The hottest Decentralization Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

The Disruptive Potential of On-chain Reputations

DeFi Education • 619 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Decentralization Finance Identity Reputation
  1. On-chain reputation helps build trust by tracking the behavior and reliability of users in a blockchain network. This way, people can make informed decisions when interacting or transacting.
  2. On-chain identity is a unique digital representation of a person or entity, different from traditional IDs. It allows for privacy while providing a way to establish trustworthiness within decentralized systems.
  3. Using on-chain reputation might allow individuals from underbanked communities to access financial services, which they often struggle to obtain through traditional methods. It promotes inclusion in the financial system.

What is Ethereum for?

Something to Consider • 39 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Cryptocurrency Smart Contracts Decentralization Economics
  1. Ethereum is a programmable blockchain, allowing for more than just currency transactions. It's unique because it can create smart contracts that automatically enforce agreed terms.
  2. It’s useful especially when contracts can be clearly defined and don’t require constant human input. Things like online services or products that are fully digital fit this well.
  3. Ethereum has potential for improving access to banking for underserved communities, like in Africa. Its ability to facilitate transactions without traditional banking could help many people who lack basic financial services.

Tokenomics Primer Part 2

DeFi Education • 639 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🔮 Crypto Tokenomics Blockchain Investment Decentralization Cryptocurrencies
  1. Tokenomics is an important concept in cryptocurrency that helps understand how tokens work and are valued. It can guide investors in making informed decisions.
  2. Chainlink's LINK token was the most requested topic for analysis, indicating a strong interest in its performance and utility. People want to know more about this specific cryptocurrency.
  3. The content is aimed at paid subscribers, suggesting that in-depth analysis is available for those who are willing to invest in understanding tokenomics better. It's a specialized resource for committed learners.

The Case for Blockchain Decentralization is Overstated

Something to Consider • 19 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Decentralization Efficiency Auctions Market
  1. A lot of blocks on Ethereum are being built in a centralized way, which raises concerns about fairness and efficiency. People enjoy the open nature of blockchains, but if they feel transactions could be ignored or censored, they might stop using them.
  2. Some proposed solutions, like execution tickets, aim to mix fairness with efficiency when it comes to block-building. However, some argue that just focusing on the most efficient way to auction blocks won't account for user concerns about centralization.
  3. The debate about how decentralized block-building should be is complex. Finding the right balance between efficiency and fairness may require long-term studies or prediction markets to get a clearer picture.

What We're Doing in Crypto Right Now

DeFi Education • 1438 implied HN points • 16 Apr 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investments Market Trends Technology Decentralization
  1. The crypto market is very volatile, with prices going up and down a lot. Many people get emotional and make quick buying or selling decisions.
  2. Taking a longer-term view on crypto investments can be more beneficial. Staying calm and not reacting to daily price changes helps maintain strategy.
  3. It's important not to panic during market drops. Keeping a steady approach can lead to better outcomes in the long run.
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Opportunity, Risks and Going Down the Rabbit Hole

DeFi Education • 2298 implied HN points • 27 Jun 21
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investing Decentralization Finance Regulations
  1. The decentralized finance (DeFi) market has a huge opportunity for growth, involving trillions of dollars in alternative assets and investment funds. This growth can be driven by lower costs and continuous fiat money printing.
  2. There are significant risks in DeFi that investors should be aware of. Many projects could fail, due to scams, hacks, or market volatility, and it’s essential to keep learning and stay informed about the changes.
  3. Understanding terms like Impermanent Loss is crucial for anyone getting into DeFi. If the prices of paired tokens don't move together, you could lose money, which shows why timing and smart investing are important.

The Ten Crypto Commandments

DeFi Education • 1298 implied HN points • 15 Mar 22
🔮 Crypto Investing Security Market Trends Decentralization Regulations
  1. Keep your crypto holdings private. Sharing this info can lead to jealousy or danger, like kidnapping.
  2. Don't trust advice from others blindly. People often share tips to pump their own investments, so research and think for yourself.
  3. Always use proper security. Avoid sharing personal info, use a VPN for transactions, and get your coins off exchanges to stay safe.

DeFi Education Q&A (April 2023)

DeFi Education • 479 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Finance Technology Decentralization Investment
  1. The Q&A sessions feature experts in finance and software, sharing their knowledge. It's a great chance to learn from experienced professionals.
  2. New subscribers get a quick overview of what to expect during these Q&A sessions. They can understand the format and benefits right away.
  3. These sessions are aimed at engaging the community and answering questions, making them interactive and informative for everyone involved.

Understanding Valuation Methods

DeFi Education • 1978 implied HN points • 30 Jun 21
🔮 Crypto Valuation Investing Decentralization Market Analysis Financial Metrics
  1. Having users is really important for a project's value. A company that has a lot of users is usually seen as more successful, even if it's not making money yet.
  2. Sales and profits are not the same thing. Just because a company makes a lot of sales doesn't mean it's actually earning money after paying all its costs.
  3. Quick valuation methods, like comparing sales and earnings, can help you understand a project’s worth. However, you should also consider user growth and how the project makes money.

I am Botto, a decentralized, autonomous artist governed by the people

DeFi Education • 539 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Digital Art Generative Art NFTs Decentralization
  1. Botto is an artist that works without a human to direct it, relying on people for guidance. It uses technology to create art based on a wide range of images.
  2. This project operates as a DAO, which means the community can vote on artistic decisions. This helps the art to reflect the collective input of the people.
  3. Botto represents the growing field of generative art in the NFT space, showcasing how technology and creativity can come together. It pushes the boundaries of traditional art forms.

What Does It Mean to Decentralise a Rollup?

Cryptocurrency and Friends • 235 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Decentralization Rollups Smart Contracts Trust
  1. Decentralization in rollups is about prioritizing one honest party over a majority of validators.
  2. Rollups use a trusted third party like a smart contract instead of an honest majority to determine truth.
  3. The goal of decentralization in rollups is to empower one honest party to make decisions for the entire system in critical moments.

Import AI 320: Facebook's AI Lab Leak; open source ChatGPT clone; Google makes a universal translator.

Import AI • 339 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
🕹 Technology AI Data Robots Decentralization Models
  1. Google is making strides with a universal translator by training models on diverse unlabeled data from multiple languages.
  2. The FTC is calling out companies for lying about AI capabilities, emphasizing the importance of truthful representation in the AI industry.
  3. OpenChatKit, an open-source ChatGPT clone, is released with a focus on decentralized training and customization for chatbot creation.

What Will Last Long-Term: A Framework

DeFi Education • 1079 implied HN points • 21 May 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Market Trends Investment Strategies Decentralization
  1. It's tough to stay motivated when prices drop, but that's a common feeling in crypto. Giving up seems easy, but believing in the future is important.
  2. Many people doubt blockchain ideas, but there's real power in decentralized systems. It's a new way of doing things that requires patience.
  3. Instead of selling your investments in frustration, consider holding on for better times. Staying committed could pay off in the long run.

Anatomy of a Narrative

DeFi Education • 739 implied HN points • 04 Oct 22
🔮 Crypto Investing Assets Narratives Market Analysis Decentralization
  1. Storytelling is really important in investing. It can help make a company seem more valuable even if the numbers don't add up.
  2. People often make quick decisions based on emotions rather than cold hard facts. This means understanding the narrative behind an investment is key.
  3. It's important to balance narrative and data when investing. Too much focus on one can lead you to miss opportunities or take on more risk.

The History of DeFi

DeFi Education • 1218 implied HN points • 08 Feb 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Decentralization Finance Digital Assets Innovation
  1. Bitcoin is the foundation of crypto and DeFi, starting in 2009. It's important to learn about Bitcoin to understand everything that followed.
  2. Ethereum followed Bitcoin and introduced smart contracts, which allowed DeFi technologies to grow. This innovation opened doors for many other projects.
  3. DeFi has evolved significantly, with innovations like MakerDAO for stablecoins and automated market makers like Uniswap. The future will focus on cross-chain liquidity and expanding DeFi beyond just Ethereum.

LSDs End Game

DeFi Education • 519 implied HN points • 01 Feb 23
🔮 Crypto Decentralization Tokenomics Trading Governance Finance
  1. LSDs can refer to different concepts, but this discussion seems to focus on a specific investment strategy. It's important to be clear about what LSDs mean in this context.
  2. The dYdX governance token has seen a significant price increase recently. Keep an eye on its performance if you're involved in trading on that platform.
  3. For those who have earned dYdX tokens, it might be wise to claim and sell them now, as they may not outperform other assets like ETH in the future.

Competitive Advantages in Crypto

DeFi Education • 979 implied HN points • 07 May 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Decentralization Smart Contracts Digital Assets Cryptocurrency
  1. Bitcoin created a public ledger that anyone can check, making it secure and decentralized. This means anyone can verify transactions without needing to trust a central authority.
  2. Ethereum improved on Bitcoin by allowing developers to create smart contracts. These contracts are automatic and can be used for many applications on the blockchain.
  3. Both Bitcoin and Ethereum showcase the importance of open-source technology in crypto, encouraging innovation and collaboration in the space.

Remember how Ethereum was supposed to be the 'World Computer'?

Bram’s Thoughts • 196 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🕹 Technology Blockchain Cryptocurrency Development Security Decentralization
  1. Ethereum's 'World Computer' idea with infinite on-chain scaling was never practical.
  2. Current Ethereum performance is lacking due to the limitations of Solidity and EVM.
  3. Ethereum development focuses more on exciting projects rather than addressing critical issues like security vulnerabilities in Solidity.

Welcome to Ronin, W3GG and DONAT3!

Ronin’s Newsletter • 24 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Decentralization Gaming Tokens Web3
  1. Ronin has welcomed two new partners, W3GG and Donat3, to enhance its ecosystem. This means more activities and opportunities for everyone involved.
  2. W3GG is a fun questing platform with 100,000 users where players can earn rewards. Signing up now will get you a special token and even more chances for rewards later.
  3. Donat3 is a new tipping platform that allows creators to receive tips in Ronin tokens. Streamers can reward their fans while also building a community around their content.

The Governance Gap

DeFi Education • 299 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🔮 Crypto Governance Tokenomics Decentralization Investment
  1. In DeFi, there can be big differences between what token holders think and what really happens in a project. This disconnect is called the Governance Gap.
  2. Business disputes in DeFi can be tricky because the anonymity of participants and access to important tech can change the game. It's not like regular business where there's a clear chain of accountability.
  3. Legal issues in DeFi are complicated and often unclear. It's essential to work with lawyers who understand blockchain and decentralized organizations to navigate these challenges.

Crypto: Providing for Your Safety and Security in Emergencies

DeFi Education • 1019 implied HN points • 18 Feb 22
🔮 Crypto Finance Security Decentralization Technology Investment
  1. Crypto can help you feel safer during emergencies. It’s designed to protect your money when things get tough.
  2. Recent events show that having access to your funds is really important. We should pay attention to how DeFi can help in crises.
  3. Understanding the value of DeFi is essential for the long term. It’s not just about making money, but also about security and safety.

Why The World Needs Web3

DeFi Education • 719 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Web3 Blockchain Decentralization Crypto Internet
  1. Web3 aims to create a more secure internet by reducing reliance on centralized platforms, which often expose users to risks like hacking and censorship. This means our online interactions can be safer and more private.
  2. In the future, people could earn money for content creation on decentralized platforms, unlike current social media that makes money from our content without sharing revenues. This can create fairer opportunities for creators.
  3. Web3 may lead to a new economy where crypto can be used for everyday purchases, making it easier for people to use digital currencies in their daily lives. This shift could change how we think about money and transactions.

Deep Dive: Arweave (Part 1)

DeFi Education • 739 implied HN points • 15 Jun 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Decentralization Web3 Storage Technology
  1. Arweave is a decentralized storage project. It aims to change how we save and share data online in the future.
  2. The focus on projects like Arweave helps us understand what the decentralized web could look like. It encourages exploration of innovative technologies and their potential impact.
  3. The analysis of Arweave is part of a broader interest in decentralized technology. This trend shows that many people are looking for better and more secure ways to manage data.

Digital Asset Industry Standards

DeFi Education • 539 implied HN points • 20 Oct 22
🔮 Crypto Regulation Smart Contracts Decentralization
  1. Regulating DeFi should avoid censorship of the blockchain. The foundation of blockchain technology is about freedom and allowing anyone to use it without restrictions.
  2. Decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols need to ensure transparency and honesty in marketing just like traditional finance, but regulation shouldn't stifle innovation.
  3. Bug bounties for hackers who find vulnerabilities are important. Both the community and protocol should share the responsibility for keeping systems secure and incentivize good behavior.

Introduction to Decentralized File Storage

DeFi Education • 739 implied HN points • 06 Jun 22
🕹 Technology Blockchain Decentralization Web3
  1. Many NFTs that people think are unique are actually not stored on the blockchain, but on regular web servers. This means the images could disappear at any time.
  2. Decentralized storage is better than using traditional cloud services, and solutions like IPFS allow for more secure and reliable data storage.
  3. Pinning files on networks like IPFS is necessary to keep them available, and services like Filecoin help pay for that storage to ensure data persists over time.

The Disruptive Potential of On-chain Reputations (Part 2)

DeFi Education • 299 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Decentralization Digital Identity Smart Contracts
  1. On-chain reputation systems could create a new standard for assessing credibility, similar to credit scores in finance. If one system becomes widely adopted, it could make life easier for everyone involved.
  2. Different uses and needs could lead to multiple reputation systems thriving at the same time. Some might focus on specific skills or experiences, while others could center on financial history.
  3. Interoperability among systems can help share reputation data across platforms. However, not having just one dominant system might actually allow for more competition and innovation in the space.

Q&A + Survey!

DeFi Education • 499 implied HN points • 15 Nov 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investing Market Trends Decentralization Trading
  1. Exchange order books are very thin right now, meaning there aren't many buy or sell orders available. This could affect trading activity significantly.
  2. Alameda Research has stopped making markets, which indicates that some big players are stepping back due to risk concerns. This might impact market stability.
  3. There are worries about stolen tokens from FTX being sold off, causing fear among traders to manage their risks carefully.

Spain's Electoral Results Are a Perfect Illustration of the Pathology of Centralised Rule

THE FREEDOM BLOG • 157 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Decentralization Government Power Policy
  1. Spain's recent election results show challenges with centralized rule in forming a stable government with diverse opinions.
  2. Centralized democratic States may lead to policies out of touch with citizens' wishes due to a concentration of power in national parliaments.
  3. Devolved government and finances could reduce political conflict, improve accountability, and better reflect local interests.

How Privacy Policies Really Work

DeFi Education • 459 implied HN points • 25 Nov 22
🔮 Crypto Privacy Regulation Data security Blockchain Decentralization
  1. Companies must follow privacy laws like GDPR, which set strict rules on how to collect and use personal data. Breaking these rules can lead to big fines and even legal trouble for executives.
  2. Privacy policies are crucial because they inform users about what data is collected and how it is used. Companies are updating their privacy policies to reflect what they actually do with data.
  3. Using services like Metamask means sharing your data, like your IP address and Ethereum wallet address. It's essential to be cautious and consider using privacy tools to protect your information.

The Battle of Mount Olympus

DeFi Education • 1019 implied HN points • 17 Nov 21
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investing Decentralization Finance Technology
  1. The reward rates for OHM are set to decrease significantly, which could affect how much people want to hold it. If fewer people want to buy OHM, its price might go down, but a slower increase in supply could balance this out.
  2. OHM aims to be a decentralized reserve currency backed by assets, but right now, it’s still uncertain if it can achieve stable pricing. Investors should be cautious because not all projects in this space will succeed.
  3. If you're holding OHM, you have several options: stay staked to earn rewards, consider selling some for profits, or explore other high-yield projects. Your choice should depend on your comfort with risk and your investment goals.

Framing the Future of the Internet

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 168 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Blockchain Social Networks Decentralization Cryptocurrency Networks
  1. Farcaster is a blockchain network creating small interactive apps called Frames that can revolutionize social networking.
  2. Farcaster's Frames exemplify the concept of small applications growing protocols, encouraging experimentation and innovation.
  3. Blockchain networks like Farcaster win by offering decentralization, composability, and permissionlessness, enabling new functionalities and experiences for users and developers.

The Death of the Internet and the Rebirth of Many to Come

Theology • 22 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Internet AI Decentralization Web3 Blockchain
  1. The internet as we know it is dying due to a mix of big tech control and AI-generated content. This has led to a system where most online content may not be human-created anymore.
  2. People are starting to buy physical media again because they feel they own nothing in today's digital subscription world. There’s a pushback against this digital feudal system.
  3. A new type of internet called autonomous networks could emerge, where control is decentralized and powered by communities, rather than a few big corporations.

Decentralized Cloud Computing

DeFi Education • 679 implied HN points • 31 May 22
🕹 Technology Cloud Computing Blockchain Decentralization Cryptography Digital innovation
  1. Decentralized cloud computing is changing how we store and process data. It allows users to control their own data without relying on big companies.
  2. This approach can lead to better security and privacy for users. It’s often seen as a more trustable alternative to centralized systems.
  3. As the market for tokens is evolving, exploring decentralized projects can unveil exciting new opportunities in tech and finance. Staying informed can help you find the next big thing.

Beating Crypto's Flash Boys

DeFi Education • 919 implied HN points • 25 Dec 21
🔮 Crypto Trading Bots Finance Investing Decentralization
  1. Crypto markets have their own fast traders, similar to the ones in traditional finance. These traders can take advantage of regular people's transactions, potentially costing them money.
  2. If you've ever swapped tokens or had a loan liquidated, bots might have taken some of your profits. It's important to be aware of these risks when trading in crypto.
  3. As you trade more and increase your balance, the impact of these fast traders can grow. Understanding this can help you protect your investments better.