Social media (beyond Facebook) is a diverse affair right now, filled with bloggers (myself included) re-posting our posts so we can acquire varied views. However, there are also dedicated content creators who dwell exclusively on these smaller platforms and who’ve built up a special audience; a like-minded circle, likely driven by some shared interest.
Cryptocurrency is one subject that is really bringing people together on these platforms, united by mutual awareness of a rising technology, the power of ‘magic internet money’ mixed with blockchain libertarian ideals, investing, trading, dapps etc. Steemit is a major example, since the platform takes time to get used to, so it enjoys a lively, pretty intelligent community all heady with the glow of its potential, and the possibilities to earn from engagement with it.
They can earn for writing about something they love, or by learning, sharing opinions and gathering like-minded or very diverse followers. How much they actually manage to earn over what they really earn – or potentially may earn – is another matter, but… hey, it doesn’t really matter. It’s about being appreciated, finally, by more than just ‘likes’, but by a token-based reward system that can be withdrawn from anywhere, globally, and changed into real-world value.
And there are lots of ways one can put those earnings back into the platform, rewarding or supporting other writers, friends or new, emerging crypto-powered projects.
But isn’t social media dying, beyond the young people who mostly ‘use’ it? Not, at least, in this new realm of cryptocurrency, which is driving more mature users back into these territories and where young people are (thankfully?) scarce.
PEEPETH: Social media matured?
Peepeth is simpler to use than Steemit, but it’s more akin to Twitter, in that it’s a micro-blogging platform, with also a limited number of characters per ‘Peep’ (the word for a post). There will never be any adverts on Peepeth.
You could say it’s an ideal form of social media: mature, responsible; permanent. So what am I talking about? How to get one’s head around Peepeth? Is it just an Ethereum dapp for doomed crypto-geekdom? Maybe… but this would be a shame since it has its heart in the right place while solving some of the key issues with mainstream social media. It’s also a dapp, which means it’s pretty unstoppable anyway.
So, what you need to keep in mind, is that everything you write or post to Peepeth is sent to Ethereum or IPFS. This means that it’s permanent. You can’t edit or delete it. Therefore, it encourages every user to think a little more before they ‘peep’.
That doesn’t mean it’s a libertarian platform that’s completely uncensored. Peeps are moderated and if something you say happens to violate the platform code of conduct, then it won’t be shown. That doesn’t mean it’s still not posted and attached to your wallet id.
The interface is clean and easy to use, with familiar profile page/friends options, and an option to ‘verify’ your account by linking your username to an existing Twitter account. You can also opt to register your username to the blockchain, via a tiny micro-transaction, which also encourages users to be who they say they are.
So how do you ‘like’ something? Well, you can do this only once a day, by offering someone an ‘Ensō’. It’s a nice way to encourage more careful appreciation of content. You can even send one to Vitalik Buterin, as he’s got a profile there too.
Easy log-in options
Those familiar with crypto can breathe a sigh of relief: what’s great is that you can just log in with a MetaMask ethereum wallet, as well as (of course) using it to sign transactions and peeps to the blockchain.
Don’t want to sign-in? You can still peep! But it costs a small fee.
Yes, there is also a mobile app.
Mosquito Badges are also a cool and charitable idea.
To conclude, let’s hope this platform gets the adoption it deserves. It’s got the architecture and values that should prove its resilience.
Please follow @ademc for notifications of posts etc and to leave me an Ensō on something you like (or in the future).
Also, here is my Peepeth invite / referral link, for anyone interested in signing up to this exciting platform, and social media entering into the realm of web3.
Resources
About general
About Peepeth on Everipedia
FAQ
About Moderation and Code of Conduct
April 2019