: 2px !important; left: 206px !important;" width="23" height="20"></canvas>
<figcaption spellcheck="false" data-lt-tmp-id="lt-84405" data-gramm="false">VV Founder</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As I wandered through, I met a few captivating individuals and soaked in the legacy of Cartier. Then, unexpectedly, the speakers crackled to life with a voice that electrified the room. &ldquo;Hey Miami, this is Janelle Mon&aacute;e. Are you ready to celebrate?!&rdquo; I was momentarily confused&mdash;where was this energy coming from?</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ui=2&amp;ik=d5d4094a5f&amp;attid=0.1&amp;permmsgid=msg-f:1817543390157093175&amp;th=19393615662c3937&amp;view=fimg&amp;fur=ip&amp;permmsgid=msg-f:1817543390157093175&amp;sz=s0-l75-ft&amp;attbid=ANGjdJ8ESxqSW5dE-WKh13Ro_QE7F33Ffd3TzmNwb6P5zFwCHdxVuq_7Xooe9S61_zKnNdunZthDPUFD2MpmXmFx8FGKQpvxYTxaYPpzPtIExjyyuv8eOHU-fiEod7k&amp;disp=emb&amp;realattid=ii_m4aboykh2&amp;zw" alt="Screenshot 2024-12-04 at 3.10.39 PM.png" width="500"></p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gd7GNsKWIAAr5iU?format=jpg&amp;name=large" alt="Image" width="500"></p>
<p>Turns out, the immersive exhibition culminated in a surprise rooftop party! Complete with Cartier champagne, signature cocktails, and passed hors d'oeuvres, the atmosphere was magnetic. The evening blended history, elegance, and revelry seamlessly&mdash;a true testament to Cartier&rsquo;s ability to craft not just jewelry, but unforgettable experiences.</p>
<hr>
<p>If you&rsquo;re in Miami, don&rsquo;t miss your chance to explore this incredible tribute to the Trinity collection. <strong>Trinity 100</strong> is open to the public from December 4 to December 8, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, at <strong>23 NE 41st St</strong>, Miami, FL. Complimentary admission is available with a reserved timeslot &mdash; book your visit now at <a href="http://www.cartier.com" target="_new" rel="noopener">cartier.com</a>.</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s an experience as timeless as the Trinity design itself.</p>
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<div>&nbsp;</div>
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Cartier makes its debut at Art Basel 2024.

My Experience at the Trinity 100 Launch

<p>As the clock ticks towards one of the most pivotal Presidential Elections in internet history, Vice President Kamala Harris&nbsp; is making a bold move: she's launching a competitive campaign strategy aimed at one of her toughest critics&mdash;Black men. It's no secret that during her time as Vice President and in the political spotlight, Harris has faced a significant amount of backlash from this demographic. Particularly many have been displeased her record as a prosecutor and her role in incarcerating Black men.&nbsp; But now, that's all hearsay and as she races towards becoming the 47th President of the United States, Harris has thrown down a queen card -- unveiling a 9-page agenda that addresses their concerns head-on.</p>
<h2>Crypto Gets A Hue</h2>
<p>The agenda is packed with proposals tailored to tackle key issues Black men face, including:</p>
<ol>
<li>Offering 1 million fully forgivable loans to Black entrepreneurs and others looking to start a business.</li>
<li>Championing education, training, and mentorship programs that will help Black men secure well-paying jobs in high-demand industries, while also providing pathways to leadership roles, including opportunities to become educators.</li>
<li>Advocating for a regulatory framework around cryptocurrency and digital assets, ensuring that Black men who invest in or own these assets are protected.</li>
<li>Launching a National Health Equity Initiative specifically for Black men, targeting health issues like sickle cell disease, diabetes, mental health, and prostate cancer&mdash;conditions that disproportionately affect them.</li>
<li>Legalizing recreational marijuana and creating opportunities for Black Americans to thrive in this growing industry.</li>
</ol>
<p>One of the more creative parts of Harris&rsquo;s plan focuses on cryptocurrency aka <strong>digital assets</strong>. According to the docket, over <strong>20% of Black Americans </strong>have owned or currently own cryptocurrency. Looking back to what I <a href="https://www.theroot.com/the-root-institute-2021-cryptocurrency-and-the-new-cre-1847725764" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported in The Root in 2021,</a> the story is unfolding wonderfully. Black Americans in general continue to be at the pinnacle of financial innovation and will not dare to be left behind. Moreover, many crypto influencers are Black men and when I'm out in the normie world, there's always a Black male eager to talk about the latest crypto tokens they've invested in.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Harris is committed to ensuring that Black men who hold digital assets can benefit from financial innovation. She aims to implement a protective regulatory framework that broadens access to banking and financial services, empowering Black men and others to thrive in the digital economy.</p>
<h2>She's intentionally extending an olive branch in the final stretch.</h2>
<p>Whether this &ldquo;Hail Mary&rdquo; approach will resonate with Black men in the final stretch of the election remains to be seen but its a great way to get attention and raise consideration. In general&mdash;Harris is making it clear that she's listening and ready to take risks to capture the wallets of Black men.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Read the full repor<a href="https://kamalaharris.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FMfcgzQXJZxzLGgcKmSNQSXCRKXShwxJ.pdf">t here.</a></p>

"Supporting a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency and other digital assets so Black
men who invest in and own these assets are protected." 

Vice President Harris Opportunity Agenda Black Men Focuses on Cryptocurrency 

<p>I&rsquo;m starting to see a trend. Follow me. Every crypto cycle brings a scandal and full-on discourse about women&rsquo;s place in the industry. In 2021, it was the rise of female-focused DAOs and a determination to onboard as many partnerships as possible. In 2022, it was&nbsp;<a href="https://capital.com/caroline-ellison-who-is-profile-alameda-research-ceo-sbf-ftx-inner-circle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Caroline Elilson from Alameda Research</a>, portrayed as the unlikely villain with her appearance scrutinized. In 2023, we witnessed the downfall of the female-founded "girl boss" archetypes. And now, in 2024, as we creep into the bull market, Iggy Azalea finds herself appealing to the male gaze&mdash;and succeeding at that. Moreover, celebrity meme coins have been cringe and unsuccessful at best. Those who tried, like Jason Derulo, failed miserably and became laughingstocks among the crypto libertarian elite.</p>
<figure><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GYMqKloXkAASdrI?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" alt="Image" width="500"><canvas style="display: none; top: 2px !important; left: 142px !important;" width="298" height="20"></canvas>
<figcaption spellcheck="false" data-lt-tmp-id="lt-627772" data-gramm="false">Frank from Degods NFT and Iggy Azelea in Singpore</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As Violet Verse has covered the launch of $MOTHER token before, along with Solana Breakpoint and other crypto conferences, the former rapper-turned-crypto hustler is attempting to do something unprecedented: make crypto sexy. Let's face it, crypto is split into various audiences. There's the clean cut institutional side and then there's the risk-adverse, retail traders who DGAF side of the token. Two must exist to build the "DAO."&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>But let's play devils advocate a bit. </strong>Branding-wise, since we&rsquo;re talking about marketing trends, women have always been the leading consumers across fashion, plastic surgery, and luxury goods.</p>
<p>Since the $MOTHER coin has surpassed a $50M market cap and the degens are bullish.&nbsp; &nbsp;So, it wasn&rsquo;t a surprise that for Solana Breakpoint, she was invited to speak. And guess what? She did what any white male with her level of TVL would do&mdash;celebrated. The Telegram community chat is so <em>nausty</em>, throwing a party in the middle of Singapore, with strippers gives $MOTHER.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The party was triggering for a lot of people, and Crypto Twitter made sure to express their concerns.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;On one side, some crypto women who have shared their experiences as strippers or former "304s" said they loved Iggy Azalea&rsquo;s rodeo-themed party, claiming it was great for morale. Other &ldquo;feminist-leaning&rdquo; individuals thought it was completely raunchy, disregarding the women in crypto who are also building products and must endure the stress of functioning in a male-dominated space.</p>
<p>This debate is not new. When Emily Liebert, formerly of Jezebel.com interviewed me for her feature article about the "<a href="https://www.jezebel.com/crypto-hotties-twitter-selfies-empowerment-1848806154" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Plight of the Crypto Hottie,</a>&rdquo; she not only featured women operators like me but also adult entertainers who are part of the crypto movement on the retail side. She wrote:&nbsp;</p>
<blockquote>
<p>There is no shortage of powerful women in crypto fighting exhaustively to be recognized for their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.insidehook.com/article/tech/camila-russo-refuses-cryptos-diversity-checkbox" target="_blank" rel="noopener">merits and technical skills alone</a>, instead of their gender or desirability.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/22/crypto-investor-katie-haun-raises-1point5-billion-for-haun-ventures.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Legitimate funds</a>&nbsp;like Haun Ventures and feminist coalitions like&nbsp;<a href="https://boysclub.vip/learn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boys Club</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/cryptobesties_" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Crypto Besties</a> are creating much-needed opportunities for women to get in on the digital gold rush.&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>And it&rsquo;s a weird movement. </strong></p>
<p>As I type this, crypto is largely unregulated, so anything goes. I read a tweet that said it feels like we&rsquo;re regressing because this is how business was run in the &rsquo;70s&mdash;with wild parties after hours. I don&rsquo;t know much about the &rsquo;70s, but I do know that &ldquo;304-TikTok&rdquo; has popped up on my timeline recently, reflecting an underlying fascination with sexual content and innuendo in the business world. Even with laws discouraging fraternization, in the crypto industry and much of startup culture, everything is truly open-source.</p>
<p><strong>So this tells me that she's still new and hasn't really broken through the noise.</strong></p>
<p>Iggy probably has no clue about office decorum, but she knows how to sell herself using her ASSets. Her approach isn&rsquo;t creative, and crypto cycles are all about hype. What's interesting is that with all this discourse going on about her infamous party, when you type in her name on the Twitter's search, her crypto activities or brand doesn't even show up as much as her music and low quality videos of her when she was a rapper.&nbsp; She's not the poster child for crypto.&nbsp; I digress. There&rsquo;s always been a voice in the back of my head wondering how my journey could have been if I leaned into my sex appeal. Would I be better off? Probably not. Would I have tons of followers? Would I have succeeded faster in crypto if I embraced my curves? Maybe. But I'm not beating myself up about it.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Token 2049 brings out the sexual side of crypto and people aren't happy about it. 

The Plight of the Crypto Hottie Continues

<p>Art Basel Miami turns 21 this year, and it&rsquo;s bigger than ever! As the year's final cultural extravaganza, it&rsquo;s the place to see and be seen. From the coolest hotels to the most exclusive restaurants, this guide covers where the "it" crowd will be dining, staying, and catching the best content. Whether you're an art aficionado or just here for the vibe, Miami is the place to be this winter.</p>
<figure><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/BhmmZkc2zNQTu5vZdIco2Hd1sIpLfIxbp6JxIGSfjjrYc1vZC2iSXPkFXh5ZjoT1fVqVCFcQsOXwwK13c1rG8ZYraeyCV0nQB3muJub-p_PGlsUGV0wuZcdAf_vi1fJgBH-0qI8LdEnyx7MNDuW1OyA" width="500"><canvas style="display: none; top: 2px !important; left: 204px !important;" width="65" height="20"></canvas>
<figcaption spellcheck="false" data-lt-tmp-id="lt-887665" data-gramm="false">Isabela Grutman, World Eye</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This year&rsquo;s Art Basel Miami will host a staggering <strong>283 galleries from 34 countries and territories</strong>, making it a true global event. Nearly two-thirds of exhibitors hail from the Americas, including the United States and Canada, but the spotlight will also shine brightly on voices from Central and South America. Expect vibrant perspectives from <strong>Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Guatemala, Peru</strong>, and <strong>Uruguay</strong>.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Where to Stay</h3>
<p>Whether you're looking to stay in the heart of the action or a bit off the beaten path, Miami has no shortage of fabulous hotels. These are our top picks for where you should lay your head after a long day (and night) of exploring the Art Basel scene.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Arlo Hotel, Wynwood</strong>: Perfect for those who want to stay near the art district and enjoy Wynwood's murals and creative energy. <a href="https://arlohotels.com/wynwood/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Check it out here</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Edition Hotel, South Beach</strong>: A luxurious, oceanfront escape with a touch of modern chic.</li>
<li><strong>Faena Miami Beach</strong>: This legendary hotel mixes opulence with a stunning art collection.</li>
<li><strong>The Goodtime Hotel</strong>: This is Pharrell's newest hospitality spot and they have a pool party.</li>
<li><strong>1 Hotel, South Beach</strong>: Eco-luxe with stunning ocean views&mdash;perfect for winding down.</li>
<li><strong>Selina, Little Havana</strong>: For a more laid-back vibe, Selina offers cultural charm in the iconic Little Havana.</li>
<li><strong>SLS or W, Brickell</strong>: Stay in Miami&rsquo;s sleek financial district with a buzzing nightlife nearby.</li>
<li><strong>The Gabriel, Downtown Miami</strong>: Centrally located, offering a chic and modern aesthetic.</li>
<li><strong>CitizenM, Brickell or Downtown</strong>: Stylish and budget-friendly, with easy access to Miami Beach.</li>
<li><strong>Mr. C, Coconut Grove</strong>: Tucked away in the lush, historic neighborhood of Coconut Grove.</li>
<li><strong>River Inn Hotel, Alcova Miami</strong>: A hidden gem offering serene luxury by the river.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Restaurants with a View</h3>
<p>Who doesn't love a waterfront dining experience? Here are the top restaurants where you can enjoy exceptional cuisine with equally exceptional views:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Casa Neos</strong>: A new favorite with stunning ocean views and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. <a href="https://www.casa-neos.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Visit Casa Neos</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Stiltsville Fish Bar</strong>: A local treasure offering fresh seafood right by the water.</li>
<li><strong>Amara at Paraiso, Edgewater</strong>: For gorgeous views of Biscayne Bay and Latin-inspired fare.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.esmehotel.com/dining/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.esmehotel.com/dining/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1726798900344000&amp;usg=AOvVaw22dK8m6FI4_JVljBGZFWzg">The Roof at Esm&eacute; Miami Beach Hotel</a></li>
<li>Pastis&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.sevenrooms.com/explore/casadonna/reservations/create/search?date=2024-8-01&amp;start_time=7%3A00PM&amp;tracking=email">Casadonna&nbsp;</a></li>
<li>Papi Steak&nbsp;</li>
<li>Kiki on the River (New decor and director!)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.sevenrooms.com/explore/swanbevymiami/reservations/create/search?date=2024-8-01&amp;start_time=7%3A00PM">Swan</a></li>
<li><a href="https://lejardinier-miami.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://lejardinier-miami.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1726798900345000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ApuPCWBM9S50Kr-97RmUC"><strong>Le Jardinier</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://buy.stripe.com/5kA5o0apJbMO9RSdQX"><strong>Click here</strong> to unlock your VIP access today</a>!</p>
<h3>Where to Shop</h3>
<p>Miami isn&rsquo;t just about art and beaches&mdash;it&rsquo;s also a shopper&rsquo;s paradise. Here&rsquo;s where to snag the latest fashion finds, whether you&rsquo;re after high-end luxury or unique thrifted treasures:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.timeout.com/miami/shopping/big-drop-nyc"><strong>The Big Drop</strong></a>: A chic boutique where you&rsquo;ll find curated pieces that are perfect for Miami&rsquo;s vibrant scene.</li>
<li><strong>Merrick Park Mall, Coral Gables</strong>: Known as the "new Beverly Hills," this luxurious outdoor mall features a lululemon, Nieman Marcus, Tiffany's Nordstrom's, and a steak house.</li>
<li><strong>Design District</strong>: It will be transformed into an outdoor galley, and lots of people flock to this hotspot for all things luxury. Stroll through and shop at <strong>Ganni, Gucci, Sephora, Dior, Cartier</strong>, and many more!&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>NW 26th Street Shopping in Wynwood: </strong><a href="https://260samplesale.com/pages/physical-events/?market=mia">260 Sample Sale&nbsp;</a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Dinner Turned Entertainment Spots</h3>
<p>After soaking in the art, get ready to dance the night away or sip cocktails in some of the city&rsquo;s hottest spots:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Mila</strong>: An upscale fusion of fine sushi dining and nightlife that transitions smoothly from dinner to party vibes.</li>
<li><strong>Jolene Sound Room</strong>: A vibey venue with the best beats in town and an intimate yet electric atmosphere. <a href="https://www.jolenesoundroom.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Jolene Sound Room</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Queen</strong>: Expect lavish d&eacute;cor and an unforgettable night of entertainment.</li>
<li><strong>Sexy Fish</strong>: The ultimate spot to be outside, with incredible food, cocktails, and live entertainment.</li>
<li><strong>Giselle:</strong> It's above Club Eleven&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/miami-com/restaurants/article287915755.html">Maiz y Agave</a>: </strong>A three-story dining and drinking destination highlighting Oaxacan cuisine and culture</li>
</ul>
<h3>Members-Only Events</h3>
<p>For those who want an exclusive experience, members-only venues will be hosting private events. If you're in the know, you'll find yourself rubbing shoulders with the biggest names in art, culture, and fashion.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Soho House</strong>: The ultimate members-only venue. Expect a packed calendar of exclusive parties and events throughout the month.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h2>Want insider access and more curated tips from me?</h2>
<p>&nbsp;<strong>Subscribe to our concierge PDF guide</strong> for special perks, VIP access, and personalized recommendations throughout the event.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://buy.stripe.com/5kA5o0apJbMO9RSdQX"><strong>Click here</strong> to unlock your VIP access today</a>!</p>

Art Basel Miami: Where to Stay, Dine, and Play During This Month-Long Art Extravaganza

Art Basel 2024: Where to Stay and Shop

<p>Many supporters of the #FREEDUROV movement believe privacy is not a crime. It&rsquo;s easy to understand why. Telegram has grown into a powerhouse platform, especially within the crypto community, where privacy and decentralization are core values. It's a place where thousands of crypto-focused groups thrive, where trading bots facilitate transactions, and crypto-based games flourish. Groups can host over 100,000 members at a time, many of whom can choose to remain anonymous. That&rsquo;s part of what made Telegram so appealing when it launched on August 14, 2013, as a privacy-focused, ad-free messaging app. The app quickly gained traction, and today it boasts over 900 million monthly active users, ranking among the top 10 most popular social networks globally. However, it's an open - space for scammers and impersonators.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>The #FREEDUROV movement puts privacy at the center of the conversation.</h3>
<p>That's still a reach. While privacy is a fundamental right that deserves protection, it's also not an absolute right without limits. Telegram&rsquo;s history of dubious privacy claims and no moderation has led to growing concerns. Recently, the French government has started cracking down on software and telecommunication applications that fail to meet adequate moderation standards, citing the potential for these platforms to be used for illegal activities.</p>
<h3>And here&rsquo;s where the crypto debate heats up.&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Governments around the world, including France, are wrestling with how to regulate platforms like Telegram and Tornado Cash that prioritize user privacy, often at the expense of oversight. If you build something and bad actors take over the platform, are you responsible?&nbsp; On the surface, this sounds like an attack on privacy. But when you dig deeper, it&rsquo;s clear that it&rsquo;s more complicated than that. Code is powerful. And they who writes the code are naturally related.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>We must ask ourselves, do platforms like Telegram have a responsibility to comply with laws that prevent misuse, or should they be allowed to operate in a legal gray area under the guise of protecting user privacy?</h2>
<p>This debate is especially relevant when we consider the principles established in laws like Section 230 of the U.S. Communications Decency Act. Section 230 provides immunity to online platforms from liability for user-generated content, recognizing that platforms are not the publishers of third-party content. This piece of legislation is often hailed as a cornerstone of internet freedom, allowing platforms to host diverse content without fear of being sued for what users post. However, it also raises important questions about the limits of this immunity, especially when it comes to platforms like Telegram, where anonymity can shield illegal activities.</p>
<p>The crux of the matter isn&rsquo;t about endorsing tools that could be used to flout government laws. It&rsquo;s about striking a balance between protecting user privacy and ensuring that platforms are not enabling criminal behavior. Privacy advocates argue that without platforms like Telegram, individuals have no real protection against surveillance and data exploitation. On the other hand, governments and critics argue that these platforms should not be above the law, especially when it comes to preventing illegal activities.</p>
<p>Ultimately, the #FREEDUROV movement, supported by influential developers like<a href="https://x.com/bantg/status/1827494681288028525"> Banteg</a>, isn&rsquo;t just about defending one app or one ideology. It&rsquo;s about navigating the complex relationship between privacy and regulation in the digital age. We need to recognize that while privacy is crucial, it cannot come at the expense of public safety or legal accountability.&nbsp;</p>
<p>So, do the French government and others have a case for cracking down on Telegram? They've been doing their BIG ONE lately. The Olympic Games was a shitshow; athletes were forced to swim in the Seine River, which hasn't been cleaned in decades.&nbsp; Meanwhile, the retirement legislation has caused an uproar in recent years. No one is perfect.&nbsp; In the end, it&rsquo;s not about choosing sides but finding a path forward that respects both privacy and the rule of law.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Reports circulating that he is facing 20 years in prison for refusing to censor his platform. Meanwhile, $TON starts to tank after months in the Top 10 TVL charts. 

Telegram CEO, Pavel Durov, was arrested in France 

<p>In a move that underscores the growing influence of women in tech, the Violet Verse founder has been named the new Marketing Lead at Moonbeam Foundation, the multi-chain smart contract platform known to connect builders to over 100+ chains in Web3. With a background that blends immersive media with cutting-edge tech expertise, plus a knack for community-driven storytelling, Melissa is set to bring a fresh perspective to Moonbeam's marketing strategies.</p>
<p><strong>Moonbeam recently supported Ethereum's annual ETHCC tech conference hosted in Brussels this past July.&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Recently, Moonbeam made waves by hosting a Gaming Networking event at EthCC Brussels, a key gathering for Ethereum and blockchain enthusiasts. This event was a significant step in Moonbeam&rsquo;s ongoing commitment to building a robust crypto gaming community with its recent $10million investment into <a href="https://www.n3mus.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">N3MUS</a>.&nbsp; Central to this initiative is the<a href="https://www.lunargamingfestival.com/#faq" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Lunar Gaming Festival</a>, a monthly event that runs in two-week sprints, offering a play-to-earn reward system. So far, this festival has quickly become a cornerstone of Moonbeam&rsquo;s gaming strategy, attracting gamers and developers alike, and providing a platform for the community to engage, compete, and earn within the Web3 ecosystem. As Melissa is no secret to gaming, this experience in community building and content creation is set to further amplify the success of these initiatives, driving Moonbeam&rsquo;s vision for the future of decentralized gaming.</p>
<p><strong>First up on the agenda is launching the "Illuminate Creativity" NFT Artist Contest on The Hug.&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>In partnership with <a href="https://rarible.com/">Rarible</a>, this chain-first invited artists to dive "Deeper into the Creator Ecosystem of Moonbeam." This contest is a testament to the vision of blending art with blockchain technology, creating a platform for artists to not only showcase their talents but also to explore the possibilities of NFTs in a decentralized world. The contest has not only generated buzz in the art community but has also positioned Moonbeam as a hub for creative innovation in the Web3 space.&nbsp;Read more <a href="https://moonbeam.network/news/rarible-x-moonbeam-illuminate-creativity-winners-announcement">here.</a></p>
<h2>Looking ahead.</h2>
<p>Moonbeam recently launched&nbsp;<strong>Moonrise Points</strong>, an on and offchain quest platform. The app includes various defi partners in the Moonbeam and Polkadot ecosystem, including StellaSwap.&nbsp; To participate, go to <a href="/edit/quests.moonbeam.network">quests.moonbeam.network</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Read more about blockchains:<a href="/get-closer-to-polygon-nfts-6a3vb2Qb0i"> A Closer Look At Polygon and NFTs</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Congrats and good luck to VV's Founder, plus the future of Gaming on Moonbeam



Moonbeam Network Provides Space For Gaming Community at ETHCC

<p dir="ltr">One of the key value propositions of the Ethereum ecosystem is that it rallies around activity around a single asset, creating a significant network effect. 99% of the value comes from the execution layer, where the money is made.&nbsp; Currently, over 516 million accounts are holding various amounts of digital assets, with 90% of them in stablecoins across Layer 2 (L2) networks, totaling an estimated <a href="https://l2beat.com/scaling/summary#active">$47 billion in total value locked </a>(TVL) across more than a hundred active and upcoming networks.</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">However, L2s have a noisy neighbor problem. With the expansion of L2s, most blockchains today are fragmented by state and sequencing processes. The role of Web3 software creation has evolved significantly in recent years. According to Anu Atluru&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.workingtheorys.com/p/software-creator">Working Theory</a> Substack essay, we&rsquo;ve entered the "era of the software creator." However, developers and users face major losses in building sustainable applications due to challenges in user acquisition, long wait times, gas fees, and optimizing crypto value long after a token airdrop or a covetable NFT is minted.</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Lifecycle of USDC&nbsp;</h2>
<p dir="ltr">To understand fragmentation, one must consider the journey of a token across different chain environments. The lifecycle of USDC is a good example of how fragmentation manifests in blockchain, affecting assets, wallets, users, and overall experience.</p>
<p dir="ltr">USDC is a centralized stablecoin issued and maintained by Circle&rsquo;s ERC-20 contract on Ethereum, designed to be pegged to the US dollar 1:1 using a<a href="https://www.circle.com/en/usdc"> lock and mint model</a>. This model exposes it to risks, especially with third-party involvement. Therefore to mitigate these risks, Circle created the Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP).</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;Here&rsquo;s how it works:</p>
<ol>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Burning USDC on the Source Chain</p>
</li>
<ol>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="2">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">A user initiates a transfer from one blockchain to another through a wallet or desktop app.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="2">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The user signs the transaction, approving the Token Messenger contract on the source chain, enabling a contract to withdraw USDC from the user&rsquo;s wallet.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="2">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The app facilitates a burn of the specific amount of USDC on the source chain by executing the `depositForBurn` function, which sends USDC to the burning address.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">&nbsp;Fetching a Signed Attestation from Circle</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">&nbsp;Minting USDC on the Destination Chain</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">USDC to Op Superchain&nbsp;</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Now picture this: 1000 USDC is sitting in a wallet and needs to be swapped for wrapped ETH on Optimism to purchase an NFT in niche marketplace. In a world of hundreds of L2s, the journey of the stablecoin should, in theory, remain straightforward. However, maintaining redemption risk across different chains makes Circle&rsquo;s native USDC the main character to the fragmentation problem. Below, we will compare three of the largest bridges (Stargate, Celer, Across) and the amount of USDC a user gets for different-sized USDC bridge transactions from Ethereum to OP, 1,000/500/200/100 USDC.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">The below table shows the amount of output one would get if one were to use non-CCTP bridges, starting with USDC on Ethereum. Note that USDC is native USDC minted on OP, whereas USDC.e is a wrapped version of USDC.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<div dir="ltr" align="left">
<table><colgroup><col><col><col><col><col></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">Initial Amount (usdc)</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">Stargate</p>
<p dir="ltr">(USDC)</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">Celer</p>
<p dir="ltr">(USDC.e)</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">Across&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">(USDC.e)</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">Network fee</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">1000</p>
</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">500</p>
</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">200&nbsp;</p>
</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">100</p>
</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">How does native USDC and how does the CCTP fit into today&rsquo;s fragmentation problem with the digital asset narrative?</h3>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">With the introduction of CCTP, bridging fees that reduce the bottom line of the destination USDC are theoretically decreased. However, with over 31 million unique stablecoin users, it becomes challenging to track transactions in a world of hundreds of L2s. Generally, CCTP transactions cost less and result in the user receiving more USDC compared to traditional methods, as fewer contracts need to be executed on the destination chain. Additionally, for larger transaction sizes, CCTP is even more efficient because it eliminates the need for and costs associated with USDC liquidity providers. However, with over a third of cryptocurrency holders owning some form of stablecoin, not all digital assets will be processed through CCTP.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Unifying Assets to Simplify Blockchain Fragmentation</h2>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Network effect tokens like ETH and future infrastructure for swapping them must come together. Fundamentally, fragmentation in the blockchain is about assets. At its core, the crypto space involves tokens stored and transferred across protocols, smart contracts, and blockchain networks. Fragmentation in user experience stems from asset fragmentation. Unified assets with consistent trust assumptions would eliminate fragmented experiences such as switching RPC providers or viewing different wrapped versions of the same token.</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">If assets like USDC were identical across all blockchains, users wouldn't need to bridge tokens or manage fragmented balances. For instance, one USDC on Blast would equal one USDC on Optimism. However, this ideal is complicated by multiple native tokens across different L2s. Nonetheless, if the settlement asset like USDC remains consistent across chains, much of the complexity can be abstracted away, allowing seamless transactions across chains.</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Wallets: Managing Fragmentation</h2>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXc-OiwBd_ei6nC26D7osQ_xCFDVxhNzjR2YPFGIg0HP_4gvHCY5yAGyZNP4GAWH6tUUZdVXQzxn535KqZf1FSVC_D89BuFi6zbP0R1AWKJz974kmKE1dXPcbmi5ooMBRzBsEsDhpPqmEY3PVF5wyGQ8N-QV?key=9qjZm1EKc5GSRe-TF0CRbQ" width="446" height="63"></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Wallets play a crucial role in reducing fragmentation. A wallet that supports seamless RPC connections and bridges, leveraging solutions like CCTP, can significantly unify the user experience. For example, if USDC on Arbitrum is the same as USDC on Optimism, users should be able to transact seamlessly across chains.</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://visaonchainanalytics.com/supply">Visa </a>reports over 150 billion stablecoin volume (USDC and USDT combined) is traded, highlighting the growing need for trusted third-party verifications via zero knowledge or shared sequencers from optimistic rollups, further bending and stretching the fragmentation problem.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Gas Fees, Cross Bridge Flat Fees and How Tokens Flow on L2s</h3>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Maintaining gas and bridging fees across a hundred different blockchain networks involves several key strategies and tools designed to manage and optimize gas fees efficiently. Optimistic Rollups, for example, power L2s as a scaling solution. Currently the top 5 L2s are responsible for executing billions of dollars in transactions.&nbsp; The relationship between stablecoins and rollups involves locking up tokens to enhance efficiency and reduce transaction costs. &nbsp; Per the Cross Chain Transfer Protocol Standard from Circle, bridging tokens must be &ldquo;locked&rdquo;&nbsp; or&nbsp; burnLockedUSDC in a smart contract and burned when they move from one chain to another.&nbsp; For instance, transferring USDC from Ethereum to Arbitrum involves locking USDC on Ethereum and minting an equivalent amount on Arbitrum. However, market volatility can affect the final transfer value. The function getExchangeRate() is used to fetch the current exchange rate of a currency to ensure accurate minting and burning across different chains, especially with non-CCTP interactions, because not all applications require stablecoin. Sometimes, it&rsquo;s just about the memes and trendy NFTs.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Bridging Tokens with CCTP on L2s</h3>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Typically, bridging tokens across chains can involve a significant delay, such as a seven-day withdrawal period. However, with CCTP as an L2 solution, this process could be streamlined by leveraging EIP-4844, which introduces a groundbreaking data structure known as "blobs," marking a significant advancement in blockspace. These blobs, which can handle up to 125 KB of opaque byte strings, are part of a new transaction type. This innovation addresses the high costs that rollups like Base or Optimism face when posting proof data in smart contract CALLDATA, which is entirely on-chain. By integrating this specific use case of CALLDATA into a more fundamental function of Ethereum, gas fees are anticipated to decrease. For CCTP on L2s, the key requirement is that the L2 should publish data on the Ethereum mainnet using Ethereum blobs for data availability.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">This approach eliminates the need for the typical withdrawal period, which is usually necessary when withdrawing an asset to a canonical bridge contract. As a result, CCTP significantly reduces the time and complexity involved in bridging tokens like USDC between chains.&nbsp; The <a href="https://0xkofi.substack.com/p/impact-of-eip-4844-on-rollup-economics">below graph shows </a>the gas fee savings of L2s dropping 97% after the Dencun Upgrade.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcgfRzHAZolvEXCbAuJNEjJBGBgveq9RgLBOrZA-TDKxExsOG3kSjyL1jmpv-VoKiqITSPBtLhIU8LU84-uHJBDnKqTvVLRaV3VNJMWHbytDoVgwDGYy8aINwvosd2yoYz4ue9lREynVFQGYpFpELjAAUT6?key=9qjZm1EKc5GSRe-TF0CRbQ" width="624" height="261"></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Fragmented Users: Unlocking Ethereum&rsquo;s Execution on L2 Through Solana</h2>
<p dir="ltr">By nature, Web3 is wrought with herd mentality, so it&rsquo;s not a surprise there&rsquo;s a distinct divide over whether to build on Solana or mirror an Ethereum stack. This division stems from the apparent developmental timelines and goals of each blockchain. Ethereum was launched seven years before Solana and was ideologically driven toward creating a censorship-resistant settlement layer. On the flip side, Solana focuses more on practicality and scalability to meet current crypto demands and trends.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">One protocol aiming to reimagine the benefits of Solana's and Ethereum is <a href="https://www.eclipse.xyz/">Eclipse</a>. For settlement, Eclipse taps Ethereum, which involves a canonical bridge contract similar to most L2s. However, for execution, instead of the EVM, Eclipse will use the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM). This approach promises all the benefits of the SVM, such as parallelization and isolated fee markets. Additionally, Eclipse as an L2 aims to incorporate <a href="https://www.risczero.com/">RISC-0 </a>for zero-knowledge (ZK) fraud proofs and Celestia for data availability, instead of Blobs.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">According to Solana maxis, the reason for this optimization is clear when builders examine most L2s today, where execution remains significantly constrained and riddled in fees.&nbsp; They typically have a transaction per second (TPS) rate of 10, 20, or 30. Even after Base updated their gas per block target, the TPS remains relatively low.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Trickle-Down Effect to Fragmented Applications</h2>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">In a world where end users want to purchase blue-chip NFTs with native USDC and gaming tokens, the fragmentation of Web3 applications poses further challenges for onboarding and maintaining a thriving ecosystem. It&rsquo;s no secret that Web3 communities are partisan over various L2 solutions, but the key takeaway is the need for an integrated developer stack. For developers, the pressing question becomes: where should they build? Applications should not be confined to a single chain; their assets should be bridgeable and purchasable to users across different chains to add value to the end user.</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Today, the trend seems to be that popular apps are now moving towards having their own dedicated chains, such as <a href="https://www.friend.tech/">Friend.tech</a> moving away from Base, and DeFi chains like <a href="https://www.aevo.xyz/">Aevo</a> and <a href="https://lyra.live/">Lyra</a> becoming more common. These shifts add a layer of complexity for new users, who now have to navigate bridging, onboarding, and switching RPC steps when new application experiences rise to the top charts.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Simplifying the User Experience&nbsp;</h3>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">To streamline this process, universal wallet profiles and smart wallets are becoming popular when developing onchain applications, in efforts to evolve the complex process down to three clicks or less. These workflows aim to provide a more seamless and user-friendly experience by consolidating multiple RPCs and simplifying cross-chain interactions with minimal fees absorbed by the end user. Some wallets, like MetaMask, have pre-set lists of L2s and can identify which chain to use based on the application. However, with the growing list of L2s and even more L3s, the responsibility and fees will inevitably fall on the user.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">If developers had the freedom to customize their applications fully, the concept of appchains would become more widespread, but in reality, there needs to be an integrated stack. Moreover, projects like Friends.Tech and DEGEN Chain exemplify this desire for customization and value accrual within their specific communities. This customization allows for tailored user experiences and potentially higher value for communities investing in these platforms.&nbsp; Subsequently, piggybacking L3s into the discussion.&nbsp; However, hot take: Users don't need to think about whether they're using a Solana app or an Ethereum app; they just want to use the app with the token and see their gains in their wallet of choice.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><br><br></strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Key Takeaways</h3>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Fragmentation in the blockchain ecosystem is driven primarily by asset fragmentation.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Unified assets across chains would significantly enhance the user experience, reducing the need for bridging tokens and managing fragmented balances.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">&nbsp;Wallets play a crucial role in mitigating fragmentation by supporting seamless RPC connections and bridges.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">&nbsp;Despite the complexities, the continued evolution of blockchain infrastructure and wallet technology aims to provide a more unified and user-friendly experience for Web3 users.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-14fa2563-7fff-edcb-546c-4341b6b918e1"><br>Supported by Socket Protocol&nbsp;<br><br></strong></p>

In a world of thousands of roll-ups, does it matter? 

Blockchain Fragmentation: Explained

<p dir="ltr">As Ethereum moves towards a more scalable and decentralized consensus layer, the ability to access and tap into its vast network of nodes becomes pivotal. Since Ethereum&rsquo;s shift to Proof of Stake and crossing over 1 million validators securing the network, there exists a unique opportunity to tap into this vast network with provably secure and trustless properties. This is where Actively Validated Services (AVSs) come in. You can think of AVS as any compute service running alongside validator software that runs external but critical infrastructure like Oracles and Data Availability (DA), that are outside EVM execution. AVSs can leverage Ethereum&rsquo;s inherent security and decentralization to bootstrap additional compute services via liquid staking tools. AVSs introduce a new frontier in blockchain technology by providing secure and efficient pathways and staking pools built to scale Ethereum. In this article, you will learn why AVS could be a crucial step in Ethereum's long-term decentralization and how EigenLayer solves security challenges while allowing more people to validate and earn rewards.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">The PoS Upgrade, BLS Signature, and AVS Security Functionality&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Ethereum has been actively improving its PoS model since its debut in September 2022, transitioning from Proof of Work (PoW) to PoS. The new PoS model required a minimum of 32 ETH for staking on the network. While this made validating on Ethereum less accessible, the transition was beneficial for socio-environmental concerns, drastically reducing energy consumption by 99.9% compared to the previous PoW model.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Staking 32ETH, it&rsquo;s time to verify the signature of a blockchain version of a John Hancock. Enter BLS (Barreto-Lynn-Shacham) signatures.&nbsp; It's particularly relevant in the context of PoS and AVS in blockchain technology. This unique style of signature makes PoS tick. Instead of each validator signing every block individually, BLS signatures let them team up and create a single, super-efficient signature.&nbsp; BLS signatures consist of two pairings, the public key <em>(sk) </em>and private key<em> (pk),</em> known as the key pairings, a message <em>( m),</em> and a signature denoted by a stylish elliptic curve &sigma;t . Below is a breakdown of BLS signature process.&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Public Key: This is the key used to verify the signature. It's generated by the validator and shared publicly.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Private Key: This is the secret key known only to the validator. It's used to create the signature and must be kept secure.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Message: The <code>CALLDATA </code>is being signed. In Ethereum, this would typically be a block of transactions or some other piece of network data that needs to be validated.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Signature: The output of the signing process. It's generated using the private key and the message.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Aggregate Signature: In the case of BLS signatures, multiple individual signatures can be aggregated into a single signature. This aggregate signature represents the combined signing power of all participating validators.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr">According to a paper by <a href="https://ethresear.ch/t/pragmatic-signature-aggregation-with-bls/2105?u=benjaminion">Justin Blake, &ldquo;</a>It is the pairing property of BLS signatures that allows us to aggregate signatures, thus making the whole consensus protocol practical.&rdquo; Not to mention, much faster when it comes to verification. &nbsp;Overall, BLS signatures were introduced to manage validators and nodes, making staking more accessible and verification faster and more efficient. Ethereum uses BLS signatures to identify validators who voted, hold them accountable for verifying, and slash rewards when network requests are not fulfilled.</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">What is AVS?</h2>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXde5p2AZrMJOIUMzdd9pmrb-HIERTPj67mDBBKHmg0vzmtRsAB-w6ZEtoZTnGSkoEVoGfZXIlW_v8oHYjgCylYIuGotuf-JZF0RcBNx-k1YnNmUlUScl7U3AOcyM07BG7bF53V-8lAVnd0WZCXufbX7PhQ?key=wQoGu-Zz3kRPIlUEfMvpkw" width="624" height="301"></p>
<p dir="ltr">Diagram Source: <a href="https://docs.eigenlayer.xyz/eigenlayer/avs-guides/avs-developer-guide">EigenLayer&nbsp;</a></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">An Actively Validated Service (AVS) integrates with Ethereum's consensus layer via the EigenLayer protocol, enabling blockchain applications to utilize Ethereum's security features. The EigenLayer core contract provides opportunities for Ethereum Node operators to offer services to various AVS Clients. Stakers can deposit in EigenLayers' <code>StrategyManager </code>for Liquid Staking Tokens (LST) and then choose <code>DelegationManage</code>r to delegate to a node operator on ETH. Each AVS client has its own set of reward mechanisms and slashing conditions for node operators, written in its own set of contracts called the <code>ServiceManager</code>. AVSs enable Stakers to use their LSTs across multiple protocols, providing flexibility and additional rewards while ensuring economic security.&nbsp; In addition, the withdrawal process for Stakers is also the responsibility of the&nbsp;<code> DelegationManager</code> or state through <code>uint256 public</code> <code>withdrawalDelayBlocks</code> and takes a week to complete.</p>
<p><strong><br><br></strong></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Ethereum&rsquo;s Ever-Growing Data Management: EigenLayer's Response to Ethereum's Scalability Challenge</h2>
<p dir="ltr">When ETH validators can only operate within ETH's staking protocol, fewer people can participate in validating nodes. The reason is that people value scalability and decentralization and if you want both, like the ability to run nodes easily, you have to make additional conditions. Now, while EigenLayer shares some similarities with traditional BLS signatures explained above, it's got its own unique flair.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">First up, picture some AVS metadata sprinkled in.&nbsp;</h3>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">AVS metadata includes information associated with participating in AVS liquidity within the EigenLayer protocol. This metadata provides context and details about the validators, the type of AVS service being provided, and any specific conditions or requirements related to the validation process, including the &ldquo;withdrawal process&rdquo; also known as the &ldquo;unbonding period.&rdquo;&nbsp; This adds extra info about the validator, the type of AVS service, and any interesting conditions they have to meet during validation. Think of it as adding some extra spice to the usual BLS signature process. Then, EigenLayer lays down the law with specific rules for validators to follow. These rules are like the secret sauce that keeps the validation process fair and secure. It also includes reward contract elements like<code> OperatorDetails </code>since multiple Stakers can exist.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Additionally, EigenLayer might jazz up the aggregation techniques or<a href="https://github.com/Layr-Labs/eigenlayer-contracts/blob/master/docs/core/StrategyManager.md"> high-level decentralized finance strategies</a>. Picture this: a slick algorithm that combines signatures from multiple validators methods called the <code>StrategyManager</code> and <code>EigenPodManager</code>. It's like watching a symphony of signatures coming together to make magic happen.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Last but not least, EigenLayer might even throw in some Ethereum contract wizardry. This means handling all the nitty-gritty details of interacting with smart contracts, storing data, and executing functions seamlessly. Now, when ETH validators can only operate within ETH's staking protocol, fewer people can participate in validating nodes. This is because people value scalability and decentralization, and you can't have both if running nodes requires storing constant, ever-growing amounts of data. Vitalik Buterin emphasized during<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGjFTzRTH3Q&amp;feature=youtu.be"> ETH CC5</a> that the protocol wouldn't be directly responsible for storing this ever-growing data, prioritizing scalability and decentralization. This is why EigenDA and AVS are built and deployed on EigenLayer, the key solution to Ethereum's data availability dilemma. By extension, this unlocks Re-Staking opportunities for ETH validators, securing the future of AVS solutions.&nbsp;<strong><br><br></strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">The Future of AVS and DAOs</h3>
<p dir="ltr">As crypto enters its sophisticated era, DAOs have become the game-changers in organizational structures, elevating decentralized decision-making like never before. But here's the kicker: when you pair them with AVS and EigenLayer, this is where the magic happens! These integrations let DAOs tap into Ethereum's consensus layer, boosting governance security and efficiency. It's like giving DAOs a shot at B12 for innovation and collaboration, shaping the future of decentralized governance in the Ethereum ecosystem.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">AVS Applications and Composability</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Since EigenLayer's debut, major ETH Stakers like Lido and Coinbase have supported ETH Restaking initiatives to accelerate the growth of AVSs. If you&rsquo;re interested in live activity and updates, websites like <a href="http://ethrestaking.com">EthRestaking.com </a>track all the dapps building solutions, including Ethos and Espresso.&nbsp;</p>
<h4 dir="ltr">Resources for Further Learning</h4>
<p dir="ltr">For more information on AVSs and Ethereum's evolving ecosystem, you can refer to resources like the following glossary:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.eigenlayer.xyz/eigenlayer/overview/key-terms">https://docs.eigenlayer.xyz/eigenlayer/overview/key-terms</a>&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://eth2book.info/capella/part2/building_blocks/signatures/">https://eth2book.info/capella/part2/building_blocks/signatures/</a>&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://docs.eigenlayer.xyz/eigenda/overview">https://docs.eigenlayer.xyz/eigenda/overview</a>&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://hackmd.io/@benjaminion/bls12-381">https://hackmd.io/@benjaminion/bls12-381</a>&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><a href="https://x.com/dabit3/status/1806712132475469855">https://x.com/dabit3/status/1806712132475469855</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-7e088265-7fff-6711-71b7-f2637a371f27"><br><br></strong></p>

EigenLayer is the promising new security infrastructure that compliments Ethereum's PoS, but what is AVS, and how will this new ecosystem effect the re-staking?

AVS and Ethereum Explained 

<p>We are thrilled to announce that Violet Verse has been awarded the trendy "Tipping Grant" from P00ls. For a limited time only, this grant recognizes our commitment to empowering the Web3 artist community and fostering a culture of appreciation and support for posting dope content.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><a href="https://hey.xyz/u/violetverse">Follow Us On Lens</a></h2>
<p>From the very beginning of VV, tipping has been an integral part of Violet Verse's infrastructure. We believe in the power of micro-rewards to encourage <strong>meaningful onchain interactions, a</strong>nd to show appreciation for leaving comments that inspire us to keep creating. Whether it's a thought-provoking article or an insightful comment, we want to ensure that every valuable contribution is recognized and rewarded onchain. The $00 token economy is growing and we are pumped to be able to add value.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>What Does This Mean for You?</strong></p>
<p>With the support of the P00ls Tipping Grant, we are excited to enhance our tipping features across the Violet Verse platform:</p>
<ol>
<li>
<p><strong>Tipping on Articles</strong>: Readers and Writers can send tips to VV authors directly on their published articles through the tipping button. This feature allows you to show your appreciation for the content you love and support your favorite writers in a tangible way.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Tipping on Comments</strong>: We are extending the tipping feature to comments on our Lens posts. To earn $00 engage with one of our posts on Lens, tag us, or follow us for a chance to be tipping in $00.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Why Tipping Matters</strong></p>
<p>Micro Tipping is more than just a transaction; it's a gesture of the Web3 creator economy. By tipping, you are helping to build a thriving $00 ecosystem. Every tip, no matter how small, contributes to the growth and vibrancy of the creator economy.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>What is <a href="https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/00-token/">$00&nbsp;</a></strong></p>
<p>The $00 token is an ERC-20 token minted on the Ethereum blockchain that works as a governance and access token for the zerozero DAO and its ecosystem. P00LS is the leading community-first platform for creator cryptocurrencies.</p>
<p><strong>Join Us in Celebrating This Milestone</strong></p>
<p>We invite you to explore the new tipping features and show your support for the amazing creators on Violet Verse. Together, we can continue to build a platform where creativity, innovation, and meaningful connections flourish.</p>
<p>Thank you for being a part of our journey.&nbsp; Stay tuned for more updates and exciting features coming your way!</p>

Exciting News: Introducing the P00ls Tipping Grant on Violet Verse!

Violet Verse x P00ls 

<p>What happens when <strong>Iggy Azalea</strong> joins the conversation during the memecoin super cycle? The $MOTHER token starts pumping.</p>
<p>Onchain Summer is kicking off with memecoin mania, injecting new energy into the market. After a prolonged bear market, this is the excitement we need to loosen up. While some might find it cringe-worthy, the fact that a former rapper like Iggy Azalea is making a bold statement in the crypto world is significant. Based on her tweets, she&rsquo;s here to stay.</p>
<p><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GPqMGsdWcAEqjg-?format=jpg&amp;name=small" alt="Image"></p>
<p>Azalea has assembled a strong team, and the $MOTHER token is officially listed on a <a href="https://dexscreener.com/solana/hcpgh6b2yhnvt6jsemkrhyt8pvhu9xiaoxm4mmn2ibww">decentralized exchange (DEX)</a>. The community on Telegram is growing rapidly, and she's launching a mobile phone specifically designed for spending $MOTHER tokens. <strong><a href="https://x.com/UNREALMobile">Unreal Mobile</a></strong> is set to land on the Solana blockchain and wants to save tokenholders money on their phones. For as much as we use our phones, I'm looking forward to this awesome new use case for blockchain and deploying decentralized infrastructure on everyday items.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Crypto Twitter is divided on this development. However, I fully support any woman who is innovating in the crypto space. Iggy Azalea's entry into the world of cryptocurrency is a refreshing and bold move, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>More Solana x VioletVerse:</p>
<ul>
<li>Web3 Paris Documentary&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N-ZMbCeswoM?si=JG8sqZIYgH2APqNj" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>

Revenge career in crypto? The former recording artist turned memecoin mama has launched $MOTHER on Solana. 

Iggy Azalea Launches $MOTHER on Solana

<p>Meta is bullish on AI and Ray Ban is about to get even more of a facelift with its virtual assistant technology. According to its recently filed patent, the "<a href="https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/external.html?q=(20240144431).pn.&amp;db=US-PGPUB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">duo camera artificial reality devic</a>e" is set to upgrade RayBan, as wearers can ask the smart glasses questions like translating text to their native speaking language, as well as hand-free video calling.&nbsp;</p>
<figure><img src="https://about.fb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/04_Ask_Carousel-2.jpg?fit=1920%2C1672" alt="Image showing a woman wearing Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses using Meta AI feature" width="500"><canvas style="display: none; top: 2px !important; left: 204px !important;" width="47" height="20"></canvas>
<figcaption spellcheck="false" data-lt-tmp-id="lt-335878" data-gramm="false">Credit: Meta</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure><img src="https://about.fb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/04_Ask_Carousel-1.jpg?fit=1920%2C1672" alt="Image showing a woman wearing Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses using Meta AI feature" width="500"><canvas style="display: none; top: 2px !important; left: 202px !important;" width="46" height="20"></canvas>
<figcaption spellcheck="false" data-lt-tmp-id="lt-413405" data-gramm="false">Credit: Meta&nbsp;</figcaption>
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<p>&nbsp; Learn <a href="https://about.fb.com/news/2024/04/new-ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses-styles-and-meta-ai-updates/">more.</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

Meta just patented a new use case for AI 

Meta's AI 

<p>In the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and social media, innovative platforms emerge to bridge the gap between creators and their audiences, offering new avenues for expression and earning opportunities. One such platform is Drakula, a video-centric social network that has captured the imagination of users in the crypto community and beyond.</p>
<p>The story behind <a href="https://drakula.app/profile"><strong>Drakula </strong></a>is as fascinating as the platform itself. It all began with Alex, a crypto enthusiast hailing from France, who embarked on a journey into the world of Ethereum back in 2019. Despite lacking a substantial network in the tech industry, Alex's passion for social media and crypto led him to explore consumer-facing use cases within the Ethereum community.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Web3 communities exploded during the pandemic.</h2>
<p>During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alex made waves with the creation of the Alex token, a cryptocurrency he launched to crowdfund his move to San Francisco. This bold move not only garnered attention but also provided the impetus for Alex to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. Armed with determination and a knack for combining social media with crypto, Alex ventured into the realm of digital art platforms before eventually finding his calling with Drakula.</p>
<h2>Now, Drakula is giving away $1M to the next gen of Web3 creators.</h2>
<p>Drakula began as a digital art platform akin to Instagram, but quickly evolved into a video-centric social network. Its journey was marked by highs and lows, including successful fundraising rounds and navigating the challenges of a bear market in the crypto space. However, with resilience and adaptability, Alex and his team pivoted towards Drakula, capitalizing on its potential as a video app powered by Farcaster on Base.&nbsp;</p>
<figure><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GK1HkodbIAcayDj?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" alt="Image" width="500">
<figcaption spellcheck="false" data-lt-tmp-id="lt-152851" data-gramm="false"><a href="https://paragraph.xyz/@drakula.app/drakula-degen-onchain-creator-fund">Learn more</a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Central to Drakula's vision is the empowerment of creators. Unlike traditional social media platforms, Drakula offers creators the opportunity to monetize their content through innovative mechanisms such as creator tokens and the <a href="https://paragraph.xyz/@drakula.app/drakula-degen-onchain-creator-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OnChain Creator Fund.</a> This democratization of earning opportunities is a game-changer, enabling creators to thrive financially while engaging with their audience.</p>
<p>The Drakula community is vibrant and diverse, comprising tech enthusiasts, musicians, artists, and content creators from various backgrounds. With a focus on fostering niche communities and niche content, Drakula provides a platform where creators can connect with like-minded individuals and explore their passions freely.</p>
<h2>And this is just the beginning of brand deals and creator monetization.&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Looking ahead, Alex envisions Drakula becoming the go-to destination for video-centric social networking, with a user base reaching the billions. He emphasizes the importance of mobile accessibility and identity verification in combating spam and making social media more inclusive and affordable for all.</p>
<p>As Drakula continues to evolve and innovate, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of crypto-driven social platforms. By empowering creators and fostering community engagement, Drakula paves the way for a new era of decentralized social networking, where creativity thrives and everyone has the opportunity to shine.</p>
<h2>Check out more of VioletVerse's Web3 social coverage:</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="/lenster-try-this-crypto-friendly-social-media-lenster-7DdYZglQYV">Lens Creator Lab: An Overview of Notes and Action Items</a></li>
<li><a href="/will-frames-on-farcaster-change-social-media-9Zz-3w2GUP">Will Frames on Farcaster Change The Vibe Of Social Media?</a>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
</li>
</ul>

The newest Web3 video app platform paying creators $$$ to post!

Q&A with $Alex Masmej: Drakula's $1M Creator Fund 

<p>Imagine playing a game with the entire internet as your playground, vying for victory. This is precisely the scenario the team at <a href="https://www.cryptothegame.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Crypto The Game</a> has orchestrated, rallying 800 players to compete for a total prize pool of 80ETH (equivalent to over $250K USD). Following a triumphant inaugural season, Crypto the Game (CTG) returns for another riveting 10-day stint, promising surprises, strategies, and camaraderie among tech-savvy crypto enthusiasts. The web3 creator says that he&nbsp; "started his career in TV. " I've just been a huge fan of live TV, reality competitions, and game shows, my entire life. I grew up an obsessive Survivor fan, you know, always wanted to be on the show. And I think it's just like one of those things where I always wanted to play a version of it online with my friends," says Abruscato.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>At the pinnacle of the action, Melissa chats with <a href="https://twitter.com/DylanAbruscato" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dylan Abruscato,</a> one of the masterminds behind Crypto the Game.</h2>
<p>CTG stands as a massive internet survivor game, where participants mint NFTs for entry, engage in challenges for immunity, strategically vote to eliminate rivals, as well as encounter a myriad of unexpected twists. Though players are randomly assigned to teams, only one lucky king or queen will win it all, and the funds are transferred to one crypto address.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;In season 2, 800 individuals have minted tokens, poised to battle it out for the ultimate crypto prize over 10 intense days. At the time of this interview, we were just finishing day 5, and tension was high due to all types of problems in the "cabals," the decentralized groups formed in efforts to stay in the game and scheme immunity.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Crypto the Game has been years in the making.&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Dylan has been dreaming about creating his own reality game since playing Survivor Ultimate on CD-ROM. Today, the ex-Uber and Postmates startup builder has managed to build a game with a robust business model.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our conversation delves into various topics, ranging from strategic gameplay to the genesis of this groundbreaking endeavor, sparking one of the most significant conversations in the crypto sphere to date. And on a lighter note, when asked about his favorite reality TV personality, Dylan confesses admiration for Kris Jenner. &nbsp; "I kind of assumed that in a show in a game like Squid Game or Survivor or Hunger Games, it would be very ruthless, like everyone would just like be backstabbing each other and like it'd be very cutthroat. But it's turning out to be like a very wholesome game," Abruscato reflects.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>The game attracted 800 players and even more of onlookers, as the social components earned millions of views, impressions and earned media.</h2>
<p>In a landscape where traditional entertainment mediums are growing stale, the girlies and bros crave drama and challenge. CTG fulfills these desires. The game encourages active problem-solving and social skills, with puzzles hidden across the internet and challenges that require varied abilities, like data science to community building to keep the vibes peaceful. &nbsp;Roughly 10-15% of the players are new to crypto, with the rest being more seasoned online folks, demonstrating the game's appeal across different interest groups.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Would you dare to play this game with your colleagues, knowing that your fate rests in their hands, subject to the whims of a democratic vote?</p>
<p>Follow <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1F6f4Mj4S1eiXniXOXChMt">Boys Club companion podcast </a>for a daily play-by-play on what's going on in the community.</p>

Chat, please welcome Dylan Abruscato

Q&A with Crypto the Game: A Fusion of Reality TV, Crypto, and NFTs

<p>Google had a massive shift to its algorithm in the last month and in less than 50 days everything will change in the world of SEO. Many websites that were affected had poor user experiences. For years, a lot of people have been trying to game the system and rank their site with a lot of low, unoriginal poor content. As generative search becomes king in content strategy, category websites like travel and recipe-based websites littered with ads could become obsolete.&nbsp; This is why the SEO industry is changing and has propelled Google to debut the Search Generative Engine.</p>
<p>First of all, Google is finally cracking down on spammy content and its solution is Search Generative Optimization.&nbsp; If you're sick of Google searches rendering a bunch of spam and AI-written content, then this could benefit niche brands who invest time in design and quality. With the recent upgrades in Search, Marketing professionals will need to level up their expertise and offerings. On <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/SEO/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reddit, a</a> lot of people who specialize in SEO are even questioning their job stability and contemplating changing careers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://www.insightpartners.com/ideas/generative-ai-seo-zero-click-searches/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Insight Partners</a>:</p>
<blockquote>GenAI will have a transformative effect on users&rsquo; search experience, and there will be myriad second-order impacts of that change in the scaleup ecosystem. Web traffic to companies could fall significantly, and GTM motions will be shaken up. New Google Labs experiments indicate the direction Google is moving, and we think it&rsquo;s a bellwether for how search overall is evolving towards more zero-click searches.</blockquote>
<h3><strong>What will brand positioning be like with generative search optimization?</strong></h3>
<p>The generative experience will be led by human prompts, or questions users will be able to ask to get the results they are looking for in a more cohesive package. That means brands that are used to organic website positioning will be pushed further down the page if the provided prompt has nothing to do with your brand.&nbsp; There will be more paid sponsorship opportunities for brands who wish to have product placements front in center. Basically, the user design mechanics will be challenged.&nbsp;</p>
<figure><img src="https://www.insightpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/search-generative-experience-in-google.png" width="600">
<figcaption spellcheck="false" data-lt-tmp-id="lt-381847" data-gramm="false">Screenshot by Insight Partners</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3>In terms of products, links and other product placements will be prioritized.</h3>
<p>The new generative AI search experience will look like the below diagram, according to <a href="https://www.insightpartners.com/ideas/generative-ai-seo-zero-click-searches/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Insight Partners</a>, which explains how Google search is set up on the right, and how it will look when GEO is active on the left.&nbsp;</p>
<figure><img src="https://www.insightpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/google-SERP-with-search-generative-experience.png" alt="Google SERP with search generative experience" width="600">
<figcaption spellcheck="false" data-lt-tmp-id="lt-911838" data-gramm="false">Screenshot by Insight Partners</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3>In the new Generative Search experience, you&rsquo;ll notice a "corroborative" approach to how its AI generative results are rendered from user to user.&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Blogging will get harder. If Marketers rely on organic search traffic, your brand is about to have a huge awakening in what it means to be on the front page of Google.</p>
<p>To roll with the tide, brand mentions and links from authoritative publications will be prioritized with its AI generative results and earned and paid media or press will become incredibly valuable. If your brand lacks press mentions, this will make it harder to be rendered in a generative AI search response.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Here are some tips on how to navigate content strategy with Search Generative Engine:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Brands and publishers are going to rely more heavily on social platforms for organic traffic so choose your content and captions wisely. If you've never explored microblogging on TikTok or Instagram, it may be a great to start if you know you can't compete with competitors who will have bigger budgets to pay for Google's new Generative Search Placements.</li>
<li>&nbsp;Prioritizing good press in outlets will be Paramount to even having the chance to be rendered in a Generative search response. If someone writes a prompt about, "Top restaurants to eat at on vacation in Cabo,"&nbsp; to be mentioned in the response, your brand will have to be mentioned in an authoritative source across the web.</li>
<li>Find articles or listicles across the web and figure out how to align and leverage their coverage with your brand. It&rsquo;s inevitable that your website traffic will decrease, especially if you rely on organic search traffic. Strategizing ways to still play the generative search game will at least keep you relevant.&nbsp;</li>
<li>To future-proof your business, priority creative assets will be long-form videos since this will be the last thing people or generative AI can copy. By releasing 3-10 minute video clips in horizontal format, this will be a sure way to stand out regarding searchable content.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<p>One caveat to note and consider is that there's no framework as yet, so the above is trial and error. Plus, the strategic approach could vary with other search engines. There are even lengthy <a href="https://arxiv.org/pdf/2311.09735.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">research papers like this</a> to mitigate future problems. But as of late, we're all navigating this dark forest of algorithms together!</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://arxiv.org/pdf/2311.09735.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GEO: Generative Engine Optimization</a> by The Allen Institute of AI in New Delhi:</p>
<blockquote>The usefulness of generative engines for both their developers and users is evident &ndash; users can access information faster and more accurately, while developers can craft precise and personalized responses, both to improve user satisfaction and revenue. However, generative engines put the third stakeholder &ndash; website and content creators &ndash; at a disadvantage. Generative Engines, in contrast to traditional search engines, remove the need to navigate to websites by directly providing a precise and comprehensive response, which can lead to a drop in organic traffic to websites and severely impact their visibility. With several millions of small businesses and individuals relying on online traffic and visibility for their livelihood, generative engines will significantly disrupt the creator economy. Further, the black-box and proprietary nature of generative engines makes it prohibitively difficult for content creators to control and understand how their content is ingested and portrayed by generative engines.&nbsp;</blockquote>
<p>In conclusion, this is just the beginning of generative AI search engines and this new chapter in digital content strategy. Brands must adapt their approach to ensure visibility in this quickly changing landscape. By leveraging social platforms, cultivating mentions in authoritative sources, and aligning with existing web content through long form videos, brands can navigate the evolving terrain of organic traffic optimization.</p>
<p><em>Header Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/@ademay?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Adem AY</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/white-and-pink-digital-device-Tk9m_HP4rgQ?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></em></p>
<h3>Read more AI content on Violet Verse&nbsp;</h3>
<p><a href="/trend-report-blockchain-empower-ais-journey-czI9YwU8YP">Trend Report: How Blockchain Empowers AI&nbsp;</a></p>
<div>
<p><a href="/openai-shakes-up-ai-industry-with-launch-of-gpt-4-turbo-at-a-fraction-of-the-price-h9xuH_r_re" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OpenAI Shakes Up AI Industry with Launch of GPT-4 Turbo at a Fraction of the Price</a></p>
<div>
<p><a href="/dreaming-with-ai-composing-clement-prompts-for-neural-networks-ZfDVqocUlU" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dreaming with AI: Composing Clement Prompts for Neural Networks</a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

If you're worried about organic traffic and driving engagement to your website, you're going to want to pay attention to 
Generative Search Optimization or Generative Engine Optimization... also known as #GEO. 

Google's New AI Search Engine Will Change Organic Website Traffic Forever

<p>Like someone who is good at leading teams and communicating, I pinged my former collaborator of my software during a meeting. During pre-ship stages, it's all hands on deck.&nbsp; It was the summer I had just secured non-dilutive funding to build app and looked to my network to help me execute.</p>
<p>"I have dinner plans. Can we cut the meeting short?" they responded.</p>
<p>We were in Valencia, Spain, for a week before heading to Eth Paris. The team I had assembled was located in Pacific and East Coast time zones, so rescheduling wasn&rsquo;t an option. The dapp was scheduled to deploy in less than six weeks, and we simply didn&rsquo;t have time to reschedule.</p>
<p>This was one of the many times I contemplated whom I had chosen to partner with in building a blockchain application. As a first-time founder of software, I had no idea what I was doing or how to lead both an engineering and creative team. It was something I was learning on the job.</p>
<figure><img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/47/04/d1/4704d1451d25f48c4ba8694adc3bb4e6.jpg" width="500">
<figcaption>Attempting to code&nbsp;</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As we approach the bull market of 2024, money will flow. Currently, there are over $100 million in grants from blockchain ecosystems, calling for both new and seasoned builders to submit proposals for consumer-friendly applications and tools to propel their ecosystems into mass adoption. There will be new products with non-dilute startup investment capital of upwards of $100K. New teams will form, and one thing is for sure: partnering with the right people will make or break your decentralized application.</p>
<p>When I received my own round of non-dilutive capital, it was career-changing. Suddenly, I had a token grant worth almost $100K, responsibility for milestones, and a lot of riding on me as a Black female founder. Naturally, I looked to my network and close friends in the industry for help in building what I had pitched to an ecosystem that was expecting value in return for their investment.</p>
<p>The biggest lesson I learned from building Violet Verse is that partnerships are crucial, and finding the right <strong>people </strong>in the early stages of building your blockchain tools <strong>is paramount.</strong> At the time of building VV from scratch, I was eager and overly generous, and consequently, I didn&rsquo;t set clear boundaries with my chosen team. As time passed in the project, my personal and business values were tested.</p>
<p>"I thought you were going to give me equity," my ex-colleague said to me after a summer of under performance from my perspective.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Perhaps the best thing decision I made was to not jump to give out equity before the project was complete. To be clear, everyone got paid in full and were encouraged to share ideas. I didn't really get any good value except ideas on how to cut corners. As a founder, you want to maximize your budget, your resources, and your time. I think people got me fucked up because they under-estimated the power of the product.</p>
<p>I'd been working on VV from the <a href="https://www.hypeinnovation.com/blog/inside-out-versus-outside-in-which-is-better-for-your-business" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"outside in" </a>- after work hours, on my off days, and after 5pm. What I wasn't prepared for was how early I was in building custom blockchain software for the media industry and the years of adoption it is taking to at least get people on the same page. This post is for new founders who are excited about the opportunities that come with grant funding, but is also a cautionary tale about finding the right balance between work and play. As innovators, we are fortunate to be part of an industry that rewards innovation and participation, but we must also be mindful of the business ethics that are the pillars of successful partnerships.</p>
<h3>Here are four values I wish I had considered before founding Violet Verse:</h3>
<p>1. Consistency: Violet Verse would not be where it is without my dedication. However, there were a few people who had been part of the project since 2022&mdash;developers who helped write the code and contributors who submitted articles and edited high-quality videos. While many people are motivated by money, I believe that the early stages of a blockchain software project are about navigating the dark forest. As a bootstrapped startup, it was hard for me to keep up with paying people who were only here for a good time, not a long time. It was challenging to pay people on an hourly basis when troubleshooting new technology. As a developer, it can get lonely, and people will come and go, but the consistent vision holder will push the product forward.</p>
<p>2. Accountability: There were team members who lacked accountability and were not willing to compromise. To own up to your mistakes and shortcomings is what makes someone a better team member and also moves the company culture forward. Go to business cons</p>
<p>3. Trustworthiness: This one goes without saying that if you have to look at your co-workers sideways, there is absolutely no trust in the team or the product. Building a product with trust means that you rely on each other to solve hard problems and get things done. I remember laying out the vision of Violet Verse for my team, and the technical part was a very gray area. The person I hired was only familiar with solidity, and cadence as a smart contract language was still very foreign. I had to trust that the development team I assembled had all they needed to learn the right commands and actions to get the task done. My priority was connecting my team to the appropriate channels to mitigate any problems along the way. Your team will lose trust in you when you're not consistent, you're rude when giving directives, your tone sucks and it's not positive. They will also lose trust when they aren't fairly compensated.&nbsp;</p>
<p>4. Communication: Which leads me to my next point in managing communications, tone of voice and nurturing relationships as a new founder. This is supposed to be the easiest to achieve but in a media business, but it's far from the truth. The end goal is that everyone will communicate on the same wave length. They will use Discord for check-ins, they'll express their annoyances before they turn into bigger issues, and the company vibe will allow for an open floor to express their concerns. But in the age of TikTok, this is rarely the case. As a leader, you have to establish the bar. You have to be vulnerable enough to communicate when you're wrong, or pump the brakes when the team is not aligned. I wish I would have established a roadmap that was based on what was actually in the company's bank account, instead of paying people at the top of the budget without no plan to how the business was going to make money. I wish I could have asked the team that I recruited what their ultimate goals were, instead of using them for one-off projects.</p>
<p>I digress... Everything is a healing journey; business is not supposed to be perfect. You'll learn from your mistakes, whether it's a hard launch or soft landing. In retrospect, I would have probably not hired my friends. And moving forward, I probably will stick to reviewing resumes and proposals before asking people their rates. Moving forward, I've definitely spent a huge portion of my product development process going over the business strategy.</p>
<p>We're still building and growing. We're still refining the software and adding the latest code to the ecosystem. What counts is the steps taken daily to make it better. Even if the team members you started are now ghosts in your Notion pages, at least you tried. Just keep growing and moving the technology forward. Something good will happen... at least that's what I tell myself.&nbsp;</p>
<p>What are your partnership boundaries?&nbsp;</p>
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"Hey, are you joining Zoom for our weekly team meeting?"

Navigating the Blockchain Jungle: Lessons Learned as a First-Time Founder

<p>Looking to spark a conversation with a fellow traveler during your airport layover or flight? Look no further than pulling out a book on Bitcoin or crypto With its prominence in the news and its relevance to anyone considering financial matters and investments, it's a surefire conversation starter.</p>
<p>As we gear up for the 2024 bull market, there's been a surge of Web3 business books hitting the shelves. Here's what we recommend diving into to enhance your expertise and perhaps ignite your passion for crypto.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Read-Write-Own-Building-Internet/dp/0593731387"><strong>"Read Write Own" by Chris Dixon</strong></a>- For starters, this book launched a "Barbie-inspired" book tour, courtesy of the prominent a16z investor who hosted parties spanning from New York to Silicon Valley. Arguably, it stands as the quintessential read for delving into the world of Web3 and the future of content.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Web3-Marketing-Handbook-Internet-Revolution/dp/1394171951"><strong>"Web3 Marketing: A Handbook for the Next Internet Revolution" by Amanda Cassatt"</strong> </a>- Modern marketing demands staying ahead of trends and taking risks when launching campaigns. In the crypto realm, outdated tactics are unlikely to make a significant impact. This handbook, penned by the first Marketer of ConsenSys, a subsidiary brand of Ethereum, serves as an invaluable guide.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Token-NFTs-Transform-Create/dp/0593545109" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"The Everything Token" by Steve and Scott"</a> </strong>- If you've already embarked on your crypto journey or have little interest in marketing, this book is sure to captivate you. The authors, not only Twitter Spaces ambassadors but also well-versed in crypto coins, provide insights that will enhance your trading strategy and prompt reconsideration before investing in another "shitcoin."</p>
<p>What books are you stowing in your carry-on for your next flight or beach getaway? Business books have become the new self-help guides, offering insights and strategies to navigate the ever-evolving world of finance and technology. Let us know which one we should provide the TL:DR.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Web3 books to read that will define the narrative for the next billion users.

3 New Crypto Books To Read This Spring

<p>Maggi Simpkin, a seasoned connoisseur of stunning jewelry displays, boasts a resum&eacute; that includes the listing of a million-dollar ring at Sotheby&rsquo;s, as detailed in a report by <a href="https://www.jckonline.com/editorial-article/maggi-simpkins-million-dollar-ring/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JCK Online</a>. Continuing her narrative of design excellence, Simpkin has once again captured attention with her latest creation: an interpretation of Bose headphones into new ear cuffs.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/wmvOk_Wkxc23LH3haWpEyBjNYjTbWNsuArD5sWiyLlnebOLSA9nLWZonTQW2FRiwtZoReWaUVO8PcjadOM8GyDaOgH6wUg-pukZ-zha7A0oNmDbBNMZwNT-HNyQw6YxaVdpVn7V9QIR9gWC59IXAyGo" width="500"></p>
<p>In the ongoing competition between Bose and Apple, the former is making bold strides. Simpkins' custom pair of 14k yellow gold Bose Ultra Open Earbuds showcases the convergence of fashion and technology, a realm she is renowned for mastering. Not to mention, the arrangement of diamonds are <em>chef's kiss</em> gorgeous.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Bose is coming for Apple's fashion girlies.&nbsp;</h3>
<p>According to the Bose product site, these earbuds (<a href="https://www.bose.com/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds/QCUE-HEADPHONEIN.html?dwvar_QCUE-HEADPHONEIN_color=MOONSTONE%20BLUE&amp;quantity=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$299)</a> offer breakthrough spatialized audio, promising a more immersive listening experience that transcends conventional boundaries. With world-class noise cancellation and personalized sound optimization, coupled with a design that prioritizes comfort, Bose aims to redefine the auditory landscape.</p>
<p>Sharing her excitement on Instagram, the designer unveiled her collaboration with Bose, showcasing the custom earbuds worn by the radiant Kenzie at the Billboard Women In Music red carpet event. Simpkins' post included a montage of photos, featuring sketches of her fashion-tech design, the elegant model adorned with the creation, and detailed shots of the product itself.</p>
<blockquote>&ldquo;So excited to finally share these custom earbuds I created in collaboration with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bose/">@bose</a>&nbsp;for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/billboard/">@billboard</a>&nbsp;Women In Music red carpet- worn by the beautiful&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kenzie/">@kenzie</a>,&rdquo; the designer wrote on her personal Instagram page.</blockquote>
<p>She posted a montage of photos, including sketches of her fashion tech design, the beautiful model who got to wear it during the <a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/maggi-simpkins-custom-bose-ear-buds-for-kenzie-ziegler-1235633488/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Billboard Women in Music awards</a>, as well as closer looks at the product.</p>
<blockquote>&ldquo;I replaced the original plate with a solid gold plate and designed diamond clusters inspired by some of my favorite signature motifs.&rdquo;</blockquote>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/6F3DPaOXhmFuDnu8huF-B0TUvJ2Ez9myaKa6o6ovtSu8Ox_gV9slWI0tFdbT4a5Eeh78sR6wOogghdMYgWvloSDOsIeEq6lfv349wrSwlvX1-e_9DmxGUQnP3gsfaWdXfi3oynObfuKP312gXlESAI4" width="500"></p>
<p>Simpkins' ingenuity shines through in her customization of the earbuds, where she replaced the original plate with one crafted from solid gold, adorned with diamond clusters inspired by her signature motifs. The result is a blend of sophistication and innovation, elevating the earbuds beyond mere accessories to coveted fashion statements.</p>
<h3>New versions of the earbuds could include interchangeable magnetic designs, similar to how Apple's earpods opened up a custom product for retail designers can remix.</h3>
<p>Looking ahead, what would really enhance the earbuds is a magnetic feature enabling interchangeable jewelry to be seamlessly incorporated. This design aesthetic could allow wearers to tailor their accessories to match their outfit&rsquo;s aesthetic. This concept not only enhances the functionality of the earbuds but also introduces a new dimension of versatility and personalization.</p>
<figure><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://assets.bosecreative.com/transform/3b7371d3-e928-45bb-a627-c1f85eeeb468/03_QCUEBLE24_MoonstoneBlue_GALLERY?quality=100&amp;io=width:816,height:667,transform:fit&amp;io=width:816,height:667,transform:fit" alt="Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds tdt" width="500">
<figcaption spellcheck="false" data-lt-tmp-id="lt-415576" data-gramm="false">Credit: Bose.com</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As the intersection of fashion and technology continues to evolve, fearless designers like Maggi Simpkins pave the way for groundbreaking creations that defy convention. With her unparalleled ability to fuse luxury and innovation, Simpkins' collaboration with Bose exemplifies the limitless potential of wearable tech in shaping the future of style.</p>
<p>Even though Simpkins' custom earpods are one-of-a-kind and currently not for sale, Bose new model earpods are for sale. Are you buying a pair?&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Are we witnessing tech and jewelry merge? 

On Our Wish List: Maggi Simpkins x Bose Yellow Gold and Diamond Earbuds 

<p>Fashion, and how we experience it, is changing before our very eyes. Soon, we'll be collectors of tangible and intangible valuable goods that will become our digital identity.&nbsp;</p>
<figure><img src="https://imgs.search.brave.com/oJGUR3LMmMyXThmOLY2xF8m5HowbJjxmuB_M5PLjhMs/rs:fit:860:0:0/g:ce/aHR0cHM6Ly93d2Qu/Y29tL3dwLWNvbnRl/bnQvdXBsb2Fkcy8y/MDI0LzAzL1BSX2tl/eVZpc3VhbF9sYW5k/c2NhcGUuanBnP3c9/MTAwMCZoPTU2MyZj/cm9wPTE" alt="Maison Margiela's virtual Tabi boot, the MetaTabi NFT Aura Blockchain" width="500"><canvas style="display: none; top: 2px !important; left: 164px !important;" width="200" height="20"></canvas>
<figcaption spellcheck="false" data-lt-tmp-id="lt-395957" data-gramm="false">The Fabricant / Maison Margiela&nbsp;</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://www.maisonmargiela.com/en-us/">Maison Margiela</a> stands as a leader of innovation on and off the runway, and now the brand is taking Web3 by storm!&nbsp; With the launch of their newest digital fashion collection, the MetaTABI, the Parisian fashion house takes a bold step into the metaverse, exploring a new layer of sartorial expression and technological integration.</p>
<p>In partnership with <a href="https://www.thefabricant.com/collection/maison-margiela-metatabi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Fabricant</a>, the MetaTABI Collection offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of fashion and how customers will be able to express themselves in the digital space. Through the lens of augmented reality (AR) and gaming integrations, MetaTabi collectors will be treated to a virtual realm where style knows no bounds.</p>
<h3>The MetaTabi AR Boot is an NFT that will live on the blockchain</h3>
<p>At the heart of this groundbreaking collection lies the MetaTABI NFT, a digital token representing not just a piece of art, but a key to Maison Margiela's future endeavors in the digital space. Holders of the MetaTABI NFT gain exclusive access to the Maison's upcoming projects, positioning them at the forefront of fashion's digital evolution.</p>
<p>Created with The Fabricant and Flow blockchain, the MetaTABI Boot emerges as a testament to the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation. Meticulously designed for the digital realm, this avant-garde footwear transcends the boundaries of physicality, offering wearers a unique and immersive experience.</p>
<h3>Why should you collect?</h3>
<p>What sets the MetaTABI apart is its seamless integration of the digital and physical worlds. Owners of this coveted piece have the opportunity to redeem limited edition physical items, bridging the gap between the virtual and the tangible. From custom-made Maison Margiela Tabi boots to luxurious leather wallets, each piece is a testament to Maison Margiela's commitment to craftsmanship and creativity.</p>
<p>Scheduled for release in March 2024, the MetaTABI Collection marks yet another milestone in Maison Margiela's exploration of digital technologies. With its immersive AR experiences, gaming wearables, and exclusive community events, the MetaTABI promises to captivate fashion enthusiasts and technophiles alike.</p>
<p>But beyond its aesthetic appeal, the MetaTABI represents a paradigm shift in the way we perceive and interact with fashion. It challenges us to rethink traditional notions of style and self-expression, inviting us to embrace a future where creativity knows no bounds.</p>
<h3>This isn't the first time Maison Margiela explored the metaverse, they also launched a bingo game on-chain.&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Maison Margiela has been setting trends and the tech girlies are official gagged. The brand continuously reminds us of the transformative power of beauty, tech and determination. Last year, the brand embedded its numerical DNA on chain, with an on-chain bingo of sorts, that invited fans and interested crypto enthusiasts to collect numbers. <a href="/from-runway-mastery-to-blockchain-bingo-maison-margielas-unrivaled-influence-in-couture-and-innovation-nB2NYkosOI">The VioletVerse wrote about it here</a>. Collectors of this drop will also gain access to</p>
<p>As the Web3, narrative shifts in fashion, the MetaTABI Collection serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, guiding us towards a future where creativity knows no bounds. And as we step into this brave new world, Maison Margiela stands at the forefront, leading the charge towards a more inclusive, immersive, and infinitely creative future.</p>
<p>The collection will be sold in USD and digital currencies. Sign up here or join the <a href="https://discord.com/invite/BVX">brand's Discord.</a></p>
<p>Read more about <a href="https://www.thefabricant.com/collection/maison-margiela-metatabi">Maison Margiela's Web3 plans</a> on <a href="/glass-skin-products-skyrocketed-by-202-globally-in-the-past-five-years-WSufoaGpT8">VioletVerse here</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Maison Margiela's bold step into Web3

Maison Margiela Launches MetaTABI Collection and Web3 Roadmap

<p>It's been a while since I ventured into the world of online dating. I&nbsp;wrote my first essay about dating in London almost ten years ago, when Tinder was still less than a million users. Now, Tinder is known for the hookup app. Needless to say, I stopped using dating apps when Raya kept matching me with the same guys who wouldn't respond and was based 3,000 miles away.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Lost in Algorithms</strong></p>
<p>It was the summer of 2022, and I was gallivanting around Europe so much that when I settled back down in my home city, the algorithm had my profile stuck in Corsica.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>A Peek at Raya</strong></p>
<p>Then recently, I decided to re-download Raya, a private online dating app that requires you to be recommended, to see if I still had access to the community of A-list daters. Turns out, I do. But when I saw it now costs $50 a month to access a better selection of daters, I quickly abandoned any thought to a date.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Is Online Dating Culture Dying?</strong></p>
<p>I digress, is online dating culture dying? All I hear are horrible hookup stories about subpar dates gone wrong!&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The Enigma of Dating Dynamics</strong></p>
<p>My friend Michael* and I often talk about dating, and unlike him, I'm not a rich tall white man. He is charming, in shape, and a catch to many women, and he flaunts it in my face about how many women ask to pleasure him. Unknowing to me, he has the choice to accept or decline. He spends his time snowboarding and has an apartment with a view overlooking downtown Manhattan, which he pays $4,500 a month for. What's wrong with him, you may ask, since he is not married and just turned 40? He works in crypto and is a recovering alcoholic. I'm assuming he dates immature girls who can't handle someone who is high up in his career. We often flirt in person, but if you've read this piece before, it doesn't end well.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Navigating Financial Dynamics in Relationships</strong></p>
<p>The sprinkle sprinkle movement has infiltrated the tiktok girlies view on what their partners should be bringing to the table.&nbsp;You have to date on values and the money and flows, that's what someone told me. But these days, it seems like we're well on our way to a fifth wave feminism. Women want the soft life. Gen Z and millennials are realizing that the economy has gotten so bad, we can't afford $200 lashes and have reverted back to DIYing and drug store makeup. Even the marketing has changed. Hinge says the app was designed to be deleted, but they are clearly gatekeeping the hot sexy singles. What is it that makes us keep scrolling? According to research conducted by the PEW Institute,&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The Quirks of Dating Preferences</strong></p>
<p>The guy I'm dating thinks Kirkland is luxury, but his white tee shirts are from Nordstrom. That guy turned out to be a total criminal. Meanwhile, during a recent scroll through TikTok, a seemingly nice German Shepard style dude was reeling about how different the egg yolk color is on farm-raised eggs versus the cheaper cartoon. Are we living in a simulation, or am I too poor for that conversation?</p>

Revisiting the World of Online Dating

Is Dating App Culture Dying? 

<p>I am a voracious consumer of news, internet threads, celebrity TV, and crypto culture. It's never-ending, and now that we are on the precipice of our third bull run in history, a lot is going on in my corner of the Telegram chat world.</p>
<ol>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">In a decisive move, the US has placed 13 crypto firms on a&nbsp;</span><a href="https://society22pr.mxbanyan.com/6227cde7f6b2b1cf420868fb/l/Tir5f3BHkRfT5ZXbv?rn=&amp;re=ISbvNmLzVGdpJ3dsVWbAF2czlGbl1mI&amp;sc=false" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://society22pr.mxbanyan.com/6227cde7f6b2b1cf420868fb/l/Tir5f3BHkRfT5ZXbv?rn%3D%26re%3DISbvNmLzVGdpJ3dsVWbAF2czlGbl1mI%26sc%3Dfalse&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1711555784876000&amp;usg=AOvVaw24jslJjm-vJ37UW31Zizkn"><span style="color: #1155cc;">blacklist</span></a><span style="color: #000000;">&nbsp;for being tied to Russian crypto exchanges.</span></li>
<li>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">History&rsquo;s in the making as Bitcoin shatters expectations, soaring an astonishing&nbsp;</span><a href="https://society22pr.mxbanyan.com/6227cde7f6b2b1cf420868fb/l/beiUMzyrahjpiJQIR?rn=&amp;re=ISbvNmLzVGdpJ3dsVWbAF2czlGbl1mI&amp;sc=false" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://society22pr.mxbanyan.com/6227cde7f6b2b1cf420868fb/l/beiUMzyrahjpiJQIR?rn%3D%26re%3DISbvNmLzVGdpJ3dsVWbAF2czlGbl1mI%26sc%3Dfalse&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1711555784876000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1VN0eqqzHV_Hm76Vk1iKV-"><span style="color: #1155cc;">168%</span></a><span style="color: #000000;">&nbsp;over the past six months. Just yesterday morning, it surpassed the $70K mark, a figure that speaks volumes about its growing influence and potential.</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="color: #000000;">MyPrize, the latest entrant in the 'Crypto Casino' arena, has not only captured the imagination of investors but has also secured a jaw-dropping&nbsp;</span><a href="https://society22pr.mxbanyan.com/6227cde7f6b2b1cf420868fb/l/iqjOhVAWpXZ2NKp8u?rn=&amp;re=ISbvNmLzVGdpJ3dsVWbAF2czlGbl1mI&amp;sc=false" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://society22pr.mxbanyan.com/6227cde7f6b2b1cf420868fb/l/iqjOhVAWpXZ2NKp8u?rn%3D%26re%3DISbvNmLzVGdpJ3dsVWbAF2czlGbl1mI%26sc%3Dfalse&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1711555784876000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2T1AllCKt3GMCGfNv2ntqg"><span style="color: #1155cc;">$140M valuation</span></a><span style="color: #000000;">. This sparks an intriguing question: Is the world ready to embrace the fusion of cryptocurrency and online gaming? </span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">Memecoin Mania - PORKS? Sexist and racist comments??&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ol>

Welcome to my weekly brain dump 

Quarterly Trend Report 

Choosing MongoDB for Flexibility and Efficiency  

Part 1: Exploring the Database Structure of Violet Verse CMS  

<p>At the very last minute, I was tapped by my good friend Dani Osorio to MC one of the ETH Denver stages. Apparently, people were dropping like flies when they realized how much brainpower it takes to introduce crypto people and their tech voyager topics. My 4-hour shift was located on the Coral Stage, where I reported for official duty with a 56-year-young woman named Laura who usually works as an AV at the local Denver Pride Festival.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;I have no idea what&rsquo;s going on and why there are so many men with no rings,&rdquo; she informed me when I asked her what she thought about ETH Denver. &ldquo;Since this is a crypto festival, they are probably wearing digital rings.&rdquo; I instantly thought about Reesa Teesa&rsquo;s trust but verified dating commandments.</p>
<h3>What I did the last two years at Eth Denver versus this year was similar.</h3>
<p>My role in ETH Denver for the last two years was sponsor and hackathon judge on behalf of a developer tool. This year, I was going to represent myself, and my projects, as per my GitHub repos. From the presentations of people I was tasked to announce, this was the year of truth and enlightenment. The official conference was themed, &ldquo;the Year of the Spork Whale,&rdquo; a fictitious representation of crypto. Spork because that&rsquo;s the digital coin currency of the ETH Denver, and Whale because it signifies the upcoming bull run. I&rsquo;m not sure if this is completely true, but the power of these types of conferences is that these events hold space for people who have an original idea or project. You can leverage whatever decentralized thoughts you have.</p>
<h3>My conference obsession started very early on in my career.</h3>
<p>I used to be obsessed with the concept of attending conferences and networking in my early 20s. I&rsquo;d apply to fashion conferences as a small freelance writer for The Examiner, Philadelphia region. It was a time when Instagram barely could accommodate videos, and I wasn&rsquo;t on the tech side of Twitter to understand the brevity of how your network is your networth. This is pretty much true in crypto because your success depends on who you know to get a job, who can vouch for you, and what meme-coins you decide to buy.</p>
<p>&nbsp;It was at a brunch when I discovered that a person I know bought a bitcoin a week when they were working as a barista at a coffee shop. These social events you get invited to are alpha sessions. Take notes because the token talk will be fast and web3 coded. I learned this very early on and have been grateful for the people who haven&rsquo;t led me astray.</p>
<h3>This year's energy was fueled by BTC hitting an ATH and setting off the bull market.</h3>
<p>The energy of Eth Denver 2024 was absolutely pure fire. 🔥There were more new projects in the space and there were some noticeably absent projects in the space like Harmony and Truffle. A project's presence at a crypto conference does not necessarily translate to how well they will do in the space. However, the awareness is crucial because more builders are entering willing to try any tool.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Let's face it: Eth Denver activations are expensive. </h3>
<p>When you host intentional events to attract your target audience, your work will go along way when it comes to community building online. People will remember how you made them feel and be more likely to invest their time in getting to know your brand. Again, I learned this early on throwing and hosting events around the world, I have won over many super fan readers, contributors and supporters from my rooftop parties and panel discussions.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Crypto runs off herd mentality and only the brave have authentic thoughts.</h3>
<p>It takes a lot of courage to have an original thought. Eth Denver may be a meeting of the minds, but the narratives were very familiar. We need crypto to be more approachable and cross-chain to onboard a billion users, but there&rsquo;s more to it than just some vague marketing copy.</p>
<h3>Here are 6 Trends For Builders According to Eth Denver that are supposed to be onboarding the next billion users to web3.</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Mobile Wallet Experiences</strong>: From <a href="https://beam.eco/">Beam.eco </a>to <a href="https://twitter.com/emiliemc/status/1766190758208721222">Base, </a>and Uniswap, there was an emphasis on quick ways to create noncustodial wallet experiences in 2 minutes or less for new users.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Consumer goods on-chain</strong> - IYK and Base, both made a huge splash at the Denver &ldquo;shill village.&rdquo; They both had a scavenger hunt where users had to scan codes around the conference center in order to redeem merchandise.&nbsp; Beam.eco released a mobile wallet, and I was able to create a wallet in like 2 seconds. One of the brand ambassadors transferred me 21 USDC to get tacos at the food trucks outside the venue. With a QR code, the taco truck food merchant was able to receive the funds in less than 30 seconds.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Memecoin Mania</strong> - <a href="https://coinmarketcap.com/dexscan/avalanche/0xa4f412e746f240760ecc007f212ae83ec5511b16/">Cockinu on AVAX </a>and <a href="https://www.zoomer.money/">Zoomer.Money,</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/0xChristina/status/1765778212280234108">$bonsai </a>launched on Lens Protocol by airdropping top active social profiles.</li>
<li><strong>DePIN won the Web3 narrative:</strong> DePin stands for Decentralized physical infrastructure networks. It's giving real-world assets a blockchain infrastructure. For example, <a href="https://hellohelium.com/">Helium Mobile</a>, a $20 cell phone service, is the first to really experiment with this. By opting into this service, you earn tokens when people connect to your hotspot and at the same time help "kill dead zones." This solves the problem with cell outages as well because the mobile network is powered by blockchain.</li>
<li><strong>Culture Clubs</strong>: SHE.FI and BOYS CLUB continue to carry the inclusivity within crypto by providing safe spaces for women.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Cool Merch</strong>: Lukso came through with the pink beams and hats, custom jackets for the team, and cute mugs and blankets for the Boys' Club community. Cube AI data team had iconic Stanley cups. Meanwhile, Polygon blockchain was giving out wellness bags featuring organic toothpaste and mouthwash for the developers who need it... I guess. ZKSync attracted a huge crowd of attendees hoping to get their hands on a sleek black sweatsuit and Flow blockchain hosted a hacker host and I got my hands one of their trendy flow hoodies in anticipation of the <a href="https://flow.com/upgrade/crescendo">Crescendo network upgrade.</a></li>
</ul>
<p>In conclusion, ETH Denver 2024 re-invigorated my passion for exploring the deep and overflowing landscape of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. This past year has really taken a toll on my mental health, and I questioned if I should even be in this industry in the first place.&nbsp; I needed to meet up with like-minded individuals to rally, and as I talked to my crypto besties, they too felt the same way. It was nice to chat with innovative projects in the spirit of collaboration.</p>
<p>From unique mobile wallet experiences to participating in scavenger hunts on-chain, not to mention the rise of memecoin experiences, the conference highlighted key trends shaping the narratives of Web3. As we navigate this rapidly evolving space, it's clear that fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and cross-chain interoperability will be essential for driving widespread adoption.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Insights from ETH Denver 2024: Trends, Brand Tales, and Crypto Transformations



My 3rd ETH Denver Was A Meeting Of The Besties 

<p>It was all over my timeline the week of Valentine's Day when I finally clicked on Part 13 of Reesa Teesa dramatically recounting how her ex-husband spewed hundreds of lies to her over the course of their two-year relationship. From not showing proof of funds to playing arena football and claiming private citizen status, men in Atlanta are a different breed.</p>
<h3>I want to see London and Paris.</h3>
<p>Reesa Teesa said she failed to see the red flags and even has voice notes of her trying to make sense of it all. I think the obvious is that women who neglect their intuition will also learn the hard way, but your intuition will always be there when you need it.</p>
<h3>GRWM: "I'm going to do the best I can to go in order."</h3>
<p>These 10-minute videos were packed with anecdotes and dreams from the creator, who was vulnerable about her pain. There was no background music. The introduction starts out with a GRWM-style video, native to the platform, while outlining how the creator will not use real names and sarcasm. It appears as if she does it in one take. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry.</p>
<p>She created a playlist to help viewers follow along in her journey. There was no editing, barely a ring light. Just Reesa Teesa in the limelight. On the heels of TikTok losing access to all UMG music, many thought this would be the demise of the social platform which heavily relies on music for its virility. Then came Reesa Teesa's heartbreaking story of how her ex-husband, aka "the one," was lied to and cheated on by a "pathological liar." Not surprisingly, it's relatable.</p>
<h3><strong>How a 50-part 10-minute long video series changed the TikTok algorithm overnight.&nbsp;</strong></h3>
<p>Since the series published just a few days ago, the videos have already amassed over 100 million views on TikTok and even more repackaged clips across YouTube and IG! Meanwhile, Hilton, Delta, and even BMW have entered the chat offering free products and future opportunities.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><br>The problem I have with TikTok paying creators is that they make it hard to get paid in the first place.</h3>
<p>Moreover, Reesa Teesa announced that she was not in the creator fund when she started recording the series. However, a few days in she joined but was quickly suspended from the creator fund for re-uploading videos and not following guidelines. It would be wise for TikTok to make it right by the creator and atleast give Reesa the flowers 💐 she deserves for helping to push their new long form feature forward! Either way, Reesa is a natural digital storyteller and with a bit of mentorship and resources, she will make a mark on any platform.<br><br></p>
<p>What do you think?&nbsp;</p>

How a 50-part 10-minute long video series changed the TikTok algorithm overnight. 

Who TF Did I Marry? By Reesa Teesa

<p>In the March 2024 issue of Vogue Magazine, there's a long overdue profile about the man, myth and legend John Galliano, who is back at the helm of Maison Margiela. The essay details the story about how Galliano was essentially canceled for spewing hateful anti-Semitic marks at a popular French restaurant in Paris during &nbsp;the early 2000s, pre-Facebook and camera phone era. He was s&uacute;per intoxicated and apparently self- destructive state. Still, people heard it, as it was all over the press and tabloids. Almost immediately, Galliano was fired from his then designer position at the House of Dior. The article goes on to say how Galliano went through a lengthy recovery cycle, quit abusing substances and eventual made his comeback after making a public apology.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Today, I haven't been the same since he sent Maison Margiela's collection down the runway and erupted a whole new era of loud wealth. I'm still itching to try the glass skin makeup look.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Anyways, Ye and Galliano are both enigmatic characters in fashion and they have been my Roman Empire.&nbsp; One would be stupid to think that they don't share similar storylines, outcasted and theatrical as both appear to be. Once again, fashion is political and unapologetic, addicting and hard to control.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>We ride at dawn.&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Vulture's by Ye and Ty Dolla $ign has been on replay since they soft launched the entire album in Miami during Art Basel. Multiple songs are currently also on Billboard Top 100. I watched the pop-up concerts on livestream and through the lens of Yes Julz. It was a giving "building in public" energy which tech people can attest to and why I've been hooked to the new rebrand.</p>
<p>Since late 2023, Ye has been making his way back into the limelight as an independent and bullish musician and fashion designer, and personal husband-stylist to Bianca Censori. With the launch of his independent album, came another gritty version of Yeezy, his namesake brand that has gone through a dark rebrand from Adidas. Everything about it is black but authentic and daringly bold.</p>
<h3>Fans are in it.&nbsp;</h3>
<p>His loyal fan base is pumped and ready to go. The rollout features a multi-city pop up tour in Vegas, Chicago, and Milan to name a few, with an unforgettable Superbowl commercial that earned his clothing brand $19 million in less than 24 hours. Plus, his firstborn daughter North West is not beating the allegation of being just like her father. Miss. Westie is the moment and with "Talking" topping the charts, her stardom is natural.</p>
<h3>Ye is in his villain era.&nbsp;</h3>
<p>The question is if it's a good era to be in, which is up to public debate. And the people are talking critically. On top of that, there's a subset of people who think Bianca Censori is problematic because of her sexuality being flaunted without context. She's yet to be quoted by any press on what she thinks of her husband's actions. Meanwhile her style choices are shockingly and devastatingly chic. She&rsquo;s submissive. It's giving bit IDK energy. Many concerns stem from her barely-there outfits. But At the Marni show, she was seen in this superhero leather bodysuit, that was giving body hottie. It would be hard to look away at her angles, her physique is toned in the paparazzi shots. Not to mention, Ye has been notorious for creative directing paparazzi shots. I don&rsquo;t know enough to disagree with her relationship to Ye, but from what I see, she&rsquo;s out making a statement. Being with a man like Ye, you can&rsquo;t wear just anything. I Can see her architecture background also playing a role in her style. I think she likes what she wears in public at least.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<figure><img src="https://imgs.search.brave.com/Lmo0BsTMl3lsFVJydZtj26vZ4yC0c2bi1pE5s-A4fio/rs:fit:500:0:0/g:ce/aHR0cHM6Ly9wYWdl/c2l4LmNvbS93cC1j/b250ZW50L3VwbG9h/ZHMvc2l0ZXMvMy8y/MDI0LzAxL2VtZXJn/aW5nLXRhbm5pbmct/c2Fsb24tYmlhbmNh/LWNlbnNvcmktNzUz/MzQ4ODNfODJmYWQ0/LmpwZz9xdWFsaXR5/PTc1JnN0cmlwPWFs/bCZ3PTY4Mw" alt="Bianca Censori">
<figcaption spellcheck="false" data-lt-tmp-id="lt-617968" data-gramm="false"><a href="https://yeezy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yeezy.com</a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>But to me, the public&rsquo;s opinion all very contradictory and closed-minded. She looked happy at the Marni show, and if you're going to attend a show like Marni, you better bring it.&nbsp; Aren't celebrities supposed to orchestrate their whole career? I'd rather not be a puppet but the director, even if it's outlandish and against public opinion. Who cares? Meanwhile, his clothing sales have skyrocketed. I heard he was going broke, but IDK what that means because that can all change fast with the speed of money.&nbsp;</p>
<figure><img src="https://pagesix.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/north-west-10-shares-drawing-76594883.jpg?w=795" alt="North West drawing" width="500">
<figcaption spellcheck="false" data-lt-tmp-id="lt-674024" data-gramm="false">TikTok/@kimandnorth</figcaption>
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<h3>It's not like she's getting catcalled to her face.&nbsp;</h3>
<p>It's the clothes that are wearing Bianca, and in this case, it's totally okay in this instance. She&rsquo;s been seen in stockings, a bikini top with just the nipples covered, a poncho of sorts. I wouldn't wear any of it, but if she likes it, do you boo! Maybe she wanted a rebranding too. When you're in a relationship with someone as masculine as Kanye West, that requires a lot of patience and attention to detail, I would imagine.</p>
<h3>Do it</h3>
<p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">While architecture was hopping off boats in Italy last summer, we were too busy at Turks &amp; Caicos. I mean a Kanye West makeover is a once - in - a - lifetime experience. All past girlfriends are doing well. So why are people made, again?&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>Are you buying Yeezy.com? Everything is currently $20.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Ye is in is villain era. 

Ye, Vultures and Bianca Censori

<p>I was attending a luxury car club event to hear a McLaren executive talk about sustainability when I noticed that both of us were wearing the same Bottega Veneta oversized ear cuffs in gold. Dupes or not, they were exuding rich girl energy. Currently, Milan Fashion Week is experiencing a bit of a revival as celebs like Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), his wife Bianca Censori, Solange Knowles, and ASAP Rocky have been photographed gallivanting the circuit. This brand has a history of absolutely fire aesthetics.</p>
<p><img src="https://imgs.search.brave.com/gC3wAI3XPmdhhb4an8tljQu6VUwwH3Bw2UAR0rQfuq0/rs:fit:500:0:0/g:ce/aHR0cHM6Ly93d2Qu/Y29tL3dwLWNvbnRl/bnQvdXBsb2Fkcy8y/MDIyLzAyL0JvdHRl/Z2FfVmVuZXRhX1NG/XzY2MjAuanBnP2Ny/b3A9MHB4LDY0NXB4/LDU1MDRweCwzMDc4/cHgmcmVzaXplPTEw/MDAsNTYz" alt="Bottega Veneta"></p>
<p>This season's offerings effortlessly blend silhouettes, from asymmetrical off-the-shoulder designs with luxurious yet durable fabrics like silk, polyester, and chiffon to looks tailored for women who exude confidence and purpose. Bottega Veneta is the epitome of sophistication and innovation.</p>
<h3>These are clothes you can go places in.</h3>
<p>Of course, the accessories are a focal point for this house. Models came down the runway styled with two bags, and I feel seen again. I, too, carry two bags. Don't you?"</p>

While millennials/gen-z/ alpha girlies duke it out on what's in and out, I'll be over here gagging on my chic maxi era. Bottega Veneta stays true to its mission and delivers. 

Bottega Veneta | Fall Winter 2024/2025 

<p>In an attention economy, what else is left to stand out and receive unlimited likes? <a href="https://www.draup.xyz/">DRAUP</a> has just debuted a digital garment rental program that allows fashion content creators to try on their proprietary couture looks.</p>
<p>If you're new here, we've been covering DRAUP since last year, and it's been amazing to witness the growth of a digital closet and the creation of new avenues for digital fashion.</p>
<p>That's why I was particularly interested in demoing their garment share program. I filled out a form and was subsequently sent an email requesting a few photos of myself so they could digitally install the garment on my body. What you see is basically what you get.</p>
<p>How do I look?&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cN4HRdsRThw?si=kDpaKd9Rhp067SU6" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Digital Fashion House 

Dressed In DRAUP

<p>I&rsquo;ve been consumed by Margeaux, a fictitious character played by SAG-AFTRA actor Patricia Black for luxury costume jewelry brand Alexis Bittar. The creative advertising video series depicts an older dilettante <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">woman from the Upper East Side who is a bit of an enigma in the upper class art society in New York, bossing around her young hopeful assistant. From high class parties with fashion folk, to a &ldquo;very brief tour&rdquo; of her apartment featuring expensive relics and to-die for interiors, Margeaux is subtly adorned in Alexis Bittar jewelry.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Video ads are getting a makeover in presentation.</span></h3>
<p>In contrast to the traditional forms of advertising, which often relied on direct, overt sales pitches, modern video advertising has undergone a huge transformation thanks to social media's push for short-form camera phone content. Gone are the days of cheesy infomercials and blatant overselling tactics. Today's consumers are more discerning, more digitally savvy, and more attuned to authenticity. They demand ads that not only showcase products but also resonate with their values, aspirations, and cultural sensibilities.</p>
<h3>What traditional advertising does wrong is shooting content through a cheesy, overly-produced lens.</h3>
<p>Traditional advertising methods often involved interrupting consumers with intrusive commercials on television, radio, or in print media. These ads tended to be straightforward and focused solely on pushing products or services, with little regard for storytelling or emotional connection. While they may have been effective in reaching broad audiences, they often failed to leave a lasting impression or build meaningful relationships with consumers.</p>
<h3>TikTok has become a mecca for overnight content creators who are getting their 15-minutes of fame whether brands are paying for it or not!&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Moreover, traditional advertising suffered from a lack of targeting and personalization. Advertisers from skincare to ecommerce shopping sites would cast a wide net in the hopes of reaching potential customers, resulting in wasted resources and diminished returns on investment.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Let's look at Cetaphil, which is a cult - favorite among dermatologists, that decided to enter the big leagues by copying the concept of their commercial from a small creator on TikTok. The idea was simple - capture potential customers through relatable messaging of a Daughter-Dad relationship. What the ad did not mention is that the Ceptaphil's Superbowl documenting her budding relationship with a Step-Dad through GRWM-videos, was a knockoff version of this TikTok creator's real content and situation.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imgs.search.brave.com/JZrMU8SYZ-Fz0ZxLYfJZgNncpYJPL-Il7SV5RiHdaHs/rs:fit:860:0:0/g:ce/aHR0cHM6Ly9pLmlu/c2lkZXIuY29tLzY1/YzkwNzkzOTE3YTFk/YWUwMjQ1NTIyMz93/aWR0aD03MDA" alt="Preview: Cetaphil Super Bowl ad"></p>
<p>Enter modern video advertising, which embraces a more nuanced approach to storytelling and brand promotion. Instead of bombarding viewers with sales pitches, brands are now crafting narrative-driven ads that entertain, educate, and inspire. These ads seek to engage viewers on a deeper level by tapping into their emotions, aspirations, and cultural zeitgeist.</p>
<p>One notable example of this shift is the rise of branded content and influencer marketing. Brands are partnering with creators and influencers to produce authentic, relatable content that seamlessly integrates product placements and endorsements. By leveraging the reach and credibility of these influencers, brands can reach highly targeted audiences and foster genuine connections with consumers.</p>
<figure><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://pagesix.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/kanye-west-promotes-yeezy-fashion-76389892.jpg?w=1024" alt="Kanye West promotes Yeezy fashion line in bizarre Super Bowl commercial" width="500">
<figcaption spellcheck="false" data-lt-tmp-id="lt-274298" data-gramm="false">Kanye West Superbowl Commercial <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUnzBKjWepM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></figcaption>
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<p>Another trend in modern video advertising is the use of humor, wit, and creativity to capture viewers' attention. Instead of taking themselves too seriously, brands are embracing levity and whimsy in their ads, making them more memorable and shareable. This approach not only helps cut through the noise of traditional advertising but also allows brands to showcase their personality and values in a more authentic way.</p>
<p>Furthermore, advancements in technology have enabled brands to deliver personalized, interactive video experiences tailored to individual preferences and behaviors. Through data-driven targeting and dynamic content optimization, brands can deliver the right message to the right person at the right time, maximizing relevance and effectiveness.</p>
<p>So, modern video advertising represents a departure from the traditional hard sell approach, focusing instead on creativity, authenticity, and audience engagement. By embracing storytelling, humor, and personalization, brands can cut through the clutter and forge meaningful connections with today's discerning consumers. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, expect to see even more innovative and immersive forms of video advertising that blur the lines between entertainment and marketing.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Read more: <a href="/does-traditional-art-match-up-to-nfts-photographys-avant-garde-comeback-QTFoP5Fne8">Does Traditional Art Match Up to NFTs? Photography's Avant-Garde Comeback</a></p>
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TL;DR: Get creative with what you're selling.

We’ve Finally Entered The Era of Creative Video Ads

<p>Farcaster has been causing quite the commotion among developers and Web3 evangelists lately. Former Coinbase executive Dan Romero is the founder of Farcaster and has recently secured $30 million from top-tier investors, including a16z and Coinbase.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Farcaster is a community-created protocol for constructing decentralized social applications.</h3>
<p>Developers can utilize Farcaster to construct new, decentralized social networks, enabling the protocol to address the complex challenges of managing user identities and data. Users can establish a new account under their control and register to utilize any of these applications. Users retain full control over their data and identity and can seamlessly transition between applications.</p>
<p>And I know what you're going to say: Another decentralized social media app? How do you think I feel about reporting and growing another channel? But this time, it is proving to be different.</p>
<p>It's a little early to make that call, but this is Farcaster's "Clubhouse moment" when they finally welcome ordinary tech users and erudite folks who can't stop yapping about any and everything.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The key will be observing how Farcaster handles an influx of token hunters and potentially malicious builders, while still maintaining the well-curated builder vibe.</p>
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<p><em>Here are some key features to consider joining the platform:&nbsp;</em></p>
<h3>What are Warps?</h3>
<p>Warps peacock as currency which unlock different features in the Farcaster ecosystem. It's a bit different from most social platforms. In efforts to prevent bots and spam, there's a level of investment users have to make in order to start a channel for a discussion of sorts and the stark difference of hashtags.&nbsp; However, there are no fees for joining or posting -- to my knowledge.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What are Casts?&nbsp;</h3>
<p>When you type a post, there's an option to broad "cast" it out to various channels related to your post. This is a "new" way to look at segmenting and hashtagging but in a more organized layout. For example, I'm following /fashion, which is a channel about fashion. When I go to cast out my content, I will select the fashion channel and all discussions related to that are neatly organized in a separate feed. However, what shows up on my feed are all my fees, with a marker of where it was casted. This is for an on-chain data logic, where builders can target casters of certain channels.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What are Channels?</h3>
<p>You can follow the channels on Farcaster or some channels can be token-gated and made available to an exclusive subset of people. This is where Web3 is activated because these channels can be open to the public or exclusive to people who old various coins. From what I understand, anyone can create a channel with 2,500 WARPS, which is around 25USD. Users have to buy WARPS from their Coinbase wallet, and transact from there.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What are Frames?</h3>
<p>A frame as a distribution channel. The beauty about Farcaster is the decentralization and permissionless aspect of it all. The data can be used to deploy Frames, which in turn is growth hack for anything you want to bring to awareness.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Getting Started For Normies</h3>
<p><a href="https://warpcast.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Download Warpcast application</a> on your mobile phone. Create an account with your email or Web3 wallet. Record your seed phrase, you know the rules for this, or revisit it in our post <a href="/best-web3-security-practices-you-should-remember-o-zAzDpWLS" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Best Web3 Security Practices You Should Remember.</a></p>
<h3>Getting Started For Developers&nbsp;</h3>
<p>The fastest way to get up to speed on the protocol is by watching the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMWjol6xHJ0&amp;list=PL0eq1PLf6eUdm35v_840EGLXkVJDhxhcF">video series</a>.</p>
<p>If you want to dig deeper, we also recommend that you:</p>
<ol>
<li>Read the&nbsp;<a href="https://github.com/farcasterxyz/protocol/blob/main/docs/OVERVIEW.md">overview</a>&nbsp;for a high-level picture of the problems, goals and design.</li>
<li>Review&nbsp;<a href="https://github.com/farcasterxyz/protocol/blob/main/docs/PROPOSALS.md">proposals</a>, for historical context behind some of our design decisions.</li>
<li>Take a look at&nbsp;<a href="https://github.com/farcasterxyz/hub-monorepo">Hubble</a>, an implementation of a Farcaster Hub.</li>
<li>Review the&nbsp;<a href="https://github.com/farcasterxyz/contracts">smart contracts</a>&nbsp;on the Ethereum blockchain.</li>
<li>Dive into the&nbsp;<a href="https://github.com/farcasterxyz/protocol/blob/main/docs/SPECIFICATION.md">specifications</a>&nbsp;to understand the low-level details.</li>
</ol>
<h3>Will Frames on Farcaster Change The Vibe Of Social Media?</h3>
<figure><img src="https://akns-images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2024019/rs_1024x759-240119132558-1024-raven-symone-zenon-girl-21st-century-disney.jpg?fit=around%7C1024:759&amp;output-quality=90&amp;crop=1024:759;center,top" alt="Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century, Raven-Symone" width="500">
<figcaption spellcheck="false" data-lt-tmp-id="lt-249354" data-gramm="false">What social platform will I Warp to next?</figcaption>
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<p>As <a href="https://www.eonline.com/news/1393551/zenon-girl-of-the-21st-century-turns-25-celebrate-with-facts-thatll-make-you-say-cetus-lupeedus">Zenon, Girl of the 21st Century series</a> turns 25 this year, I feel like my passion for tech has truly come full circle. Where will I warp to next? Will you be logging in and using Warpcast app? There's also a ecommerce element, called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.warpshop.xyz/">Warpshop </a>where people are able to sell tangible items. It's basically its own decentralized ecosystem that the Web3 degens are loving, but for normies, it's a bit complicated. Still, mainstream press is picking up steam. With so many social media platforms being created on a monthly basis, look out for more coverage on which ones have staying power in the Violet Verse.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Read more on Violet Verse: </strong><a href="/lenster-try-this-crypto-friendly-social-media-lenster-7DdYZglQYV">Lens Creator Lab: An Overview of Notes and Action Items</a></p>
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The latest Web3 social media platform to breakout is challenging the experience of social media as we know it.

Will Frames on Farcaster Change The Vibe Of Social Media?

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<p>The Gaming and Bitcoin are finally merging, the masterminds behind the iconic Deadfellaz brand have launched Bits.&nbsp;</p>
<p>So, what exactly are Bits? Well, imagine 10,000 pixels in Deadfellas aesthetic brought to life through the magic of <a href="https://ordinalsbot.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ordinals Bot</a>. These aren't just any old characters; they're part of an indie gaming-focused ordinals with creative direction heavily giving retro vibes. And the best part? It's all being powered on Magic Eden's new Bitcoin marketplace, which is proving to be a destination for high-quality multi-chain projects.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Bits founding team are a fork of the Deadfellaz community, and will run Bits as its own flagship BTC IP under the DFZ Labs ecosystem with Betty and Psych serving as mentors &amp; advisors.&nbsp;<br><br></p>
<blockquote dir="ltr">&ldquo;Psych &amp; I are passionate about creating opportunities for individuals we have seen excel in web3 through passion and skill. Watching the rapid growth and innovation within the Ordinals ecosystem over its first year presented an opportunity to incubate a talented team from within the Deadfellaz community. While some might have expected us to just make some new Deadfellaz on BTC to sell - we didn&rsquo;t see any valid reason to do that. Instead, we have opted to create something valuable and independent. With amazing founding members such as Azimuth, whose passion and work on Bits will provide further opportunities for the entire DFZ LABS ecosystem.&rdquo; - BETTY, CEO OF DFZ LABS</blockquote>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Now, you might be wondering, what's the deal with Bitcoin ordinals, and how do they relate to the blockchain? Bitcoin ordinals are essentially a unique digital asset inscribed onto the Bitcoin blockchain. They represent ownership or participation in a specific project or community, and in this case, Bits is pioneering a new era of gaming on the Bitcoin blockchain.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>But Bits isn't just about collecting cool pixel characters.</h2>
<p>&nbsp;It's about revolutionizing the gaming industry by bringing indie gaming to BTC and bringing together the NFT communities. As mentioned, the Deadfellas founders Betty and Pysch are on a mission to create a game development incubator like no other, complete with a roguelite game world filled with user-generated content.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>And here's the kicker: they're flipping the 'Play to Earn' model on its head, focusing instead on a 'Build to Win, Play to Enjoy' approach.</h2>
<p>In simpler terms, this means that instead of just playing to earn rewards, players and creators alike will contribute to building an immersive gaming experience while reaping the benefits along the way. This trend has been huge when it comes to the ethos of Web3. And with DFZ Labs at the helm, alongside mentors like Betty and Psych, you can bet that Bits is set to be a game-changer in the next wave of gaming.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Bits is built upon the thesis that games should be played for enjoyment, and the builders of those games should be empowered and rewarded.&rdquo; &ndash; Psych, Director of DFZ</p>
<h2>But wait, there's a special airdrop!</h2>
<p>It's definitely airdrop season for the OG Deadfellas collectors, who will be eligible in calling dibs on 500 air-drops of Bits to top Deadfellaz collectors and community contributors.</p>
<h2>Plus, they're hosting a Twitter/X Spaces to give you the inside scoop on how to get involved.&nbsp;</h2>
<p>So, whether you're an OG NFT collector looking for something to spice up your wallet or a casual gamer looking to dive into the world of NFTs, Bits is definitely an attractive project that's sure to compete with other NFT projects like Bored Ape's Yuga Labs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Stay tuned for insight into Bits and their new journey to Magic Eden's Bitcoin Ordinal Marketplace. Crypto's consumer project era is at an ATH.&nbsp; Listen to the <a href="https://twitter.com/Deadfellaz/status/1755950039766389221">Twitter Spaces here.</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;Read more gaming on Violet Verse: <a href="/navigating-the-uncharted-waters-of-crypto-gaming-and-web-3-games-shaping-the-future-of-industry-reporting-Rak93qZhC6">Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Crypto Gaming and Web 3 Games: Shaping the Future of Industry Reporting</a></p>
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Bitcoin Ordinals is heating up with blockchain gaming!

Introducing Bits: A Game-Changer in the World of Bitcoin Ordinals

<p>Over a decade ago, my inaugural experience with New York Fashion Week (NYFW) commenced with a glimpse of the iconic Tents at Lincoln Center on a cold and snowy February day. Sneaking into a Zac Posen show and attending a satellite sustainability event downtown marked my entry into this glamorous world of interesting people. Now, as NYFW returns this February 2024, it promises to be grander than ever before with so many entry points to catch a vibe.</p>
<p>Pro-tip: If you want to be invited to shows as an influencer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gpsradar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">download GPS Rada</a>r to apply to shows, panels, and exclusive fashion events.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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<h3><strong>Feb. 8: NYFW Pre-events Happening at The Public Hotel in Soho</strong></h3>
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<li>Pilates Wellness</li>
<li>Special Cocktail Hour&nbsp;<a href="https://www.publichotels.com/newyork/calendar?utm_source=cendyn&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=nyfw_2024_at_public">RSVP here.</a></li>
<li>Christian Siriano Afterparty<a href="https://www.publichotels.com/newyork/calendar?utm_source=cendyn&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=nyfw_2024_at_public">&nbsp;RSVP here.</a></li>
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<p></p>
<h3>Feb. 9: Fashion&rsquo;s Superbowl Sunday Kicks Off!</h3>
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<li>Helmut Lang: Catering to the clean girl aesthetic.</li>
<li>Kim Shui: The iconic downtown brand promises an unforgettable return.</li>
<li>Event: A Celebration of Hair and Makeup Equity with Black Beauty Roster will take place at the official NYFW venue.</li>
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<p>NYFW Curve: Plus Size show</p>
<div><img tabindex="0" src="https://wire-files.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/event/picture/65b3f949029445002bd344fa/square_nyfw_plus_designers.jpg" alt="NYFW Curve: Plus Size show"></div>
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<dd>1000 Dean St, Brooklyn, NY 11238<br>United States of America</dd>
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<div><img tabindex="0" src="https://wire-files.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/event/picture/657b7eb990d08d0025d55380/square_img_1448.jpg" alt="New York Fashion Week Streetstyle Show: SFWRUNWAY"></div>
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<h3>Feb. 10: Only Sit Front Row</h3>
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<li>Bagley Mischa: This designer is for girlies who love dramatic gown moments.</li>
<li>Eckhaus Latta: This brand is old-money elegance with casual styles.</li>
<li>PatBo: If you&rsquo;re in your lucky girl syndrome era, this whimsical brand is your go-to capsule collection.</li>
<li>Kid Super: Stop by the opening of Kid Super&rsquo;s concept store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.</li>
<li>The Blonds: Expect drama and fierce looks on this runway.</li>
<li>NYFW After party at Public Hotel: This event will be hosted by Shaun Ross and friends,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.publichotels.com/newyork/calendar?utm_source=cendyn&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=nyfw_2024_at_public" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RSVP here.</a></li>
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<figure><img style="float: left;" src="https://wire-files.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/event/picture/65b2aeed7e0f8b000215bf5a/hires_65b2aedbdba691706208987.jpg" alt="Tiffany Brown W25 Runway Show" width="500">
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<h3>Mefeater Exclusive Events This February 2024</h3>
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<li><strong>Shop Women Marketplace:</strong>&nbsp;Right before the Runway Show, join us for SHOP WOMEN, MEFeater&rsquo;s Pop-Up Presentation featuring a collective of women and ally-owned brands.&nbsp;<a href="https://mefeaterevents.com/products/shop-women-ticket">Free with RSVP.</a></li>
<li><strong>Mefeater&rsquo;s Galentine&rsquo;s Day Show:&nbsp;</strong>This runway show will feature several designer collections. For standing and seated tickets,&nbsp;<a href="https://mefeaterevents.com/collections/club-pink-galentines-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">buy here.</a></li>
<li><strong>MEfeater&rsquo;s Club Pink:</strong>&nbsp;Join us for a celebration after the runway.&nbsp;<a href="https://mefeaterevents.com/products/galentines-club-pink-vip-ticket" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy tickets here.</a></li>
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<h3>Feb. 11: NYFW Shopping Favorites</h3>
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<li>Ella Johnson: Offering vacation looks and soft feminine style.</li>
<li>Area: Consistently delivering sparkly looks, this show will be packed with celebrities and influencers.</li>
<li>Christian Cowan: Returns to the calendar after a stint away from the runway.</li>
<li>Ludovic De Saint Sernin: Hailing from Paris, this eponymous line will bring the chic to the Big Apple.</li>
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<h3>Feb. 12: Gala Season Collections</h3>
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<li>Retrofete: Essential designer dresses for every party girl.</li>
<li>Sergio Hudson: A favorite of Keke Palmer&rsquo;s go-to red carpet looks, this designer will be star-studded!</li>
<li><strong style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">NEGRIS LEBUM FW 24-25 WORLD PEACE COLLECTION </strong>
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<div><img tabindex="0" src="https://wire-files.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/event/picture/65ab63b51b90bb00251ef45f/square_external-file_edited.jpg" alt="NEGRIS LEBUM FW 24-25 WORLD PEACE COLLECTION"></div>
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<h3>Feb. 13: The Shows Continue</h3>
<ul data-skm-boomerang-el-0="processed">
<li>Bishme Cromartie: This brand won Project Runway and is now presenting to the big leagues, this show is not to be missed.</li>
<li>Batsheva: Soft feminine dresses for the soft girl era.</li>
<li>EDGE: The Future of Fashion Tech Networking event, RSVP&nbsp;<a href="https://lu.ma/edgenyfw">here</a></li>
<li>ICON: An NYFW After Party,&nbsp;<a href="https://partiful.com/e/0s4Vgq3BebMHa1kIqBQc">RSVP here</a></li>
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<h3>Feb.14: Valentine&rsquo;s Day</h3>
<ul>
<li>Bevza: A Ukrainian-based independent brand featuring fine jewelry, footwear, and accessories is showing its latest products at the official NYFW venue.</li>
<li>Thom Browne: This brand is always a favorite amongst the sophisticated and cool crowd.</li>
<li><em>A downloadable version of the official schedule is available<a href="https://nyfw.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/NYFWFeb24_Schedule_020524.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;here</a>.</em></li>
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<h3>Additionally, schedule dinner and fashion putting with your fashion week besties!</h3>
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<p>Beyond the catwalk is the vibrant NYFW community. Make your way downtown, which offers respite and inspiration through various fashion exhibitions. "Women Dressing Women" will be on display at <a href="https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/women-dressing-women" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Met's Costume Institute.</a> Another must-attend art event, The Museum at FIT, is currently showcasing "Statement Sleeves." For dinner plans, be sure to make reservations for Chef Kwame and the Polo Bar restaurants. For the full NYC fashion girl experience, spend the night or two at The Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking. The location will leave you at the center of everything and a straight route to LGA airport for those coming from out of town. What show or event did we miss?</p>
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<p>&nbsp;Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@thevoncomplex?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Mike Von</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-woman-in-a-short-skirt-and-jacket-holding-a-white-bag-lde8WUNdTcc?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></p>
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New York Fashion Week is here!

Last Minute Plans? NYFW 2024 Fashion and Tech Calendar 

<p>In their latest company memo, e.l.f. Beauty announced their remarkable financial growth and market share expansion in 2023. Ahead of their latest product launch, powered by Obsess, the brand shares why they're a cult favorite.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As technology continues to infiltrate into the CPG market, there's one reason why virtual experiences are here to stay, and it has to do with marketing and accessibility. e.l.f. Beauty products are sold across drugstores and rank in millions in sales. Compared to other beauty brands like <a href="https://drugstorenews.com/winning-beauty-pageant-drug-stores-want-more-timely-trendy-beauty-offerings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">L'Or&eacute;al and P&amp;G</a>, it's no comparisons to billions in revenue but they are ranked #3 in the color cosmetic category.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D5622AQEJZKPXHhxhOQ/feedshare-shrink_800/0/1707256963536?e=1710374400&amp;v=beta&amp;t=-dBMPmwWQbjXCvu8c2uWoPojOt18di3ePsc81bZZtGA" alt="chart, histogram"></p>
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<h2>Here are a few highlights from their press release:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Total revenue surged, with net sales rising by 85% to $270.9 million for the three-month period and by 80% to $702.8 million for the nine-month period.<br>- Gross margin improved by around 350-400 basis points, primarily due to favorable foreign exchange impacts, cost efficiencies, and channel mix optimization.<br>- Despite increased selling, general, and administrative expenses, adjusted EBITDA saw significant growth, reaching $59.1 million for the three-month period and $193.8 million for the nine-month period.<br>- The company experienced substantial market share gains, adding 305 basis points during the three-month period.<br>- e.l.f. Beauty has raised its fiscal 2024 outlook following these strong results.<br>- The growth was attributed to robust performance in both retailer and e-commerce channels across color cosmetics and skincare segments</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exploring-virtual-stores-w-john-cates-3d-design-lead/id1668416806?i=1000614418393">Listen to our Podcast: Exploring Virtual Stores w/ John Cates, 3D Design Lead at Obsess</a></p>
<h2>The brand continues to innovate and share new ways to interact with beauty.&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Additionally, e.l.f. Beauty introduced an innovative Apple Vision Pro AR experience powered by <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exploring-virtual-stores-w-john-cates-3d-design-lead/id1668416806?i=1000614418393">Obsess, </a>which builds immersive software experiences.&nbsp; Upon entering the world, users can explore different vibes with high-frequency audio tunes and guided meditation. According to their announcement on LinkedIn:&nbsp;</p>
<blockquote>
<p>&ldquo;your best e.l.f.&rdquo; is an eyes.lips.first as we are one of the debut beauty brands to go on this journey with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/apple/" target="_self" data-test-app-aware-link="">Apple</a>. <br><br>Explore Camo Cove, Big Mood, and Halo Glow, each themed after an e.l.f. holy grail product, to engage in a moment for yourself with guided meditations and stretching exercises. <br><br>In this new era of immersive spatial shopping, we are able to further connect, entertain, and surprise and delight our community. If you&rsquo;re there, we&rsquo;re there. <br><br>To share this moment with you, we are giving away one Apple Vision Pro! Be sure to be on the lookout across e.l.f.&rsquo;s social channels for more details on how to enter! <br>&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.elfcosmetics.com/your-best-elf">experience here.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Overall, e.l.f. Beauty demonstrates consistent and exceptional growth, reflecting its commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction in the competitive makeup market. The brand has definitely matured and will be celebrating its 20 years on the market.</p>

Would you wear an Apple Vision Pro to experience "Slay Stress" and "Big Breath Energy" AR meditation?

e.l.f. Beauty Reports $270.9 million In Sales Ahead of Their Apple Vision Pro Experience 

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<p>According to a study by fashion retailer <a href="https://us.boohoo.com/womens/dresses/silver-dresses" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us.boohoo.com/womens/dresses/silver-dresses&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1707267082197000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1WsbysaqdGPtqFygRFC8zO">Boohoo</a>, worldwide Google searches skyrocketed by over 182% for 'sparkly dress' in the past five years.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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<p>The metallic trend dominated the Grammy Awards carpet, with many celebrities flocking to wear the color. Celebrities include Dua Lipa in a plunging, shimmery custom Courr&egrave;ges gown with hip cut-outs. The singer completed the look with a Tiffany &amp; Co. diamond choker necklace. 'Silver sparkle dress' searches have exploded by 183% globally over the past ten years, a monumental spike in people Googling for silver statement outfits. Silver dresses are at their highest fashion point in five years, with a global search increase for 'silver dress' rising 89%.</p>
<h2>Rhinestones and Sequins Stole the Red Carpet&nbsp;</h2>
GRAMMY&reg; nominated for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album <strong><a href="https://ajamonet.com/">Aja Monet</a> </strong>went for a more black on vibe, wearing <a href="https://www.albertaferretti.com/us_en/long-dress-with-sequin-embroidery-black-aef241u-046116140555.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alberta Ferretti</a>. The gown features floral patches embroidered with sequins, rhinestones and pearls on silk organza. She made a statement with her sparkly watermelon clutch, using the red carpet as a platform to support of Palestinian people. She was styled by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shionat/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shiona Turini.&nbsp;</a>
<h2>Big Style and Big Opportunities</h2>
<p>'Silver outfit' has seen a search increase of 156% over the past five years, and the hashtag #silveroutfit has gained 25.7 million views on TikTok. During the Grammys, Miley Cyrus wore a sparkly silver fringe Maison Margiela dress, styled with a big voluminous layered hairstyle.</p>
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<blockquote>&nbsp;A spokesperson at <a href="https://us.boohoo.com/womens/dresses/silver-dresses" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us.boohoo.com/womens/dresses/silver-dresses&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1707267082197000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1WsbysaqdGPtqFygRFC8zO">Boohoo</a> commented on the findings:&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote>
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<p>"Silver and sparkles can be a bold statement piece to wear, and there are many ways of styling it, whether it is with matching silver accessories or pairing with a vibrant and contrasting color. Taking inspiration from celebrities such as Dua Lipa, Alessandra Ambrosio, or Miley Cyrus shows how to add personality to your outfit or how to style a trending piece. It is evident that people are interested in how to bring a silver statement piece into their wardrobe and have been inspired by social media platforms and trendsetting celebrities more than ever before."</p>
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<p><span role="presentation"><img tabindex="0" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NY9rD84ruue6ChE-bvjLWgrmw4vpXTjMjfKSrKF94Mt08PJ_wI6HeO_li5k-Z_Mdwb3HJku7oYnHuuHgCgUyIpFfYek3hXGCZWroS6JPnusdjAc5UOOgBOlSI46F28Ar6teZuI=s0-d-e1-ft#https://journoresearch.org/images/image_13064215021704708386256-1704708386.png" width="500" data-bit="iit"></span><span role="presentation"><img tabindex="0" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NbkWpWH1TtxAP-g59W7wQpeRnCJZ2Tl8ApuVYbn0HrUyq8sZ0lQB0UfYewUgUQYkniVNu9DQIeyxJC9AkC6Qi4qM2h_t1Vtd0MVUvvaE1otxvywv_4ZwV3Qj1T293gXzs8tSow=s0-d-e1-ft#https://journoresearch.org/images/image_62435447031704708386257-1704708386.png" width="500" data-bit="iit"></span></p>
<figure><img tabindex="0" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NZZ-FHfzJOJ2dPv3gOKhGmKA6-C4NCK9wCnmsQh2nGpReZiOOfVmnf8IiBrIk2tRFBSIPMgGyM-m0z9fV6xmBaNX8vjfEvHnJQoP8ZbxMqB1WKkt2-wXfQbwdHm1QKbpZ7WUg=s0-d-e1-ft#https://journoresearch.org/images/image_7879777741704708386258-1704708386.png" width="500" data-bit="iit">
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<p><span role="presentation"><img tabindex="0" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NYc3bYI2B8r9WdKKXOlT1QN8iA1jykH_nXFMoYxyg072AsY4-QUiwNPIYaQHYEr7BxNXWG3tkAFsSYd-wf28mr8daUzP9UpjcJ7mIhtz6vmqGyioJyLb3ZNqYhUjHi5HuVNVY0=s0-d-e1-ft#https://journoresearch.org/images/image_86255709451704708386259-1704708386.png" width="500" data-bit="iit"></span></p>
<figure><img tabindex="0" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NY8kVi88DhCKyVJPf83qpm7NnBOLXsKjFE_w9tQvk-DI-QZ_BrPLTTvdvgdkcenTWPgDFLeXYo2UI5tAbM_f8Tx48vSspHw33Y10KuMyoAtOcd868iON63VEwxcqNt6dHvJv9A=s0-d-e1-ft#https://journoresearch.org/images/image_13305424661704708386259-1704708386.png" width="500" data-bit="iit">
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<figure><img tabindex="0" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NZa9d4c0sVPxaOLo39E-8ow3s2zjQIol7mqrkptxMmHn3Lo3ZnBcBi3T4vUxaN-R7lnvW41SqzbA-TzkVECXTOgLKxP0ocuoF11iQpGRhA9mF2k1RY2lm3135dwa7oel0S7Luo=s0-d-e1-ft#https://journoresearch.org/images/image_42433518281704708386260-1704708386.png" width="500" data-bit="iit">
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<p><span role="presentation"><img tabindex="0" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NbcwAh5m4G1kcWM6MVcdVlyTueEtGvNH5uVGWBFA2-sYirRl-f-RJMHlJB-gndDfARd2RePCN4w-OJsBGnfFldRndbeCvUPnZrh3vnu2t1H0YPPPY0HC5VktG0-LIOIHw5Ljbk=s0-d-e1-ft#https://journoresearch.org/images/image_81044214291704708386261-1704708386.png" width="500" data-bit="iit"></span>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Data sources: Google Trends , TikTok and Pinterest&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Methodology: Google Trends was used to identify the search spikes. The average search volume was calculated against the highest peak value in the Trends chart to find the percentage increase&nbsp;</p>
<p>For more trend - related news and insights, follow us on Twitter,<a href="https://hey.xyz/u/violetverse">&nbsp;Lens,&nbsp;</a><a href="https://app.console.xyz/c/violetverse">Console</a>&nbsp;and Instagram.</p>
<p>Read more data,<a href="/the-2023-developer-report-reveals-an-uptick-in-multi-chain-code-by-tenured-developers-WLsyUcCqDL">&nbsp;The 2023 Developer Report Reveals an Uptick in Multi-Chain Code by Tenured Developers</a></p>
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Searches for 'sparkly dress' skyrocket by 182%, as celebrities at the Grammys go in a fashion frenzy for silver and sparkles  

It's Officially Award Season -- 'Sparkly Dress' Searches Skyrocket By 182% 

<p>As we embrace 2024, the fashion world is witnessing a dramatic shift from the understated luxury of the previous year to a bold and unapologetic aesthetic inspired by the iconic mob wives of popular culture. In perfect sync with the 25th anniversary of 'The Sopranos,' characters like Carmela Soprano and Adriana La Cerva have become style icons, setting off a viral trend that has taken over social media platforms.</p>
<h2>The Rise of the Mob Wife Aesthetic</h2>
<p>Google searches for 'mob wife' have surged by an astonishing 2,122% over the past 90 days, reflecting a global fascination with the glamorous and confident style these characters exude. Pinterest has witnessed a staggering 1,011% increase in searches for 'mafia wife aesthetic' over the last twelve months, while TikTok boasts 160.9 million views for #mobwife and 130.6 million views for #mobwifeaesthetic.</p>
<p><a href="https://poshmark.com/listing/J-Mendel-Mink-Fur-and-Leather-Coat-65b5c7cc7fc826f8e28d4090">Selling my J Mendel Fur on Poshmark&nbsp;</a></p>
<h2>Fur Coats: A Winter Mob Wife Staple</h2>
<p>The mob wife aesthetic is synonymous with opulence, and nothing screams luxury like a lavish fur coat. Faux fur coats have become a daytime staple, with searches for 'fur coat outfit' exploding by 456%. Boohoo fashion experts suggest that the bigger the fur coat, the better &ndash; whether you're strolling through the grocery store or enjoying breakfast. Even the Queen of fashion, Anna Wintour, has embraced the trend, recently spotted in a long fur coat at the Giambattista Valli show during Paris Fashion Week.</p>
<h2>Sexy, Smoky, and Loud: Mob Wife Makeup</h2>
<p>Mob wife makeup is all about being sexy, loud, and smoky. Dark eyeshadow, overlined red lips, and big messy hair are the go-to looks. TikTok has become a hotspot for makeup tutorials, with #mobwifemakeup garnering an impressive 43.7 million views. TikTok star Mikayla Nogueira's tutorial on achieving the perfect mob wife makeup look has amassed 4.2 million views, demonstrating the widespread appeal of this bold aesthetic.</p>
<h2>Statement Jewelry: The Bolder, The Better</h2>
<p>Accessories play a crucial role in completing the mob wife look. Google searches for 'statement jewelry' have soared by 251% worldwide in the past 30 days. Think big, chunky gold bracelets, necklaces, and earrings &ndash; the bolder, the better. These accessories are the finishing touch that elevates any outfit and solidifies those coveted mob wife vibes.</p>
<h2>Leopard Print Dominates TikTok</h2>
<p>Animal prints, particularly leopard print, are having a moment in the mob wife aesthetic. Adriana La Cerva's iconic tiger jumpsuit from 'The Sopranos' serves as inspiration for this bold choice. On TikTok, #leopardprint has garnered a staggering 497.7 million views, while #cheetahprint follows closely with 227.2 million views. If head-to-toe prints feel too bold, consider incorporating animal print accessories like hats, bags, or belts.</p>
<h2>Red Nails and French Tips: The Nail Salon Staples</h2>
<p>Red nails and acrylic square French tips are the must-have nail trends for embracing the mob wife aesthetic. TikTok users have viewed #rednails videos a whopping 1.7 billion times, emphasizing the widespread popularity of this nail trend. Google searches for 'acrylic square French tip' have surged by 223% worldwide over the past 12 months, indicating a growing demand for this glamorous yet edgy style.</p>
<p>In conclusion, the mob wife aesthetic is taking the fashion world by storm, inspiring individuals to embrace bold and glamorous styles reminiscent of iconic characters from 'The Sopranos.' Boohoo's fashion experts have delved into Google, Pinterest, and TikTok trends to provide valuable insights, guiding fashion enthusiasts on how to perfectly style this viral trend.</p>
<p><em>For more fashion inspiration and insights, visit <a href="https://us.boohoo.com/womens/cores-aesthetics/mob-wife" target="_new">Boohoo</a>.</em></p>
<hr>
<p><em>Data sources: Google Trends, TikTok, and Pinterest</em></p>
<p><em>Methodology: Google Trends was used to identify the search spikes. The average search volume was calculated against the highest peak value in the Trends chart to find the percentage increase.</em></p>

#mobwifeaesthetic has received 130.6 million views on TikTok

What The #Mobwifeaesthetic Trend Means For Retailers

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<p>A few months ago, I found myself at a San Francisco tech event during the height of the bear market. I struck up a casual conversation with someone standing in line at the bar. When I shared that I was working in blockchain, their response was hilarious.</p>
<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s all about AI, you&rsquo;re here in the wrong season.&rdquo;</p>
<p>I was tickled because, like fashion, technology is an accumulation of micro-trends. However, months later, little did I know that blockchain and artificial intelligence would complement each other, not cancel out.</p>
<p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/148MiPRbzxeOFxw8CnS_3ugJJO0S-Yln0/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TenSquared Capital's (10SQ) </a>comprehensive white paper delves into the symbiotic relationship between blockchain and AI, shedding light on how blockchain can act as a safeguard against the potential risks associated with AI, particularly in the realms of data, content, and the rise of deepfakes. In an era where concerns about the impact of AI on personal lives, from job displacement to the misrepresentation of individuals in various settings, are on the rise, it becomes imperative to showcase how emerging technologies can coexist and even enhance one another.</p>
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<p>The report meticulously outlines ways blockchain can address the challenges posed by AI:</p>
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<p><strong>Content Authentication:</strong> Blockchain technology's decentralized and tamper-resistant nature provides a robust framework for content authentication. In an age where misinformation and counterfeit content abound, blockchain's ability to establish a transparent and immutable record of content origins ensures trust and reliability.</p>
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<li>
<p><strong>Deepfakes Mitigation:</strong> The growing threat of deepfakes, fueled by AI capabilities, has raised concerns about misinformation and manipulation. Blockchain's role in verifying the authenticity of media content through decentralized consensus mechanisms offers a powerful tool to counteract the potential harm caused by deceptive deepfakes.</p>
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<p><strong>Reliable Data Sources:</strong> Blockchain's impact extends to ensuring the reliability of data sources. By facilitating transparent and secure transactions, blockchain interactions enhance the credibility of data, mitigating the risk of relying on inaccurate or manipulated information&mdash;an essential consideration in the age of data-driven decision-making.</p>
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<p><strong>ZK-ML (Zero Knowledge Language Models):</strong> The report introduces the concept of ZK-ML, a cutting-edge technology that combines zero-knowledge proofs with machine learning. This innovative approach, detailed further in the report, demonstrates the potential of blockchain to advance the field of AI by enhancing privacy and security in machine learning models.</p>
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</ol>
<p>As the tech curious and the next generation of corporate workers explore the intersection of blockchain and AI, the TenSquared Capital report serves as an extensive guide, presenting evidence-backed insights into the collaborative potential of these technologies. In addition, decentralized applications, <a href="https://exorde.network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">like Exorde Labs</a>, are actively integrating AI and data to measure news and social sentiment. While I was working at SKALE, this team was the most appealing because of its strategic use of a gas-free blockchain.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For those intrigued by this new union of blockchain and artificial intelligence, the full report by TenSquared Capital is definitely something to discuss with colleagues.&nbsp; &nbsp;As the tech landscape quickly evolves, understanding the nuanced relationship between blockchain and AI, plus everything else in between becomes not just a matter of interest but a key insight into how to connect to consumers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For more trend - related news and insights, follow us on Twitter,<a href="https://hey.xyz/u/violetverse">&nbsp;Lens,&nbsp;</a><a href="https://app.console.xyz/c/violetverse">Console</a>&nbsp;and Instagram. Read more data,<a href="/the-2023-developer-report-reveals-an-uptick-in-multi-chain-code-by-tenured-developers-WLsyUcCqDL">&nbsp;The 2023 Developer Report Reveals an Uptick in Multi-Chain Code by Tenured Developers</a></p>
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A few months ago, I attended a San Francisco AI tech event amid the peak of the bear market. Engaging in a casual conversation with someone in line at the bar, I mentioned my involvement in blockchain. Their response was nothing short of amusing.


Trend Report: How Blockchain Empowers AI

 Thanks to Pat McGrath, the bold Maison Margiela porcelain glass skin runway look is going viral and leading to a huge uptick in product demand and service.

Glass Skin Products Skyrocketed by 202% Globally In The Past Five Years

<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; I'm longing for creative expression like Maison Margiela Couture Collection presented by creative director John Galliano. I'm currently captivated by the Maison Margiela show&mdash;disturbingly poetic and surreal. I couldn't take my eyes off it; it's true genius and ingenuity, revealing the layers of humanity in a surrealistic manner. Maison Margiela stands as a paragon of superior couture wear, under the founding father of fashion disruption.</p>
<h2>John Galliano was made to design couture.</h2>
<p>&nbsp; The recent Maison Margiela Couture Collection on Jan. 25 showcased why Galliano is a testament to the brand's disturbingly poetic and surreal aesthetic. It not only demonstrates true genius, but also ingenuity in its ability to reveal the intricate layers of humanity through a surrealistic lens.</p>
<p>Galliano's innate talent for couture design is unmistakable; his ability to deconstruct fashion and forge a new paradigm sets Maison Margiela apart in fashion. The collection and show is based on an original concept by John Galliano. The show held in Paris featured ingenious Marie Antoinette-style beauty with models resembling string-attached marionettes. This highlights the sheer craziness of Galliano's talent that can never be duplicated by AI.&nbsp; As a master with the magic scissors, models wore Elizabethan tight corsets and strewed tights down the runway.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">The collection's aesthetic draws inspiration from the bygone era, evoking memories of post-war resilience and resourcefulness. Fabulously impossibly romantic and evocative, Maison Margiela captures a pure love for fashion and the compelling stories the clothes can tell. The sheer brilliance of Galliano's creations shines through, proving that even when Margiela's influence may not be explicitly evident, the sheer excellence of the pieces speaks for itself.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">The makeup was executed by the great Pat McGrath, hair was orchestrated by Hair Duffy.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>Galliano's return as the creative director of Maison Margiela reinforces the brand's identity, renowned for its dark feminine energy, the sheer see-though dresses are nothing to play with when it comes to devastatingly chic. The iconic "tabis" show, featuring Mary Jane style shoes, remains a perennial favorite, constantly in demand and deemed a must-have in every capsule wardrobe. Meanwhile their fragrance line are killing it with attracting consumers of "GRWM" content. Kim <a href="https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a46540775/kim-kardashian-kylie-kris-jenner-maison-margiela-paris/">Kardashian and Kylie Jenner w</a>ill most definitely be influential in helping this brand sell more clothes, and their attendance to the show in Paris is just the beginning.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Beyond the runway, will Maison Margiela venture into digital fashion this year?</h2>
<p>But Maison Margiela's prowess extends beyond the runway.&nbsp;In a bold move that showcases the brand's innovative edge, Maison Margiela has entered the digital realm with the launch of a blockchain game on the Polygon network. The Numbers Collection seamlessly integrates the brand's iconic numeric coding with the power of blockchain technology, offering a uniquely formatted, gamified minting experience tailored for the global Maison Margiela community.</p>
<p><a href="https://opensea.io/assets/matic/0x5c8cb9d24348c0b4eda49992cb68dae050217d92/2">Every piece in the Numbers Collectio</a>n serves as a Polygon Soul-Bound Token, emphasizing the brand's commitment to the Polygon network and creating an exclusive digital experience. This avant-garde venture challenges the traditional boundaries of fashion and technology, transforming the Maison's distinct aesthetic into an immersive and interactive gaming experience.</p>
<p>Categorized under Gaming, Maison Margiela's exploration of blockchain-based gaming not only redefines its presence in the digital space but also sets a precedent for the future of fashion in the metaverse. This innovative move solidifies Maison Margiela's position as a trailblazer in both the realms of fashion and technology, providing enthusiasts with a captivating and groundbreaking way to engage with the brand's legacy.</p>
<p>.</p>

John Galliano is back as the creative director of the eponymous label, known for its dark feminine energy.

From Runway Mastery to Blockchain Bingo: Maison Margiela's Unrivaled Influence in Couture and Innovation

<p><a href="https://www.schiaparelli.com/eshop/en/e-shop/ready-to-wear/dresses-and-skirts/c/000033">Schiaparelli, </a>the iconic fashion house, took center stage at Paris' Haute Couture Fashion Week, captivating the audience with a show that defied conventions and pushed the boundaries of high fashion. Under the visionary leadership of Creative Director Daniel Roseberry, Schiaparelli unveiled a couture presentation that left attendees in awe.</p>
<p>At the heart of this transformation is Roseberry's commitment to innovation. The inclusion of a robot baby added a futuristic and avant-garde element to the show, showcasing Schiaparelli's willingness to embrace the unexpected. The fashion world, known for its adherence to tradition, was forced to take notice of this bold move, solidifying Roseberry's reputation as a visionary in the industry.</p>
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<p>One of the standout pieces from the collection was a dress crafted entirely from outdated hardware. This unexpected material choice not only demonstrated Roseberry's ability to breathe new life into fashion but also highlighted the brand's commitment to sustainability. Schiaparelli's couture is not just about garments; it's a statement that reflects a forward-thinking ethos.</p>
<p>Daniel Roseberry's influence on Schiaparelli extends beyond the runway. His strategic decisions have successfully propelled the brand into mainstream consciousness, making it more accessible to a broader audience. The once niche and exclusive fashion house has now become a symbol of innovation and inclusivity.</p>
<p><strong>Beyond the runway, does AI have a place in high fashion?</strong></p>
<p>In a fascinating exploration of the intersection between technology and creativity, generative AI finds itself at the core of fashion. Contrary to the perception that AI might stifle human creativity, I argue that the true essence of AI lies in its responsiveness to prompts and data. The fashion industry, known for its intricate layers of design, has become a canvas for this collaboration between human ingenuity and artificial intelligence.</p>
<p>As the future of fashion continues to evolve, it will become more evident that AI is not merely a tool but a catalyst for pushing the boundaries of creative expression. Designer Colina Strada's use of AI to draft outfit inspiration further underscores the notion that AI can be harnessed to optimize human creativity.</p>
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<p><a href="/revolutionizing-digital-fashion-draups-vision-impact-and-exclusive-insight-BzaGuCFUNE">Read more Revolutionizing Digital Fashion: DRAUP's Vision, Impact, and Exclusive Insight</a></p>
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<p>This dynamic relationship between human intuition and AI's algorithmic prowess adds a layer of complexity and depth to Schiaparelli's take on fashion technology as a whole under Daniel Roseberry's visionary leadership.</p>

Schiaparelli, the iconic fashion house, took center stage at Paris' Haute Couture Fashion Week, captivating the audience with a show that defied conventions and pushed the boundaries o fashion technology. 

Schiaparelli's Ode to Hardware: Daniel Roseberry Sends Tech Down The Runway

<p>Crypto is global, and it's now multi-chain! According to a new report by Maria Chen, a principal venture capitalist from Electric Capital, more than 7,000 developers have joined the blockchain ecosystem in the last five years, based on data compiled from Github's open-source repository commits. Blockchain operators leverage their knowledge, experience, and tools to inform the data, allowing these resources to guide your next hypothesis.</p>
<p>Blockchain development is still in its infancy stage, and due to the nature of many new ecosystems being dependent on open-source code, there are numerous unique attributes to consider. These attributes could provide valuable context clues into the future of crypto development.</p>
<p>In 2023, the industry witnessed the beginning of a bear market. Despite shifts in the ecosystem, this report shows that developers who contributed code to open-source blockchains were unscathed by market trends. It's important to note that these developers are not solely based in the US; many of them are working on projects internationally and possess a higher level of sophistication than we might realize. The report identifies the activity of both "newcomers" and "tenured/emerging" developers who have significantly contributed to advancing the industry, thanks to the proliferation of multi-chain applications.</p>
<h2><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Here are some top insights to consider based on the report:</span></h2>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">1. The future of crypto applications is multi-chained. It's common for a developer to work across two or more chains, meaning Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility. Since 2018, there has been a 125% uptick in developers who are building across multiple ecosystems.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">2. 87 percent of developers are building across 2 or more blockchains and they are deploying on-chain logic code primarily on Ethereum, Polygon, and other L2s.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">3. Developers who are building on Bitcoin spiked in 2023 because of the development of Ordinals, a process that includes inscribing content (images, texts, json, etc) on a single satoshi. It's similar to how NFTs work with Ethereum.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">4. There were 7,000 more developers added to the ecosystem since the last bear market.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">5. 12 out of the top 15 contracts were for Defi and NFT-related onchain interactions, and 50% of defi developers are working on Stablecoins or DEXes.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">6. NFT-based smart contracts declined in 2023, since 2022. Also, Ethereum no longer is premier chain to host NFTs. Not surprisingly, Solana, Polygon, and Bitcoin are some of the top go-to chains for new NFT collections.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><a href="/mastering-javascript-a-comprehensive-roadmap-for-new-developers--Q-3fh3jT2"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Read more: </span>Mastering JavaScript: A Comprehensive Roadmap for New Developers</a></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">In general, the 180-page extensive report shows what ecosystem developers are spending time and a glimpse into how successful ecosystems will be with the amount of coding time spent. It doesn't however share what they are building, which could be even more insight into what applications to focus on. So why does this report matter? As the crypto industry becomes mass-adopted by global traditional industries and regulations are put in place to provide a fair playing system, the developers who will be the most sought after will be those who have the most experience expanding and building code across ecosystems to serve unique use cases.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Check out the full report here:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.developerreport.com/developer-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">https://www.developerreport.com/developer-report</span></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Developers are the heartbeat of the crypto space.

The 2023 Developer Report Reveals an Uptick in Multi-Chain Code by Tenured Developers

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<div data-offset-key="7je0d-0-0"><span data-offset-key="7je0d-0-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/easyrentnyc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kiki, an Australian-based VC-backed startup</a>, raised $6 million at a $42 million evaluation on an Airbnb-style invite-only subletting company announced that after five years of building their business, they would be pivoting to a New York-based "girl's only club."</span></span></div>
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<div data-offset-key="1e51f-0-0"><span data-offset-key="1e51f-0-0"><span data-text="true">Here's the issue, you cannot claim to be the first girls-only social club in New York City and not do your market research about the rise and disastrous fall of previously-run women-focused social clubs throughout the 2010s Girl Boss era. There were iconic female-owned and led social clubs like The Wing, founded by Audrey Gelman in 2016, which have made an indelible mark on modern women's culture in the age of social media.</span></span></div>
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<div data-offset-key="1e51f-0-0"><span data-offset-key="1e51f-0-0"><span data-text="true">Read more: <a href="/why-gate-keeping-technology-is-wack-mVBBacc-WD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Why Gate-Keeping Technology is Wack</a></span></span></div>
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<div data-offset-key="avja5-0-0"><span data-offset-key="avja5-0-0"><span data-text="true">Moreover, there has been an influx of female-led social communities and apps targeted at lonely and fashion-forward women in metropolitan cities. These communities often focus on connecting women to attend pilates classes, broadway shows, and cocktail social gatherings. It's not so much the mission to bring women together that is problematic, it's the notion that a twenty-something group of male founders thinks they can solve young women's issues by creating an already exclusionary space, moonlighting as a marketplace... for women? The pivot comes as a business shortfall. New York City has strict guidelines and doesn't allow for subletters and sub-leases. Meanwhile, women-led spaces in New York City have previously failed because of a lack of funding as well as lawsuits from males who believed these spaces were discriminating against other genders.</span></span></div>
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As Kiki rebrands to target Manhattan women, critics question the authenticity of claiming 'first' in the girls-only club space, highlighting challenges and skepticism in a city with a history of female-focused social clubs.

Kiki's Controversial Pivot: Australian Startup Shifts from Subletting to NYC Girls-Only Club, Sparks Backlash

<p>Today, I pause to commemorate the life and contributions of Ms. Julia Knox, a fellow innovator in the realm of blockchain and a dedicated Ph.D. student. Her transition has left a void, yet her legacy endures through the remarkable work she has left behind in the Web3 and Biotech community.</p>
<p>Julia was a DPhil student at the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science at the University of Oxford, dedicating herself to the study design and statistical methods development of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Over the past 2 years,&nbsp; she passionately delved into the complexities of her research on human genes, exploring the long-term impact of the reference genome and challenging the race-as-biology myth in precision medicine and public health.</p>
<p>Supported by the Leverhulme Trust Doctoral Scholarship Programme, Julia's commitment to her DPhil project was evident in her focus on addressing bias in the GWAS pipeline. From SNP selection to defining variables for statistical analysis, she sought to uncover important and unexpected associations, navigating the challenges posed by framing allele associations with racial categories.</p>
<p>Beyond her thriving academic career, Julia was a baddie in blockchain, creating awesome videos to help empower more creators to explore decentralized social media. I had the privilege of connecting with her offline, and her grace and kindness left an indelible mark on those of us who have followed her videos on TikTok and beyond.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I remember all the thoughtful invitations she extended to me, inviting me to join her Twitter Spaces events where she showcased a social media software she was passionately marketing&mdash;<a href="https://app.console.xyz/c/violetverse">Console.xyz.</a> She was also a fellow Brooklyn resident and fashion lover.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Her spirit shined through social media and her articulate breakdown of bots and decentralized social media will forever resonate within the Violet Verse community. Julia was also very supportive of the VV since its launch, and we're so grateful to have known her in this lifetime.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Biotech Baddies</h2>
<p>If you are looking to explore the world of biotech, Julia was working on some cutting-edge research. For more insights into Julia's academic journey and inspiration, you can learn more at <a href="https://www.demography.ox.ac.uk/people/dr-julia-knox" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Julia Knox's profile</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

It is with the deepest condolences that I share these words.

In Loving Memory: Web3 Technologist and Biotech Baddie Julia Knox 

<p>Today, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would have been 95 years old. He stirred the hearts of millions during the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for a dream where individuals are judged by their character rather than the color of their skin, would undoubtedly be a force in the age of social media. As a black technologist deeply rooted in both culture and optimism, I can't help but envision Dr. MLK Jr. trying to move minds and the racism intricacies that persist in the digital realm.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>MLK Jr.'s journey in the digital age</h2>
<p>Not an overturned law or billionaire's smear campaigns can over-write Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. He is one of the world's greatest heroes who continues to empower and uplift the human condition. MLK Jr.'s impactful words and actions still resonated deeply with thousands of people across the world with or without a wifi connection. His ideologies had the power to calm entire nations with his wisdom, confidence, strength, and mental fortitude. His voice still echoes and rings in many hearts.&nbsp; If Martin Luther King Jr. were alive today and had access to social media, he would further his mission to unite people and governments worldwide, uniting war-torn countries, mending borders, and bringing back empathy.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://violetsummer.medium.com/racist-bots-are-disrupting-black-businesses-online-3b6216b03d91">Read more: Racist Bots Are Disrupting Black Businesses Online</a></p>
<p>However, &nbsp;MLK Jr.'s journey in the digital age wouldn't be a trend without its challenges. Navigating the complex landscape of online discourse, his work would encounter bots, hackers, and cyberbullying. Trolls and hate speech would attempt to drown out his message, but his unwavering commitment to peace would stand as a beacon of resilience.</p>
<p>MLK Jr.&rsquo;s brand would likely emerge on Facebook. His sermons would become viral sensations after his church uploaded a Sunday service. Imagine his message on an Easter Sunday, advocating for healing and a cultural and community rebirth, would move people. Building a substantial following on Facebook, he might establish regional group chapters working towards ending homelessness and poverty in San Francisco, New York City, Austin, and Detroit.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>"I have a dream"&nbsp;</h2>
<p>MLK Jr.'s passionate speeches to Congress would be live-streamed, reaching a broader audience. His oratory gift would transcend Facebook, extending to Instagram and TikTok. People would become obsessed and inspired to be just like him. Higher education would design coursework to become a Civile Rights advocate. Corporate America would assign KOLs related to Peace and Respect protocols.&nbsp; Millions of impactful products would be produced and sold to consumers who are followers of peace.</p>
<p><a href="/the-rights-paradox-and-roe-vs-wade-C720Tf_MzC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more on Violet Verse: The Rights Paradox and Roe vs. Wade</a></p>
<p>MLK Jr.'s wife and children would subtly become influencers, flying under the radar during trips to Target but drawing media attention whenever MLK Jr. initiated a new campaign during Black Friday to promote why violence during shopping is wrong and that overconsumption is just a result of greed.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"I have a dream," he would declare, and the internet would go crazy with the energetics of those words. Hashtags like #DreamRealized and #EqualityForAll would trend globally as people from all walks of life rallied behind the timeless vision of a harmonious and just society.&nbsp;</p>
<p>MLK Jr.'s strong conviction for peace would play a pivotal role in diffusing tensions and promoting dialogue on Twitter. If we're stuck in a simulation, polarized by foreign events, his commitment to nonviolence would serve as a guiding principle, encouraging others to seek compromise and understanding.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As a techie who cherishes both cultural history and technological innovation, it's important to create from a space of responsibility, especially when it comes to advancing AI and blockchains through the lens of leaders like MLK Jr. His legacy, firmly rooted in the dream of a just society, would continue to shine brightly in the digital age, reminding us that the pursuit of equality is a journey we must all undertake together.<br>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>**Disclaimer: Nothing on the Verse should be taken as financial advice. Please do your own research. $VV utility reflects engagement on the protocol, accessing token-gated content and community events.</em></p>
<h1>&nbsp;</h1>

"I have a dream," he would declare, and the internet would go crazy with the energetics of those words.

If Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Were Alive During the Social Media Era

<p>A few years ago, before I started developing Violet Verse and when I was new to Miami and the tech scene in general, I began attending tech meetups to share ideologies and concepts with fellow technologists, including those building communications-based AI products.</p>
<p>I will never forget the conversation I had with a technologist who was building a product using AI. I was curious to know how they went about building their AI product because I deeply wanted to create my own. To my surprise, I was told that "special permission was required" to access GPT-3 models from a "special community in Silicon Valley."</p>
<p>Wow, I thought. There are so many hidden barriers to accessing the inner workings of technology. I wondered what else I didn't know existed because I had never been to the mythical place called Silicon Valley.</p>
<p>Anyway, his response left me deeply concerned, and I thought about it for months. Even the universe caught on to my curiosity and started pinging me with AI inspirations and little tests to see just how much I was smitten by the long-lost <a href="/dreaming-with-ai-composing-clement-prompts-for-neural-networks-ZfDVqocUlU">world of AI.</a></p>
<p>A part of me believed I wasn't good enough to access AI, let alone be one of the few people training the very same models millions of people are using today. But here we are, healing and building our worth - barometer. The underlying problem is that I had been a fool in gatekeeping. It wasn't the technologist's fault for delivering me the news; I blame it on whoever was in charge of distributing the GPT-3s. It wasn't that my ideas&mdash;a Clueless-style smart closet or a shopping widget that could change the face of personal style for girls, gays, and theys&mdash;were a total flop. It was that my ideas were in the wrong hands and blocked by a gate.</p>
<p>Looking back at the situation, maybe we were in the midst of a technological boom that was being held back by the gatekeeping powers that be. Society shifts in tech, money, and culture come in cycles. They take decades to become something - just look at the internet from the 90s. Now, technology shifts are happening more rapidly, leaving humans to figure out how all of this makes sense.&nbsp; In a world where the speed at which technology gets mass adoption is getting closer together, their early-stage AI app quickly became irrelevant a few months later when Artificial intelligence became open-source, thanks to OpenAI and the work they are doing to make it more available.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="/openai-shakes-up-ai-industry-with-launch-of-gpt-4-turbo-at-a-fraction-of-the-price-h9xuH_r_re" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more: OpenAI Shakes Up AI Industry with Launch of GPT-4 Turbo at a Fraction of the Price</a></p>
<p>Gatekeeping is when you know something is good, but you keep it the person, place, or thing for a specific group of people. Gatekeeping is a result of a lack of communication and a difference in shared information. In the age of social media, gatekeeping has reared its ugly head when the private sphere gets exposed by the public, and in technology, this disruption is happening at every stage of culture. The Violet Verse community exists because a group of people got together and started contributing and adding to how open-source media can become something.</p>
<p>If you met me in my<a href="/the-inaugural-ai-fashion-week-SvWz5plH5k"> fashion</a> magazine era, you'll be familiar with my Fashion Week coverage and how much of an allure it was to those outside looking in on what exactly I was doing at a designer runway show on a Tuesday morning. It wasn't exactly office work and the stuff my mother and aunts grew up doing. Yet, it was my dream, and that dream was hard to realize when the entire industry operated on a system of nepotism. Fashion Week and getting a covetable invitation was the epitome of gatekeeping and had its run in the early 2000s, but social media has quickly decentralized this global gathering of the most fashionable. It's not for the elite; Fashion Week is for the community, and now that we have YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat, anyone can sit front row. You don't have to be best friends with Anna Wintour.</p>
<p>In many ways, this is the vibe of technology. Back then, web2's private servers and dial-up ruled the internet and determined who could post and be SEO kings of their niches. Now, with blockchain, public servers, and community digital asset portals, there are new ways of doing everything and cross-continental collaborations are more readily accessible. <em>Hello, remote work</em>! As we move to abolish gatekeeping, we must beware of decisions that invoke the old-guard way of doing business and sharing resources when it comes to innovation. It's about reality; it will only open up creative ways to improve the human condition and make us better off.</p>
<p><em>To be continued...</em></p>

A rant on how open-source technology will improve the human condition 

Why Gate-Keeping Technology is Wack 

Everything you need to know about writing the best prompts 

How To Write ChatGPT Prompts Like A Pro 

<p>Surprise, darlings! The financial runway just got a bit shinier with the approval of the Bitcoin ETF by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). After more than a decade of anticipation, the SEC, led by the "dapper" Gary Gensler, has given the green light to 11 elite issuers to distribute spot Bitcoin ETFs. BlackRock, Ark Investments/21Shares, Fidelity, Invesco, and VanEck are all standing in the front row on this groundbreaking financial stage.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/bitcoin-etf-hopefuls-still-expect-sec-approval-despite-social-media-hack-2024-01-10/">According to Reuters</a>, the SEC's approval is set to unleash a financial tsunami, injecting over $50 billion into the veins of the U.S. economy, which could use some support with staggering mortgage rates and looming inflation.&nbsp; The allure of cryptocurrency has captured the attention of key financial institutions, and now, with the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, the doors are wide open for traditional investors to partake in the glamour of this digital financial revolution.</p>
<p>Read more: <a href="/the-risks-and-rewards-of-trading-on-automated-market-makers-EQJMTYLt08">The Risks and Rewards of Trading on Automated Market Makers</a></p>
<h2>Get Your 401s and Roths Ready&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Ladies and gentlemen, get your 401Ks ready because this is the moment we've all been waiting for! I read a report that people who just set and forget their 401ks can be missing out on gains. With this new approval, traditional investors can now dip their well-heeled toes into the thrilling world of cryptocurrency. These ETFs allow investors to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency market without the need to directly own and store digital assets which have seen better days on exchanges. It's like having a front-row seat at a haute couture show without the hassle of designing your outfit.</p>
<h2>Be Foreal&nbsp;</h2>
<p>However, Veteran Crypto investors remain skeptical and some may even suggest there could be more market manipulation with US government regulation.&nbsp;</p>
<p>One thing I love about the Violet Verse community is that we are not easy to sway and nothing is getting passed us. Thinking critically means fully observing what the Bitcoin Spot ETF is and why it is relevant to the new digital asset class. One Violet Verse contributor wrote in our Discord about his skepticism on what this could mean for the general adoption of crypto. They sum up their concerns in this <a href="https://twitter.com/Kintsugy1/status/1744853965299171424">post on X</a> :&nbsp;</p>
<blockquote>In light of today's events with the&nbsp;<a dir="ltr" role="link" href="https://twitter.com/SECGov">@SECGov</a>, let's not lose sight of why Bitcoin was created. It emerged as a beacon of autonomy in response to the shortcomings of central banks and regulatory bodies, which often see us more as tax cattle than stakeholders. To the crypto community: As we navigate the waters of institutional involvement, remember that the true legitimacy of crypto comes from its consensus-driven nature. Third-party validation may seem appealing, but it's crucial to remember that at its heart, crypto is about reducing reliance on the very entities it was designed to circumvent. Let's stay true to the principles of decentralization and autonomy that define our movement. Our strength lies not in institutional acceptance, but in our collective consensus and the transformative power of blockchain technology.</blockquote>
<p>You can read more of their writing here <a href="/removing-trust-restoring-confidence-e2AB-sE6IS">Removing Trust, Restoring Confidence.</a> The spotlight on cryptocurrency is intensifying, and this approval is like the industry's Met Gala moment. It's not just about the money; it's about making a statement, breaking boundaries, and embracing the future with open arms. The SEC's nod to spot Bitcoin ETFs is a signal to the world that cryptocurrency is not just a trend; it's a staple in the ever-evolving tapestry of finance.</p>
<p>Read more: <a href="/removing-trust-restoring-confidence-e2AB-sE6IS">Removing Trust, Restoring Confidence</a></p>
<p>As the trading of spot Bitcoin ETFs kicks off, we're witnessing the fusion of culture and finance in a way that was once deemed unimaginable to many naysayers who believed that crypto wouldn't have a chance in the global financial market. Now that the red carpet is rolled out for Bitcoiners, and the financial glitterati are ready to welcome the token people in, what do you think will happen in the next six months for retailer investors?</p>
<p>Stay tuned as we watch this financial spectacle unfold, transforming the world of finance into a runway where innovation, wealth, and culture collide in a breathtaking display of elegance and power.</p>

What is an ETF and Why We Should Give A Fuck

Bitcoin ETF Approved 

<p>Amidst the vibrant ambiance of Art Basel 2023, our top pick was attending <a href="https://twitter.com/RugRadio">Rug Radio's exclusive R Haus, a week-long event</a> series hosted at a mansion on South Beach. As I strolled through the front gates, the scene was bustling with activity. An exotic car graced the entrance, oversized letters spelling "Rug Radio" welcomed me, and an array of art adorned the surroundings, while a gathering of Twitter friends scattered across the lawn engaged in discussions about their NFT collections.</p>
<p>Taking center stage were the Co-CEOs, Loxley Fernandes and founder Farokh Sarmad, alongside the enigmatic Josh Quittner from Decrypt Media. They unveiled the groundbreaking merger news amid an eclectic mix of Basel attendees. The revelation sent shockwaves through the crowd as never before had a decentralized media outlet and a well-established, super-traditional media company, with years of history, decided to join forces. What adds to the significance of this merger is the potential for a stronger business model, a rare outcome made possible by the uncanny similarity and overlap of the two communities. This convergence promises a unique and powerful alliance that could reshape the landscape in unforeseen ways.</p>
<p>Farokh led the discussion and finished the news with a toast that echoed through the hot Miami night air, marking the inception of a historic Web3 business alliance. To celebrate in true degen style Farokh and Frens leaped into the mansion pool!</p>
<h2><strong>What Does This Mean For Rug Radio Creators?&nbsp;</strong></h2>
<p>As a Rug Radio creator, the prospect of embracing the utility of holding Rug Radio and Decrypt NFTs is now becoming tangible and valuable.&nbsp; Plus being able to connect with new content creators is super exciting.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The upcoming merge promises an exciting fusion of creative energies, with content sharing taking center stage. Creators will have the opportunity to submit opinion editorials and other crypto-cultural content on the <strong><a href="https://decrypt.co/scene" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Decrypt's SCENE vertical</a></strong>, bridging the gap between conception and production. Additionally, Rug Radio's innovative creator tools will now be at the disposal of the Decrypt Media community, adding another layer of synergy to this collaboration.</p>
<p>Technically speaking, with Rug Radio's proprietary creator dashboard, both audiences will be able to access a comprehensive tool suite, that features cutting-edge podcast functionalities like audio transcription, underscoring the commitment to empowering creators in navigating the evolving landscape of digital content. There's also talk that the dashboard will expand to ad sharing - revenue capabilities.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="/views-of-web3-mason-rothschild-creator-of-gasoline-bol0eOVqj1">Read More: Rug Radio x Violet Verse Views of Web3: Interview w/ Mason Rothschild&nbsp;</a></p>
<p>The merge not only symbolizes a convergence of platforms but also signals a shift towards a dynamic and interconnected future for the NFT and media realms.</p>
<p>Stay tuned as Violet Verse will continue to follow how creators can get involved and reap the benefits of this new crypto community!</p>
<p><em>Photo Credit: Violet Verse Art Basel Disposable Camera</em></p>

The new partnership will include content creation opportunities for both communities.

Rug Radio Merges With Decrypt Media 

<p>Every Christmas Eve, Jessica resented working the hospital&rsquo;s night shift. But this December 24th bloomed differently when a construction worker named Sam was rushed into the ER. As Jessica tended his wounds from a workplace accident, Sam&rsquo;s rugged charm and twinkling eyes stirred an unexpected connection, driving her questions well past medical necessity during his exam.</p>
<p>Jessica strolled the candlelit streets early Christmas morning after her shift, Sam heavy on her mind. Turning a corner, she halted &mdash; there on a park bench shone Sam bundled in a jacket and scarf. Heart quickening, Jessica retraced her steps shyly.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>&ldquo;No broken bones to keep you hospitalized?&rdquo;</strong> she ventured. Sam&rsquo;s face eased from crestfallen to a pleased grin at her voice.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>&ldquo;You&rsquo;re a sight brighter than any gift I reckoned Santa might deliver tonight,&rdquo; </strong>he said.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As snowflakes swirled under the lamplight, Sam confessed why he lingered on that bench, his wounded frame defiant against the chill. He&rsquo;d lost Jessica&rsquo;s number, unable to reach the woman whose compassion and beauty left him longing.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>&ldquo;I had to try and find you,&rdquo; </strong>he sighed gently. Jessica nestled beside him, moved by fate&rsquo;s hand in their second chance encounter.</p>
<p>They strolled together slowly, Jessica still cloaked in mystery over what drew this courageous, compelling man back to her as morning broke anew. Yet the answer glinted clearly before them as they paused &mdash; they&rsquo;d stopped beneath mistletoe hung on a lamppost, its white berries gleaming.</p>
<p><strong>&ldquo;I reckon traditions ought to be honored,&rdquo; </strong>Sam whispered tilting his face upward. As Jessica smiled, she realized this kiss could launch the sweetest Christmas miracle...a dream of love she&rsquo;d never dared wish for.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Thank you for reading!</strong></h3>
<p><br><strong>BITCOIN :&nbsp;</strong>bc1qehnkue20nce3zgec73qvmhy0g3zak69l24y06g<br><strong>SOLANA :</strong>&nbsp;5tGG8ausWWo8u9K1brb2tZQEKuDMZ9C6kUD1e96dkNBo<br><strong>ETHEREUM/polygon/OP/ARB/FTM/ AVAX/BNB :</strong><br><span data-blockem-button-ref="0x608E4C17B3f891cAca5496f97c63b55AD2240BB5">0x608E4C17B3f891cAca5496f97c63b55AD2240BB5</span><br><strong>TRX and TRX USDT :&nbsp;</strong>TMtuDzU9XE5HHi83PZphujxSFiiDzyUVkA<br><strong>ICP :</strong>&nbsp;wbak4-ujyhn-jtb4f-gyddm-jkpwu-viujq-7jwe3-wl3ck-azbpz-gy45g-tqe<br><strong>XRP :</strong>&nbsp;rGzWnVNpecRVqzb95pWvGxqUY8DpSTGATT<br><strong>ADA:&nbsp;</strong>addr1qx026lu93l7nj229alh0qcf2e69fx0selxmm870f80h9uzsgze4den3cvq337q65esfgw8t5zttfvkm6j6fljjsh00cqca3nqx<br><strong>BCH :&nbsp;</strong>qpvs92cgn0722lwsraaumczj3dznpvclkv70knp0sn<br><strong>LTC :&nbsp;</strong>ltc1qq0jp3xj5vmjwm57lr6339xhp8sf6c3lq9fv3ye<br><strong>ATOM :&nbsp;</strong>cosmos1dvvn0p4dgdtzjh9eudy2gcrcys0efhd2ldhyvs<br><strong>Flow Address:&nbsp;</strong>0xc127a6d0990af587</p>

Focuses on her working Christmas Eve when they first meet

Missed Connection at Midnight ( MicroFiction )

<p>Living just 10 minutes away becomes a compelling conversation starter. This year, I found myself effortlessly on-trend as the majority of the hip crypto events unfolded on the mainland&mdash;Wynwood, Design District, and Lil Haiti. Miami became a convergence point for thousands of art enthusiasts and those seeking a glamorous escape. Worlds collided in a kaleidoscope of cultures, art types, and creative individuals who came just for the vibe, and even blind attendees had the chance to experience art.</p>
<p>In my 10th year at Basel, I comfortably outshone them all, navigating the scene through a VIP lens.</p>
<p>My week kicked off with SCOPE's VIP preview on South Beach. While the annual fair can be hit or miss, this year showcased a notable presence of cultural art exhibitors. The Harlem Studio Museum took center stage as I entered the space.</p>
<p>Despite Basel becoming increasingly crowded and expensive, with most fairs charging over $100 and offering no food, I opted to skip the main fair, Soho House, and VIP night fairs and stuck strictly to my art schedule. I sought genuine connections and emotions.</p>
<p><strong>Standing on Business</strong></p>
<p>With the full infiltration of Crypto into the scene, I eagerly collected several NFTs and Poaps. Base by Coinbase hosts a weekend cafe and panel event experience at the Ampersand Office and Studio space. They had an onchain scavenger hunt, where players could collect and discover digital art from the chain.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Muses hosted by <a href="https://www.futurecommerce.com/muses">Future Commerce</a> took place over a three-day weekend, sponsored by DotDigital, Just Works, and Adobe Commerce. There was this piece where they used AI mechanics to paint, which could be a game-changer for small creators who are producing en mass, even if it's on Etsy. The panels were given in salon style, as guests sat circling the moderators and guest speakers.</p>
<p>&nbsp;NFT Now hosted their third Art Basel event, this time in partnership with Christie's and at the iconic Faena Forum. I loved the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony by House of Yatreda, who ended up fully selling their NFT to Alexis Ohanian's 776 Fund.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Welcome to the House of Yatreda<br>Our first immersive experience during Art Basel Miami<br><br>We will be back tomorrow at 1pm 🤎 <a href="https://t.co/Q1zF7h76Hu">pic.twitter.com/Q1zF7h76Hu</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Yatreda ያጥሬዳ (@yatreda) <a href="https://twitter.com/yatreda/status/1732930484890489081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2023</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Some people were offputted by the Miami traffic during Basel. It's the worst part about Basel but it's unavoidable because the festival just keeps growing! Luckily, I didn't spend any time or money on Uber; instead, I mastered driving the North Beach route to the mainland from South Beach. However, Miami's city streets and ergonomics are ill-equipped for such crowds. If this is the future of a tech city, Miami's new resident Elon Musk might need to intervene with tunnels or alternative solutions.</p>
<p>In the realm of parties, MetaMask collaborated with Sunrise Art Club and Hennessy hosted by Elise Swopes and Sunrise Art Club members to celebrate female artists&mdash;an event where my internet friends gathered. Elise Swopes created a welcoming atmosphere, and some of the goodie bags included spray paint tote bags or tee shirts! There was also a food truck which made getting dinner and heading to the next event more convenient.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Design District Cool Crowd&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Returning to the art conversations of the week, there's a notion that artists today, particularly in crypto, are finding a path to sustainability. However, there remains an information gap. A panel discussion in the Design District shed light on Miami's art scene 20 years ago. The talk touched on grants, artist living conditions, and the challenges faced by female artists, resembling aspects of crypto culture.</p>
<p>The panel, an hour well spent, provided more insight into Miami than most Basel exhibitions. The authenticity of the subject matter stood in stark contrast to the somewhat vain topics at the Base house. A visit to a transformed motel was curated by <a href="https://www.wallpaper.com/design-interiors/alcova-miami-2023">Alcova Collective from Italy </a>at the Selina Gold Dust Motel, which showcased thought-provoking installations by up-and-coming artists.</p>
<p>Later during a debrief session, my non-crypto native friend Raquel found most of the motel exhibition materials self-indulgent and vain. She's from New Zealand and owns a yoga studio, so anything metropolitan and slightly celebrity is out of her realm.&nbsp; We later attended the Poolsuite "disco party," at Zey Zey and ran into more of my crypto colleagues. As we laughed about all the shallow conversations of the week, the weird and tough bear year in crypto felt like it was slowly making sense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Everything I did during Basel

Art Basel Recap

NFTs stand for non-fungible tokens. They are unique digital assets that represent ownership of unique physical or digital items like art, collectibles, real estate, music, and more.

Top Notch Guide to NFTs

<p>In the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, Wells Notices have become increasingly common in recent years as the SEC ramps up its oversight and enforcement in this area. Some of the biggest names in crypto have received Wells Notices, signaling the SEC's intent to crack down on unregistered securities offerings, fraud, and manipulation in crypto markets.<br><br></p>
<h1>Understanding Wells Notices</h1>
<p><br>A Wells Notice gets its name from John Wells, who chaired an SEC advisory committee in 1972. The committee recommended that defense attorneys be allowed to submit a written statement to the SEC to respond to charges before any litigation moves forward. <br><br>The SEC then incorporated this recommendation into its rules of practice. Today, Wells Notices provide the recipient the opportunity to explain their position and convince the SEC why an enforcement action is not necessary, before any official charges or penalties.<br><br>The Notice lays out the SEC&rsquo;s case and the specific securities statutes and rules it believes the recipient has violated. Some of the most common accusations include:<br><br><strong>- Selling unregistered securities</strong><br><strong>- Misrepresentation or omission of key facts </strong><br><strong>- Manipulating prices of securities</strong><br><strong>- Insider trading</strong><br><strong>- Stealing funds or assets</strong><br><strong>- Failure to register as a broker-dealer</strong><br><br>Within the Wells Notice period, the recipient can submit a Wells Submission, which is basically their defense explaining why the charges shouldn&rsquo;t be brought or why the case should be resolved favorably for them. An attorney usually carefully drafts the Wells Submission to try to persuade the SEC not to go forward with an enforcement action.&nbsp; <br><br>If the SEC decides to move forward anyway, it will then issue formal charges against the recipient by filing a complaint in federal court or through its own internal administrative proceedings. <br><br>The SEC issues Wells Notices to all types of financial companies and individuals, but most of the recent ones in crypto have targeted issuers of initial coin offerings (ICOs).<br><br></p>
<h2>Recent Crypto Wells Notices</h2>
<p><br>Regulators around the world have struggled with how exactly to oversee and govern cryptocurrencies and crypto companies. Many agencies view cryptocurrency assets sold through ICOs as unregistered securities that should fall under securities laws. <br><br>The SEC argues that many crypto token issuers have illegally sold unregistered securities and committed fraud. Here are some of the most notable Wells Notices and cases involving crypto companies and executives:<br><br></p>
<h2>Ripple Labs &amp; Executives</h2>
<p><br>In 2020, Ripple Labs and its top two executives were slapped with a Wells Notice regarding ongoing sales of its XRP cryptocurrency. The SEC alleged that Ripple raised more than $1.3 billion over the years by selling the XRP token, which the SEC views as an unregistered security under law.<br><br><br></p>
<h2>BlockFi</h2>
<p><br>In February 2022, crypto lending platform BlockFi revealed it had received a Wells Notice related to its crypto interest-bearing accounts. The SEC asserts that the product qualifies as a security and that BlockFi failed to register it or meet regulatory requirements.<br><br>BlockFi raised concerns that designating the product a security &ldquo;would adversely impact not only BlockFi&rsquo;s product, but arguably all financial products generating interest.&rdquo; The company has indicated its intent to challenge the SEC&rsquo;s allegations and demonstrate compliance.<br><br></p>
<h2><strong>Coinschedule</strong></h2>
<p><br>In 2019, ICO listing site Coinschedule received a Wells Notice saying the SEC would bring an enforcement action against it for promoting the sale of unregistered ICOs. According to the SEC, Coinschedule&rsquo;s activities violated federal broker-dealer registration requirements as well as securities offering and anti-touting provisions.<br><br>Coinschedule shut down its site following the Wells Notice and ceased business operations rather than mount a challenge.<br><br></p>
<h3>CryptoKitties</h3>
<p><br>You might not think of collectible virtual cats as securities, but the SEC does. In 2018, it sent a Wells Notice to blockchain gaming company Dapper Labs over alleged unregistered security violations related to its CryptoKitties game. <br><br>Each CryptoKitty is a non-fungible token (NFT) representing unique digital cats that players can buy, sell, collect, and breed. The SEC argued that the tokens were cryptocurrencies requiring regulation and securities registration, while Dapper Labs asserted they were simply collectibles.<br><br>Dapper Labs continues selling CryptoKitties and other NFT games but excludes U.S. customers from transactions the SEC may still consider securities offerings.<br><br></p>
<h3>Many More Expected</h3>
<p><br>As the crypto space expands, expect the number of Wells Notices from the SEC to keep rising. Crypto exchanges, miners, financial firms all utilizing crypto assets as part of business operations remain at risk.<br><br>The SEC has limited resources to oversee such a large industry, meaning Wells Notices often act more as a warning and deterrent to the wider marketplace. The highest profile cases tend to target the biggest crypto companies issuing tokens the SEC views unambiguously as securities.<br><br>Smaller players often avoid direct lawsuits or enforcement so long as they discontinue the activities condemned through major Wells Notices and investigations. However, the precedents set through cases like Ripple Labs will likely impact almost all crypto businesses either directly or indirectly.<br><br></p>
<h2>Why Wells Notices Matter to the Crypto Industry</h2>
<p><br>Wells Notices are often the first major signal to the wider crypto industry that certain practices will not fly under the SEC&rsquo;s radar. Below are some of the key reasons why they end up mattering so much:<br><br></p>
<h3>They Set Precedents</h3>
<p><br>As regulatory guidance still remains murky regarding how securities laws apply to digital assets and DeFi protocols, major cases stemming from Wells Notices set influential precedents in court. If Ripple ends up losing its ongoing litigation, it will be very difficult for similar projects to argue with a straight face that their tokens don&rsquo;t constitute securities.<br><br>The outcomes of these high-profile cases therefore often de facto shape industry definitions of security tokens vs. non-security tokens. Smaller players modeling their cryptocurrency projects based on the examples set by top companies should heed any precedents making certain tokens vulnerable to securities designation.<br><br></p>
<h3>They Shape the Regulatory Climate</h3>
<p><br>Wells Notices usually signal when regulatory tolerance for previous common industry practices has come to an end. For example, after the initial Coinschedule Wells Notice in 2018, the vast majority of companies stopped directly promoting token sales for fear of also facing enforcement actions.<br><br>These warning signs indicate regulator policy shifts to the industry before any official guidance releases. SEC officials often use Wells Notices in the crypto sphere intentionally to draw public attention and deter other players still engaged in the soon-to-be banned behaviors called out.<br><br></p>
<h3>They Influence Business Operations</h3>
<p><br>Firms wanting to reduce regulatory risk typically change policies and remove product offerings that triggered other companies receiving Wells Notices. For example, after BlockFi&rsquo;s run-in with the SEC over its interest accounts this year, rivals like Nexo and Celsius chose to discontinue their own similar yield offerings for U.S. customers.<br><br>Such self-policing results from firms inferring what activities regulators will crack down on next based on the violations alleged through recent Wells Notices against peers. No CEO wants their company becoming the next example made by regulators through high-cost lawsuits or settlements.<br><br></p>
<h3>They Affect Market Sentiment</h3>
<p><br>Wells Notice announcements also impact investor confidence, market prices, and broader public crypto sentiment. Both Ripple Labs and BlockFi saw their native token values drop substantially after revealing they received the SEC warnings. <br><br>Negative headlines around Wells Notices contribute to bearish market moves, while the legal uncertainty can dissuade risk-averse investors. The stigma slows mainstream institutional and retail adoption more broadly if reasonable observers assume tighter regulations are coming.<br><br></p>
<h3>They Force Industry Adaptation</h3>
<p><br>At the same time, Wells Notices usually don&rsquo;t spell the end for innovative blockchain projects. Instead, they often force productive business model and technological adaptations.<br><br>For example, many DeFi platforms have blocked the IP addresses of U.S. citizens after receiving Wells Notices and now focus primarily on non-U.S. markets with clearer regulations. Several NFT marketplaces have instituted strict know your customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) controls after being targeted for previous lax practices. Other players shift from utility tokens to stablecoin models with pricing tied directly to USD rather than speculation.</p>
<h2><br><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>
<p><br>While alarming for those who receive them, Wells Notices provide the crypto industry early warning signs regarding changing regulatory priorities. They should prompt companies not (yet) targeted to reevaluate their own token models and compliance through a more conservative legal lens. <br><br></p>
<h2><strong>Thank you for reading! If you found this content valuable, please consider supporting my work</strong></h2>
<p><br><strong>SOLANA :</strong>&nbsp;5tGG8ausWWo8u9K1brb2tZQEKuDMZ9C6kUD1e96dkNBo<br><strong>ETHEREUM/polygon/OP/ARB/FTM/ AVAX/BNB :</strong><br>0x608E4C17B3f891cAca5496f97c63b55AD2240BB5<br><strong>TRX and TRX USDT :&nbsp;</strong>TMtuDzU9XE5HHi83PZphujxSFiiDzyUVkA<br><strong>BITCOIN :&nbsp;</strong>bc1qehnkue20nce3zgec73qvmhy0g3zak69l24y06g<br><strong>Flow Address:&nbsp;</strong>0xc127a6d0990af587<br><strong>XRP :</strong>&nbsp;rGzWnVNpecRVqzb95pWvGxqUY8DpSTGATT<br><strong>ADA:&nbsp;</strong>addr1qx026lu93l7nj229alh0qcf2e69fx0selxmm870f80h9uzsgze4den3cvq337q65esfgw8t5zttfvkm6j6fljjsh00cqca3nqx<br><strong>BCH :&nbsp;</strong>qpvs92cgn0722lwsraaumczj3dznpvclkv70knp0sn<br><strong>LTC :&nbsp;</strong>ltc1qq0jp3xj5vmjwm57lr6339xhp8sf6c3lq9fv3ye<br><strong>POLKADOT :</strong>&nbsp;14LT8XNJLnEamrp7cKZUUzAE7ERSMcB13tBtTFY4rtMxrM2N<br><strong>STX :</strong>&nbsp;SP2QQ6V0E6ZFGPTZV9GKGQ6VN7KK21JC06ZSS9SMR<br><strong>MNT :</strong>&nbsp;0x17c81f1cb85B5B563a4dd667C23b237e79bAae86<br><strong>ATOM :&nbsp;</strong>cosmos1dvvn0p4dgdtzjh9eudy2gcrcys0efhd2ldhyvs<br><strong>FIL :</strong>&nbsp;f1fj3atuusz5ftguoikwcv7i7x3zkzzplgsi6jyki<br><strong>DOGE :&nbsp;</strong>D6fe2wFy4EgwTi3Rv74qooBRijXeyBTHpb<br><strong>ALGO :&nbsp;</strong>CHIAXBX3TOXDEFL36RWAZFF6B7GI55B7QWL6WNKF4YNDLB56UY4M4FBSJM<br><strong>APT :&nbsp;</strong>0x5a82df18a80ee52c50c3bcd7116faf4ccf953d21c791e8934b8acea87aa1f774<br><strong>NEAR :</strong>&nbsp;bd60d76219f6dee11156d254a7d228730bc4204d73603778c5ff18d82c83e398<br><strong>TEZOS XTZ :</strong>&nbsp;tz1bMZwPB8x8aRv5tLxHmQ3q8Auy1RFMhtPH<br><strong>ICP :</strong> wbak4-ujyhn-jtb4f-gyddm-jkpwu-viujq-7jwe3-wl3ck-azbpz-gy45g-tqe</p>

A Wells Notice is a letter sent by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to firms or individuals to notify them that the SEC is preparing to bring an enforcement action against them. Receiving a Wells Notice means you are under investigation by the SEC for potentially violating securities laws. 

Understanding Wells Notices: SEC Investigations in the Crypto World

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how we live and work. 

Dreaming with AI: Composing Clement Prompts for Neural Networks

<p>Founded in 2015 from the merger of Elance and oDesk, Upwork aims to revolutionize how work gets done by enabling companies to build flexible teams with top talent from around the world.<br><br></p>
<h3>The Upwork Platform</h3>
<p><br>Upwork operates an online marketplace that allows clients to find, hire, work with, and pay freelancers for short-term and longer-term projects. The platform provides tools and services to facilitate the matching of clients and freelancers, communication, collaboration, project management, time tracking, payments, and reviews.</p>
<h3><br><strong>Key features and components of Upwork's platform include:</strong><br><br></h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Talent Search</strong> - Clients can search Upwork's database of millions of freelancers by skill, location, hourly rate, reviews, and more to find qualified candidates.</li>
<li><strong>Profiles</strong> - Freelancers create detailed profiles highlighting their skills, experience, education, portfolios, reviews, and more. Clients can browse profiles to evaluate candidates.</li>
<li><strong>Job Postings</strong> - Clients can post fixed-price and hourly jobs detailing their project needs, required skills, and other information to attract candidates.</li>
<li><strong>Bidding and Messaging </strong>- Freelancers can submit proposals and bids in response to open jobs. Clients and freelancers can message each other through Upwork.</li>
<li><strong>Workrooms </strong>- An online workspace for clients to manage projects. Features include file sharing, task assignments, time tracking, feedback, and payments.</li>
<li><strong>Milestones </strong>- For larger projects, clients can create milestones with multiple payment periods to fund work in stages.</li>
<li><strong>Desktop App</strong> - An app that lets freelancers track time for hourly jobs, communicate with clients, and get notifications.</li>
<li><strong>Mobile App</strong> - Allows managing projects and messaging on the go.</li>
<li>Payment Processing - Upwork facilitates payments between clients and freelancers for all projects on its platform.</li>
<li><strong>Reviews </strong>- After project completion, clients and freelancers can leave feedback and star ratings to build reputations.</li>
<li><strong>Search Filters</strong> - Advanced filters like hourly rate, project length, locations, skill tests, and more help clients narrow candidate searches.</li>
<li><strong>Verified Profiles</strong> - Upwork verifies freelancer skills, identity, and location to certify trusted talent.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>This platform provides the end-to-end infrastructure to discover talent, collaborate effectively, deliver work successfully, and get paid on time.<br><br></p>
<h2>Economic Model</h2>
<p><br>Upwork generates revenue primarily through service fees charged to both clients and freelancers as a percentage of each transaction on the platform. This fee model allows Upwork to benefit when freelancers earn more.</p>
<h3><br><strong>Here are the key components of Upwork's economic model:</strong><br><br></h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Freelancer Service Fee </strong>- Upwork charges freelancers a sliding service fee of 5-20% on each transaction, depending on their lifetime billings through Upwork. The fee is deducted automatically from each payment.</li>
<li><strong>Client Service Fee</strong> - Clients pay Upwork a 2.75% payment processing and administration fee on each transaction, in addition to the freelancer fee.</li>
<li><strong>Membership Plans</strong> - Upwork offers premium memberships for freelancers that reduce their service fee to 5-10% for higher monthly fees.</li>
<li><strong>Connects </strong>- Clients purchase Connects (like credits) to send proposals and initiate contracts with freelancers. Each Connect costs $0.15.</li>
<li><strong>Withdrawal Fees </strong>- Freelancers pay a small fee (around $2) when withdrawing funds from Upwork to their bank account.</li>
<li><strong>Rising Talent</strong> - For new freelancers, Upwork charges a higher 10-20% service fee that drops down as they gain experience.</li>
<li><strong>Enterprise Services </strong>- Additional services offered for larger clients with customized plans and pricing.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>This model allows Upwork to generate revenue from both parties engaging in a freelancing transaction. The value provided by the platform infrastructure, tools, reach, and trust justify the fees charged for facilitating the relationships and payment exchange.<br><br>Upwork takes an additional cut from freelancer earnings but offers the benefit of steady access toclients and project opportunities they may not have found on their own. For clients, the fees provide assurance when working with new freelancers found online.<br><br></p>
<h3>Benefits for Freelancers</h3>
<p><br><strong>Upwork offers independent freelancers and self-employed professionals a wide range of benefits:</strong><br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Access to Clients Globally</strong> - Freelancers can connect with clients around the world without needing to build a local client base.</li>
<li><strong>Find Projects Year Round </strong>- Steady flow of new projects across diverse sectors and skill sets. Less time prospecting for new work.</li>
<li><strong>Supplemental or Full-Time Income</strong> - Flexibility to work as much or as little as desired. Ability to make freelancing a career.</li>
<li><strong>Work From Anywhere </strong>- No geographic limitations. Can work while travelling or from home offices.</li>
<li><strong>Test New Services</strong> - Low risk way to offer new skills or services and demonstrate abilities to potential long-term clients.</li>
<li><strong>Build Reputation </strong>- Ratings and reviews on completed projects establish credibility for future opportunities.</li>
<li><strong>Track Record of Earnings</strong> - Invoices, contracts, and payment history demonstrate freelancing income potential.</li>
<li><strong>Payment Protection</strong> - Upwork holds payment until work is done and acts as an intermediator in disputes.</li>
<li><strong>Education &amp; Support</strong> - Resources like guides, webinars, and 24/7 customer assistance to succeed as a freelancer.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>The platform allows freelancers to maximize their earning potential, attract clients they may never have found otherwise, and establish their personal brand.<br><br></p>
<h3>Benefits for Clients</h3>
<p><br>For businesses and clients hiring freelancers, Upwork also provides significant advantages:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Immediate Access to Talent</strong> - Can quickly start projects with pre-vetted, qualified talent within days.</li>
<li><strong>No Geographic Limits</strong> - Remove location restrictions when hiring specialized skills.</li>
<li><strong>Lower Costs</strong> - Pay for only the work needed versus having full-time employees on payroll.</li>
<li><strong>Specific Expertise</strong> - Get niche skills on niche projects that may be harder to find locally.</li>
<li><strong>Scalability </strong>- Scale teams up and down as project needs change.</li>
<li><strong>Flexibility</strong> - Hire for short-term projects or extend long-term without commitment.</li>
<li><strong>Comparison Shopping</strong> - Evaluate multiple freelancers based on profiles, ratings, and portfolios.</li>
<li><strong>Project Management</strong> - Use milestones and task tracking to manage remote freelancers seamlessly.</li>
<li><strong>Trust &amp; Safety</strong> - Freelancer identity verification and payment protection for hiring security.</li>
<li><strong>Productivity Focus</strong> - Let freelancers focus on the work while Upwork handles payments and support.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>By opening access to global talent on-demand, clients can get projects done faster, cheaper, and with less hassle.<br><br></p>
<h3>Upwork's Impacts</h3>
<p><br><strong>Upwork and the freelance economy are reshaping the future of work in several meaningful ways:</strong><br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Enabling Location-Independent Lifestyles</strong> - Professionals can work wherever they want whether that's at home, while traveling, or from remote destinations. This provides more lifestyle flexibility.</li>
<li><strong>Creating Income Streams</strong> - Workers can earn income through multiple freelance projects and clients versus one traditional job. Moonlighting adds supplemental revenue.</li>
<li><strong>Providing Career Options </strong>- Freelancing lets people market specialized skill sets and professional experiences suited for independent work.</li>
<li><strong>Empowering Underserved Groups</strong> - Open access gives opportunities to workers who can't do traditional office jobs due to disabilities, family care, or other circumstances.</li>
<li><strong>Building Small Businesses </strong>- Freelancing allows entrepreneurially-minded professionals to run their own small agencies and services beyond just their individual contributions.</li>
<li><strong>Filling Employment Gaps</strong> - Laid off and furloughed workers can continue earning income between traditional jobs. Retirees can stay engaged.</li>
<li><strong>Driving Inclusive Growth</strong> - Online freelancing creates economic opportunities for skilled workers globally, not just concentrated in large cities.</li>
<li><strong>Enabling Remote &amp; Hybrid Work</strong> - Experience managing remote freelancers translates into effectively leading more distributed teams within companies.</li>
<li><strong>Accelerating Innovation</strong> - Independent experts bring fresh perspectives and niche expertise to solving problems and developing new products.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>While still an evolving model, freelance marketplaces like Upwork provide more access, more choice, and more possibilities in the labor market.<br><br><strong>In summary,</strong> Upwork operates an online platform that empowers businesses to connect with qualified, vetted freelancers globally across thousands of skills. Its two-sided economic model charges service fees to both clients and freelancers for facilitating their transactions and relationship, allowing the company to scale with the market. Upwork aims to increase efficiency in the labor market and enable more people to work flexibly while expanding business access to specialized talent on-demand. The impacts on how professionals earn income and companies get work done continue to grow.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Thank you for reading! If you found this content valuable, please consider supporting my work</strong></h2>
<p><br><strong>SOLANA :</strong>&nbsp;5tGG8ausWWo8u9K1brb2tZQEKuDMZ9C6kUD1e96dkNBo<br><strong>ETHEREUM/polygon/OP/ARB/FTM/ AVAX/BNB :</strong><br>0x608E4C17B3f891cAca5496f97c63b55AD2240BB5<br><strong>TRX and TRX USDT : </strong>TMtuDzU9XE5HHi83PZphujxSFiiDzyUVkA<br><strong>BITCOIN :&nbsp;</strong>bc1qehnkue20nce3zgec73qvmhy0g3zak69l24y06g<br><strong>Flow Address: </strong>0xc127a6d0990af587<br><strong>XRP :</strong> rGzWnVNpecRVqzb95pWvGxqUY8DpSTGATT<br><strong>ADA: </strong>addr1qx026lu93l7nj229alh0qcf2e69fx0selxmm870f80h9uzsgze4den3cvq337q65esfgw8t5zttfvkm6j6fljjsh00cqca3nqx<br><strong>BCH : </strong>qpvs92cgn0722lwsraaumczj3dznpvclkv70knp0sn<br><strong>LTC : </strong>ltc1qq0jp3xj5vmjwm57lr6339xhp8sf6c3lq9fv3ye<br><strong>POLKADOT :</strong> 14LT8XNJLnEamrp7cKZUUzAE7ERSMcB13tBtTFY4rtMxrM2N<br><strong>STX :</strong> SP2QQ6V0E6ZFGPTZV9GKGQ6VN7KK21JC06ZSS9SMR<br><strong>MNT :</strong> 0x17c81f1cb85B5B563a4dd667C23b237e79bAae86<br><strong>ATOM : </strong>cosmos1dvvn0p4dgdtzjh9eudy2gcrcys0efhd2ldhyvs<br><strong>FIL :</strong> f1fj3atuusz5ftguoikwcv7i7x3zkzzplgsi6jyki<br><strong>DOGE : </strong>D6fe2wFy4EgwTi3Rv74qooBRijXeyBTHpb<br><strong>ALGO : </strong>CHIAXBX3TOXDEFL36RWAZFF6B7GI55B7QWL6WNKF4YNDLB56UY4M4FBSJM<br><strong>APT : </strong>0x5a82df18a80ee52c50c3bcd7116faf4ccf953d21c791e8934b8acea87aa1f774<br><strong>NEAR :</strong> bd60d76219f6dee11156d254a7d228730bc4204d73603778c5ff18d82c83e398<br><strong>TEZOS XTZ :</strong> tz1bMZwPB8x8aRv5tLxHmQ3q8Auy1RFMhtPH<br><strong>ICP :</strong> wbak4-ujyhn-jtb4f-gyddm-jkpwu-viujq-7jwe3-wl3ck-azbpz-gy45g-tqe</p>

Upwork is an online freelancing platform that connects businesses seeking freelance talent with independent professionals offering various skills and services. 

How to Use Upwork and Its Economic Model

<p>When a borrower takes out a loan from a DeFi protocol, they are typically required to post collateral valued higher than the loan as insurance for the lender. Platforms need protection in case the assets borrowed lose too much value before being paid back. If collateral value drops below a certain threshold compared to the stablecoins borrowed, the DeFi platform will "liquidate" the position to recoup funds.<br><br>This beginner's guide will explain the mechanics of DeFi liquidations, why they occur, how to monitor liquidation risk for positions and share unique examples to solidify understanding of this key concept for decentralized lending.<br><br></p>
<h2>What Triggers a <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/liquidation-preference.asp">Liquidation</a></h2>
<p><br>Most DeFi lending protocols utilize an underlying algorithm to track the collateral value relative to stablecoin loans issued to determine if a position is adequately collateralized. The lending platform must liquidate undercollateralized positions to ensure user funds can be repaid. Two key metrics are used:<br><br><strong>1. Collateralization ratio </strong><br><br>The percentage value compares collateral deposited vs stablecoins borrowed. For example, 200% would mean $2 worth of crypto assets deposited for every $1 borrowed. This ratio must stay above a minimum threshold like 150%.<br><br><strong>2. Oracle price feed </strong><br><br>Real-time data provider on current market prices for crypto assets used as collateral. If prices drop, so does the collateralization ratio.<br><br>Liquidations are triggered automatically by smart contracts when the oracle price data pushes the collateralization ratio below the platform-defined minimum. By liquidating undercollateralized loans immediately, the protocol ensures it can sell the collateral and get repaid if borrowers default.<br><br></p>
<h3><strong>A Simple Liquidation Example </strong></h3>
<p><br>Let's walk through a basic liquidation example to better understand the mechanisms:<br><br>Mike wants to borrow $1000 USDC using his ETH as collateral on the Aave DeFi lending platform. <br><br>1. Aave requires an initial collateral ratio of 200% for loans, so Mike deposits $2000 worth of ETH into an Aave collateralized debt position (CDP). <br><br>2. The price feed oracles show ETH trading at $2000 per coin, so Mike's 2 ETH deposit adequately covers the $1000 USDC loan.<br><br>3. ETH prices suddenly crash 50% to $1000. Mike's 2 ETH is now only worth $2000 total.<br><br>4. The collateralization ratio falls below 150% ($2000 collateral / $1000 debt = 150%). <br><br>5. Aave immediately liquidates Mike's 2 ETH at the market rate to repay the outstanding $1000 USDC debt.<br><br><strong>In this example, </strong>the automatic liquidation protects the lender from Mike defaulting with underwater collateral due to the crash in ETH prices. Mike is left with no ETH and no debt, allowing Aave to recoup capital and minimize risk.<br><br></p>
<h3>Why Do Liquidations Occur<br><br></h3>
<p>Now that you know mechanically how liquidations work, you may be asking - why are liquidations and over-collateralization needed in DeFi lending? Can't the platforms just trust users to manage their own risks?<br><br>The answer ties back to the permissionless and pseudonymous nature of blockchains. When dealing with unknown users, DeFi protocols create self-enforcing mechanisms like liquidations so loans get repaid regardless of user behavior, even in extreme market crashes. Two key reasons they are necessary:<br><br><strong>1. Avoid bad debt and insolvency</strong> - In traditional finance, lenders rely heavily on assessing creditworthiness of borrowers to estimate the risk loans won't be repaid. DeFi platforms have no way to reliably vet every anonymous user for creditworthiness. Strict collateral rules and liquidations provide the confidence for protocols to lend without defaults.<br><br><strong>2. Incentivize responsible borrowing</strong> - Overcollateralization commitments coupled with liquidation penalties incentivize prudent risk management by borrowers. No one wants to get liquidated at the bottom of sudden swings, so these mechanisms encourage users to think carefully about setting collateral ratios prudently for their risk tolerance.<br><br>In summary, liquidations are key to DeFi lending by acting akin to margin calls in the traditional financial world. They protect protocols and users alike against excessive default risk due to blockchain anonymity and volatile crypto markets. Liquidations translate that risk into transparent collateral rules for all market participants.<br><br></p>
<h3>Monitoring Liquidation Risk&nbsp;</h3>
<p><br>Understanding the risk of liquidations occurring is crucial knowledge for DeFi users looking to borrow funds or provide lending liquidity. Many platforms provide data dashboards to view loan health metrics and monitor how close current positions sit to liquidation thresholds. Let's explore the key data points to watch:<br><br>Collateralization Ratio - Current % showing collateral value against loan amount borrowed. Higher is safer with 150-200% being common.<br><br><strong>Liquidation Price</strong> - A projected price that would trigger liquidation based on the gap between the current collateral ratio and the liquidation threshold (e.g. 150%). This shows the margin of safety before liquidation could occur.<br><br><strong>Liquidation Penalty</strong> - Percentage fee charged if a position gets liquidated, usually 5-10% of collateral value. This covers transaction costs for the lending platform.<br><br>Monitoring these data points provides situational awareness of DeFi lending risks. Some additional tips include:<br><br>- Set price alerts on liquidation prices for collateral assets <br><br>- Review positions after significant market volatile to ensure adequate buffers <br><br>- Maintain collateral ratios well above the minimum required&nbsp;<br><br>Following prudent risk management practices is complementary to the automated liquidation protections in place. <br><br></p>
<h3>Liquidation Monitoring Examples</h3>
<p><br>To make liquidation monitoring more tangible, let&rsquo;s walk through a few examples showing how to interpret key risk metrics for positions, and how liquidation prices can be used to manage risks accordingly:<br><br></p>
<h2>Example 1) Avoiding Liquidation During Volatility</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Alice deposits $10,000 worth of WBTC to borrow $6,000 USDT on Aave</li>
<li>Her current collateral ratio is 166% ($10k collateral for $6k loan)</li>
<li>The liquidation ratio for WBTC on Aave is 146%</li>
<li>This means liquidation would occur if the WBTC collateral value drops to $8,760 (146% of $6,000)</li>
<li>Alice sees massive volatility strikes WBTC prices due to wider crypto sell-off</li>
<li>Alice checks Aave and sees the liquidation price for her position is now $8,850 if prices continue falling</li>
<li>To prevent getting liquidated as WBTC fluctuates, Alice repays $1,000 USDT of her loan, raising her collateral ratio back to safer levels</li>
</ul>
<p><br>This example demonstrates how monitoring liquidation prices can inform preventative actions like partial loan repayments to mitigate liquidation risks during periods of peak volatility.<br><br></p>
<h2>Example 2) Setting Price Alerts to Avoid Liquidation</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Bob takes a $10,000 USDT loan from Compound using $20,000 worth of UNI as collateral</li>
<li>His position has a healthy collateral ratio of 200%</li>
<li>However, the liquidation ratio for Compound is 128%</li>
<li>This means Bob's position would get liquidated if his UNI collateral value drops below $12,800</li>
<li>UNI prices have seen major declines over the past month</li>
<li>Bob sets a price alert at $15 per UNI, which would trigger liquidation at current collateral/debt levels</li>
<li>When the price alert goes off as UNI trades near $16, Bob repays $5,000 USDT of his loan as a precautionary buffer&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p><br>By proactively setting price alerts tied to liquidation risks, DeFi users can monitor positions without constantly checking in and manually repay portions of loans if certain threshold breaches occur to avoid getting liquidated.<br><br></p>
<h3>Liquidation Prediction Dapps</h3>
<p><br>More advanced DeFi users can also leverage liquidation monitoring services like Ape Board which aggregate data across lending protocols to provide liquidation predictions for at-risk collateral positions.<br><br>These dapps analyze historical liquidation patterns across platforms like Aave and Compound. The data is then used to predict the chance of liquidation occurring for collateral assets based on criteria like:<br><br>- Recent price drawdowns<br>- Current collateral ratios<br>- Historical liquidation frequency<br>- Lending platform liquidation thresholds <br><br>By compiling predictive analytics on liquidations probabilities, these tools help risk managers model and avoid excessive exposure to liquidatable positions across volatile DeFi lending markets.<br><br></p>
<h4>Liquidation Protection Strategies</h4>
<p><br>The above examples demonstrate ways DeFi users can monitor and mitigate liquidation risk through proactive position management. Here are a few additional liquidation protection strategies to consider:<br><br><strong>Set Extensive Price Alerts</strong> - alerts well above probable liquidation ranges based on volatility<br><br><strong>Temporary Risk Buffers</strong> - repay a % of loans to periodically raise collateral ratios <br><br><strong>Limit Position Sizes</strong> - cap maximum capital at risk per position and collateral type&nbsp; <br><br><strong>Balance Platform Exposure</strong> - diversify collateral across protocols with varying liquidation behaviors&nbsp; <br><br>While experienced traders may aim to push risk tolerances to maximize yields, it's generally wise for most to maintain reasonable diligence across lending positions and collateral assets. Ultimately liquidations are designed to keep protocols solvent - so the simplest way to avoid them is through prudent position management.<br><br></p>
<h4>Recovering From Liquidations</h4>
<p><br>Despite best efforts, even seasoned DeFi operators can get caught offsides by unprecedented &ldquo;black swan&rdquo; events triggering cascading liquidations with little warning. For anyone finding themselves thrust into this worst case scenario, here are some damage control options:<br><br><strong>Seek arbitrage opportunities</strong> - liquidated assets may trade below intrinsic value on dex interfaces triggering fire sale arbitrage openings&nbsp; <br><br><strong>Consider collateral shifts</strong> - rotate remaining positions into historically resilient assets less tied to high correlation drawdowns <br><br><strong>Rebuild positions gradually</strong> - moderately re-enter previously liquidated positions at safer collateral ratios as markets stabilize<br><br>While emotionally difficult, traders recovering from liquidations should avoid �revenge trading�. Objective risk-assessment, prudent position building, and scaling back overexposed trading habits will provide the best path from heavily liquidated positions.<br><br></p>
<h2><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>
<p><br>With great innovation comes great responsibility. DeFi introduces powerful but risky financial tools without the guardrails traders may be accustomed to. Understanding position risks - specifically the implications of liquidations - becomes a prerequisite for engaging prudently while avoiding ruin. Monitor positions diligently, brace for volatility, and know your risk limits.<br><br>Liquidations will remain a pivotal mechanic allowing permissionless DeFi lending to scale safely. But by arming yourself with risk management tactics covered here you can help avoid becoming just another liquidation statistic while advancing adoption of these revolutionary protocols. With preparation and responsibility, DeFi touchdowns and strikeouts alike contribute to this grand financial experiment writing the history books before our very eyes.<br><br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>*Not financial advice. Please do your own research</p>
<h2><strong>Thank you for reading! If you found this content valuable, please consider supporting my work</strong></h2>
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One aspect that sets DeFi lending platforms apart from traditional finance is the use of collateralized loans and automated liquidation protocols.

Decentralized Liquidations: Critical Knowledge for DeFi Borrowers

<p>The goal of shilling is to generate buzz, drive up demand, and increase the price of the shilled asset. Crypto shillers often own a significant amount of the asset or token they are promoting and stand to profit from rising prices and increased trading volume. They want to create FOMO (fear of missing out) and induce more people to buy the crypto they own.<br><br>While not always misleading, shilling often relies on exaggeration, cherry-picking facts, making unrealistic promises, and downplaying risks. Shillers highlight the most optimistic narratives and try to get people excited about the potential of the project. However, they can ignore inconvenient truths, red flags, and warning signs in an effort to pump things up.<br><br></p>
<h1>Key Characteristics of Crypto Shilling:</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Promoting a crypto asset for personal benefit rather than neutral information sharing</li>
<li>Using hype, exaggeration, and unrealistic promises rather than facts</li>
<li>Minimizing or ignoring risks, problems, and negatives</li>
<li>Trying to generate buzz and excitement about a project</li>
<li>Encouraging or pressuring people to invest or buy a cryptocurrency</li>
<li>Owning the crypto asset and standing to benefit from increased demand and prices</li>
<li>Emphasizing potential upside rather than balanced assessments</li>
<li>Repeatedly talking up the asset across platforms like social media, forums, chats</li>
<li>Presenting opinions as facts rather than saying it's speculation</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Motivations Behind Crypto Shilling</h2>
<p><br><strong>There are several motivations that drive shilling activity in the cryptocurrency sphere:</strong><br><br><strong>Profit:</strong> Many shillers own significant amounts of the crypto assets they promote and stand to profit handsomely if their shilling successfully drives up prices. They can then sell at the top when prices peak.<br><br><strong>Increasing awareness:</strong> For new or obscure projects, shilling can be a way to spread awareness and increase visibility. Getting more people talking about and investing in the crypto is a motivator.<br><br><strong>Driving adoption:</strong> Shillers often believe sincerely in the project they are promoting and want to drive adoption by getting more people to use and invest in the crypto. However, they use hype to do so.<br><br><strong>Building community:</strong> Active shilling demonstrates dedication to a project and can help build an engaged community around a cryptocurrency. Shillers help bring in new converts.<br><br><strong>Self-promotion:</strong> Some individuals shill to boost their own profile and visibility, establishing themselves as a thought leader around a crypto asset. They can leverage this to build followers, earn income, or enhance their reputation.<br><br><strong>Financial gain: </strong>Shillers are sometimes paid or compensated with free tokens from projects to hype up and bring attention to their crypto. This quid pro quo shilling benefits both parties.<br><br><strong>Ideological zeal:</strong> Passion for a project can lead to over-enthusiastic shilling that crosses into territory that may mislead new investors rather than inform.<br><br>Profit motives and financial incentives are often strong drivers of shilling activity in spaces like social media, online forums, YouTube channels, and at conferences. However, ideology, awareness building, and promotion of crypto adoption also fuel overzealous marketing.<br><br></p>
<h3>Tactics Used in Crypto Shilling</h3>
<p><br><strong>Crypto shillers employ a variety of tactics and strategies to promote digital assets while glossing over their weaknesses and risks. Some approaches commonly used include:</strong><br><br></p>
<ul>
<li>Aggressively promoting coins on social media by repeatedly highlighting positive news, making bold price predictions, and urging buying.</li>
<li>Downplaying risks and problems related to a crypto by dismissing them as temporary setbacks or FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt).</li>
<li>Encouraging brigade-like behavior where groups of shillers act as a hivemind to hype a crypto across forums, reddits, and channels.</li>
<li>Using astroturfing with fake accounts/bots to create illusion of grassroots excitement and interest in a project.</li>
<li>Paying influencers on YouTube, TikTok, Twitter to read scripted promotions for lesser known cryptos.</li>
<li>Flooding comment sections, forums, and channels with promotional posts often disguised as regular users.</li>
<li>Creating exaggerated or misleading narratives about adoption, capabilities, partners, technology potential, and price trajectory.</li>
<li>Pressuring people by telling them "You're going to miss out if you don't buy now."</li>
<li>Downplaying market cap, circulating supply, and other metrics that provide context and valuations.</li>
<li>Censoring and banning dissenting voices and negative commentary about the shilled asset in communities they control.</li>
<li>Making unrealistic price predictions unsupported by data, facts, or macro conditions.</li>
<li>Alleging partnerships, integrations, and connections that often turn out to be unsubstantiated or misleading.</li>
<li>Artificially inflating trading volumes through wash trading, bots, and coordinated pumping activity.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>Serious crypto shillers often plan organized campaigns across platforms to create buzz and drive FOMO. They capitalize on people's lack of knowledge to make grandiose claims that fall apart under scrutiny. Questionable behavior and red flags from crypto teams themselves can also signal shilling priorities over development.<br><br></p>
<h4>Problems and Risks Caused by Crypto Shilling</h4>
<p><br><strong>While hype and excitement can boost interest and prices in the short-term, excessive shilling poses risks and problems for investors and the crypto space as a whole, including:</strong><br><br><strong>Misallocation of capital:</strong> Hype draws investment to weak or scam projects rather than quality ones, starving good projects of funding.<br><br><strong>Loss of credibility: </strong>The industry loses credibility when projects shilled as the next big thing fail or are revealed as frauds. This dampens mainstream trust.<br><br><strong>Artificial inflation: </strong>Aggressive shilling manufactures artificial price inflation rather than earned value, creating eventual busts when hype dies down.<br><br><strong>Encouraging bad behavior: </strong>Successful shilling incentivizes fraudsters and pumps up shitcoins, propagating bad behavior.<br><br><strong>Trading frenzies: </strong>Coordinated shilling produces trading/buying frenzies that can see prices crash once the pumping ends.<br><br><strong>Fueling bubbles:</strong> Shilling fuels speculation and irrational exuberance, inflating dangerous bubbles prone to massive drops.<br><br><strong>Misinformation:</strong> Exaggerated narratives and false claims confuse newbies rather than educating.<br><br><strong>Bagholders: </strong>When shilled assets collapse, everyday investors are left holding worthless bags.<br>Whipsaw markets: With traders chasing shills between assets, markets see excessive volatility.<br><br>Although shilling generates short term profits for disingenuous promoters, these practices ultimately undermine confidence and trust in cryptocurrency investing. The fallout after hype cycles wane can be quite damaging to naive investors lured in by promotions promising unattainable gains.<br><br></p>
<h2>How to Identify Crypto Shilling</h2>
<p><br><strong>Since crypto shilling is so pervasive, it's important for investors to think critically and watch for red flags that may indicate disingenuous promotion of a project. Warning signs include:</strong><br><br></p>
<ul>
<li>Claims that seem exaggerated, unrealistic, or rely on hype rather than fundamentals</li>
<li>Aggressive promotions across platforms by a small group of accounts</li>
<li>Dismissing risks and negative news as FUD while only focusing on the positive</li>
<li>Strange spikes in activity, often coordinated across channels, meant to drive FOMO</li>
<li>Little transparency about team members and backers behind a project</li>
<li>Shillers have already bought the asset ahead of promotion and stand to profit</li>
<li>Questioning project merits is met with censoring or hostility rather than factual discussion</li>
<li>Sudden influx of promoters often with new accounts or no posting history</li>
<li>Falling for scarcity hype like "only 10,000 coins left at this price!"</li>
<li>Shillers encourage urgent buying and make ominous warnings about missing out</li>
<li>Project claims partnerships that are actually just public relations stunts</li>
<li>Aggressive attacks against critics while avoiding substantive counterarguments</li>
<li>Excessive hype around an asset's technical potential that will supposedly revolutionize finance</li>
<li>No working product despite aggressive marketing and shilling</li>
<li>Discussion dominated by talk of future price increases rather than fundamentals</li>
</ul>
<p><br>The tactics used and narratives promoted by shillers often share many similarities across assets, once you understand their playbook. Investors should blockchain out noise and instead rely on cold, hard facts to judge a project's merits. If something sounds too good to be true in crypto, it very well may be.<br><br></p>
<h3>How to Avoid Falling for Crypto Shilling</h3>
<p><br><strong>Here are some tips to avoid being sucked into crypto hype cycles or assets pump and dumped by shillers:</strong><br><br></p>
<ul>
<li>Tune out hype and focus on fundamentals - does the project fill a need and have real utility?</li>
<li>Assess the team's credibility - are they transparent and respected professionals?</li>
<li>Look at data like market cap, circulation supply, trading volumes as reality checks.</li>
<li>Don't fall for FOMO - make rational decisions based on risk-reward.</li>
<li>Ignore pressure tactics and urgent calls to buy.</li>
<li>Watch out for orchestrated attempts to create buzz.</li>
<li>Don't assume partnerships are as substantial as claimed.</li>
<li>See how the project's community handles criticism - censoring is a red flag.</li>
<li>Be skeptical of claims that seem unrealistic or exaggerated.</li>
<li>Avoid buying during sudden, aggressive spikes in promotion and price.</li>
<li>Check whether discussions are dominated by hype rather than balanced assessments.</li>
<li>Be wary if promoters own a significant stake they stand to profit from.</li>
<li>Ask if inflated valuations make sense for an untested asset.</li>
<li>Don't believe claims certain price increases are guaranteed.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>By tuning out noise, assessing fundamentals, ignoring FOMO, and watching for red flags, investors can avoid falling victim to crypto shilling scams. Make decisions based on risk-reward rather than hype.<br><br></p>
<h4>Ethical Concerns Around Crypto Shilling</h4>
<p><br><strong>Crypto shilling sits in a moral gray zone. Aggressive promotion inherently involves tension between self-interest and presenting a balanced perspective.</strong><br><br>However, certain shilling practices are particularly unethical:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li>Knowingly promoting worthless or scam projects</li>
<li>Using hype and deception rather than informing objectively</li>
<li>Shilling assets you already hold to enrich yourself at others' expense</li>
<li>Promoting projects with significant red flags and deal-breaking flaws</li>
<li>Leveraging cultural narratives irresponsibly to market shitcoins</li>
<li>Artificially inflating trading volumes through wash trading or bots</li>
<li>Censoring and harassing critics rather than engaging their arguments</li>
<li>Astroturfing by using fake accounts and bots to simulate grassroots hype</li>
<li>Creating or spreading completely false narratives about a project</li>
<li>Making guarantees about price increases that are unrealistic</li>
<li>Flooding channels to drown out other voices and perspectives</li>
</ul>
<p><br>For crypto shilling to be ethical, promoters should disclose if they own the asset, allow balanced discussion, avoid guaranteeing outcomes, and share substantive arguments rather than just hype.<br><br>Unfortunately, the worst shillers use smoke, mirrors, and manipulation rather than transparency and facts. This takes advantage of unsophisticated investors caught up in the hype.<br><br></p>
<h4>Regulatory Action Against Crypto Shilling</h4>
<p><br>While not illegal in most countries, authorities are increasingly cracking down on shady shilling practices that cross into breach of regulations. For example:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li>The SEC charged celebrities Kim Kardashian and Floyd Mayweather with illegally shilling the EthereumMax token without disclosing they were paid for the promotions.</li>
<li>South Korea has arrested people involved in illicit shilling schemes designed to manipulate crypto prices using insider trading techniques.</li>
<li>The UK's Financial Conduct Authority has criminalized the practice of shilling financial assets one doesn't actually own to profit from rising prices.</li>
<li>The New York Attorney General is targeting exchanges like Coinbase for running super bowl ads that arguably shilled crypto in an irresponsible way.</li>
<li>India, China, and other countries have broader bans on crypto marketing and promotions to protect consumers.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>Regulators globally are grappling with the rise of influencer marketing and undisclosed shilling on social media to promote financial products. Expect more rules and potential legal consequences for deceitful crypto shilling tactics moving forward.<br><br></p>
<h4>Best Practices for Ethical Crypto Promotion</h4>
<p><br><strong>To promote cryptocurrencies responsibly, marketers should:</strong><br><br></p>
<ul>
<li>Avoid hype and exaggeration. Be truthful.</li>
<li>Disclose if they own the asset or are compensated to promote it.</li>
<li>Provide balanced perspectives covering risks and potential downsides.</li>
<li>Have substantive discussions on technology, use cases and fundamentals.</li>
<li>Engage in ethical influencer marketing by following disclosure rules.</li>
<li>Call out scams and misinformation rather than ignoring them.</li>
<li>Allow critics to voice skepticism without censoring.</li>
<li>Educate rather than pressure people into buying anything.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>The crypto community should self-police behavior and call out bad actors engaged in deceptive shilling. Projects themselves should also set ethical guidelines for their marketing practices.<br><br>The industry needs promotion, but it must be grounded in facts rather than misleading hype. When shilling crosses into dishonesty, it hurts trust in cryptocurrency as a whole.<br><br><strong>To make informed decisions, focus on fundamentals and objective data rather than bold claims of potential gains.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>Thank you for reading! If you found this content valuable, please consider supporting my work</strong></h4>
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In simple terms, crypto shilling is when a person promotes or talks favorably about a cryptocurrency or blockchain project, typically for personal gain rather than sharing objective facts. It tends to gloss over any negatives and instead focuses on hyping up the potential upside.

Crypto Shilling

<p>DAOs allow for the creation of leaderless organizations where governance and decision-making are distributed across all members. <br><br>In this model, smart contracts encode the foundational rules and financial transactions of the organization on a blockchain, eliminating the need for traditional management hierarchies. Participation is open and transparent, and power is distributed evenly amongst members.<br><br>The aim is to build an equitable business that creates value for society, with profits shared amongst members who actively participate and contribute.<br><br></p>
<h1>Defining Your Purpose and Values</h1>
<p><br>The first step is to clearly define the overarching purpose and values of your decentralized organization. What specific issues does it aim to address? What principles will guide its activities?<br><br><strong>For example, </strong>you may seek to build a eco-friendly ride sharing platform that reduces carbon emissions from transportation. The core values could include transparency, sustainability, inclusion, and fair compensation. <br><br>Clearly articulating your purpose and values from the outset will help attract members who connect with your cause and steer activities in line with your principles. It also sets the culture and norms for member behavior.<br><br></p>
<h2>Structuring Your DAO</h2>
<p><br>With your purpose and values defined, you next need to determine the structure and governance model for your DAO. Will decision-making power be spread across all members equally? Or will certain members hold more voting power based on their contributions?<br><br>A common starting point is to create a flat governance structure where every member gets one vote. You can also choose a representational governance model where members elect delegates to vote on their behalf. <br><br>More complex reputation-based models are possible where members gain voting power based on quantifiable contributions to the DAO. The right choice depends on the size of your organization and the needs of your community.<br><br>You also need to decide on rules for voting major decisions like adding new members, allocating resources or dividends, and updating policies and smart contracts. A 67% supermajority vote is commonly used.<br><br></p>
<h3>Drafting Smart Contracts</h3>
<p><br>At the heart of your DAO will be the smart contracts that establish ownership rights, governance processes, financial transactions, and incentive structures for members.<br><br>If you lack the technical skills, you can hire blockchain developers to code the required smart contracts. Audit all contracts thoroughly before deploying them to avoid issues down the road.<br><br></p>
<h3>Key contracts will likely include:</h3>
<p><br><strong>A token contract</strong> - This defines the crypto tokens that represent ownership shares in your DAO. Tokens grant voting rights and rights to any dividends.<br><br><strong>A governance contract </strong>- Encodes the rules and processes for voting on proposals by members. Sets voting and quorum requirements.<br><br><strong>A treasury contract </strong>- Manages assets owned by the DAO and facilitates financial transactions like payments, expenses and dividends. <br><br><strong>A vesting contract </strong>- For unlocking tokens over time to reward members for their contributions.<br><br>You can look to existing DAO platforms like Aragon or DAOstack for customizable templates as a starting point.<br><br></p>
<h3>Funding Your Decentralized Organization</h3>
<p><br>Once your organizational structure and contracts are ready, you need to fund your DAO by selling tokens to prospective members through an initial coin offering (ICO). <br><br>This allows you to raise capital to hire developers, pay for overhead costs, and initiate key operations and incentives needed to build your product/platform.<br><br>Determine the total number of tokens to be generated by your DAO and the portion to be sold in the ICO vs. reserved for members who join later. Consider setting aside 20% of tokens for founders and early contributors who take on more risk.<br><br>Price your tokens reasonably to attract buyers. Discount tokens heavily during a private pre-sale round for core supporters. Then gradually increase prices through public sale rounds as your ICO gains traction.<br><br>Marketing your ICO professionally is key to attracting adequate funding. Be sure to comply with regulations in your jurisdiction on token sale disclosures and structures.<br><br></p>
<h3>Building Your Initial Product or Service</h3>
<p><br>With funding secured, you can start to actually build the product or service that your DAO aims to create. <br><br>For an eco-friendly ride sharing platform, you would need to develop the mobile apps for riders and drivers and the backend technology to match trips and process payments. Don't neglect the critical steps of design testing and user research. <br><br>Deploy an initial minimal viable product (MVP) that delivers core functionality, and gradually improve it based on user feedback. Maintaining agility is key as your reduce friction, enhance utility, and drive adoption.<br><br></p>
<h3>Incentivizing Participation</h3>
<p><br>A key premise of a decentralized organization is motivating contribution from all members through economic and non-economic incentives.<br><br>Staking mechanisms can allow members to earn additional voting power or dividends on their tokens based on active participation and positive contributions to your DAO. Set clear criteria and metrics for evaluating involvement.<br><br>You can also reward top contributors with badges, recognition, or prizes to drive engagement through non-monetary means. Gamification elements like points and leaderboards leverage people's innate desires for status and purpose. <br><br>Make sure incentives align with your values - equitable pay and prosocial goals are more motivating than pure financial gains. Enable members to feel they are part of an inspiring cause bigger than themselves.<br><br></p>
<h3>Allocating Profits Equitably</h3>
<p><br>As your product gains adoption, the DAO will start generating profits. Decide rules upfront for how surplus funds will be managed and distributed.<br><br>A portion of profits can be reinvested into growth or operations. Some should be held in reserve as a treasury to fund special projects or support the organization in times of need.<br><br>The remaining profits can be allocated as dividends across members based on their proportional token holdings and participation levels. Payouts in crypto or stablecoins enable frictionless distribution globally.<br><br>Consider setting aside a portion, say 5-10%, for charitable causes chosen by the community. This fosters a spirit of giving back that people find meaningful.<br><br></p>
<h3>Nurturing Your Community</h3>
<p><br>Beyond the technical architecture, put effort into building personal connections and a shared culture amongst members. This creates the human layer that transforms a DAO into a thriving community.<br><br>Enable Casual chat channels, virtual meetups, collaborative docs, and forums allow members to engage socially. Spotlight member contributions, share learning resources, and support newbies. <br><br>Foster a culture of respect, inclusion and trust. Appoint community moderators to facilitate dialog and mitigate conflicts. Frequent communication from leaders provides guidance and rallying cries.<br><br>A dedicated community team focuses on boosting engagement through initiatives like workshops, contests and member spotlights. This brings your decentralized organization to life.<br><br></p>
<h3>Adapting Over Time</h3>
<p><br>One advantage of DAOs is the flexibility to iterate and evolve over time as the community's needs change.<br><br>Monitor what's working well and what isn't, and use member feedback to guide reforms. Propose and vote on modifications to policies, incentives and smart contracts to optimize operations. <br><br>Upgrade your products and services to maintain competitive advantage. Support beneficial "forks" where part of your DAO chooses to fragment into a new iteration under a different structure while still coordinating with the original.<br><br>By responding intelligently to progress over time, your DAO can sustainably achieve its mission for many years down the road.<br><br><strong>Conclusion</strong><br><br>By bringing together these elements thoughtfully, a decentralized autonomous organization can leverage the best of both centralized efficiency and distributed ownership to build a stable, equitable and collaborative economic venture. The world needs more such experiments!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>Thank you for reading! If you found this content valuable, please consider supporting my work</strong></h4>
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In recent years, there has been growing interest in decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) as a new model for collaborative ventures enabled by blockchain technology. 

Creating a Fully Decentralized and Equitable Company: A Step-by-Step Guide

<h1>Invitation for Private Tours:<a href="https://lu.ma/uzafxr8j" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> RSVP here</a></h1>
<p>Art Basel, the global art fair phenomenon, is back and ready to sweep you off your feet with a mesmerizing blend of creativity and technology. As you gear up for an extraordinary experience, don't miss out on the plethora of tech events, artistic showcases, and entertainment extravaganzas that await you. Get ready to elevate your Art Basel adventure with Violet Verse &ndash; your go-to companion for organizing an unforgettable schedule.</p>
<p>Decentralized Spreadsheets:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
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<p><a href="https://partiful.com/e/cfyVTmX3IlLEgMbPesei">RSVP to Muses here</a></p>
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<p><img src="https://ik.imagekit.io/partiful/tr:f-auto,fo-auto,pr-true,w-1440,dpr-auto/user/IXn3vaPr8EUwmlwnoQpfKP3js7E2/Y1s2uQQcGmh5tko0sDGK8" alt="TASTE - MIAMI FLYER - FWB EDITION OFFICIAL.jpg" width="500"></p>
<p><a href="https://partiful.com/e/gNJh4nTAIsZlbjYGk9Dc">RSVP to Friends With Benefits $FWB -&nbsp;</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://images.lumacdn.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,fit=cover,dpr=2,quality=75,width=400,height=400/event-covers/l8/47c1b86b-4ade-4124-876a-6d31100f67f2" alt="Cover Image for Co:Create Ink's Exclusive Launch Event at Art Basel" width="500"></p>
<p><a href="https://lu.ma/bqcyy0cx">RSVP to Co Create&nbsp;</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://ik.imagekit.io/partiful/tr:f-auto,fo-auto,pr-true,w-1440,dpr-auto/user/z4LDss0k8HNMv5ljG2Pfc0pRXx42/ml6Zbcc6STW3dcdLz8UIp" alt="Zine Launch Opt 1 copy 3 (1).png" width="500"></p>
<p><a href="https://partiful.com/e/ArngClmLBvW6BKnMRY7F">RSVP to Boy's Club</a></p>
<p><img src="https://public.boxcloud.com/api/2.0/internal_files/1357295022517/versions/1486157454517/representations/jpg_paged_2048x2048/content/1.jpg?access_token=1!hht-YVyIuYtC1xIEjnq53wBd45FleNWq-0c1uhXB3V8r4sEozAEIRZ8WldsPf-lUpNgyXCRLei-a1_yhyMes-Fv1qI6J4p2YCioJ9IXqWbgJG6l4x-rHO3hIWdcgCvfJ1D4USTZjGt3b2syvd6e7oZFRPnHQjhyrbZOT2v3DxLAKGUJmujbUxDtJtYTAMWpy8epBfJUViZKU2YEyZIAJWC3SxclpaBQibODDwqiwOnNBRPwq7tEKY2fphaN7qiZANIW1toUFVphAlPQ5k53eDKtbMtsY6UJjO2f5nD2EbKsJTYfr45_STZBOuWVh0sUaXYxrNpTYYslP6M6IWEE9kpD4rhgGHIioZ6-ulWztmDyGsCLwo_tvugaisTauNzf2AZXFlwBpgThhrsBgVNvDghXsjFgFp2HXt8mDPmeN1PwrlMp-u1SlkJyTOphiKRGs4j_nF2HesRnVED5ynH9nZmbNKBaYCLwMbQbQgFhnkMLSoQjEFt2ewiE9Ypd2zQ-OsZ4241PHuF3DckFJkndCeFDWS1kR6Xh2A5WVXzOe1IcW0nviha6z1bO-4GZ7OeJ1L8Cp&amp;shared_link=https%3A%2F%2Fnftnow.app.box.com%2Fs%2Fzl1aktxfoeht1yvo16i1rv7aubrldzm3&amp;box_client_name=box-content-preview&amp;box_client_version=2.102.0" alt="Gateway Miami Rendering 2.jpg" width="500"></p>
<div><strong>Now Media and FACTBLOCK Present &lsquo;Gateway Miami&rsquo; During Miami&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Week</strong></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><em>Returning to Miami for the third consecutive year from Dec. 6 - 8th, the three-day activation at the Faena Forum will feature a curation of leading artists</em>
<div>Artist Highlights:</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<ul>
<li>Alpha Centauri</li>
<li>Kid Bryan Brinkman</li>
<li>&nbsp;Cory Van Lew Defaced&nbsp;</li>
<li>Emi Kusano</li>
<li>Emonee LaRussa</li>
<li>FVCKRENDER</li>
<li>GMUNK</li>
<li>Grant Yun</li>
<li>Heno.</li>
<li>Jack Butcher</li>
<li>Jen Stark</li>
<li>Krista Kim</li>
<li>Melissa Wiederrecht</li>
<li>Omentejovem</li>
<li>Osinachi</li>
<li>Ryan Koopmans</li>
<li>SlimeSunday</li>
<li>Yatreda ያጥሬዳ</li>
<li>Zancan</li>
<li>And many more</li>
</ul>
<em> Visit <strong><a href="http://gateway.ar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://gateway.ar&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1700324933085000&amp;usg=AOvVaw047MbU96WO6QWrhddzwkWP">gateway.ar</a></strong>t for the most up-to-date information and to request access for public days.</em></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><em><img src="https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/7MLKQ6blEH9nYKwTba8KAHqIFS4gSq5iNfmnJl_AB8N-4Y6HQYkBqN4AU5g34rv_HU3lvp4EIB6fKM6NgYNTNPy4_4fI3-3K_ch-kbOMNEbL7hCDh23kc45Cftj1s61rttGtQdir7X9bwgH4OsjqdkP4QMR5mTMehk3o7UM24ZZuhdyCQTSR5w=s0-d-e1-ft#https://usercontent.flodesk.com/65d912fc-b8e3-454d-b7a2-85aba640194d/upload/b65038ce-ce4a-4fa5-b925-d3c261fa4d55.jpeg" alt="Image item" width="500"></em></div>
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<div>
<div>Guests will enjoy educational panels, interactive workshops, and fireside chats with leading voices,&nbsp;<strong>including Casey Rodarmor</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>the visionary behind the Ordinals protocol</strong>, and Raph, Lead Maintainer of Ord.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Other speakers include founders from leading Bitcoin infrastructure providers, creator launchpads, wallets,&nbsp;art&nbsp;projects, such as:</div>
<ul>
<li>Erin Redwing, President of the Open Ordinals Institute and CEO of Inscribing Atlantis</li>
<li>Rena Shah, Head Of Operations &amp; Strategy At Trust Machines, ex. Head of Exchange at Binance.US</li>
<li>Isabel Foxen Duke, GP of Unbroken Chain Fund and Director of OMBounties by Ordinal Maxi Biz</li>
<li>Pio Vinceno, Co-founder of The Nifty and host of the Bitcoin Show</li>
</ul>
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<div><img src="https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/n6ZTlhvxnmcdiKP04GH1ZTzFhonP2SBP5nDFk0Zeaa05QIMwz9ZwYpOjT4nZ21XtONopBsIPZAH0mLopRqvsNCHTs72Qd-p2MhSwk98CfhL0KyMCp0n7kWx7HhKIr6mbgI0NCg4tUkJX8V7oSwkBrMBxf4d2_2QvcoaNgJf_-vBxE1InJLw9bGp_oEhH1JIwQoNW0HAfw17LagKLHRmWMdIu5cPdAPj2fHZ5-9_dp96O1FVgOa_eQSU=s0-d-e1-ft#https://usercontent.flodesk.com/screenshots/65d912fc-b8e3-454d-b7a2-85aba640194d/655585085490566fd5e0008f/art-fRsnvHRoqs-svg-2e04b8e0-0f79-4bac-b399-3d236dee7b5f.png" alt="TICKETS" width="600" height="auto" data-bit="iit"></div>
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<div>Early Bird General Admission Tickets start at $198</div>
<div><strong>Limited Extra 35% off</strong>&nbsp;use code:&nbsp;<strong>giveme35</strong>&nbsp;at checkout&nbsp;<a href="http://j0l1y7h.r.us-east-1.awstrack.me/L0/http:%2F%2Fwww.nolchabtc.com/1/0100018bdaeeeb76-942478cd-901e-4f43-8b74-6fcb5485c977-000000/LWbcHI2P92eHjF5xViSUgEn3F-c=348" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://j0l1y7h.r.us-east-1.awstrack.me/L0/http:%252F%252Fwww.nolchabtc.com/1/0100018bdaeeeb76-942478cd-901e-4f43-8b74-6fcb5485c977-000000/LWbcHI2P92eHjF5xViSUgEn3F-c%3D348&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1700324931451000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3oWskvl_UP0wxE4u_ot6_D"><u>www.nolchabtc.com</u></a></div>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>SCOPE: INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY ART SHOW</h2>
<h5>CELEBRATING ITS 21ST EDITION, SCOPE MIAMI BEACH RETURNS TO ITS BESPOKE PAVILION ON THE SANDS OF OCEAN DRIVE AND 8TH STREET. HONORING ITS PERPETUAL MISSION TO PROVIDE A PLATFORM FOR EXPERIENTIAL INNOVATION AND DISCOVERY, SCOPE WILL WELCOME 150+ DIVERSE CONTEMPORARY EXHIBITORS FEATURING THE NEW CONTEMPORARY, A GENRE THAT STANDS AS A CRITICAL CONTRIBUTION TO BOTH GLOBAL POLITICS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. ORIGINALLY NAMED THE SCOPE FOUNDATION, THE NEW CONTEMPORARY PRESENTS DAILY PROGRAMMING AMONGST LARGE-SCALE INSTALLATIONS THAT BEND, BLEND, AND TRANSCEND GENRE.</h5>
<p><strong><a title="Made possible in part by Creative Artist Agency and YellowHeart" href="https://scope-art.com/show/miami-beach-2022/partner/" target="blank">Made possible in part by Creative Artist Agency and YellowHeart</a></strong></p>
</div>
</div>

Where to connect with the tech community during Art Basel.

 Vol. 2: Art Basel Tech Guide: Web3, NFTs, AI Installations, Events, Parties

Unveiling the Art Extravaganza: Art Basel 2023 in Miami

Vol. 1: Miami Art Week Guide: Must-See Exhibitions, Installations, & More

<p>AMMs allow digital assets to be traded directly between users without intermediaries like centralized exchanges. This opens up access and reduces costs for everyday traders. However, the algorithms behind AMMs are complex and their incentives are not always aligned with users. <br><br></p>
<h2>What are Automated Market Makers?</h2>
<p><br>AMMs are smart contracts on a blockchain that facilitate trading between cryptocurrency assets. They hold reserves of the assets being traded and use algorithms to determine prices based on supply and demand.<br><br>The most popular type of AMM is the constant function market maker, which uses a mathematical formula to price assets. The formula uses the ratio between the reserves of the assets to determine the exchange rate between them. As trades occur, the reserves are automatically rebalanced to move the price towards the market rate.<br><br><strong>For example,</strong> an AMM may hold 10 ETH and 100 DAI stablecoins in its reserves. It would price 1 ETH at 10 DAI. If someone trades 5 ETH for DAI, the reserves would shift to 5 ETH and 150 DAI. The new price would be 1 ETH = 30 DAI. The math behind the formulas is complex, but essentially assets with lower reserves become more valuable.<br><br>AMMs have become integral to the DeFi ecosystem. Major protocols like Uniswap, Curve, Balancer all use AMMs in some form. Billions of dollars in crypto assets are traded through them each day.<br><br></p>
<h2>Benefits of Automated Market Makers</h2>
<p><br>There are several features that make AMMs highly appealing to everyday crypto traders compared to centralized exchanges:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>No intermediaries</strong>&nbsp;- Assets are traded directly between users' wallets through smart contracts. There are no centralized parties holding funds.</li>
<li><strong>Accessibility</strong>&nbsp;- Anyone can become a liquidity provider on AMMs. There are no restrictions and funds can be supplied directly from a wallet.</li>
<li><strong>Low fees</strong>&nbsp;- Trading fees are typically 0.3% or lower, much less than centralized exchanges. Fees are paid to liquidity providers.</li>
<li><strong>Transparency</strong>&nbsp;- AMM smart contracts are open source and can be audited. Users know exactly how pricing algorithms work.</li>
<li><strong>Censorship resistance</strong>&nbsp;- No single entity controls an AMM. Anyone can build interfaces to interact with the underlying smart contracts.</li>
<li><strong>Composability</strong>&nbsp;- AMMs are programmable money legos that other DeFi apps can plug into. This enables incredibly flexible financial products.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>These features give everyday traders more control, flexibility, and transparency compared to centralized platforms. However, AMMs also come with unique risks traders need to understand.<br><br></p>
<h2>Liquidity Risks</h2>
<p><br>The biggest risk of trading on AMMs is liquidity risk. Liquidity refers to the amount of funds available in a market maker's reserves. Higher liquidity makes trading smoother by reducing slippage (difference between expected and actual price) and allowing larger orders to be filled.<br><br>AMMs rely on external liquidity providers to fund their reserves. These are users who deposit equal values of the tokens being traded into the pool. In exchange they earn trading fees proportional to their share of the pool. For example, you could provide 10 ETH and 10,000 DAI to earn a percentage of the trading fees.<br><br>The problem is liquidity is never guaranteed. It can fluctuate widely based on external factors:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>No guarantees</strong>&nbsp;- Liquidity providers can remove funds at any time if more profitable opportunities arise elsewhere. This shrinks available trading liquidity.</li>
<li><strong>Fragmented liquidity</strong>&nbsp;- Too many small AMMs dilute liquidity across platforms. Traders may struggle to execute larger orders without significant slippage.</li>
<li><strong>Changing token values</strong>&nbsp;- If one asset changes value significantly, it throws off the reserves ratio. This skews prices until new liquidity restores balance.</li>
<li><strong>Volatile assets</strong>&nbsp;- Speculative assets can see huge trading surges, draining liquidity reserves. This causes greater volatility and slippage.</li>
<li><strong>Technical risks</strong>&nbsp;- Bugs or hacks of AMM contracts can lead to loss of reserves and liquidity crises.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>Everyday traders generally desire predictable pricing and ability to buy/sell instantly. Liquidity risks make this harder on AMMs compared to centralized exchanges with stable liquidity sources.<br><br></p>
<h2>Impermanent Loss</h2>
<p><br>Another key risk faced by liquidity providers is impermanent loss. This occurs when the trading price of the assets in a pool diverges from the original ratio at which they were deposited.<br><br><strong>For example, </strong>say you deposited 10 ETH and 10,000 DAI when 1 ETH = 1000 DAI. This gives you 50% of the pool share. A month later, ETH has increased in value to 2000 DAI. Your original ETH is now worth 20,000 DAI if traded at the market rate. However, the pool reserves still only hold 10,000 DAI. You are now exposed to 50% of the DAI in the pool but only 25% of the ETH. Your total holdings are worth less than if you simply held the original assets.<br><br>This loss is "impermanent" because if the ratio later rebalances to the original levels, your loss disappears. However, if the prices diverge further, your loss is locked in. Large price swings for volatile assets can lead to substantial impermanent losses.<br><br>Liquidity providers need to actively manage their pool positions and withdraw if necessary to avoid growing losses. Failing to account for impermanent loss can greatly reduce total returns.<br><br></p>
<h2>Manipulation Risks</h2>
<p><br>AMMs rely on simple mathematical formulas to price assets. This makes them vulnerable to manipulation by traders with significant capital. Traders can take advantage of the automatic rebalancing done by AMMs after large trades in order to move prices in their favor.<br><br>For example, a trader could:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Drain reserves</strong>&nbsp;- Rapidly trade one asset to drain its reserves. This skews the price ratio towards that asset based on limited liquidity.</li>
<li><strong>Frontrun trades</strong>&nbsp;- Monitor pools for pending large trades. Front run them by buying/selling the asset first to move the price, then profit from the original trader's order.</li>
<li><strong>Pump and dump</strong>&nbsp;- Accumulate one asset then dump it into the AMM to drain reserves and pump up the price. Sell after price jumps.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>These manipulation tactics work because AMMs lack robust oracle and pricing mechanisms beyond simple ratios. Without additional sources of "price discovery", prices can be moved arbitrarily through large trades.<br><br>Everyday traders typically lack the capital to counter such manipulation. They end up forced to trade at artificially skewed prices which benefit manipulators. This highlights the risks of AMMs' simple formulas.<br><br></p>
<h2>Governance Challenges</h2>
<p><br>AMMs are "decentralized" in that they are autonomous smart contracts. However, they still rely on some centralized governance processes:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Parameter changes</strong>&nbsp;- Fees, asset weighting, formulas can be altered. Who has authority to make these changes?</li>
<li><strong>Oracle management</strong>&nbsp;- Getting reliable price data into AMMs is critical but complex. Centralized governance is often still required.</li>
<li><strong>Bug fixes</strong> - Contracts may need upgrades to fix vulnerabilities. How can proper fixes be coordinated?</li>
<li><strong>Admin keys</strong>&nbsp;- Admin roles with special abilities create central points of failure if keys are compromised.</li>
<li><strong>Listing approvals</strong>&nbsp;- Deciding which assets can be traded requires centralized control to avoid illiquid or scam tokens.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>While AMM governance is intended to be "community-driven", everyday users have little say compared to core developers and investors. Governance power centralizes among smaller groups over time.<br><br>This can be problematic when governance changes directly impact trading prices or availability of assets. Everyday traders may find certain assets blocked or experience pricing skews from parameter changes.<br><br>Automated market makers offer significant benefits over centralized exchanges - transparency, accessibility, composability. However, AMMs also come with unique risks everyday traders should understand before relying on them:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Liquidity risk</strong>&nbsp;- Volatile or inadequate liquidity makes pricing less reliable for trades.</li>
<li><strong>Impermanent loss</strong>&nbsp;- Divergent prices can impose losses on liquidity providers.</li>
<li><strong>Manipulation</strong>&nbsp;- Lack of sophistication leaves AMMs vulnerable to manipulation.</li>
<li><strong>Centralized governance</strong>&nbsp;- Upgrades, listings, and parameters are controlled by small groups.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>These risks are real and need to be factored in by traders. DeFi is still an emerging technology and AMMs have room to grow when it comes to balancing decentralization with effective governance and price discovery. As the space matures, many of these weaknesses may be addressed through innovation.<br><br></p>
<h2>Ways AMMs Can Earn Traders' Trust</h2>
<p><br>More work is needed for automated market makers to fully deliver on the promise of decentralized trading without intermediaries. Here are some solutions that could help AMMs earn the trust of everyday crypto traders:<br><br></p>
<h3>Use More Robust Pricing Oracles</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Expanding the data sources and using median prices across oracles makes manipulation harder.</li>
<li>Decentralized oracle networks like Chainlink improve reliability over single source oracles.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Adopt Liquidity Mining Programs</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Allowing users to earn governance tokens for supplying liquidity creates stable capital pools.</li>
<li>Rewards help offset impermanent loss risks.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Implement DEX Aggregators</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Aggregators compile liquidity and pricing across multiple AMMs into a single interface.</li>
<li>This makes slippage less likely for larger trades.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Utilize Automated Strategy Managers</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Smart contracts can automatically move liquidity provider funds across pools to maximize yield.</li>
<li>This prevents losses from volatility or shifting incentive programs.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Incorporate More Price Discovery Mechanisms</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Limit order books beyond simple AMM reserves can help stabilize pricing.</li>
<li>Integration with centralized exchange data can reduce isolated price manipulation.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Decentralize Governance Through DAOs</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Turning governance over to decentralized autonomous organizations representing stakeholders reduces centralization risks.</li>
<li>DAOs allow broader user participation and oversight in governance decisions.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Develop Formal Insurance Programs</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Allowing users to purchase protection against smart contract risks like hacks or bugs would provide peace of mind.</li>
<li>Participation incentives for providing insurance capital could be implemented.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Drive Further Interface Standardization</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Common interface standards across DEXs and AMMs will increase usability for traders.</li>
<li>Consistent experiences prevent locking users into specific platforms.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p><br><br>The benefits of AMMs in improving transparency, accessibility, and flexibility compared to centralized alternatives are real. They deserve consideration and participation. However, traders should also be aware of the unique liquidity, manipulation, and governance risks discussed. As solutions to these issues are implemented, AMMs have the potential to earn the full trust of everyday traders.<br><br>Rather than avoiding AMMs completely, traders should start slowly - assess proven AMMs like Uniswap, provide only limited liquidity to test incentives, use aggregators and limit orders for trades, and monitor governance controls. Over time, experience combined with improving practices and risk management from AMM developers may address many of the concerns raised.<br><br><br></p>
<h4><strong>Thank you for reading! If you found this content valuable, please consider supporting my work</strong></h4>
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Decentralized finance (DeFi) has exploded in popularity over the past few years. One of the key innovations driving this growth is automated market makers (AMMs). 

The Risks and Rewards of Trading on Automated Market Makers

<h1><strong>Origins of Flow Blockchain</strong></h1>
<p><br>Flow blockchain was created in 2018 by Dapper Labs, a company known for developing popular blockchain games like Cryptokitties and NBA Top Shot.<br><br>Both Cryptokitties and NBA Top Shot gained huge popularity leading to congestion and high fees on Ethereum where they were built. This exposed Ethereum's weaknesses in scalability and user experience.<br><br>To solve these challenges, Dapper Labs developed Flow - a new blockchain specifically optimized for consumer applications like games and digital collectibles.<br><br>The project brought together researchers from top universities like Stanford to design key components like the consensus algorithm. Flow also attracted major funding from investors like Andreessen Horowitz given its strong team and vision.<br><br>After two years of research and development, Flow launched its mainnet for live usage in 2020. Understanding Flow's origins provides context on why it was created and what problems it aims to solve.<br><br></p>
<h2><strong>Flow Architecture</strong></h2>
<p><br>Flow utilizes an advanced multi-node architecture to overcome issues faced by older blockchains like Ethereum. There are four main types of nodes that each play specific roles:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Collection nodes</em></strong>&nbsp;- Store and manage blockchain data like user accounts and smart contracts to enable fast retrieval of data.</li>
<li><strong><em>Consensus nodes</em></strong>&nbsp;- Run the HotStuff consensus algorithm required to approve transactions and add new blocks to the blockchain.</li>
<li><strong><em>Execution nodes</em></strong>&nbsp;- Execute transactions and calculate smart contract logic. Split from consensus nodes to allow faster processing.</li>
<li><strong><em>Verification nodes</em></strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong>- Re-execute transactions to check their validity and prevent fraud.</li>
</ul>
<p><br><strong>This separation of concerns across nodes allows Flow to achieve properties like:</strong><br><br></p>
<ul>
<li>High scalability to thousands of transactions per second as more nodes join the network.</li>
<li>Very fast finality where transactions get confirmed within 1-2 seconds rather than minutes on platforms like Ethereum.</li>
<li>Consistently low transaction fees that don't spike unlike gas fees on Ethereum.</li>
<li>Strong security posture by handling different aspects on separate nodes specialized for the task.</li>
<li>Energy efficiency since Flow uses a Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism unlike power hungry Proof-of-Work.</li>
<li>Developer friendliness by optimizing Flow for easy app development.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>This innovative multi-node architecture, combined with the HotStuff consensus and Cadence programming language make Flow a highly performant and reliable blockchain.<br><br></p>
<h3><strong>Key Benefits of Flow</strong></h3>
<p><br>Some major benefits and capabilities offered by Flow include:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Resource-oriented programming</strong>&nbsp;- Flow provides a new programming language called Cadence that is secure, fast and specifically designed for smart contracts.</li>
<li><strong>Upgradeable smart contracts</strong>&nbsp;- Smart contracts on Flow can be easily upgraded over time to add new features, fix bugs and improve performance. This is not easily possible on platforms like Ethereum.</li>
<li><strong>Human readable accounts</strong>&nbsp;- User accounts are readable identifiers like usernames rather than long cryptographic addresses improving usability.</li>
<li><strong>Multi-signature accounts</strong>&nbsp;- Accounts can have multiple authorized keys enabling shared control between multiple parties like joint accounts.</li>
<li><strong>Meta-transactions</strong>&nbsp;- Transactions fees can be sponsored by other accounts enabling scenarios like onboarding new users by paying transaction fees on their behalf.</li>
<li><strong>Easy tokenization</strong>&nbsp;- Flow makes it easy for developers to create both fungible and non-fungible tokens for any assets or collectibles.</li>
<li><strong>Identity system</strong>&nbsp;- Accounts must have verified real-world identity making Flow compliant with regulations unlike anonymous blockchains.</li>
<li><strong>High scalability</strong>&nbsp;- The multi-node architecture and HotStuff consensus enable very high transaction throughput and scale.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>These capabilities make Flow suitable for a wide variety of decentralized apps spanning gaming, NFTs, DeFi, identity and more.<br><br></p>
<h3><strong>Disadvantages and Centralization Risks</strong></h3>
<p><br>However, Flow does come with some downsides and concerns around centralization:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Permissioned nodes</strong>&nbsp;- Flow currently has permissioned node operators that are approved entities rather than allowing anyone to freely operate nodes. This introduces an element of centralization.</li>
<li><strong>Node distribution</strong>&nbsp;- A significant portion of the consensus nodes are currently operated by Flow Foundation and Dapper Labs risking decentralization.</li>
<li><strong>Development tools</strong>&nbsp;- Critical developer tools like the Cadence programming language are proprietary rather than open source. This can lock developers into the Flow ecosystem.</li>
<li><strong>Token distribution</strong>&nbsp;- The initial distribution of Flow tokens was concentrated among insiders like Dapper Labs and investors rather than the broader community.</li>
<li><strong>Launchpad control</strong>&nbsp;- Dapper Labs currently controls the allocation of resources to projects wanting to build on Flow. This gives them significant influence over the ecosystem.</li>
<li><strong>Governance</strong>&nbsp;- Flow Foundation and Dapper Labs still have significant control over network governance rather than it being fully decentralized and community controlled.</li>
<li><strong>Regulatory risk</strong>&nbsp;- Flow's pro-regulatory stance risks censorship of transactions if regulations turn hostile towards blockchain in the future.</li>
<li><strong>Adoption</strong>&nbsp;- Apart from NFTs, most other decentralized app domains are yet to see significant adoption on Flow.</li>
<li><strong>Interoperability</strong>&nbsp;- Lack of cross-chain interoperability limits Flow's connectivity to the wider DeFi ecosystem.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>While the permissioned approach does provide more control for now, Flow will need to transition to permissionless nodes, decentralized governance and token distribution for its ecosystem to mature in a decentralized manner long-term.<br><br></p>
<h3><strong>Flow Applications</strong></h3>
<p><br>Despite the young age of the network, Flow has already gained strong traction for blockchain gaming and NFT platforms:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>NBA Top Shot</strong>&nbsp;- NFT marketplace for basketball video highlights that has seen over $1 Billion in sales so far demonstrating immense popularity of digital collectibles.</li>
<li><strong>CryptoKitties</strong>&nbsp;- One of the pioneering blockchain games allowing breeding and trading of digital cats represented as NFTs. CryptoKitties was one of the first apps to congest Ethereum and demonstrate the need for scalability solutions like Flow.</li>
<li><strong>Dapper Wallet</strong>&nbsp;- User-friendly cryptocurrency wallet designed by Dapper Labs specifically for transacting on the Flow blockchain.</li>
<li><strong>NBA All Day</strong>&nbsp;- Digital collectibles in the form of NFTs for memorable on-court NBA moments developed by Dapper Labs.</li>
<li><strong>Topps MLB baseball cards</strong>&nbsp;- Official NFT baseball cards licensed by Major League Baseball.</li>
<li><strong>Heroes and Empires</strong>&nbsp;- Blockchain-based fantasy strategy game featuring battles between generated heroes with unique NFT characters.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>These examples show that Flow has quickly emerged as a leading blockchain for NFT-based gaming applications because of its focus on usability and scalability.<br><br></p>
<h3><strong>Future Roadmap and Outlook</strong></h3>
<p><br>Flow has a robust roadmap to enhance technical capabilities and onboard more users:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li>Expand decentralization by allowing open participation for node operation and governance through DAOs.</li>
<li>Attract more developers by organizing hackathons, conferences and incubator programs.</li>
<li>Enable advanced DeFi capabilities by supporting fungible tokens and stablecoins.</li>
<li>Simplify onboarding by integrating traditional payment methods like credit cards.</li>
<li>Improve interoperability by building bridges between Flow and Ethereum.</li>
<li>Enhance infrastructure with services like file storage, oracles, identity solutions.</li>
<li>Ensure regulatory compliance while retaining censorship resistance and decentralization.</li>
<li>Drive mass adoption by marketing to mainstream users beyond just crypto natives.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>Flow's proven technical architecture and focus on usability provide a strong foundation. If Flow can drive continued ecosystem growth while enacting its roadmap, it has potential to emerge as a ubiquitous public blockchain over the long term.<br><br></p>
<h4><strong>Conclusion</strong></h4>
<p><br>Flow is a high-performance blockchain built to support the next generation of decentralized applications like games and digital collectibles requiring an excellent user experience.<br><br>However, Flow needs to enact its roadmap for enabling decentralized participation, governance and interoperability in order for its ecosystem to mature in a permissionless manner long-term.<br><br></p>
<h4><strong>Thank you for reading! If you found this content valuable, please consider supporting my work</strong></h4>
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Blockchain technology has emerged as a disruptive innovation with the potential to transform industries. However, early platforms like Ethereum exposed challenges in aspects like scalability, user experience and decentralization. This led to new blockchains aiming to overcome these limitations. One such project is Flow, a blockchain designed from the ground up to be scalable, user-friendly and decentralized.

Understanding Flow Blockchain

<p>As with any programming language, you need to start by learning the fundamentals. This includes:<br><br><strong>Variables </strong>- Named containers that store values in JavaScript. The let and const keywords allow you to declare block scope variables. <br><br><strong>Data Types</strong> - The different types of values in JavaScript. The basic data types include strings, numbers, booleans, null and undefined. Complex types like arrays, objects and functions enable more advanced programming.<br><br><strong>Operators </strong>- Symbols that perform actions on values in your code. Arithmetic operators like + and * are used for math operations. Comparison operators like &gt; and === compare values. Logical operators like &amp;&amp; and ! allow you to combine logical expressions.<br><br><strong>Control Structures</strong> - Ways to control the flow of your program based on certain conditions. This includes if/else conditionals to execute code based on boolean tests. Loops like for and while repeat code until a condition is met.<br><br><strong>Functions </strong>- Reusable blocks of code that accept inputs, perform tasks and return outputs. Functions accept parameters, can call other functions and return values to the calling context.<br><br><strong>Objects </strong>- Collections of key-value pairs and functionality. Objects can have properties that store data and methods to operate on that data.<br><br>Mastering these core concepts equips you with the ability to start writing basic JavaScript programs.<br><br></p>
<h2>Manipulating the DOM</h2>
<p><br>The Document Object Model (DOM) represents HTML documents as objects that JavaScript can interact with. Learning DOM manipulation enables you to:<br><br>- Select elements with methods like getElementById and querySelector<br>- Traverse/filter selections using properties like parentNode and children<br>- Modify attributes like src, href, and textContent to change content<br>- Add, remove and modify elements on the page<br>- Attach event listeners to react to user actions<br>- Implement animations and effects<br><br>With the power to dynamically modify the DOM, you can make websites interactive and reactive.<br><br></p>
<h3>Asynchronous Programming</h3>
<p><br>The ability to execute code asynchronously is critical for smooth and efficient applications. This involves:<br><br><strong>Promises </strong>- Objects that represent the eventual result of an async operation. Promises can resolve or reject. Chaining promises with .then() and .catch() allows you to define success/failure scenarios.<br><br><strong>Async/await </strong>- Special syntax for working with promises in a synchronous style. The await keyword pauses execution until a promise resolves before continuing.<br><br><strong>Callbacks </strong>- Passing functions as arguments to be executed later. Callbacks enable asynchronous logic but can lead to "callback hell". Promises help avoid this.<br><br>Learning async programming prevents blocking and allows non-sequential workflows.<br><br></p>
<h3>Extending Functionality with Packages</h3>
<p><br>While JavaScript provides many built-in features, packages extend the language's capabilities substantially. Here's an overview:<br><br><strong>npm </strong>- The default package manager for Node.js projects. Provides access to free public packages.<br><br><strong>package.json</strong> - Stores project configuration and lists dependencies.<br><br>dependencies - Packages required for production use. Gets bundled with the application.<br><br><strong>devDependencies </strong>- Packages used for development and testing only.<br><br>By leveraging the vast npm package ecosystem, you can add functionality without having to write everything from scratch.<br><br></p>
<h3>Automation Tools</h3>
<p><br>Several tools exist to enhance development workflows:<br><br><strong>Git </strong>- Source control system to manage changes and enable collaboration.<br><br><strong>Webpack </strong>- Bundles JavaScript modules and assets for usage in the browser.<br><br><strong>Babel </strong>- Transpiles modern JS to older versions for cross-browser support. <br><br><strong>ESLint </strong>- Checks for code errors and enforces style rules for consistency.<br><br><strong>Prettier </strong>- Code formatter that automatically applies consistent formatting.<br><br>These tools help implement automated processes like building, testing and formatting.<br><br></p>
<h3>Collaborating with GitHub</h3>
<p><br>Hosting code on GitHub enables team collaboration: <br><br><strong>Repositories </strong>- Host projects and track changes over time.<br><br><strong>Branches </strong>- Work on features in isolated environments.<br><br><strong>Pull Requests </strong>- Propose code changes to merge into the main branch. <br><br><strong>Reviews </strong>- Teammates can review and provide feedback on pull requests.<br><br>GitHub facilitates agile development and makes it easy to contribute to shared projects.<br><br></p>
<h3>Consuming APIs</h3>
<p><br>Interacting with web APIs allows you to integrate data in your applications:<br><br><strong>AJAX </strong>- Technology for making HTTP requests to get/send data asynchronously.<br><br><strong>Fetch API / Axios</strong> - Modern ways to make AJAX calls. Simpler syntax than standard AJAX.<br><br><strong>REST APIs </strong>- APIs that follow REST principles and return JSON data.<br><br>Using APIs enables leveraging data from other web services and building robust applications.<br><br></p>
<h3>Frontend Frameworks</h3>
<p><br>JavaScript frameworks handle common web development challenges:<br><br><strong>React </strong>- Component based UI library to build interactive UIs using a virtual DOM.<br><br><strong>Vue </strong>- Progressive framework with an incremental adoption approach.<br><br><strong>Angular </strong>- Full featured toolkit with advanced capabilities.<br><br>Frameworks increase productivity on complex projects. Learning one expands your skillset significantly.<br><br></p>
<h3>Backend JavaScript</h3>
<p><br>JavaScript can also run on servers with runtimes like Node.js. This enables building full stack JS apps.<br><br><strong>Node.js</strong> - Enables running JS on the backend and serverside development.<br><br><strong>Express </strong>- Minimalist web framework for Node.js. Used for API creation and web apps.<br><br><strong>Other frameworks like NestJS, Koa and Sails provide capabilities on top of Node.js.</strong><br><br></p>
<h3>Database Integration</h3>
<p><br>Storing and managing data is made possible by integrating databases: <br><br>SQL databases like MySQL and Postgres provide structured storage using tables, records and schemas. They scale well and support transactions.<br><br>NoSQL databases like MongoDB use looser structured data storage for flexibility and scalability.<br><br>ORMs (Object Relational Mappers) like Sequelize provide a bridge between JavaScript and SQL databases.<br><br>Having experience working with databases is invaluable for most web development.<br><br></p>
<h3>Deployment</h3>
<p><br>To run web applications in production:<br><br>Platforms like AWS, Heroku and Netlify provide cloud infrastructure to deploy apps.<br><br>Services like Vercel and DigitalOcean offer optimized deployment for JS apps.<br><br>Using Git hooks and CI/CD you can automate deployments.<br><br>Learning deployment early in your journey enables you to put live apps online.<br><br></p>
<h3>Testing and Security</h3>
<p><br>Other key areas include:<br><br>Writing automated tests with frameworks like Jest, Mocha and Cypress.<br><br>Implementing security best practices like encryption, CORS and input validation. <br><br>Monitoring performance using DevTools and tools like Lighthouse.<br><br>Optimizing speed by lazy loading, code splitting, caching and compression.&nbsp; <br><br>Testing and performance help write robust, production-ready applications.<br><br></p>
<h4>Never Stop Learning</h4>
<p><br>This roadmap summarizes the major milestones on the path to JavaScript mastery. Here are some final tips:<br><br>- Build small projects to reinforce what you learn.<br>- Read documentation and blogs to deepen your knowledge. <br>- Contribute to open source JavaScript projects on GitHub.<br>- Stay up to date, as JavaScript continues to evolve.<br>- Don't hesitate to ask questions and learn from other developers.<br><br>With consistent practice and an eagerness to learn, you will make steady progress. JavaScript is a dynamic language with a bright future and tons of opportunities. Stick with it and you can build the skills to thrive in this exciting field.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>Thank you for reading! If you found this content valuable, please consider supporting my work</strong></h4>
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JavaScript has grown to become one of the most popular programming languages in the world. With its versatile capabilities and universal usage across the web, JavaScript is an essential language for new developers to learn.

Mastering JavaScript: A Comprehensive Roadmap for New Developers

<p>Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have become incredibly popular in recent years. Traditional NFTs have static properties that do not change once minted. However, dynamic NFTs (dNFTs) introduce new functionality by allowing some properties to change over time. This opens up many new creative possibilities.<br><br></p>
<h2>What are Dynamic NFTs?</h2>
<p><br>A dynamic NFT is an NFT with properties that can change programmatically after it has been minted. This is in contrast to regular "static" NFTs that have properties that are permanently locked in upon creation. For example, a dynamic NFT could have changeable metadata, interactive components, evolving art, unlockable content, and more. The key aspect is that parts of the NFT can be updated in a customizable way defined by the NFT creator.<br><br><strong>Some common examples of dynamic NFT properties include:</strong><br><br></p>
<ul>
<li>Updatable metadata stored on-chain or off-chain (e.g. name, description, attributes)</li>
<li>Unlocking new content or utilities like access passes</li>
<li>Evolving generative art that changes over time</li>
<li>Interactive components like minigames that update high scores</li>
<li>Virtual wearables that accumulate visual damage/customizations</li>
<li>Ticket NFTs that update based on event status</li>
<li>NFTs with creative visual effects that respond to different triggers</li>
<li>Physics-based NFTs with properties like velocity and gravity</li>
</ul>
<p><br>The defining capability of dNFTs is that they can programmatically change in predefined ways after being minted. This enables creative possibilities that static NFTs cannot accomplish.<br><br></p>
<h2>Why Use Dynamic NFTs?</h2>
<p><br><strong>There are many potential benefits and use cases that dynamic NFTs unlock:</strong><br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Engagement</strong>&nbsp;- dNFTs create more long-term utility and engagement as users want to see how the NFT evolves over time.</li>
<li><strong>Customization</strong>&nbsp;- Users can customize their NFTs by interacting and changing states over time.</li>
<li><strong>Unlocking Utility</strong>&nbsp;- Creators can reward users by unlocking new utilities like access passes based on tenure or completion of tasks.</li>
<li><strong>Persistent Relationships</strong>&nbsp;- The dynamic nature allows for ongoing relationships between creators and owners as NFTs update.</li>
<li><strong>Memberships</strong>&nbsp;- Dynamic components can represent evolving membership status, rewards, roles, and benefits.</li>
<li><strong>Revealing Content</strong>&nbsp;- New images, media, or 3D modeling can be revealed over time to extend engagement.</li>
<li><strong>Functional Art</strong>&nbsp;- Generative art that algorithmically changes based on chain data creates living digital artwork.</li>
<li><strong>Gamification</strong>&nbsp;- Dynamic elements like physics simulations, scoring, and player status enable fun gamification.</li>
<li><strong>Scarcity</strong>&nbsp;- Special dynamic states can act as rare achievements that create speculative value.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>The unique advantages of dNFTs over static NFTs open up game-changing possibilities for creators to build living digital items and experiences. The core innovation is enabling programmable mutability in a non-fungible token standard.<br><br></p>
<h2>Dynamic NFT Examples</h2>
<p><br><strong>To better understand the possibilities of dNFTs, let's look at some real world examples that demonstrate novel use cases:</strong><br><br></p>
<h3>Evolving Generative Art</h3>
<p><br>Projects like Art Blocks allow artists to upload generative art algorithms that randomly create unique NFTs at minting. Dynamic generative art takes this further by encoding the art to change over time based on chain data after minting. This turns static digital art into living pieces with endless evolving possibilities.<br><br></p>
<h3>Virtual Wearables</h3>
<p><br>Wearable NFTs that you can visualize on avatars in the metaverse often statically stick to their initial art. Dynamic wearables can accumulate visuals changes like damage, customizations, or enhancements as they are used over time. Owners can directly interact to age their wearables in unique ways.<br><br></p>
<h3>Interactive Mini Games</h3>
<p><br>Simple JavaScript mini games can be embedded into dNFTs. Players can complete challenges and competitions, with high scores recorded on chain. This allows players to engage and compete long-term as the game dynamically updates.<br><br></p>
<h3>Physics Simulations</h3>
<p><br>Algorithms that simulate physics properties like velocity, gravity, and collision detection can power dynamic NFTs. Effects like moving objects, falling shapes, and bouncing balls bring these simulations to life. Variables update based on reactive chain data.<br><br></p>
<h3>Access Passes</h3>
<p><br>Gating content or utilities behind NFT ownership is a popular model. Dynamic NFTs can embed rules to unlock new passes, content, and permissions over time based on tenure or completion of tasks. This creates ongoing incentive and engagement.<br><br></p>
<h3>Evolving Memberships</h3>
<p><br>Dynamic NFTs can effectively represent memberships that evolve and change over time reactively. Benefits, privileges, and rewards can all be structured to update based on dynamic data like tenure, activity, and reputation.<br><br>As you can see from these examples, the possibilities are endless when NFTs can programmatically change in flexible ways after minting. The critical technical components that make this possible are smart contracts and off-chain oracles.<br><br></p>
<h2>Technical Components</h2>
<p><br>There are two core technical components needed to build dynamic NFTs:<br><br></p>
<h3>Smart Contracts</h3>
<p><br>The base NFT smart contract implements the ERC-721 standard while also encoding the mutable rules and logic required for dynamic functionality. This includes tracking state changes in variables, structs, and mappings as well as exposing methods to change state.<br><br>For example, a smart contract may use a struct to store data like high scores, an array to store unlockable content addresses, and mappings to relate NFTs to changeable metadata stored off-chain. The contract would allow calling specific methods to update these dynamic components.<br><br></p>
<h3>Oracles</h3>
<p><br>To feed external data into smart contracts as triggers for dynamic effects, blockchain oracles are required. Oracles can provide data like random numbers, timestamps, weather data, sports scores, and more to drive generative art, physics simulations, gamification, and other features.<br><br>Chainlink is the most widely used decentralized oracle network across blockchains. By using Chainlink to build dynamic NFTs, you can connect to reliable, secure external data to trigger verifiable state changes defined in your smart contract logic.<br><br>Now that we have covered the key components, let's walk through how to build a dynamic NFT project from end-to-end.<br><br></p>
<h2>Step-by-Step Guide</h2>
<p><br><strong>Here is a step-by-step guide to build your own dynamic NFT project:</strong><br><br></p>
<h3>1. Choose Blockchain</h3>
<p><br>The first decision is which blockchain to build your dynamic NFTs on. Ethereum is currently the most popular option with the most developed NFT ecosystem. However, lower cost alternative Layer 1 blockchains like Polygon and Avalanche are gaining adoption.<br><br></p>
<h3>2. Set Up Development Environment</h3>
<p><br>Once you choose a blockchain, set up a development environment with essential tools like Node.js, Truffle, Ganache, and Metamask. Use frameworks like Hardhat or OpenZeppelin to bootstrap your smart contract scaffolding.<br><br></p>
<h3>3. Design NFT Concept</h3>
<p><br>Brainstorm creative ways to make your NFT project dynamic. Consider game mechanics, utility rewards, audio/visual effects, physics, provenance tracking, and other ideas that benefit from mutability. Draft out the rules, states, and interactions that will govern your dNFTs.<br><br></p>
<h3>4. Create Smart Contract</h3>
<p><br>Write your core ERC-721 smart contract in Solidity implementing the dynamic logic mapped out in the design. Focus on storing mutable data, updating state based on calls, and reading current state. Use tools like Hardhat to compile and test the contract locally.<br><br></p>
<h3>5. Connect Oracles</h3>
<p><br>To leverage external data for your dNFT effects, integrate Chainlink oracles using their developer documentation. Calling the oracle contracts allows accessing decentralized off-chain data securely in your contract logic.<br><br></p>
<h3>6. Build Frontend</h3>
<p><br>Create a web3 frontend that allows users to connect wallets, mint dNFTs, and interact by calling contract methods that update dynamic states. Use React and ethers.js or web3.js.<br><br></p>
<h3>7. Expand Functionality</h3>
<p><br>Enhance functionality after your core contracts are built. This may involve IPFS and Filecoin for decentralized storage, 3D modeling software, or integrating with NFT marketplaces. Expand the experience through thoughtful feature building.<br><br></p>
<h3>8. Deploy and Launch</h3>
<p><br>Once thoroughly tested, deploy your dNFT smart contracts and frontend to production on the chosen blockchain. Get the word out and see your innovative dynamic NFT project come to life! Monitor the contract and improve the system after launch based on user feedback.<br><br>By following this guide, you now have all the essential building blocks to successfully develop, deploy, and launch your own dynamic NFT project on a blockchain like Ethereum. The possibilities are endless when you embrace the programmable mutability that dNFTs provide.<br>Let's now go through a quick dynamic NFT coding example to further solidify these concepts.<br><br></p>
<h2>Coding Example</h2>
<p><br>Here is some sample Solidity code for a basic dynamic NFT contract to illustrate the key parts:<br><br></p>
<pre>// ERC-721 contract importing standards
contract DynamicNFT is ERC721, ERC721Enumerable, ERC721URIStorage {

  // Mapping tokenId to mutable metadata URI 
  mapping(uint256 =&gt; string) private _tokenURIs;

  // Struct to store dynamic data for each NFT
  struct DynamicData {
    uint256 highScore;
    uint256 lastUpdated;
  }

  // Mapping tokenId to dynamic data struct
  mapping(uint256 =&gt; DynamicData) private _dynamicData; 

  // Chainlink oracle contract
  Oracle public oracle;

  // Callback to receive random words from oracle
  function fulfillRandomWords(uint256 requestId, uint256[] randomWords) external {
    // Use oracle random number to generate dynamic art and update URI 
    uint256 tokenId = requestId;
    _updateDynamicURI(tokenId, randomWords[0]);
  }

  // Internal function to update metadata URI
  function _updateDynamicURI(uint256 tokenId, uint256 randomNumber) internal {
    // Generate random art
    string memory updatedURI = generateArt(randomNumber); 
    _setTokenURI(tokenId, updatedURI);

    // Update dynamic data
    DynamicData storage dynamicData = _dynamicData[tokenId];
    dynamicData.lastUpdated = block.timestamp; 
  }

  // Method to allow updating high score
  function updateHighScore(uint256 tokenId, uint256 highScore) external {
    // Update high score in struct
    DynamicData storage dynamicData = _dynamicData[tokenId];
    dynamicData.highScore = highScore;
  }

}</pre>
<p><br>This shows a basic dynamic NFT contract that stores changeable metadata URIs, a struct for dynamic per-token data like a high score, and integration with a Chainlink oracle to generate random art on-chain.<br><br>The contract enables updating high scores manually and using the oracle callback to trigger automated art updates. This demonstrates the key dynamic patterns of state storage, callable update methods, and external data integration.<br><br>When combined with a frontend interface for users, this contract provides the foundations for an interactive dynamic NFT experience. The functionality can be expanded incrementally.<br><br></p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p><br>That concludes our complete overview explaining what dynamic NFTs are, why they are useful, how they work, and how to build your own. The core ideas are:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li>Dynamic NFTs have changeable properties defined by creators</li>
<li>This enables ongoing utility, customization, and creative possibilities</li>
<li>Smart contracts store state and expose methods for updates</li>
<li>Oracles allow external data to drive automatic effects</li>
<li>With the right technical foundations, you can build innovative dNFT projects</li>
</ul>
<p><br>The world of dynamic NFTs is just getting started. As blockchain technology improves and creators keep innovating, we will see even more complex and interactive possibilities emerge. It's an exciting space with huge creative potential.<br><br></p>
<h3><strong>Thank you for reading! If you found this content valuable, please consider supporting my work</strong></h3>
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Tired of boring old static NFTs? This is your guide to building the dynamic NFTs of the future.

How to Make Your NFTs Come Alive with Programmable Mutability (dNFTs)

<p>AI is enabling fashion brands to create hyper-personalized experiences, predict trends more accurately, and operate more efficiently. However, the technology also raises concerns around automation, biases, and privacy.<br><br></p>
<h1>AI for Fashion Design</h1>
<p><br>One of the most exciting AI applications in fashion is using the technology to aid designers in the creative process. Fashion design requires substantial human creativity. However, AI can help designers generate ideas, iterate designs more quickly, and customize styles for individuals.<br><br>Computer vision algorithms can analyze visual fashion data like runway photos, street style images, and past sales data to detect patterns, colors, silhouettes, and styles that are likely to be popular. This data can inspire designers at the start of the collection development process. <br><br>Generative AI systems like generative adversarial networks (GANs) can create completely new clothing designs and prints. Researchers have developed GANs that can generate images of clothing that don&rsquo;t exist in any database. GANs learn the visual features of different fashion styles and can produce thousands of new designs containing unique mixtures of shapes, textures, and patterns. <strong><em>Fashion brands like 3.1 Phillip Lim and Alexander McQueen have collaborated with AI startups like Anthropic to use GANs in the design workflow.</em></strong> The AI generates novel prints, embroideries, and embroidery placements. Designers then curate the computer-generated options to select their favorites for production. This AI augmentation allows designers to explore a wider creative space and accelerates the design process.<br><br>AI can also personalize fashion designs for individual consumers. Recommendation algorithms analyze a person&rsquo;s unique style preferences, fit specifications, and purchasing history to suggest clothing and outfit options that are customized to their needs. <strong><em>Fashion brand Karl Lagerfeld implemented an AI-powered &ldquo;Karlbot&rdquo; that interacts with customers on the company website through chat and makes product recommendations for items likely to fit their tastes.</em></strong> The bot asks about preferred brands, colors, and styles to refine its recommendations over time. <strong><em>California-based startup True Fit uses AI to match consumers&rsquo; measurements, fit preferences, and shopping data with clothing from hundreds of retail brands to show customers only items likely to fit their bodies and lifestyles.</em></strong><br><br>Overall, AI unleashes new levels of innovation and creativity in fashion design while optimizing styles for each shopper. However, generative AI does raise concerns around authenticity and ethics. As computer-generated designs become more prevalent, fashion may lose elements of human artistry and emotional connection. Regulations will be needed around appropriate use of large-scale data and acknowledging when AI has created a design. Fashion brands need to thoughtfully leverage the technology to augment designers rather than fully automating creative jobs.<br><br></p>
<h2>AI for Fashion Production</h2>
<p><br>AI is making apparel production faster, leaner, and more responsive to sales data. In fast fashion especially, brands are under intense pressure to design, manufacture, and deliver new styles to stores in ever shorter timeframes. AI optimization helps factories become more flexible and efficient.<br><br>Sewing automation powered by computer vision can enable on-demand manufacturing with minimal setup costs or material waste. <strong><em>Startup SoftWear Automation created a sewing robot named LOWRY that uses cameras and machine learning algorithms to understand fabric properties and make real-time motions to produce clothes.</em></strong> Such &ldquo;sewbots&rdquo; will allow factories to seamlessly switch between product types without downtime from pattern or machine adjustment. Manufacturers can also economically produce smaller batches closer to retail locations to replenish inventory based on sales.</p>
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<p><br><br>AI can optimize production planning and scheduling across global supply chains. Fashion companies have highly complex networks of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and logistics partners. AI helps coordinate activities across these ecosystems for just-in-time delivery of items. Algorithms analyze past sales, demand forecasts, and production constraints to create optimal production timelines and quantities. Machine learning models account for uncertainties like shipment delays or supplier capacity changes to minimize costs and delivery time. <strong><em>Startups like SupplyCompass and SOURCEmap provide AI-based solutions to manage apparel and footwear supply chains end-to-end.</em></strong><br><br>Computer vision and sensor technologies also enable proactive equipment maintenance. Machine vision automatically inspects production lines to detect anomalies indicating a machine needs service or part replacement. Preventive maintenance reduces downtime and improves quality control. Sensors on equipment can similarly track performance to predict maintenance needs before a breakdown. The overall impact is greater factory productivity and effectiveness.<br><br>However, AI automation does raise concerns of reducing fashion manufacturing jobs. Production workers may need to develop new skills to work alongside intelligent systems. Fashion brands need to provide training and transition support to avoid job displacement as AI is adopted. But in general, AI makes fashion production more adaptive and resilient for the fast-paced industry.<br><br></p>
<h3>AI for Fashion Retail &amp; Marketing</h3>
<p><br>Some of the most impactful AI applications in fashion help retailers better manage inventory, understand customers, and personalize shopping experiences. Algorithms can optimize retail operations while generating data to improve marketing.<br><br>In inventory management, AI algorithms forecast demand more accurately to right-size stocks and minimize waste. Machine learning models incorporate past sales data, seasonality, promotions, inventory levels, pricing, and competitive information to predict purchase volumes for each product at granular levels. <strong><em>Fashion retailers like Forever21 report 20-30% sales increases from AI demand forecasting, <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/state-of-fashion">according to reports from McKinsey</a>. </em></strong>More accurate predictions decrease out of stocks, overstocks, and price markdowns later in the season. AI inventory management also optimizes merchandise assortment planning, placing the right products in each location.<br><br>Once customers enter stores, AI tools recognize patterns of in-store behavior. Video analytics track shopper movements, dwell times at displays, and even emotional sentiments by analyzing facial expressions. Fashion brands get data-driven insights about store layouts, promotions, and employee interactions that maximize sales. <strong><em>In addition, smart fitting rooms with RFID tags on garments track which items customers bring in and out of fitting rooms to understand preferences. Companies like Zara and Rebecca Minkoff have deployed smart fitting rooms to inform business strategy.</em></strong><br><br>Online, AI algorithms personalize every touchpoint to increase engagement. Product recommendation engines use natural language processing to understand text customers type about style needs. Algorithms then suggest items matching their preferences. Dynamic creatives powered by AI tailor promotional emails and web experiences for each customer. Chatbots like The North Face&rsquo;s Expert Advice use conversational interfaces to provide personalized outfit recommendations.<br><br>During the purchase process, machine learning reviews past return data and product reviews to warn customers if an item may not be a good match. This reduces returns and improves satisfaction. Post-purchase, AI algorithms send customers follow-up style recommendations and incentivize product reviews. The overall impact is higher online conversion rates and customer lifetime value.<br><br>However, the data collection behind such personalization also raises privacy concerns. Fashion brands need to be transparent about what data is gathered and offer choices where appropriate. But responsibly applied, AI allows both online and brick-and-mortar fashion shopping to feel tailored and relevant to each individual.<br><br></p>
<h3>Unique Examples of Fashion Companies Applying AI</h3>
<p><br><strong>A few brands stand out for creatively leveraging AI across their operations. Here are some unique examples of AI adoption in fashion:</strong><br><br><strong>Stitch Fix </strong>- The online personal styling service uses AI to recommend clothing perfectly matched to each customer. Algorithms analyze customers&rsquo; style profiles, fit data, and feedback on previously shipped items to continually refine a personalization engine. This reduces stylists&rsquo; workloads so they can focus on difficult recommendations. Stitch Fix also developed an AI-powered design system that generates new apparel designs and predicts their market demand to optimize merchandise selection.<br><br><strong>Levi&rsquo;s</strong> - The jeans giant uses AI to finish designing and customizing denim. An AI technique called AI Finish iteratively adjusts embroidery, patches, and distressing patterns based on human designer input until the output matches the desired look. This automates finishing while preserving Levi&rsquo;s authentic styles. Shoppers can also use AI customization to add unique finishes to standard jeans.<br><br><strong>L'Or&eacute;al </strong>- This cosmetics brand developed an AI-powered system called Modiface that uses augmented reality, machine learning, and 3D simulations to allow customers to virtually try on makeup. Modiface scans a shopper&rsquo;s face, identifies facial features, and recommends products suited to their needs. Users can then try on thousands of products in different colors/styles to see results in real time on their smartphone screen without visiting a makeup counter.<br><br><strong>Adidas </strong>- The sportswear label created an AI process to design running shoes customized to an individual&rsquo;s gait, pace, and fit needs. Users run on a special treadmill that gathers motion data. Algorithms then analyze feet movements and ground pressure points to design the optimal shoe structure from components like cushioning and stability elements. This personalizes performance.<br><br>These examples demonstrate the diversity of AI applications transforming fashion for both brands and shoppers. The common thread is leveraging data and algorithms to save costs, uncover insights, and enhance personal relevance.<br><br></p>
<h3>Benefits of AI for the Fashion Industry</h3>
<p><br>Applying AI strategically provides many benefits that help fashion companies compete in the digital age, including:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>More efficient design workflows</strong> - AI generates new ideas and iterations to accelerate the design process. This increases output and frees up designer creativity.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>On-demand production</strong> - Intelligent factories and supply chain systems allow fast fulfillment to meet real-time customer demand. AI enables mass personalization.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Inventory optimization </strong>- Demand forecasting and merchandising AI reduce overstocks, shortages, and markdowns for higher margins.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Enhanced customer experiences</strong> - Recommendation engines, chatbots, and virtual try-ons personalize shopping online and in-store. This boosts satisfaction and sales.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Higher online conversion </strong>- Product recommendations, targeted marketing, and smart sizing increase purchase confidence and website sales.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Improved product quality</strong> - AI pattern recognition during production improves quality control and consistency.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>More sustainability</strong> - Optimized supply chains, on-demand manufacturing, and demand forecasting cut waste and overproduction. AI enables sustainability.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>Fashion is a rapidly moving industry relying on tight integration between design, production, retail, and marketing. AI improves information flows and automation across this entire value chain leading to both more creativity and efficiency.<br><br></p>
<h3>Challenges of Adopting AI in Fashion</h3>
<p><br><strong>However, AI adoption in fashion faces some critical challenges and risks:</strong><br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>High upfront investment</strong> - Developing AI systems requires extensive data infrastructure, engineering talent, and computing power. Larger brands have an advantage.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Continuously evolving technology </strong>- Algorithms, software, and best practices change rapidly. Fashion companies must commit to continuous learning and upgrading as AI advances.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Lack of AI skills </strong>- Most fashion professionals are not formally trained in data science. Retraining or hiring technical talent is essential for AI success.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Bias in data and algorithms</strong> - AI relies on training data that may contain human biases around sizing, social perceptions, and aesthetics. Companies must proactively identify and address biases.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Cybersecurity vulnerabilities </strong>- AI relies on aggregating large datasets that criminals could target. Fashion brands need robust data governance and cybersecurity around AI.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Consumer distrus</strong>t - Shoppers are wary of overly intrusive personalization or style recommendations that seem biased. Brands must be transparent with consumers about AI use.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Legal ambiguity</strong> - Regulations around data privacy, algorithmic accountability, and AI ethics are still evolving. Fashion brands need to track compliance issues as governments refine rules.</li>
</ul>
<p><br><br>While the business potential of AI is compelling, fashion leaders cannot ignore these real pitfalls. Managing organizational change and aligning AI initiatives with brand values around transparency and inclusivity will allow companies to maximize benefits while minimizing disadvantages.<br><br></p>
<h3>The Future of AI in Fashion</h3>
<p><br><strong>Looking ahead, AI will likely continue revolutionizing the fashion landscape by:</strong><br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Becoming integral to design </strong>- AI design tools will be as common as digital sketching is today. Data and algorithms will drive new aesthetics.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Shifting production on-demand </strong>- Fast fashion especially will transition to hyper-local, on-demand manufacturing using AI automation and smart factories.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Personalizing every transaction</strong> - Consumers will receive tailored recommendations, customized products, and personalized interactions driven by AI across channels.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Optimizing sustainability</strong> - Better demand forecasting, optimized production, and re-commerce powered by AI will dramatically reduce fashion waste and emissions.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Linking physical and digital worlds</strong> - Virtual try-on, augmented reality, and smart fitting rooms will blur the phygital line between physical and digital retail.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Providing cognitive capabilities</strong> - Shoppers will query AI assistants for styling advice, product information, and shopping recommendations as AI chatbots become ultra-sophisticated.</li>
</ul>
<p><br>Fashion is poised to be one of the industries most transformed by AI over the next decade. Companies that embrace data-driven solutions strategically will gain considerable competitive advantage. However the human creative elements of fashion and the social implications of AI adoption cannot be overlooked. Overall, the future will see humans leveraging AI as a collaborative partner to expand creativity, efficiency, and innovation across the fashion value chain.<br><br><strong>Conclusion</strong><br><br>Artificial intelligence presents boundless opportunities as well as risks as its integration with the fashion industry accelerates. Key applications like design, production, retail, and marketing are already being enhanced by machine learning, computer vision, recommendation engines, and other AI technologies. <br><br>However, companies must thoughtfully address challenges around data governance, algorithmic biases, privacy, security, and job impacts. The most successful fashion brands will adopt AI as part of a holistic digital strategy that augments human ingenuity and remains aligned with brand purpose. AI has the potential to revolutionize fashion in many ways - from unleashing designers&rsquo; creativity to offering every customer a personalized, perfect-fitting product. But the human touch will remain at the core of fashion&rsquo;s future.<br><br></p>
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The fashion industry is rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to transform everything from design and production to marketing and sales. 

Artificial Intelligence and the Fashion Industry: Impacts, Benefits, and Challenges

<p>In the ever-evolving landscape of crypto gaming and Web3 games, crypto news outlets need to adopt a clear editorial stance rather than presenting content as "organic" when it's actually paid and biased. As a seasoned media professional, I can tell and it's not cute. Achieving a balance between paid and organic content is crucial, as relying solely on revenue from protocols can be unsustainable and misleading.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As a fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), I have the privilege of working with a diverse array of companies, each facing its unique challenges. However, one common thread among them is their audiences' shared preferences in food, music, entertainment, and travel. This commonality provides valuable insights when crafting marketing and communication strategies. Especially in the gaming space, where everything is so relatable.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Currently, I am collaborating with the core team at SKALE blockchain, and it's been an incredible experience gaining behind-the-scenes insights into their dedicated efforts and journey. Within just a year, they reached one million daily active users, and a mere month later, they celebrated another milestone of building a robust gaming community of two million. My Web3 journey has led me into the world of blockchain games, an unexpected but fascinating exploration into what it means to experience unrelenting growth.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Back in 2019, my transition into the business publishing sector involved working with gaming software companies like PlayStation and legendary titles like Resident Evil, to identify both hardcore and casual gamers and understand their psychographic behaviors. It became apparent that gamers have grown up in diverse environments, no longer confined to their parents' basements but often enjoying their gaming experiences on modular cream-colored couches in their own family homes, using games as a means of escape.</p>
<p><a href="https://boojabaunga.com/CrossingRoad.SKALE/"><strong>Play SKALE game FROGGY</strong></a></p>
<p>With the emergence of blockchain games as a cutting-edge technology, new opportunities are arising for players to not only gain recognition on online leaderboards with ghost friends but also receive tangible rewards in cryptocurrency. Moreover, innovative infrastructure like SKALE's blockchain technology offers the promise of reducing wait times to log into popular games such as Call of Duty, thanks to their free transaction fees and instant finality.</p>
<p>The world of gaming is currently experiencing a period of change, with mass adoption and activity originating primarily from the gaming community. D<a href="https://dappradar.com/blog/state-of-blockchain-gaming-in-q3-2023">appRadar's recent quarterly repor</a>t is a testament to this trend. According to the report, "Blockchain gaming activity in Q3 2023 witnessed an average of 786,766 daily Unique Active Wallets, marking a 12% increase from the previous quarter." This activity shows no signs of slowing down, and I find myself in the exciting position of being a fractional CMO at the center of it all. At SKALE, my journey began with writing and optimizing social media content, and now I'm engaged in the world of PR, contributing to the dynamic realm of crypto gaming and Web 3 games.</p>
<p>As I start reaching out to these reporters, brands, and companies new to web3 and covering the space or releasing a game, I've come to a realization. The industry is not just new; it's in a state where industry best practices are still being forged. This presents a unique opportunity to shape how protocols and projects are documented and reported. There shouldn't be a "pay to play first" mentality. With the wealth of real-time data available, journalists have an even greater responsibility to report on the facts and not simply regurgitate the hype. In this rapidly evolving landscape of crypto gaming and Web 3 games, we can set the standards that prioritize transparency and authenticity, ultimately fostering a more trustworthy and thriving ecosystem.</p>
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<p>Dubbed by many as the "Model T" moment for artificial intelligence, GPT-4 Turbo represents a quantum leap forward in large language models. With 128,000 gigabytes (128 terabytes) of context, GPT-4 can ingest prompts as long as an entire novel and generate reasoned responses. This represents a 3X increase over the previous GPT-3 model's capacity.&nbsp;<br><br>In addition to the raw scale, GPT-4 Turbo leverages numerous algorithmic improvements including sparse attention, mixture of experts, and heavily optimized deep learning operations. Together these advances make GPT-4 Turbo 3X faster than GPT-3 while reducing the price per 1,000 tokens generated to just $0.02. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hailed the launch as both a breakthrough in AI capability and affordability.<br><br>"GPT-4 sets a new standard for large language models," said Altman at the launch event. "The combination of scale, speed, and lower costs will enable entirely new products, applications, and use cases." <br><br><br></p>
<h4>Massive Implications for AI Developers</h4>
<p><br>The launch of GPT-4 turbo comes alongside new APIs, tools, and expanded access that will dramatically accelerate AI development. <br><br></p>
<h4>New Assistants API</h4>
<p><br>The new Assistants API provides an interpretable interface to GPT-4 models that makes them easier to monitor, personalize and control. Assistants can engage in multi-turn conversations, admit mistakes, and provide reasoning traces to increase transparency.<br><br></p>
<h4>Code Interpreter and Retrieval</h4>
<p><br>GPT-4 models can now generate, summarize, and explain code thanks to the new Code Interpreter API. Developers can also leverage GPT-4 for semantic code search across massive code repositories via the new Retrieva API. <br><br></p>
<h4>April 2023 Knowledge Cutoff</h4>
<p><br>One limitation of previous GPT models was that their training data cutoff was in 2021, meaning the AI had no knowledge of current events after that date. GPT-4 Turbo has been trained up until April 2023, providing it with much more up-to-date knowledge.<br><br></p>
<h4>New GPT-4 Turbo Vision API</h4>
<p><br>A brand new computer vision API allows GPT-4 models to not just generate written text but also image captions, scene descriptions, and enhanced image generation. This API opens the door to multi-modal applications combining vision and language.<br><br></p>
<h4>Dall-E 3 API</h4>
<p><br>Built off learnings from DALL-E 2, the new DALL-E 3 API provides enhanced control, customization, and quality for AI-generated digital images. Users can guide image generation with precise text prompts and gain more predictability.<br><br></p>
<h4>New Text-to-Speech API</h4>
<p><br>The new API offers 6 high-fidelity voices to choose from and can mimic voices with just a short sample. The TTS models produce speech that is practically indistinguishable from humans.<br><br></p>
<h4>Whisper V3 Coming Soon</h4>
<p><br>Later this year OpenAI plans to launch Whisper V3 for improving speech recognition. Expected improvements include enhanced accuracy in noisy environments and support for over 100 regional accents and languages. <br><br></p>
<h4>Slashed Rate Limits</h4>
<p><br>One pain point for developers was the restrictive token limits on OpenAI's previous APIs. With GPT-4 Turbo the token limits have been increased by 5-10X for certain tiers, reducing costs and delays.<br><br></p>
<h3>What This Means for the Future of AI</h3>
<p><br>The release of GPT-4 Turbo accelerates progress towards artificial general intelligence. While still far from human-level intelligence, GPT-4 represents another major milestone towards more capable and useful AI systems. <br><br></p>
<h4>More AI Assistants and Chatbots</h4>
<p><br>The increased power, lower cost, and conversational ability of GPT-4 will rapidly expand the creation of AI assistants for customer service, scheduling, education, healthcare, and more.<br><br></p>
<h4>Startups</h4>
<p><br>Startups and indie developers gained immense leverage from earlier OpenAI APIs like DALL-E 2 and GPT-3. GPT-4 Turbo democratizes access by putting enterprise-scale AI in the hands of garage developers.<br><br></p>
<h4>Acceleration of AI Content</h4>
<p><br>Text, audio, video, and imagery produced by AI is set to explode thanks to GPT-4 models that can write novels, generate voices, create 3D renders, and more. The sheer volume of AI-generated content across industries will rapidly accelerate. <br><br></p>
<h4>AI for Science</h4>
<p><br>GPT-4's ability to read scientific papers and summarize results could supercharge fields like drug discovery and material science. We may see major scientific breakthroughs thanks to AI's talent for consuming massive amounts of human knowledge.<br><br></p>
<h4>The Risks of Rapid AI Progress</h4>
<p><br>However, GPT-4's impressive capabilities also come with risks if misused. Advanced models like GPT-4 Turbo enable new forms of misinformation, toxic behavior, and phishing. Governments will need to strengthen regulations as AI grows more capable. There are also risks posed by an AI so adept at mimicking human voices and content.<br><br>GPT-4 Turbo signifies the new era of industrial-scale AI accessible to businesses and developers. But OpenAI emphasizes this is just one step on the long path toward artificial general intelligence. Each iteration brings AI models closer to the flexibility, contextual reasoning, and creativity of human intelligence.<br><br>One thing is certain - artificial intelligence will never be the same again after GPT-4. The AI world is now holding its breath in anticipation of what OpenAI will unveil next on its quest to develop artificial general intelligence.</p>

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OpenAI Shakes Up AI Industry with Launch of GPT-4 Turbo at a Fraction of the Price

<p>Currency pegging refers to the practice of fixing the exchange rate of one currency to another. This is typically done by the central bank or monetary authority to stabilize the value of their own currency. Pegging helps reduce exchange rate volatility between two currencies and provides greater predictability in international trade and investments.<br><br>In the world of cryptocurrencies, some stablecoins and tokens peg their value to fiat currencies like the US dollar or assets like gold. Pegging to a stable fiat currency or asset provides price stability and trust in an otherwise highly volatile crypto market. This makes pegged cryptocurrencies attractive for payments, store of value, and reducing portfolio risk.<br><br></p>
<h1>What is Currency Pegging?</h1>
<p><br>Currency pegging refers to fixing or stabilizing the exchange rate of one currency to another currency. This is done through government policy and central bank actions. Pegging is also known as a fixed exchange rate regime.<br><br>Under this system, the pegged or dependent currency does not fluctuate freely as per market forces of supply and demand. Its value is fixed to the value of a benchmark or anchor currency. The anchor is usually a stable major currency like the U.S. dollar or euro.<br><br>For example, the Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the USD at a rate of 7.75 to 7.85 HKD per 1 USD. This narrow band prevents the HKD from depreciating or appreciating significantly against the dollar.<br><br>The central bank maintains the peg by buying and selling its own currency in the forex market as needed to influence exchange rates. It holds large foreign reserves of the anchor currency for this market intervention.<br><br></p>
<h2>Types of Currency Pegs</h2>
<p><br>There are several ways in which a currency can be pegged:<br><br><strong>Peg to a Single Currency</strong><br><br>This involves pegging to just one major stable currency like the USD. It is the most common type of peg as the USD is seen as a global reserve currency. Eg: Chinese yuan pegged to the dollar.<br><br><strong>Peg to a Currency Basket</strong><br><br>The domestic currency is pegged to a basket of several currencies rather than just one. Weights are assigned to each currency based on the pegging country's trade relations. Eg: Singapore dollar is pegged to a secret trade-weighted basket.<br><br><strong>Crawling Peg</strong><br><br>The exchange rate is fixed but can be periodically adjusted in small amounts at a fixed rate or in response to certain indicators. This provides some flexibility to gradually align the peg. Eg: China's crawling peg to the USD.<br><br><strong>Horizontal Band Peg</strong><br><br>The exchange rate is allowed to float within a tight margin compared to a single fixed rate. This band provides some cushion against short term volatility. Eg: Denmark's krone pegged with a 2.25% band on either side of the central rate against the Euro.<br><br></p>
<h3>Benefits of Currency Pegging</h3>
<p><br>There are several potential economic benefits of pegging a currency, such as:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Reduces Volatility</strong> - A peg provides greater exchange rate certainty and stability for international trade and investments. It reduces volatility and risk.</li>
<li><strong>Controls Inflation </strong>- An anchor to a stable low-inflation currency can prevent runaway inflation in the pegging country by limiting money supply.</li>
<li><strong>Price Stability </strong>- A pegged exchange rate keeps currency values predictable. This enables stable pricing and accounting for trade and business.</li>
<li><strong>Improves Trade</strong> - Trade competitiveness and exports are supported by an artificially low or stable currency value. A weaker peg boosts exports.</li>
<li><strong>Building Credibility &amp; Confidence </strong>- A peg signals stability and builds confidence in the currency, economy, monetary policy. It attracts foreign capital inflows.</li>
<li><strong>Prevent Appreciation </strong>- An undervalued currency peg prevents currency appreciation that can hurt exports. This helps a developing economy.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Risks of Currency Pegging</h3>
<p><br>While pegging provides many benefits, it also comes with unique risks such as:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Speculative Attacks </strong>- Sharp capital outflows can force the central bank to deplete reserves defending the peg and lead to its collapse. Eg: George Soros breaking the Bank of England.</li>
<li><strong>Loss of Monetary Independence </strong>- The central bank loses control over domestic interest rates and money supply due to the need to maintain the peg and capital flows.</li>
<li><strong>Misalignment </strong>- An artificially overvalued or undervalued peg leads to trade imbalances and distortions over time.</li>
<li><strong>Contagion Risk </strong>- Investor panic and crisis in one pegged currency can spread rapidly across regions. Eg: Asian financial crisis of 1997.</li>
<li><strong>Constraints Growth </strong>- The rigidity of a peg can undermine long-term growth by promoting unsustainable policies to maintain the official rate.</li>
<li><strong>Political Risks</strong> - Strong domestic political pressures make it difficult to break a peg. But not doing so can be even more destabilizing.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Major Pegged Currencies</h3>
<p><br>Some of the most prominent real-world examples of pegged currencies include:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Hong Kong Dollar</strong> - Pegged to USD at 7.75 - 7.85 per dollar since 1983.</li>
<li><strong>Danish Krone </strong>- Pegged to Euro with a 2.25% fluctuation band within the ERM-II system.</li>
<li><strong>Chinese Yuan</strong> - Pegged to a basket of currencies dominated by the USD. Managed floating peg.</li>
<li><strong>Saudi Riyal </strong>- Long-standing USD peg at 3.75 riyals per dollar since 1986.</li>
<li><strong>Emirati Dirham</strong> - Pegged to USD at 3.6725 dirhams per dollar since 1997.</li>
<li><strong>Bhutanese Ngultrum</strong> - Pegged 1:1 to the Indian rupee, which floats against major currencies since 1974.</li>
<li><strong>Cuban Peso </strong>- Dual system with CUP pegged 1:1 to USD while CUC is pegged 1:1 to Euro.</li>
<li><strong>Macedonian Denar </strong>- De-facto peg to Euro within narrow bands since 1995.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Pegging Mechanisms in Crypto</h3>
<p><br>Several mechanisms have been devised to peg cryptocurrencies to fiat currency values or other assets:<br><br><strong>Fiat-Collateralized Stablecoins</strong><br><br>Coins like USDT and USDC are backed 1:1 by dollar reserves held in bank accounts. New coins are issued only against fiat deposits and redemptions burn coins to maintain reserves.<br><br><strong>Crypto-Collateralized Stablecoins</strong><br><br>These leverage crypto assets like ETH to provide collateral value instead of fiat reserves. Smart contracts maintain the peg by expanding and contracting the supply. Eg: DAI<br><br><strong>Seigniorage Shares</strong><br><br>These algorithms expansively mint coins during demand spikes and contract supply when demand falls to maintain the peg. Holders are incentivized to stabilize the peg by burning coins. Eg: Basis<br><br><strong>Currency Board Model</strong><br><br>This mimics how real-world pegs function. The issuing organization holds reserves of the anchor asset and buys or sells the stablecoin to regulate the peg.<br><br><strong>Hybrid Mechanisms</strong><br><br>Some systems like Frax use both collateral reserves as well as seigniorage and algorithmic expansions/contractions to maintain a robust peg with organic demand.<br><br><strong>Dynamic Pegs</strong><br><br>These pegs are not fixed but can dynamically adjust based on defined metrics like supply growth rate, utilization or external factors like exchange rates. Eg: RSR<br><br></p>
<h3>Major Pegged Cryptocurrencies</h3>
<p><br>There is a wide variety of pegged stablecoins and tokens in crypto today, including:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Tether (USDT)</strong> - Pegged to USD by reserves. Largest stablecoin.</li>
<li><strong>USD Coin (USDC) </strong>- Backed by dollar reserves and approved by regulators. Major stablecoin.</li>
<li><strong>DAI </strong>- Crypto collateralized peg to USD maintained algorithmically by MakerDAO.</li>
<li><strong>Binance USD (BUSD)</strong> - Issued by Binance against USD reserves.</li>
<li><strong>Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC)</strong> - Pegged 1:1 to BTC price for usage in Ethereum DeFi.</li>
<li><strong>cvUSD</strong> - Governance token pegged to USD by voters controlling supply.</li>
</ul>
<p><br><strong>Reserve Rights (RSR</strong>) - Stablecoin using dynamic supple adjustments and buffers to minimize volatility.<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Paxos Standard (PAX)</strong> - Regulated ERC-20 token redeemable for USD.</li>
<li><strong>STASIS Euro (EURS)</strong> - Fiat-collateralized stablecoin pegged to Euro.</li>
<li><strong>DigixGold Token (DGX)</strong> - Represents 1g of gold bullion stored by custodian.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Issues With Crypto Pegs</h3>
<p><br>Despite their purpose, stablecoin pegs have proven vulnerable to instability and collapse. <br><br><strong>Some key issues faced include:</strong><br><br></p>
<ul>
<li>Inadequate Reserves - Fiat or crypto reserves may not be sufficient to back and redeem circulating supply at $1. Eg: USDT controversy.</li>
<li>Maintaining Redeemability - Stablecoins must ensure easy and guaranteed convertibility to the pegged asset without restrictions.</li>
<li>Technical Failures - Bugs in the smart contract code upholding a peg can fail in rare edge cases leading to loss of the peg.</li>
<li>Network Congestion - Blockchain congestion during high volatility can delay critical supply adjustments and breaking the peg.</li>
<li>Asset Volatility - Severe volatility in ETH or BTC makes it difficult for reserves or collateral to support the peg.</li>
<li>Banking Issues - Problems with stablecoin issuers' bank accounts due to compliance reasons can endanger reserves.</li>
<li>Regulation &amp; Compliance - Strict regulations around capital controls, securities laws etc can hamper stablecoin systems.</li>
<li>Lack of Transparency - Centralized issuers may obfuscate details about the reserves and mechanisms backing a peg.</li>
<li>Irrational Exuberance - Frenzied speculation around a pegged asset can create unsustainable expectations separate from the fundamentals.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>The Future of Pegged Cryptocurrencies</h3>
<p><br>Pegged cryptocurrencies are likely to play an important role in the evolution of digital assets and decentralized finance:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li>Ubiquitous Stable Value - Well-designed stablecoins could become widely used for stable payments, lending, and reducing crypto volatility.</li>
<li>DeFi Applications - Innovations like wrapped Bitcoin bring real-world assets into decentralized finance for broader tokenized marketplaces.</li>
<li>Algorithmic Systems - Pegging systems based on expansionary and contractionary incentives without collateral may find adoption if stabilty challenges are overcome.</li>
<li>Greater Transparency - Regulatory scrutiny and self-regulation will lead to higher standards of transparency around reserve audits and peg sustainability.</li>
<li>Proliferation of Fiat Pegs - More currencies especially from developing countries may have tokenized counterparts pegged to USD for easier digital finance.</li>
<li>Emergence of New Asset Pegs - Pegging mechanisms could evolve to support innovative units of value like commodities, real-estate or consumer price indices.</li>
<li>Cross-chain Interoperability - Interlinked pegs and wrapped assets across multiple blockchains could enable valuable new interoperability functions.</li>
<li>Mainstream Adoption - Intuitive customer experiences built on stablecoins could finally make crypto truly usable for payments by mainstream audiences.</li>
</ul>
<p><br><strong>Conclusion</strong><br><br>Currency pegging has long played an important role in traditional finance. This principle of stabilizing exchange rates continues to evolve in the new crypto economy with the rise of pegged cryptocurrencies. Though still early, pegged assets provide the stability required for blockchains to enable reliable trade, interoperability across chains, decentralized finance, and much more in the future. But they also come with a unique set of challenges and risks compared to traditional pegs. Further research and innovation is needed to perfect the mechanisms and governance of pegged cryptocurrencies.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>*Violet Verse is not a financial institution. This should not be taken as financial advice. Please do your own research.&nbsp;</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>Your Support Matters:</strong></h4>
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<p>It's starting to feel somewhat repetitive in this space, with not much novelty, but it appears that there's considerable activity among the few who remain. Throughout this entire summer, I've striven to maintain consistency with Violet Verse. <a href="/the-architecture-of-web3-f5u5S9I7Dh">Since my last post,</a> my visit to San Francisco has been an absolute delight. I had the chance to immerse myself in the tech ecosystem and, as a result, secured my first enterprise client for Miami Swim Week. The entire summer was devoted to the development of a community and content app for designers, buyers, and models. Everything seemed to be progressing smoothly. I launched the fashion app during Swim Week and celebrated the occasion with influencers and designers. I even hosted a dinner at Stiltsville Restaurant on South Beach and brought Barry's Bootcamp on board as a community partner, offering complimentary workouts in exchange for downloading the app and creating a profile!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.miamiswimweek.app/">The app featured:</a><br>- Custom profiles<br>- Custom user roles<br>- Community page<br>- Photo collection uploads for designers</p>
<p>It was highly tailored, yet the collaboration with the team proved quite challenging in terms of gaining approvals and going live. While I was commissioned to create this new app for Miami Swim Week, it also turned out to be a valuable lesson in project management and aligning everyone's goals. One crucial lesson I learned is that software is ever-evolving, and setting something live doesn't guarantee a smooth ride. There will always be a need for edits along the way, some of which might be strictly in the codebase. For example, I discovered that the VV software folder structure in JavaScript had been incorrectly forked on GitHub. We didn't need to create a complex editing dashboard; simple "page edits" could be accomplished through a straightforward refactor.</p>
<p>I also had the opportunity to participate in my first pitch competition, hosted by the Miami-Dade County Tourism Board. Winning some funds and receiving feedback from peers was a fantastic experience. These moments, like the Y Combinator YouTube videos about a founder's journey, motivate to persist, even when things get tough. It appears I might be traversing the "Trough of Sorrow" because this summer has been marked by numerous ups and downs, particularly in the quest for product-market fit.</p>
<p>Violet Verse has certainly found its niche in software for the fashion media community, with a special focus on developing tools for fashion week events. Miami Swim Week emerged as my MVP, and conversations with industry leaders affirmed that conference software is a promising investment and revenue source. I've also decided to step away from engaging with venture capitalists. Pursuing VC funding seemed unproductive, as I needed concrete revenue to sustain myself. Numerous VC meetings without significant traction didn't align with my current goals. Once I shifted my focus to revenue generation, things began to improve.</p>
<p>In between developing fashion software, I've been writing an e-commerce lifestyle column called <a href="https://www.futurecommerce.com/team-members/melissa-henderson">Lovers and Outlaws</a> for Future Commerce. This helps offset some of the costs of software development and keeps the lights on. It's remarkable how blessings can arrive in unexpected ways, enabling me to make further progress and keep anxiety at bay. July was truly transformative, as I had the pleasure of meeting incredible individuals, and life as a founder is truly taking shape.</p>
<p>Then came August, another surprising month. Unexpectedly, I became a finalist for South Florida's chapter of Fashion Group International. It's been a whirlwind of a summer, filled with hard work and valuable experiences. I've earned my stripes and am eagerly looking forward to a strong finish to the year!&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Goals for 2023:&nbsp;</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>Partner with a brand or protocol for Digital Fashion Unlocked&nbsp;</li>
<li>Develop (1) Fashion Week Platform&nbsp;</li>
<li>Fix Bugs in Github Account&nbsp;</li>
<li>Publish 5 Contributor Pieces on VV or across other VV apps&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

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