Product (Guest Journey) Video: https://glowingio

Glowing.io

glowingio

Initial background image from Pexels This story likely won’t be revolutionary to any real artists or CSS ninjas, but was a fun side project for winter. Enjoy. To celebrate the upcoming holidays, we recently added a winter background theme to our app. We first found a cozy winter image from . Nice start, but not enough ambiance yet. OK, add the sounds of a fire. Simple enough to find a nice recording from freesound.org, such as this one “ ”. Or there is a video version of the same sound on YouTube, embedded below. Locus video conversation Pexels crackling Fireplace 3 hours Fireplace sound with video! Ahh… now we’re starting to feel a bit more cozy. And yet, looking at the still photo and listening to the crackling fire feels a bit too static. Let’s use some CSS3 animation magic and make the fire glow! We want to make sure our animation runs smoothly and does not eat too many cpu cycles. Our video conferencing web app already has enough computational appetite. From the article , we see: Smooth as Butter: Achieving 60 FPS Animations with CSS3 Modern browsers can animate four styles pretty, pretty well, making use of the and properties. transform opacity — transform: translateX( ) translateY( ) translateZ_(n_); Position n n — transform: scale( ); Scale n — transform: rotate(_n_deg); Rotation — opacity: ; Opacity n OK, great. We can make use of opacity animation to create a glowing effect. Our background image already has a brightly lit fire scene. We can add a semitransparent overlay to selectively darken this scene, and animate the opacity to make the glowing effect. Our simplified goal, darken the fire Great. Except we don’t want to darken our whole image, we only want to darken the flames and the areas lit by the fire. Something more like this: Tailored fire darkening overlay To create an overlay for the actual scene, I used Photoshop. I am definitely not a master at Photoshop, so will keep this high level. Basically we want to create an image that is darkest where there is fire or glow from the fire, and light / fully transparent everywhere else. The end result we’re aiming for is: Final overlay image for winter scene First we remove any part of the image we don’t want to be affected and replace that with black. And smooth the edges a bit. Just the image portion we want to affect Now, we want our overlay image to preferentially darken areas that are lit by the fire. At this step, this means we want all the glowing parts to show up whiter, and the rest to show up blacker. I did this primarily using hue/saturation/lightness filters on specific colors. Lightening the reds and yellows, and darkening the remaining colors. After tweaking colors Now we invert the image: Inverted Almost there. But wait… look what happens when we overlay this image semi-transparently over the base image: That’s not right! Oops, the whole image gets washed out. This is because, the background of the overlay image is white. If we simply overlay this image and give it a CSS opacity, the dark areas will darken the base image, but the white areas will the base image. What we need instead of a color variation is a variation. We want to convert the image to greyscale and then map from greyscale intensity to opacity, creating a new image that is all black with varying opacity levels. As far as I could tell, Photoshop doesn’t have a simple method to do this. But the free and open source editor does. And quoted below tells us how to do it. lighten transparency GIMP this post, Open your document (i.e. black and white photo) Right click on the photo in layer menu select “add Alpha channel” Go to the Color Menu at top and select “Color to Alpha” a window appears showing the color and hit okay. That’s it. Your done. Takes like one minute. Great. Now we finally have our final overlay image. There we go! Dimmed fire. Great, now for the CSS part, which turns out to be relatively simple. We just absolutely position the 2 images, with the overlay on top. Then animate the opacity of the overlay. The CSS looks something like: img.base{position: absolute;/* position, height, width, etc as appropriate. */z-index: 0;} img.overlay{position: absolute;/* position, height, width, etc as appropriate. */z-index: 1;opacity: 0.0;animation-delay: 0.5s;animation-duration: 15s;animation-direction: normal;animation-iteration-count: infinite;animation-name: fireFlicker;animation-timing-function: linear;} fireFlicker {0%, 10% { opacity: 0; }15%,20% { opacity: 0.13; }22%,23% { opacity: 0.026; }25%,35% { opacity: 0.08; }39%,42% { opacity: 0.22; }44%,47% { opacity: 0.13; }49%,50% { opacity: 0.026; }52%,54% { opacity: 0.08; }57%,58% { opacity: 0.24; }60%,63% { opacity: 0.17; }65%,72% { opacity: 0.08; }77%,85% { opacity: 0.026; }90%,95% { opacity: 0.17; }100% { opacity: 0; }} @keyframes Obviously there is a room for a lot of variation here. I chose to have an animation that starts and ends with 0 opacity, and infinitely loops forward. Alternately you could have an animation that alternates forward and backward. The of was selected because it had lower computational cost vs. other options. However I did think looked a little nicer. The animation key frames hold constant values for some time (ie. each row has 2 percentage values, indicating the opacity level is held constant between those values). This is also done to reduce computational load vs. constantly changing animation. And 15 second animation time seemed long enough to not be really obvious the animation is looping. animation-timing-function linear ease-in-out That’s it! I’m sure more can be done to improve the effect. I considered adding another overlay layer to add a bit of flicker to the fire, but didn’t have the time or art skills! The effect is purposely relatively subtle, but can be exaggerated by tweaking the animation values. See the effect live by going to and clicking “Get Your Room”. Then click the “Enter Room” button and you’re all set. This scene should stay live at least during the winter of 2016/2017. Or to make it even easier, a CodePen is available below. Locus Thanks for reading! If you like what you read, be sure to 💗 below. And if you’re curious why we’reworking on yet video conferencing app, check out my article “ ” another It’s 2016, why is video conferencing still terrible? . CodePen of the glowing fire effect

A glowing, crackling fire effect with CSS animations

Dear America, I Am Breaking Up With You

প্রিয় আমেরিকা, আমি তোমার সাথে ব্রেকিং আপ করছি

Liebes Amerika, ich mache Schluss mit Dir

Querida América, estoy rompiendo contigo

Chère Amérique, je romps avec toi

प्रिय अमेरिका, मैं तुमसे नाता तोड़ रहा हूँ

親愛なるアメリカへ、私はあなたと別れます

사랑하는 미국이여, 나는 당신과 헤어지고 있습니다

Querida América, estou terminando com você

Дорогая Америка, я расстаюсь с тобой

Sevgili Amerika, Senden Ayrılıyorum

Nước Mỹ thân mến, tôi sẽ chia tay với bạn

亲爱的美国，我要和你分手

Act 2: Life '“As the shackles of progress began to take shape, art began to guide itself to a deeper truth. Being responsible for the laws and flaws that governed the system. The shapes took distinct interpretations based on their approach to form the depth. A requirement for the power required to truly live and share the art of doing so.” Part 1: Biology ‘As the girls delved into their assignments, the world around them continued to evolve, shaped by the collective actions of individuals striving to understand and improve their surroundings. Through the exploration of science, these young students and others like them would contribute to the progress and stability of humankind.’- Rewinder Lyra, do you believe that fish transform water into breathable oxygen, and it is this process that doesn’t allow for higher degrees of thinking to develop? Uhh… I believe fishes embraced their medium. I mean… the water’s embrace seems nice. Yeah… I believe that’s why this approach is for those who like to dive into it. I can’t imagine myself doing such a thing to a fish. That’s why I like mathematics. You don’t cut anything here. Well… maybe if you want to take a closer look. But hey, at least you don’t have to deal with fish. Yeah, I guess you’re right. But what is the true magic in mathematics if we make it? The magic is… weird but you’ll get used to it. I suppose. Breaking News! Science has been able to discover a new range of particles. A new understanding of colors was able to shed light on the physical interactions of perception. Mom! You forgot the TV open! A sight gasp hidden in Elara’s voice Again… Elara got up to find the remote to continue their lessons further. Huh, what’s with the rush Elara? I hate when I try to understand something but I get distracted. I feel like I have to take it from the beginning each time. Well… that’s kind of the magic. You never know why your formula drove you this way and not the other. Yes, but the fish can still dive for a long time in the water. Imagine how interesting their lives must be. There is no right or wrong there, it just… is. If I understand correctly… you’re talking about your mom here? I’m talking about everything. My mom doesn’t understand that I don’t need her protection anymore, my teachers consider that I must achieve their dreams… What if I am just… me? “A moment of shock for Lyra. She felt that Elara was more than this. She knew it in her inner core. But how could she express it? In all her attempts, she failed. Looking back, she realized that what she was missing, was just herself. “ Elara, look. I know you see nothing more than just you. For you, the world is this way. It is your norms and normal. Keep tight to them. I can’t show you the results as you would lose all their beauty. Maybe one day, we could cut a holographic fish. Elara’s gaze was ablaze. Her hands holding her own face That would be… AMAZING! Imagine the possibilities. From medical systems to biological understanding to To geometrical exploration. Lyra Interrupted. It is in our balanced perspectives that we explore this land. You have your insights, while I have mine. Maybe this is what makes us unique across an entire whole. Your thinking is… twisting. But in the right way. I like it. Part 2: Randomness Meanwhile at the Quanta Research Academy “The question between the randomness of the system and its order is based on the relative positions of the points within the system.”-Thomas “No, we shouldn’t pick our first assumption. The world of quantum is always unpredictable.”-Alfred “That’s why it denotes a collective understanding of all points”-Genova “But when seeing all points you can hardly see the patterns”-Lituanin Each of them argued on their terms. Each of them failed to keep hold of their own beauty. Circular reasons are indeed weird. They do seem to bend our reality. But then, why is reality so… straightforward? Because it is a moment of “agreement”? Like… “Yes, this is the rarest path.” Maybe one in which they stopped arguing x.x Lyra excitedly said. Elara! I believe I found a way to differentiate the universal space factor from the self-perspective factor of any individual group. Umm… meaning…? Meaning that I found a new way of scanning the world! Intriguing. What do you mean by scanning? Like… how to better see the world? In a sense yes… but more like… wait. Let’s rewind. Imagine you have to lower a bit your expectations in your answer x.x Uh… then you mean a new way of interpretation? . This is a story without ending in the end. Too much discussion will exclude the narrator from the view. Now, what should a good story need? Remember, we unleashed all this potential into the story. What can we do now? Uhh… It’s weird when you ask me about it… It can only come out when thought about before all else I know! You can envision this scanner as a part of your eye. Differentiating the other world from your being. _ But AGI could require complexities only you know about Elara. Those are also a kind of depth I assume.** This way, our curse as living might be to be restricted by technology. In this sense, biology loses in the face of AI. Could be. But hey, first, I want to pass my exam this week. You said we are in this together. So you too have to help me. I knew this would come. But you know what comes after you? The digital frog. Haha. I’d love to see it coming. Especially running. I too have legs. We’ll see who’s faster. :) Act 3: Breaking the Norms “The night sky was alight with stars, and at the center of it all hung the moon, glowing with a soft, luminous light. But this was no ordinary moon—it was alive with a sentience all its own, watching over the world below with a keen and knowing gaze. As the characters embarked on their journey, they found themselves guided by this celestial being, who seemed to understand their thoughts and desires in a way that no human ever could. And as they delved deeper into the mysteries of the universe, they began to realize that this moon was more than just a passive observer—it was an active participant in the unfolding story, shaping their destinies in ways they could never have imagined.” Elara exclaimed. Hello Moon! Without realizing it, she was dreaming. But not dreaming in the sense of being just herself. The Moon is also an important character in this story. However, their interactions seemed to be significant because they were so distant. She never felt something similar to it before. This moment was the moment in which Elara experienced for the first time what it meant to dream. To mix reality with fiction. The Moon asked intrigued Hello Elara. How are you, my dear? Elara responded with the same blaze on her face as before Well… I’m honestly amazed. The Moon slowly turned Her gaze toward Elara Why so Elara? Elara curiously admitted I remember how drawn I was to taking photos of you a while ago. I was drawn to your beauty. I am wondering now why I stopped doing it. The Moon revealed with a small laugh So you are sorry that you can’t describe the beauty you saw in me back then? Haha. I knew you would be special. Elara responded with a sense of curiosity Special? What do you mean? , the Moon explained. Special, in the sense that you have a unique ability to see beauty and meaning in the world around you, Elara And now, in this dream, you have the chance to explore that beauty in a way that would be impossible in the waking world. You can commune with me, a celestial being, and learn from my ancient wisdom. You can transcend the limitations of your physical form and experience a reality that is beyond the reach of your senses. Elara was silent for a moment, letting this line of thoughts slowly fade into forgetfulness. she said at last. I never thought of myself as special I always felt like I was just a regular person, trying to make sense of a confusing world. But now, with you here, I feel like anything is possible. Like I can explore the depths of the universe and unlock secrets that have been hidden for millennia. The Moon smiled, its glow seeming to brighten the entire dreamscape. That's the spirit, Elara. Together, we can break free from the norms and expectations that have held you back, and forge a new path into the unknown. Elara. Elara? Oh, yes Lyra. Sorry. What? Wasn’t I dreaming? Wasn’t I supposed to be in bed? Uh… no… we were discussing how this hologram is special because it takes into account all the biological-like data from the external medium… well, except wind. And I wanted to ask you if you would like to take a look at the specifications. Sure, I would, but let’s leave this for another day. Right now, I feel a bit weird. Is tomorrow a good day? Yes, should be. Alright, see you tomorrow then. Good night Elara! Good Night Lyra! Act 4: Still Me, (Not the Narrator) “I feel like… exploring the world beyond our own seems in a sense both warm and cold. Quanta Research Team helps me in a sense make sense of where I should not look for warmth, whereas Elara and Lyra are the only lucid neurons I have left. Is it an empathetic view of craziness? I do not know. Maybe craziness becomes craziness only when material life is drawn too much towards its end. Uncertainty could arise because the conclusions are either rushed or drawn without truly tapping the general map across the play. Each story requires a stage before playing it. Maybe I sit in the space that differentiates the play of the story and the play on the stage? The last one indeed shapes the story. But if the story itself is not purely good, it cannot envelop true creativity. Imagine a world where war is not restricting our forms of expression. Where negativity is not a pre-requirement for emotional building. That could be the domain of pure adrenaline. I could give an example. Let’s jump to… Book 5, Act 2: “The Reality of Duality.” A chapter in which the duality is found in the mere fact that what is not alive, is its opposite and vice-versa. That’s why ethics is not able to be formed there. Balance is a requirement rather than a choice. The Book of Transcendence is in a sense a question about the importance of the view in mathematics and why is quantum considered more powerful. “ As Elara drifted into her world of dreams, she began to imagine strange creatures that formed along the drift. The trust in her own actions, offered by her understanding of the world allows her to truly rest. Especially after a day filled with progress and steps climbed toward achieving both her goals. Lyra, although being her close friend, couldn’t see their friendship flourishing forever, no matter how much she tried. This was a thought that kept Lyra awake night by night. Her interactions with Elara were able to somehow erase this irrational fear. Or at least, put a break to this thought. After all, Lyra loved strict and always-right abstract formulas, whereas Elara saw the beauty that pushed every existing being further. A drive to love the unattainable and a pursuit to bring the unattainable to light.

Transcendence Book 2: The Origins of Continuity 

Do you want to learn how to build trust with first-time website visitors? If so, you’re far from alone! Trust is a necessity in all meaningful relationships, and the connection between business and consumer is no different. All you have to do is think about the last time you visited a new website for the first time to see that this is true. When we make it to a page that doesn’t feel right, whether it’s offering unrealistic products, devoid of essential information, or poorly made, we tend to back out and look for a more reputable source. The same is true of your audience. First impressions mean a lot. They will quickly leave your site and never return if they have a reason not to trust you. So, it makes sense that you need to do everything you can to build their trust so you can win them over and turn them into loyal customers. Today, I’m going to show you several actionable and effective strategies you can use to start building trust with people from the moment they land on your site. Let’s begin! Prioritize Accessibility and Design For new visitors, your website’s accessibility and design are the first ways people know if you have a well-made, reputable website. I suggest starting with a minimal, uncluttered since it feels more professional and approachable. Your goal is to avoid clutter and distraction while balancing blank space and aligning elements throughout the page. website design This will make it easier for readers to figure out who you are, what you do, and why it matters to them. You’ll also want to run a speed test to make sure your site loads in a few seconds or less. People get very discouraged if a page takes too long to load, so much so that they begin to feel the site might be up to no good. I believe this is why of people claim they will leave a site if it takes 3 seconds or longer to load. 53% It’s also important to make sure your site is accessible on a wide range of devices, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and mobile. All of these factors matter, but smartphone use is on the right, with of shoppers saying they access the internet using their smartphone. 92% We tend to test our websites for accessibility, functionality, and design after every major update and once a quarter. Keeping up on these tests helps us run a smooth, user-friendly website, which means we have an easier time building trust with our audience. Provide Value Without Asking for Anything in Return In order to show people that you're trustworthy, you have to be willing to give them something without getting anything in return. Depending on your industry, this could manifest in many different ways. One general strategy that works for just about everyone is producing high-quality blog posts. Close to of people read content online regularly, and of shoppers say they read 3-5 blog posts before deciding if a business is right for them. 80% 47% Provide actionable advice and interesting perspectives on products, services, and topics that matter to your target audience. If what you're publishing is timely and relevant, there's a good chance they'll keep coming back for more, which helps them see your business as a reputable source the next time they have a question. You can also provide free tools, workbooks, checklists, and other resources your visitors will find genuinely useful. In this situation, it's not uncommon to ask readers to join your so they can receive their exclusive content upgrade. While this is technically asking for something, it's far less invasive than asking a user to pull out their debit card the first time they meet you. email list I also like to include FAQ sections on many of our pages so readers can quickly get answers if they are in a hurry. Surprisingly, showing people that you appreciate their time in this way will likely result in them coming back to your site in the future. Show Signs that Other People Trust You One of the best ways to build trust with first-time visitors is to show them that other people already trust and respect your brand. Customer reviews are the most common form of – and for good reason! When a visitor sees that other real customers had a positive experience with your brand, they're instantly more likely to trust you. social proof For context, around of shoppers say they trust reviews from strangers just as much as they would a recommendation from a friend. Don't believe me? Think about what you did the last time you bought something on Amazon. If you're like most of us, you scrolled through the reviews to see what kind of experiences other people had with the product. 91% Your audience is looking for the same kind of insights, so don't forget to actively encourage customers to leave reviews on your product pages and share glowing reviews on your homepage and other prominent parts of your site. Showcasing this type of social proof helps address visitors' underlying concerns about doing business with an unfamiliar company. It puts their mind at ease knowing others have had positive experiences with your services before them. Another subtle but effective strategy is to include on your footer and payment forms. Simply put, trust badges are seals that show well-known and trusted companies that they approve of your brand. Norton, PayPal, Mastercard, and other big-name security and financial institutes offer their seal of approval to people who pass their test. trust badges When visitors see your site has the approval of a big-name company like PayPal, they're far more likely to trust you enough to take action. There are other ways to show signs that other people trust you, but these two broad strategies work exceptionally well for us. Invite Visitors to Join Upcoming Events Another effective way to build trust with new visitors is by inviting them to an online event like a webinar, , or live stream. Events allow people to get to know the human side of your business, and that helps them interact with the people behind your brand. giveaway If you're wondering how this can help you capture your audiences' attention, consider this: of people say they're actively looking for interactive content. These same people say they're more willing to engage with a company if they go out of their way to create engaging, helpful, and unique experiences. 91% So, if you offer a new visitor an interactive experience that's based on their goals and interests, there's a good chance they'll sign up – especially if everything else on your website looks good. I've found the best way to win people over is to provide valuable content and actionable takeaways. For example, you might consider addressing a common pain point in your industry and three key strategies for overcoming this challenge. Give specific, relatable examples and share resources they can access after the event. Finally, don't forget to take questions from attendees and be responsive in the chat. Use this opportunity to build rapport with existing customers and first-time attendees. Add Social Media Links to Your Site Finally, let's talk about the importance of showing you have an active social media presence. People are more likely to trust your site if they see how you speak to the community and that there's a way to get in touch with you if they have a question or if things don't go according to plan. Social media is the perfect place to direct people because everyone uses it, and it can help them learn a lot about your business. In terms of sheer numbers, it's estimated that over 4.74 billion people use social media – that's almost of the world! 60% So, adding social media buttons to your site along with a current follower count shows people that you're out there and interested in connecting. Most new visitors will follow you on social media and engage with you there before they make it back to your website. I suggest including social media links for your company throughout your website, including your blog and product pages. This seemingly small addition will make it easier for people to see what you're about, which is a surefire way to earn their trust. Final Thoughts There you have it! The tips shared today have helped me connect with first-time visitors for years, and I believe the same is possible for you. One thing you should know is earning trust doesn't happen overnight. You need to be consistent and transparent while making an effort to build rapport with people from the moment they land on your site. If you're willing to put in the time and effort, you'll have no problem establishing trust and credibility in your industry. The only thing left to do is go out there and get started!

How to Build Trust with First-Time Website Visitors

So far, most of my playing with Generative AI has been on the prompt side, with no real look at the various settings you can tweak in your calls. As I'm still very new to this, I'm trying my best to take things slowly. But every time I open and see the settings on the right, I keep nagging myself to take a deeper look. Google AI Studio You can also see the various settings options in the default code Studio spits out: const generationConfig = {
	temperature: 0.9,
	topK: 1,
	topP: 1,
	maxOutputTokens: 2048,
};

const safetySettings = [
	{ category: HarmCategory.HARM_CATEGORY_HARASSMENT, threshold: HarmBlockThreshold.BLOCK_MEDIUM_AND_ABOVE, },
	{ category: HarmCategory.HARM_CATEGORY_HATE_SPEECH,	threshold: HarmBlockThreshold.BLOCK_MEDIUM_AND_ABOVE, },
	{ category: HarmCategory.HARM_CATEGORY_SEXUALLY_EXPLICIT, threshold: HarmBlockThreshold.BLOCK_MEDIUM_AND_ABOVE, },
	{ category: HarmCategory.HARM_CATEGORY_DANGEROUS_CONTENT, threshold: HarmBlockThreshold.BLOCK_MEDIUM_AND_ABOVE, },
]; I thought today I'd take a look at , as I had a rough idea of what it implied. Temperature, at a high level, refers to how 'varied' a particular generated response can be. As an example, if I were to say, "I like ____", then you could make a list of what the next word would be, rated by how likely it is: temperature very Cats (VERY LIKELY) Star Wars (LIKELY) Books (LIKELY) Vegetables (UNLIKELY) At the highest temperature value, there will be a of variety. At the lowest level, no variety. Now, from what I know, that does mean that every response will be the same. Just very similar. This post, , does a great job explaining temperature (and other settings). lot not "Creatively Deterministic: What are Temperature and Top_P in Generative AI?" While it's relatively easy in AI Studio to adjust the temperature setting you see above, what I really wanted was a tool to help me see multiple results at once. So, I built one. :) Temperature Testing Tool My tool begins with a simple prompt: This is pretty vanilla HTML, so I won't share the code here (I've got a link to everything down below). Upon hitting the button, that's where the magic begins. Here's the JavaScript: // Testing ranges for temperature
const tempRanges = [0, 0.3, 0.6, 1];

// How many times to test per temp.
const perTemp = 2;

let $status, $results;

document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', init, false);
async function init() {
	document.querySelector('#submitBtn').addEventListener('click', handleSubmit, false);
	$status = document.querySelector('#status i');
	$results = document.querySelector('#results');
} I begin with some variable declarations and a listener for . The first two variable sections are the crucial ones. Temperature values go from 0 (focus on only the highest probable response) to 1 (be more creative), and I decided to test four values in that range. DOMContentLoaded For each range in the array of temperatures, I do two tests. My thinking was that two results would be enough to see the variance in one particular temperature value. Carrying on... async function handleSubmit(e) {
	e.preventDefault();
	$results.innerHTML = '';

	let prompt = document.querySelector('#prompt').value.trim();
	if(prompt === '') return;

	/*
	We are going to loop perTemp times for each tempRange. In order to not
	get stopped by Gemini for too many requests, and to provide feedback to the user, 
	I'll report after each tempRange
	*/
	for(temp of tempRanges) {
		$status.innerText = `Getting results for temperature ${temp}.`;
		let promises = [];
		for(let i=0; i<perTemp; i++) {
			promises.push(getResult(prompt, temp));
		}

		let results = await Promise.all(promises);
		let html = `<h2>Temperature ${temp}</h2>`;
		for(let i=0; i < results.length; i++) {
			html += `
<p>
Result #${i+1}:<br/>
${results[i]}
</p>`;
		}
		$results.innerHTML += html;
		console.log(results);
	}

	$status.innerText = ``;
	
}

async function getResult(prompt, temperature) {
	console.log(`Calling getResult with prompt ${prompt} and ${temperature}`);
	let body = {
		prompt, 
		temperature
	};
	let req = await fetch('/api', { method: 'POST', body: JSON.stringify(body)});
	return await req.json();
} In this code, I loop over the range of temperatures and then make my two sample calls. When done, I render it out to the screen. The last function simply passes my prompt and temperature to the backend API. I'll share a screenshot, but it's a wall of text. This is only a small portion: long The backend is a lightweight Node.js server that basically handles outputting my HTML and responding to the request by the client-side JavaScript. Let's take a look at that, specifically the portion handling the Google Gemini call: POST import { GoogleGenerativeAI, HarmCategory, HarmBlockThreshold } from '@google/generative-ai';

const MODEL_NAME = "gemini-pro";
const API_KEY = process.env.GOOGLE_AI_KEY;

const genAI = new GoogleGenerativeAI(API_KEY);
const model = genAI.getGenerativeModel({ model: MODEL_NAME });

async function callGemini(text, temperature) {

	const generationConfig = {
		temperature,
		topK: 1,
		topP: 1,
		maxOutputTokens: 2048,
	};

	const safetySettings = [
		{ category: HarmCategory.HARM_CATEGORY_HARASSMENT, threshold: HarmBlockThreshold.BLOCK_MEDIUM_AND_ABOVE, },
		{ category: HarmCategory.HARM_CATEGORY_HATE_SPEECH,	threshold: HarmBlockThreshold.BLOCK_MEDIUM_AND_ABOVE, },
		{ category: HarmCategory.HARM_CATEGORY_SEXUALLY_EXPLICIT, threshold: HarmBlockThreshold.BLOCK_MEDIUM_AND_ABOVE, },
		{ category: HarmCategory.HARM_CATEGORY_DANGEROUS_CONTENT, threshold: HarmBlockThreshold.BLOCK_MEDIUM_AND_ABOVE, },
	];

	const parts = [
    	{text},
  	];

	const result = await model.generateContent({
		contents: [{ role: "user", parts }],
		generationConfig,
		safetySettings,
	});

	const response = result.response.candidates[0].content.parts[0].text;
	
	return response;
} This is pretty much the exact code spit out by Studio but wrapped into a function where the prompt and temperature can be passed in. This function has error handling, and that absolutely bit me in the butt. I'm going to be taking a look at those errors, and how to handle them, in a future blog post. no So what did I find? Results Here are the results of using the prompt: "Tell me a story about cats." First, temperature 0. Result 1 Once upon a time, in a quaint little town nestled amidst rolling hills, there lived a mischievous cat named Mittens. Mittens was known throughout the neighborhood for her playful antics and her insatiable curiosity. One sunny afternoon, as Mittens was basking in the warmth of the sunbeam that streamed through the window, she noticed a peculiar sound coming from the kitchen. Intrigued, she hopped off the window sill and tiptoed towards the source of the noise. Upon entering the kitchen, Mittens discovered a group of kittens huddled around a bowl of milk. Their tiny paws were eagerly reaching for the sweet liquid, and their eyes sparkled with delight. Mittens, being the adventurous cat she was, couldn't resist joining in on the fun. With a playful leap, Mittens landed gracefully in the midst of the kittens. She purred loudly, her tail swishing back and forth as she rubbed against their soft fur. The kittens, initially startled by the sudden intrusion, soon warmed up to Mittens' friendly presence. Together, they formed a circle around the bowl of milk, their whiskers twitching as they lapped up the delicious treat. Mittens, being the eldest and most experienced cat, took it upon herself to teach the kittens proper table manners. She showed them how to take turns and how to avoid spilling the milk. As the kittens learned and grew, they developed a deep bond with Mittens. They looked up to her as their mentor and protector. Mittens, in turn, cherished her role as the leader of the pack. She spent her days playing with the kittens, teaching them valuable life lessons and keeping them safe from harm. Word of Mittens' extraordinary kindness and wisdom spread throughout the town. People would often bring their cats to her, seeking her advice and guidance. Mittens welcomed each and every cat with open paws, offering them comfort, support, and a sense of belonging. And so, Mittens became known as the "Guardian Cat" of the town. She was loved and respected by all, both humans and cats alike. Her legacy lived on for generations, inspiring countless cats to follow in her paw prints and spread joy and kindness wherever they went. Result 2 Once upon a time, in a quaint little town nestled amidst rolling hills, there lived a mischievous cat named Mittens. Mittens was known throughout the neighborhood for her playful antics and her insatiable curiosity. One sunny afternoon, as Mittens was basking in the warmth of the sunbeam that streamed through the window, she noticed a peculiar sound coming from the kitchen. Intrigued, she hopped off the window sill and tiptoed towards the source of the noise. Upon entering the kitchen, Mittens discovered a group of kittens huddled around a bowl of milk. Their tiny paws were eagerly lapping up the delicious liquid, their whiskers quivering with delight. Mittens, unable to resist the temptation, joined the kittens and began to partake in the feast. As they drank, Mittens couldn't help but notice that one of the kittens was smaller and weaker than the others. It struggled to keep up with its siblings, and its eyes held a look of longing. Mittens, being the compassionate cat that she was, decided to help the little kitten. With a gentle nudge, Mittens pushed the other kittens aside and made room for the weaker one. She then curled her tail around the kitten, providing it with warmth and comfort. The little kitten, grateful for Mittens' kindness, nuzzled against her fur and began to purr softly. As the kittens continued to drink their milk, Mittens couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment. She had not only satisfied her own hunger but had also brought joy and comfort to a fellow creature. From that day forward, Mittens became known as the neighborhood's guardian angel. She would often be seen playing with the kittens, teaching them how to climb trees and chase butterflies. She would also bring them food and shelter when they were in need. The kittens, in turn, adored Mittens and would follow her everywhere she went. They would purr and rub against her legs, showing their affection and gratitude. And so, Mittens lived a long and happy life, surrounded by the love and companionship of her feline friends. She taught the town's residents the importance of kindness and compassion, and her legacy lived on long after she was gone. Notice that both start off the same and then diverge. To save on space, I'll skip to temperature 1 next. Result 1 Once upon a time, in a bustling city called Willow Brook, there lived a calico cat named Mittens. Mittens had a reputation for being a fearless explorer, always curious and eager for adventure. One day, Mittens embarked on her biggest expedition yet. She had heard rumors of a secret garden hidden deep within the city park, and she was determined to find it. When nightfall came, Mittens began her adventure, carefully sneaking out of her home and into the park. The park was silent, illuminated only by the soft glow of the moon. As she tiptoed through the winding paths, a faint scent of flowers carried by the wind caught her attention. Mittens followed the scent until she stumbled upon a large tree. Its branches were laden with bountiful blooms, and a gentle breeze sent petals raining down on her. Suddenly, a soft voice whispered, "Welcome, little traveler." Mittens looked around, her eyes widening in astonishment. Sitting on a branch was a beautiful cat; its fur shimmered like the night sky. "I am Esmerelda," the cat said, "and you are Mittens, the brave calico." Mittens was amazed. She had heard stories about Esmerelda, a magical cat said to hold the secret to unlocking the hidden garden. "Yes, Mittens," Esmerelda continued, "you have found the Enchanted Garden. But to enter, you must pass three challenges." Without hesitation, Mittens agreed. Her first challenge was to find a golden key hidden within the roots of an oak tree. With her sharp claws and determined spirit, Mittens discovered the key, its surface glowing brightly. Next, Esmerelda asked Mittens to gather dewdrops from the heart of a moonflower blossom. As Mittens gracefully leaped and climbed the tall stems, she carefully collected the sparkling dew in a tiny seashell. Finally, Mittens' last challenge was to sing a song that would make the trees sway and the flowers bloom. As Mittens lifted her voice, her melodious' tune enchanted the garden, which sprang to life with vibrant colors and dazzling lights. Esmeralda smiled, "Well done, little traveler. You have passed the challenges." With a gentle paw, Esmerelda touched the large oak tree, causing it to slowly open like a door, revealing an awe-inspiring paradise. Inside the Enchanted Garden, Mittens found lush meadows, sparkling fountains, and exotic creatures playing among the trees. It was a place of wonder and joy as if every storybook she had ever heard had come true. Mittens spent the entire night exploring the magical realm, amazed by its beauty. As dawn broke, she turned to Esmerelda and said, " Thank you for sharing this incredible place with me. Esmerelda purred softly. "You are welcome, Mittens. As long as you believe in magic, the garden will always be here for you to explore." From that day forward, Mittens became the guardian of the Enchanted Garden, a place where she could always find solace, friendship, and a sense of belonging among the natural beauty of Willow Brook. And so, the legend of the brave calico and the Enchanting Garden lived on, brought to life of the belief in magic and the wonders that can be found when one dares to explore beyond the ordinary. Result 2 Once upon a time, in a small and charming town called Willow Creek, nestled amidst rolling hills and blooming meadows, there lived two extraordinary cats. One was a sleek and graceful Siamese named Luna, whose shimmering white fur and piercing blue eyes radiated elegance and mystique. Her every movement exuded nimbleness, gliding through the streets of Willow Creek with an air of regal composure. Meet the second cat, a tabby by the name of Max, a playful and mischievous soul adorned with a coat of orange and black stripes. His sparkling green eyes twinkled with a mischievous glint; ears always perked, ever alert to the adventures that awaited him. His playful antics had become a legend among the townspeople, who were often greeted by his friendly antics and joyful meows. The companionship between Luna and Max was a sight to behold. They were inseparable, roaming the cobblestone streets together, their playful pursuits leading them to alleyways and secret paths known only to them. Their friendship was a true testament to the unwavering spirit and unbreakable bond between cats. During the day, they would bask lazily in the warm sunlight that bathed the town square, absorbing the melody of children playing and the laughter of friends sharing stories. At night, under the velvet sky adorned with shimmering stars, they would chase elusive fireflies and embark on daring expeditions, exploring the town's hidden nooks and crannies, their soft paw steps barely disturbing the tranquil silence. Many a local came to rely on the presence of Luna and Max, knowing that their playful chases and affectionate purrs brought an unexplainable joy and warmth to the heart. The elderly, feeling isolated, found solace in their presence, witnessing a simple yet profound beauty in their interactions. Children were captivated by their antics, watching in delight as they climbed trees or chased each other through the flowerbeds. One day, a traveling circus arrived in Willow Creek, filled with fanfare and vibrant colors. Luna and Max, captivated by the excitement, couldn't resist exploring the wonders this circus held. As they ventured into the largest tent, they were greeted with the mesmerising spectacle of trained cats, performing incredible feats of agility and balance. Inspired by their newfound passion, Luna and Max made a daring decision - they ran away to join the circus! They honed their skills tirelessly, practicing their balancing acts and performing stunning leaps. Their dedication and unwavering friendship caught the attention of the ringmaster, who recognized their talent and potential. Finally, the moment arrived when Luna and Max took center stage, their hearts pounding with excitement and anticipation. The audience, holding their breath in anticipation, witnessed an extraordinary performance, a mesmerizing ballet of agility and grace. Luna's elegant poise and Max's playful energy combined to create a symphony of motion that left the spectators awe-inspired. News of Luna and Max's incredible talents spread like wildfire, and they became stars of the circus, sharing their joy and laughter with audiences of all ages. Their unwavering friendship remained the heart of their performances, a symbol of the magical bond between cats that touched the hearts of all who witnessed their amazing journey. And so, Luna and Max, once ordinary cats roaming the streets of Willow Creek, found their destined path in the spotlight of the circus ring, leaving behind a legacy of a friendship that defied the ordinary and inspired the extraordinary in others. As you can tell, even if you only skimmed it, these are much more varied. I found having all these variations on screen at once, from the same prompt, a easy way to help me understand the impact of temperature. If you want to try this yourself, you can grab the bits here: real https://github.com/cfjedimaster/ai-testingzone/tree/main/temp_tester Download the code, the required bits, and set an environment variable for your Google API key. Run the script ( ) and it will open up a web server on port 3000. Lastly, just open that up with your browser. npm i node script.js As always, let me know what you think. I've got some ideas for other tools like this as a way of learning generative AI! Also published . here

Testing Generative AI Temperature Settings with Some Cat Stories

Before you pay for something you've never tried, do you look at reviews? If so, you're far from alone. In fact, the average person reads at least of a new product before they commit to a purchase. 10 reviews It doesn't matter if we are talking about restaurants, movies, or online stores; reviews are essential. People want to see what kind of experiences others are having, and this has a direct impact on what they choose to do next. This concept, called social proof, has been around for a long time. It essentially states that people are more likely to take a specific action if they see others doing the same thing. In marketing, it's a powerful tool that you can use to turn skeptical visitors into new customers and build brand loyalty. Customer reviews are the ultimate form of social proof because they signal to others the quality of your product and overall brand. If you build up plenty of feedback from happy customers, you can expect to see a surge in conversions, engagement, and sales. But getting more reviews is often easier said than done. Today, I'm going to share 7 actionable tips you can use to convince customers to tell others about their experience with your business. Optimize Your Public Profiles The first thing you should do is claim and optimize profiles on sites like Yelp, Google My Business, Facebook, TrustPilot, and anywhere else customers may search for or discover your business. These are all places people will look for reviews before committing to a purchase. If someone is thinking about buying from your site but can't find a public profile on any of these sites, there's a good chance they'll keep their debit card in their wallet. At the same time, you want existing customers to find your profiles easily so they can share their experiences with others. It's also worth mentioning that when deciding how to rank sites. A business with 500+ reviews is far more likely to get the top spot over a company with a half-complete profile and less than 10 reviews. Google uses reviews You should also add widgets from reputable places like TrustPilot so new visitors can see how you rank without leaving your website. Send Post-Purchase Emails One of the best ways to get more customer reviews is to send . The mistake many marketers make is they send this email too soon after the purchase. If the person doesn't have enough experience with your product, they probably won't leave a review and will forget about your email. post-purchase emails The length of time you wait to send a post-purchase email will vary slightly based on what you're selling. A coffee company might wait a week after delivery since that's enough time for the customer to try their new drink. Meanwhile, a software company may wait two weeks or more since it takes time for customers to get familiar with their tool and make it a part of their routine. Regardless of your industry, make sure to send a follow-up email where you ask new customers to tell others what they think of your product or service. This seemingly simple request can lead to a ton of new reviews. Use In-App Push Alerts If you have , in-app push alerts are a great way to nudge customers and ask them to leave a review. On average, push notifications have an open rate of , which is a very good engagement rate when compared to other marketing strategies. an application 20% The key is to time these alerts strategically after they've used your app for the first time or completed an important action. Here are some times you should consider asking: After a customer makes a purchase After they install your app After releasing a new update If the user doesn't respond to your first request, consider sending a follow-up a week or so later. This will ensure they see your message and can act as a friendly reminder if they meant to leave a review but forgot. Ask After a Support Call When you provide great customer service, your clients will likely be in a good mood and more open to helping you out with a review. You could say something like: "I'm glad I could provide helpful service today. Reviews from customers like you help us grow and improve. Would you mind taking a few moments to leave a review today?" Most people will be happy to oblige, especially if you deliver top-notch support. You can even send a follow-up email with links to make the process super easy. Spend More Time on Social Media Believe it or not, the people spend around on social media sites every day. When you also consider that there are social media users, it shouldn't come as a surprise that social media is a goldmine for collecting customer reviews. 2 hours and 29 minutes 4.95 billion There are plenty of great ways to use social sites to get feedback from your audience. You could start by simply using a social listening tool to see if anyone is talking about your business. If you find a glowing review, don't hesitate to thank and share the review on your page. Then, you can ask the user if you can share their review on your site. Over time, you can use this strategy to find reviews on specific products and your brand as a whole. You can also get user-generated content by hosting video or . Ask customers to share themselves using your product or share something they created with your help. This strategy will help build social proof and score you some visual reviews. photo contests Offer an Incentive You can improve your response rate across all of these different strategies by offering your customer an incentive to share their thoughts. For example, you could give them 25% off their next order, a free gift, or an exclusive that they can't get anywhere else. lead magnet People are more likely to take action if they are rewarded for leaving reviews. It's worth mentioning that only people who were happy with their order will generally leave reviews for an incentive. It wouldn't make sense for someone who didn't like your product to share their thoughts for a discount on their next purchase. Respond to Reviews Responding to reviews, whether positive or negative, shows your customers you care about their feedback. We found that over of people expect businesses to respond to their reviews in 1 business day or less. To our surprise, a vast majority of brands don't respond to reviews at all. 55% This means people feel like no one is listening to them, which means they're less likely to become repeat customers. On the other hand, simply saying thank you on a positive review shows that you're listening and want to create the best experience possible. Responding to negative reviews publicly is even more important because everyone can see that you go out of your way to help resolve your customers' issues. People will feel more confident shopping on your site – and thus, are more likely to leave reviews – if you proactively respond to people who go out of their way to review your business. Final Thoughts There you have it! The 7 strategies outlined today have helped us get more reviews over the last several years. I'm confident that you can do the same, regardless of whether you're a startup or an established business. The key to making this all work is to keep things as simple as possible for your customers. Do everything you can to streamline the review process on your website, through email, and social media. People are far more likely to tell you what they think if there's little to no friction. My last piece of advice is to stay patient. If you don't see reviews flowing in overnight, don't get discouraged. It takes time, energy, and effort to build a loyal audience that's more than happy to share their thoughts, but the payoff is worth it.

7 Actionable Tips to Get More Customer Reviews

As a tech that allows companies to build powerful systems and store data securely, blockchain has found , especially in the field of finance. The decentralization capabilities have also become a valuable asset in political, social, and economic areas. quick adoption Like so many young technologies, blockchain works very well on paper. In fact, blockchain technology has been reviewed from every possible angle and its future is . very promising Despite the glowing reviews, however, we have yet to experience a futuristic world run on blockchain systems. Risks often come from an unexpected source; one that is not necessarily considered when securing blockchain systems: the human factor. The human factor has prevented blockchain from flourishing. This article will look at how and why. System Building Decentralized systems are arguably the most interesting aspect of blockchain. Initially, it promised a true revolution as a financial system not controlled by banks. Human behavior, however, affects the rules and protocol configuration. Selecting or is always determined by the way humans interact with the system, which can allow people to take advantage of it. consensus algorithms security parameters While some architectures can successfully navigate the human factor—such as the , which was originally designed as a captcha mechanism in the early 2000s—there are multiple architectures that are more susceptible to external attacks. proof of work consensus For example, happen regularly as a result of asset concentration. 51% of attacks Another factor to consider is how the blockchain is managed. There are also private blockchains and several decentralized platforms—such as Hyperledger, Corda, and Quorum—but a blockchain can’t be controlled and regulated by a single authority, as that would defeat the purpose. Security And Audits Despite its efficient operation, blockchain cannot create or evolve its own security measures. During the process of development, human error can create vulnerabilities within the system. Regular and efficient audits are, therefore, vital. Ideally, every time a new string of code is written, it should be audited and tested separately and with the whole contract. But some cut corners, eager to release the product quickly. External attacks are , and the responsibility for them falls equally on the attacker and the protocol owner. You can’t prevent every attack, but there are mechanisms to contain it or stop it altogether. very common Security has to be an essential part of the whole development process. That’s where consensus audits and attack threat modeling come in. Unlike a code audit, this process involves the initial idea and possibly some block diagrams. Consensus audits review the main rules that need to be followed for a consensus to be reached. Something like passing a law or a bill in the government. Attack threat modeling follows that law analogy and shows what happens if the law is abused. By modeling such situations in advance, you can help prevent them. We encounter this all the time with HashEx, especially with experienced companies as they order attack threat modeling to be able to see in advance which types of attacks would be likely used against the architecture. Consulting during the early development stages can provide project owners with the necessary information and help them overview the scope of the work that lies ahead. There are methods to secure blockchains. All we need is to take advantage of them. Interface And Accessibility One of the primary goals for all blockchain developers is increasing the adoption of this technology. So far, it’s been a slow and painful process, mostly due to blockchain’s complexity. Psychologically, we aren’t inclined to use a system that consumes a lot of time and requires extensive education. Humans want and will always choose user-friendly options. That’s what blockchain has to become: user-friendly. Sure, it starts with a code, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. There have been many suggested uses for blockchain in commerce, healthcare, or when working with documents. In all cases, one of the main issues preventing adoption is usability. To understand this, here are a few examples that illustrate the practical applications of blockchain: • Walmart has been at the into its supply chain management, particularly in the realm of food safety and traceability. By implementing a blockchain-based system, Walmart has enhanced the transparency and efficiency of its supply chain. forefront of integrating blockchain technology This technology allows for precise tracking of food items throughout the entire supply chain, from farm to store shelves. The primary goal is to ensure food safety by quickly identifying and addressing any potential issues in the food supply chain. • Another sector where blockchain has made significant strides is in digital identity verification. Estonia's e-Residency program is a pioneering example of how . blockchain can secure personal data • In the healthcare industry, blockchain-based systems are being developed to in order to improve the security and interoperability of healthcare information. manage electronic medical records By focusing on user-centric design, blockchain can be made more accessible, encouraging adoption across various industries. What Blockchain Needs Some may disagree, but blockchain doesn’t have the best reputation today. Yes, it’s been an incredible help to many areas, but its notoriety is mostly connected to financial scams and failures of the market. The key to changing that is education. And I don’t just mean educating people about the technology and its advantages. We need to educate professionals to take over the development and management of blockchain-based systems. We have to involve it so it can do more good. And it’s most necessary to fix our previous mistakes. Maximizing the positive effects of this technology should be a priority. Blockchain can’t remain a closed field for a group of skilled experts. For the technology to truly bloom, it has to become accessible. Follow me on . Check out my . LinkedIn website Also published here

The Human Factor In Blockchain Development: How It's Prevented Blockchain From Flourishing

240 Stories To Learn About Astounding Stories

What if your avatar in the Genies Ecosystem encoded not only your visual representation but also who you are – your personality, quirks, and all? The Traits Framework at Genies is our approach to bringing multi-layered depth and dynamism to your digital identity: depicting not just what you look like, but also describing what your personality is like. Why do we want to do this? Because we think your online persona should grow and change just like you do in real life. It's all about making the digital world more personal and responsive to who you are. There’s nowhere else where you can be part of an ecosystem that not only comes with amazing high-fidelity avatars but also a high-fidelity description of the inner self and personality of someone in the digital world. We describe a little bit of this in our previous , but we’d like to dive deeper into our methodology so you can understand how we’ve designed our Traits Framework and how it describes your digital avatar’s inner self. It's like giving your digital self its own unique flavor. blog post The Origins of Our Traits Framework We had two initial requirements for our Traits Framework that our product team set out as goals It must be comprehensive enough to describe a person relatively accurately but also uniquely. It must be simple & straightforward enough for developers to build innovative custom experiences based on your unique Trait profile. Based on these two requirements, we knew we had to bring in experts to do proper discovery work in building out the foundation of Traits. Therefore, we brought in a team of psychologists to work directly with our product team in building the foundation of our innovative framework. The psychologists helped build a clinical and scientific foundation for our framework and helped audit our creative process to ensure rigor in design. The Game Designer helped provide a developer perspective in architecting this framework and is now developing flagship examples that will make it straightforward for a new genre of personality-based Experiences to be built by anyone building within the Genies Ecosystem. We first worked with the psychologists to pull inspiration and research from other personality systems (Jungian Archetypes, the 7 Chakra System, 5 elements in Chinese medicine, and the 9 Enneagram Personality Types), but in parallel, we also looked to innovate in creating our own structure that would work specifically for our ecosystem where we’re able to have a bit of creative leeway to make personality profiles much more fun and engaging especially as we need to pair them with Experiences. Eventually, our focus narrowed to combining the 7 Chakras System with a gaming approach of multi-layered Traits (i.e., FIFA’s DEF or “Defensive” stat is actually a composition of multiple sub-traits each with their own values), forming the bedrock for the current Traits Framework. Clinical judgment from psychologists and qualitative research methods helped us to distill each of the 7 Chakras into 7 categories, each with three descriptive Traits that uniquely describe a different facet of that respective category. We then worked with the psychologists to generate a list of 21 Traits in total (3 Traits per category, 7 categories) making sure that we don’t generate so many Traits that it’s impossible for developers to build against, but making sure we have enough variety in Traits such that every individual can eventually build up a unique Trait DNA profile. As seen in the graphic above, these 21 Traits can also be beautifully grouped by “Mind”, “Gut”, and “Heart” type Traits where Mind are the more intellectual Traits, Gut Traits are the instinctive Traits, and Heart Traits are the emotional Traits. We’ve also color-coded each category based on the chakra system to give each personality type more expression and something for both users and developers to hold on to. As we started to leverage this framework to create custom personality-tailored experiences, our Game Designer gave us valuable feedback to simplify the system as much as possible to make the development experience as easy for devs as possible in the near term. Thus, we then worked to focus on 7 Traits to start off with - one from each category that the psychologists felt epitomized each category the best and was most accessible to users. We are not removing the remaining 14 Traits; eventually, we will want to layer in the two additional Traits within each category as we expand our Framework to create better fidelity. These are the final starting 7 Traits that we ended up with along with their illustrative Trait stones that can be gained by users within the Genies Party ecosystem. This personality Trait dimension presents a unique opportunity for users to learn about themselves from spiritual, psychological, somatic, and material perspectives. It’s an invitation to reflect on who you are, who you want to be, and to see aspects of yourself reflected in the Genies ecosystem. This is not the end though! As we build out the Genies Party ecosystem, there will not only be these Foundational 21 personality Traits but also many other Traits added that will gradually create more fidelity as more complex Traits grow from these Foundational Traits. Some of these you can start to experience in our ! personality quiz Additionally, we are looking to expand and test additional Traits like Physical Traits, which are useful for games within the Genies Party ecosystem as developers may find these Traits easier to understand. The first physical Traits that you will be able to gain for your avatar in Genies Party are “Strength”, “Stamina”, and “Speed.” How Will a Genies Party User See These Traits? As a user builds out their Trait profile in Genies Party, they will be able to collect and build on the Trait stones that correspond to their personality, with their most prominent Traits shown closer to their Avatar. There’s no “best” Trait value or combination for users, you are your own unique person and every profile will be a relatively unique combination of scores for each Trait. It’s like a Trait DNA that’s created for each user and constantly evolving based on your actions within Genies Party. Your Trait profile will be developed through what you say and do in Genies Party. Every conversation and every experience could shape your profile based on your behavior. It’s also fun seeing how your Trait profile could evolve and change over time, maybe even to characteristics you wouldn’t have expected! Don’t worry, if you don’t like your Trait profile, you can always reset your Traits and start over just as you would be able to completely change up your avatar appearance. Because this Trait profile is a result of your actions taken in the digital world, it’ll truly become a horoscope of your personality. Through Genies Party, we’d also capture insights about your inner self that you may not have been able to realize through any other platform, allowing you to compare your true self to friends and Creators. “Am I more similar to my friend John or Claire?” “Would I be compatible with Timothee Chalamet?” Finally, the personalized experiences brought to life by your Traits in Genies Party are set to redefine avatar-based gaming. They unlock a new realm of customized games that not only enhance how you can socialize your identity but also add a whole new tailored-to-you dimension of multiplayer interactions. We’ll touch on this in the next section along with some challenges of balance that we’ve thought of between Traits. It’s important to note that although the creation of this Framework is rooted in empirical and scientific work, our aim is to still make it fun with somewhat mystical/metaphysical leanings, rather than a more standard personality profile measure like the Myers-Briggs or the Big Five personality Traits. How Will Custom Experiences Be Built Against These Traits? Devs should generally not be using Traits to modify the difficulty of a game. Our recommendation for types of ways 3rd party devs can develop against Traits are as such: - Through cosmetic changes in avatar, environment, and VFX, devs can provide unique Trait-based experiences that don’t directly impact game mechanics. This rewards players with a sense of achievement without disrupting the game flow. Cosmetic - Through narrative changes in game flow, story, or progression, a user’s Traits can change the way NPCs interact or how the game progresses in story. Narrative - Through specific Trait values, a user may be given a shortcut through a game experience. Shortcuts/Paths If devs have created multiple archetypes of characters in their game, Traits can be used to assign an archetype to that player. Archetypes - - Things are the smart interoperable 3D objects of the Genies Ecosystem. Traits can be attached to Things developers create, adding another depth and dynamism to not just avatars, but also the objects that you carry around. Things For example, if users have a high Calm Trait in a Tamagotchi-type game, they may be more likely to find calmer pets to raise. Similarly, if a user picks a calmer pet to raise within that same game, their Calm Trait value may increase. Another example is if in a racing game, a user comes in with a specific Trait, they may get 3 race bonuses to pick from based on their specific Trait, whereas someone coming in with a different Trait may be selecting from 3 different race bonuses. Cosmetically, you may notice that Caring Trait users may have a pink heart-particle aura and Ambitious Trait users may have glowing red exhausts. We do not want users to use Traits for gating or power level purposes within their games to avoid balance issues. It’s also important not to only have direct player competition within games based on Traits to not have to contend with “which Trait is better” type of questions for each game. If you have concerns about being assigned a Trait profile that doesn't resonate with you, we have a thoughtful solution: Things x Traits. Envision this: each item your avatar equips carries specific Traits. This allows you the flexibility to customize your Trait profile to suit various experiences, ensuring that each interaction can be shaped by your choices and the items you choose to equip, giving you the power to own your gaming experience. We’ll touch on our innovative Things Framework and the intricacies of that system another time. How do Developers Access Traits in Our Developer Kit? We've integrated an API into our devkit scripting, allowing developers to access Trait values ranging from -100 to 100. While the exact number of a Trait isn't directly shown, this range simplifies the application of Traits in-game logic. For instance, a developer can use a formula like `if(max(calm, 0) * RNG > 50) success! Reading Traits: Else failure to apply the positive aspect of the calm Trait in a random number generator (RNG) check. This approach simplifies complex calculations, making the development process more efficient. Our API allows developers to adjust Traits in terms of Large, Medium, and Small increments, either positively or negatively. For example, a period of low actions per minute (APM) with successful outcomes might prompt a Positive Medium adjustment to the Calm Trait. Writing Traits: Conversely, a high APM with few successes could lead to a Negative Medium adjustment. We're also exploring a 'batching' API for more granular games, allowing developers to accumulate Trait changes and send them in batched API calls. This ensures smoother and more efficient Trait management in our devkit. To further simplify Trait adjustments, we're considering offering developers various controllers that they can easily integrate and configure. These controllers would respond to different gameplay aspects, like APM and success rates, to automatically adjust Traits. By simplifying Trait management through intuitive APIs and developer-friendly tools, our goal is to empower developers to create a completely new genre of more engaging and dynamic games that are effectively customized to each user's Trait profile. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting developments in our developer toolkit, and look forward to our first flagship Trait-based games built internally by Genies and by 3rd party devs in our Developer Incubator. If you’re interested in building on our innovative Traits Framework and being an early creator within the Genies Ecosystem, apply for our today. You can also learn about what we’re doing with AI Avatars on our . Developer Incubator website . Developer Incubator todayDeveloper Incubator todayDeveloper Incubator today

A Deep Dive on Digital Identity: Why You Need to Check Out Genies Traits Framework

ডিজিটাল আইডেন্টিটি সম্পর্কে গভীর ডুব: কেন আপনাকে জেনেসিসের বৈশিষ্ট্য কাঠামো পরীক্ষা করতে হবে

Ein tiefer Einblick in die digitale Identität: Warum Sie sich das Traits Framework von Genesis ansehen sollten

Una inmersión profunda en la identidad digital: por qué es necesario consultar el marco de rasgos de Génesis

Une analyse approfondie de l'identité numérique : pourquoi vous devez consulter le cadre de traits de Genesis

डिजिटल पहचान पर एक गहन जानकारी: आपको जेनेसिस के लक्षण ढांचे की जांच करने की आवश्यकता क्यों है

デジタル アイデンティティの詳細: Genesis の特性フレームワークをチェックする必要がある理由

디지털 신원에 대한 심층 분석: Genesis의 특성 프레임워크를 확인해야 하는 이유

Um mergulho profundo na identidade digital: por que você precisa verificar a estrutura de características do Genesis

Глубокое погружение в цифровую идентичность: почему вам нужно ознакомиться с системой черт Genesis

Dijital Kimliğe Derin Bir Bakış: Genesis'in Özellikler Çerçevesine Neden Göz Atmanız Gerekiyor?

Tìm hiểu sâu về nhận dạng kỹ thuật số: Tại sao bạn cần kiểm tra Khung đặc điểm của Genesis

深入探讨数字身份：为什么您需要查看 Genesis 的特征框架

2023 closed out with another major case between the crypto industry and regulators. A year after the infamous collapse of FTX, one of its main competitors, , negotiated a settlement deal with US regulators expected to reach between . Binance $4 and $5 billion This lawsuit is one in a string of cases that highlight how the crypto industry is increasingly coming under the spotlight for fraudulent financial practices. While shady trading activity needs to be tackled across industries, the way regulators make these rules could be putting the cart before the horse when it comes to crypto. One policy expert who is increasingly known as a divisive figure on this subject is , a lawyer who serves as a Commissioner for the US Securities and Exchange Commission. In an with Bloomberg TV in November 2023, she commented: “I will say that litigation is not the most effective way to carry out regulations…we should really be thinking proactively about building a regulatory framework.” Hester Peirce interview While regulators and legacy institutions have been reluctant to embrace crypto and blockchain-related technologies, ignoring their growing presence in our digital landscape isn’t likely to hold out as a strategy for much longer. For one, there’s an increasing consensus that which makes the case to lay new regulatory foundations more pressing. decentralized crypto markets will create significant security risks On the other, traditional financial structures don’t have a glowing track record with bailouts and collapsed banks as part of the regular run. For this reason, is keen to see a more competitive set-up that supports innovation “It’s something that we have to think about when we’re writing rules: Are rules preventing new products and services from coming into the industry?” Peirce And it looks like this type of question could be answered sooner rather than later thanks to a new global blockchain forum in which Peirce is participating as a speaker. The USA-UAE Alliance™ is set to launch on 6th March 2024 and is headed up by Edward Cullen of Crescite Innovation Corporation and Michael Amatulli of MVNM. Finding the answer to pressing blockchain questions While the run of aforementioned crypto-scandals hasn’t helped with blockchain’s reputation, Cullen and Amatulli are keen to point out that this is just one of the many potential ways that this developing technology can be applied. After the USA-UAE Alliance™ launches at the Emirates Financial Tower this March, the team is aiming to nurture dialogue related to the whole suite of Web3 technologies. This is expected to include everything from the technological infrastructure needed to support transfers and transactions on the blockchain through to more altruistic examples such as tokens that help underbanked citizens accumulate value through rent payments. As with crypto, much of the regulatory problems stem from the fact that frameworks are playing catch-up with the technology in real-time. With the new alliance, it’s hoped that experts can take a much more proactive approach and have open discussions about both the good and bad realities in a safe environment. Cullen used an interesting example to illustrate this by drawing comparisons to the explosive rise of OpenAI in 2023 and the regulatory backlash that followed. “AI’s prowess took many by surprise and experts are keen to get ahead of emerging technologies in a more collective manner,” Cullen noted. This dialogue between industry exports will be needed to support the creation of secure, decentralized digital systems that work for the many, not the few. The line between progress and ethics Much of the draw of decentralized systems stems from the anonymous nature Web3 promises its users in contrast to the data-surveillance era that played in during the growth of Web 2.0. But this anonymity is also a major concern for experts and lawmakers alike as it has the potential to open the door to more nefarious activity. Rather than drawing their own line in the sand on this type of subject, the USA-UAE Alliance™ hopes to shine a spotlight on thorny questions and champion educational programs that offer people a crash course on subjects like digital asset adoption. In this way, collective answers on blockchain applications can be reached by the many in reflection of the egalitarian aims of the technology itself. Cullen and Amatulli were classmates at Georgetown University and both have strong ties with both the USA and UAE. They wanted to leverage the best of both their backgrounds to help support innovation with this technology and lean on the regulatory and financial prowess found in both host countries. Amatulli noted that the alliance aims to act as a form of knowledge sharing more than anything. He commented that “there’s always a push and pull when it comes to new technologies and we need a symbiotic relationship between public-private sectors here.” And while they predict changes are likely to be very subtle in the future for users, such as wallets being backed by a crypto company, things like tackling decentralized security is a top priority for experts behind the scenes. For example, current Web 2.0 apps usually work using a two-factor authentication system that sends users back to service providers and system providers. As we navigate to the next stages of blockchain adoption, finding a way to offer security without sacrificing anonymity will be key. The future of innovation in web3 Progress rarely happens without any backlash. While there is still some scope for change within the current environment, Cullen and Amatulli believe the real gains for disruptive technology now firmly lie with Web3, where a hotbed of innovative growth is waiting. While the FAANGS have dominated the tech scene for the past decade, the events that play out as Web3 is adopted will likely usher in a new host of innovators and names.

How a New Alliance Is Setting the Foundation for Progressive Blockchain Usage

Curiosity A flurry of excitement flowed through me like an espresso shot. Solana, the ETH-killer cryptocurrency, was on a tear. 30...35... the numbers on my screen kept climbing, each tick a tiny explosion in my gut. It was like watching a gravity-defying rocket, with the downward flames setting the sky ablaze. Instinctively, I reached for Twitter / X , the digital city street where the rhythms of the crypto world pulsate. " " a headline screamed in bold, accompanied by a flurry of hashtags. 100k views, and it was still climbing.  Was this the beginning of the long-awaited Solana moon mission? Solana is trending like hot cake, Excitement Solana wasn't alone in its ascent. Other coins, once slumbering in the shadows, were erupting like volcanoes, spewing forth returns of 2x, 3x, even 5x in a matter of days, sometimes hours. The market, once a lethargic bear, was now a raging bull, and I, a wide-eyed matador, felt the irresistible urge to step into the arena. Gone was the caution of the bear market, replaced by a heady cocktail of excitement and greed. Stories of Bitcoin halving,  moon missions fueled by small cap gaming coins such as NAKA etc, offer whispered promises of unimaginable wealth. My once hesitant fingers were dancing across the keyboard, now searching for the next rocket launch and the next ticket to the crypto moon. Research But before I plunged into the frenzy, I knew I had to tread carefully. The market, like a beautiful but treacherous mistress, demanded respect, not blind faith. I armed myself with research, Twitter / X becoming my war room, top gurus like @ardizor and @ZssBecker my generals. I devoured narratives, dissecting L1s, RWAs, AI, L2s, DeFi, and GameFi, searching for hidden gems, potential moonshots waiting to explode. Charts became my battle maps, my goto tool is TradingView. I have subscribed as premium member. Each technical indicator is like a soldier reporting from the front lines. I tracked breakouts from ascending wedges, rejoiced at bullish signals from MACDs, and felt my heart quicken as price action danced past the resistance levels, leaving ample room for the rocket to soar. Piling in Armed with right knowledge and a healthy dose of caution, I took my first tentative steps into the market. Small nibbles, cautious entries, each move a calculated risk. But as my confidence grew, so did my appetite. The FOMO, a fearsome beast, began to whisper in my ear, its voice growing louder with each green candle. News of the Chainlink broke out with the announcement of CCIP.  Its partnership with SWIFT sent shivers of excitement down my spine. The thrill of the hunt, the dance with risk, it was intoxicating. Then I started to shift my attention to Crypto bubbles, targeting the hottest coins of the hour, catching those that are on fires and riding the profit waves. Maximizing gain But I wasn't content with mere gains. I craved the adrenaline rush, the wind in my digital hair as I soared through the stratosphere. The 3x leverage token, a forbidden fruit dangling before my eyes, promised to amplify my returns, to turn my modest capital into a king's ransom. With a calculated click, and the potential rewards outweighing the inherent risk, I leveraged up. LINK, the loyal horse, galloped from 7.5 to 10.8, painting the charts green in its wake. My 50% gain, amplified by the leverage, transformed into a staggering 150%. I was on top of the world, a crypto king surveying my digital dominion. FCON, a small cap gaming coin, caught the frenzy fire, doubled in price. Dips My monitor, a glowing oracle, displayed Bitcoin's sudden nosedive, profit taking from short term traders. And it was dragging the altcoins down, including my precious LINK and speculating FCON, into its treacherous depths. "Darn," I muttered, a playful twang in my voice. But beneath the lightheartedness, a steely resolve simmered. Days of meticulous planning had paid off. My trailing-stop orders, those digital guards, had anticipated this very moment. Lessons learned from  the past boom and bust crypto cycle. "Crypto is too yo-yo," I sighed, my mouth acting out. It was true. This digital playground was a rollercoaster of emotions, a constant test of nerves and reflexes. But it was also what made it exhilarating, a chess match against an unpredictable opponent. The storm hit hard, but I held my ground. The beauty of discipline, the sweet reward of foresight, washed over me. I had weathered the short term storm, a testament to my research, my caution, and my improved execution. So, I leaned back in my chair, with the monitor's glow reflecting in my eyes. The crypto yo-yo may have been spinning, but I was ready to ride it, eyes wide open, heart steady, and a smile playing on my lips. The Wrap up As the day unfolded, the market came alive. Green candles danced with red ones, a tango of hope and fear. I executed my plan, buying low, selling higher, riding the waves of volatility with the grace of a seasoned surfer. Each successful trade, each point of profit, felt like a small victory, a brick laid in the foundation of my digital fortress. By nightfall, the screen in my crypto cave reflected a different landscape. My portfolio, though not bursting with riches, bore the marks of a day well-played. The dip, a mere bump in the road, had been navigated with skill and resilience. And as I closed my laptop, a sense of quiet satisfaction came over me. Tomorrow and Beyond Tomorrow, a new adventure awaited. The market, a living, breathing entity, would present new challenges, new opportunities. And I, the crypto explorer, would be ready, my mind sharp, my spirit restless, my finger hovering over the buy button, eager to write the next chapter in my digital odyssey. For in the ever-shifting world of crypto, the true adventure wasn't just about the gains, but about the constant learning, the adapting, the thrill of the unknown. And I, for one, wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

How I Ride the Madness: Dabbling in Crypto Trading

In the fast-changing world of cryptocurrency, the question remains: Is crypto trading a high-stakes gamble or a golden path to financial triumph? Let's take a thrilling journey into the heart of this ongoing debate. I started my crypto journey while living in Bangkok, Thailand in 2017. This was during the ICO boom and I became a top-rated expert with ICOBench (hey don’t judge me). I read over 300 white papers, roadmaps and field of dreams type websites. I became an advisor to some of these dream chasers. Sadly 90% of those projects failed. The gamble did not pay off for investors, developers and communities. But the hype and sentiment were awesome. By November 2021, the total crypto market cap reached a record high of around $3 trillion. We know crypto changes faster than my two-year-old niece’s mood after ice cream. As of today, December 28, 2023, the total market cap has plummeted to around $800 billion. A staggering 73% decrease from its peak. Trillions of dollars in potential wealth wiped out. The gamble or the golden path? With just months to go until the Bitcoin halving, electric excitement is brewing across the cryptosphere. Emotions are fueled by the long-awaited potential approval of a Bitcoin ETF and the possibility of finally leaving the bear market behind. Sentiment is approaching peak greed. Cryptocurrency trading has captured the imagination of risk-takers and dreamers alike. But is it a risky bet or the key to unlocking unprecedented success? Let's move further into the intriguing world of crypto to find out. Understanding Cryptocurrency Trading From Wall Street wolves to tech-savvy teens, a digital gold rush has gripped the world: cryptocurrency trading. But what exactly is this phenomenon that has everyone buying and selling invisible coins? Imagine a lively marketplace, not of stocks and bonds, but of digital currencies dancing across glowing screens. This is the heart of crypto trading, where you buy and sell digital currencies on various exchanges, free from the shackles of traditional markets. But be warned, the thrill of potential riches comes hand in hand with the dizzying dance of 24/7 price fluctuations. Are you ready to join the digital gold rush? Before diving in it's crucial to understand some basic terms. First off, wallets are used to store your digital assets securely. They come in different forms such as software wallets (which can be downloaded onto your computer or mobile device) and hardware wallets (physical devices that provide an extra layer of security). Secondly, blockchain technology serves as the underlying infrastructure for crypto. It is a decentralized ledger that records all transactions made with cryptocurrencies. Imagine blockchain as a colossal Jenga tower, each block representing a transaction, securely stacked on top of the last. Every new block adds to the stability and transparency of the entire structure. With this foundational knowledge in place, you're now ready to embark on your crypto trading journey. It's important to continue learning about the details of different cryptocurrencies. You should also stay updated on market trends before making any investment decisions. Keep these tips in mind as you begin exploring the thrilling yet unpredictable world of crypto trading. Exchanges Unveiled: Where & How to Trade Safely One of the first steps in getting started with cryptocurrency trading is finding a reputable exchange platform. These platforms act as middlemen. They empower you to buy, sell, and trade various cryptocurrencies. According to Chainalysis, central and southern Asia are leading the way in . These are the countries where average, everyday people are embracing crypto the most. grassroots crypto adoption The buy button is a portal to a digital gold rush, where fortunes can be made (or lost) in a heartbeat. This is the adrenaline-pumping world of crypto trading. However, with , it's crucial to choose one that prioritizes security and user safety. more than 1,500 crypto exchanges available today When selecting an exchange, look for platforms that have a solid reputation in the industry and offer enhanced security features. Exchanges like Coinbase or Binance are popular choices known for their robust security measures and user-friendly interfaces. They employ technologies such as cold storage wallets and encryption protocols to safeguard users' funds. BYDFI is another crypto platform making waves. Forbes, a trusted source in financial insights, tackles the . BYDFi offers margin accounts, derivatives trading and relatively low fees. While trading complex crypto derivative contracts isn’t for beginners, BYDFi aims to make the process as simple as possible. BYDFI (formerly BitYard) phenomenon in a review SafetyDetectives had an informative , to get his perspective on the challenges facing the crypto industry. His insights could reshape your view on crypto trading. He said security risks in cryptocurrency trading include phishing attacks, exchange hacks and wallet vulnerabilities. conversation with Michael Hung, the CEO of BYDFI In addition to choosing a trustworthy exchange, it's important to practice safe trading habits on these platforms. One essential measure is enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your exchange account. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring you to provide two forms of identification when logging in. It significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access even if your password gets compromised. I always recommend opting for reputable exchanges that prioritize security and implementing strong authentication practices like 2FA. These practices can help you navigate the world of crypto trading more confidently. Equally important they help in minimizing potential risks associated with online transactions. The Psychological Game in Crypto Trading In the world of cryptocurrency trading, emotions often run high. The allure of quick profits can fuel a sense of fear and anxiety, as traders constantly grapple with the fear of missing out (FOMO) on the next big opportunity. This psychological game is not for the faint-hearted. "Mastering your emotions is the ultimate hack in the 2023 crypto game. Knowledge is power, but self-control is the secret sauce." - Michael Lopez, Crypto Educator One moment, you may find yourself caught up in a whirlwind of excitement, witnessing coin prices skyrocket and feeling an overwhelming urge to jump on board before it's too late. That’s FOMO. The fear of missing out leads many traders to make impulsive decisions driven purely by emotion rather than reasoned analysis. On the other hand, there's another emotional driver that often grips crypto traders: fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD). We've all seen instances where negative news or market rumors instigate panic within the crypto community. The implosion of FTX serves as a stark example of how negative news and market rumors can trigger panic within the crypto community. Here's why: FTX faced accusations of mismanaging funds and improper accounting practices. These rumors ignited fears about the exchange's solvency. Founder Sam Bankman-Fried attempted to reassure investors on social media. But panic escalated when FTX temporarily halted withdrawals, further fueling suspicion. Within a few days, a massive wave of investors tried to pull their funds. This storming of the gates led to FTX's bankruptcy and subsequent liquidation. The FTX collapse sent shockwaves through the crypto market. Prices of major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum plummeted as investors feared it could be the tip of the iceberg. Is this situation  indicating broader financial instability within the industry? Social media platforms like Twitter were flooded with panic-stricken posts. Reddit was swamped with users voicing anxieties about the future of crypto and the potential for further exchange failures. News outlets ran headlines highlighting the "FTX contagion," raising concerns about other exchanges and crypto projects potentially being exposed to FTX's troubles. The FTX failure highlighted the importance of transparency and trust in the industry. It increased the demand for stricter regulations, better risk management and harsher penalties for bad actors in the crypto space. FTX is only one example. But it shows how negative news and rumors can rapidly trigger panic within the broader crypto ecosystem. This can lead to significant market downturns where  traders, investors and communities are left holding an empty bag of coins. It is important to educate yourself about various cryptocurrency fundamentals. This will enable you to  invest with confidence instead of blindly taking panic or greed-driven actions. Develop patience combined with disciplined risk management. These skills will help you navigate the crypto rollercoaster ride and eventually yield desirable results. Crystal Ball Gazing: Predictions for the Future of Crypto Trading I’ve shown you that cryptocurrency trading has been a wild and unpredictable ride since it started. But what does the future hold for this volatile market? As adoption and  mainstream recognition increase, many “experts” are making bold predictions about where crypto trading is headed. One major trend that experts believe will shape the future of crypto trading is the increased adoption of blockchain technology by businesses. With its decentralized and secure nature, blockchain has potential applications across various industries. Back in 2019 I wrote about “ .” 21 Inspirational Blockchain Quotes — with Use Cases Today there are more applications in finance, supply chain management, healthcare, and other industries. Widespread adoption could lead to an increase in demand for cryptocurrencies as they become an integral part of these innovative solutions. Another prediction is that regulatory clarity will play a significant role in shaping the future of crypto trading. As governments around the world grapple with how to regulate this new digital asset class, clearer guidelines could provide much-needed stability and confidence to investors. Regulatory frameworks may also help address concerns related to security breaches, fraudulent activities and money laundering risks associated with cryptocurrency trading. In addition, technological advancements are expected to pave the way for improvements in crypto trading infrastructure. Faster transaction speeds through Layer-2 scaling solutions like Lightning Network, or Ethereum's upcoming updates could enhance user experience while reducing fees. Furthermore, developments in decentralized exchanges (DEXs) aim to provide greater security measures without relying on centralized intermediaries. Tectum Softnotes While no one can accurately predict what will happen in the ever-evolving world of crypto trading with certainty, it's clear that exciting changes are on the horizon. As technology continues to advance and regulations adapt, cryptocurrency traders must stay informed about these trends. Only time itself will reveal if these predictions bear fruit or offer unexpected surprises along the way. Is Crypto Trading Risky Business or Your Golden Opportunity? Let’s circle back to my original question and consider what we’ve learned in this post. Crypto trading has emerged as a popular investment avenue. It continues to attract both seasoned traders and beginners looking to dive into the world of digital currencies. But along with the potential for substantial gains, crypto trading also comes with its fair share of risks. One of the first risks that should be addressed is the volatility factor. Cryptocurrencies are known for their wild price swings. We’ve seen dramatic ups and downs within a matter of hours. While this volatility presents opportunities for high returns on investment, it also means there is a higher chance of significant losses. Another risk we identified with crypto trading lies in the unregulated nature of the market. Unlike traditional financial markets where regulations provide some level of protection to investors, cryptocurrencies operate in a decentralized and largely unregulated environment. “Be Your Own Bank” is the war cry. But this lack of regulation opens doors to fraudulent activities including rug pulls, scams and hacks. While this may be true, amidst these risks lie golden opportunities if approached with caution and careful research. Dogecoin, initially created as a joke in 2013, skyrocketed in value during 2021. The pump was heavily fueled by social media hype and celebrity endorsements, particularly from Elon Musk. This "meme coin" frenzy saw Dogecoin's price rise from fractions of a cent to a peak of over $0.70, generating massive profits for early investors. Virtual land in metaverse platforms like The Sandbox and Decentraland saw renewed interest in 2023, with some parcels selling for millions of dollars. Some investors who acquired virtual land early, anticipating its potential value in future metaverse economies, profited from its appreciation. Despite setbacks in 2022, DeFi projects continued to evolve in 2023, with a focus on improving security, scalability and user experience. Those investors who supported promising DeFi 2.0 protocols with strong fundamentals and engaged communities were able to reap rewards as these projects gained traction. As a beginner trader, it is crucial to conduct thorough research before getting involved in any specific cryptocurrency or exchange platform. Stay informed about market trends, and news updates. Follow regulatory developments that may impact prices. Track market sentiment. And always Do Your Own Research. Knowledge is power when it comes to crypto trading. As you grow, explore technical analysis tools like candlestick patterns and charts alongside fundamental analysis techniques. Get an understanding of each project's purpose and utility value before you invest. Conclusion It’s clear that cryptocurrency trading can be an exhilarating rollercoaster ride for beginners. However, with the right knowledge and approach, it can also be a money-making endeavor. We've explored the appeal of cryptocurrencies, their volatile nature and some tips for success in this fast-paced market. Remember to start by choosing a reliable crypto wallet that suits your needs. Understand the risks involved and never invest more than you are willing to lose. Keep up with news and trends in the crypto world to make informed decisions. And lastly, practice safe trading practices such as setting stop-loss orders and diversifying your portfolio. If you're hungry for more information on cryptocurrency trading, there are plenty of resources available online. Here on . Websites like CoinMarketCap provide real-time data on prices and market capitalizations of various cryptocurrencies. Books such as my “ ” explain how to learn more about the world of digital currencies. HackerNoon you can find more than 8,329 stories on cryptocurrency Bitcoin and Crypto for Beginners Whether you're looking for financial gains or simply want to understand this emerging technology better, diving into cryptocurrency trading is an adventure worth embarking on - just remember to buckle up!

The Crypto Dilemma Explored: Gamble or Golden Path to Success?

I despise Christmas. The city becomes like a pestering showroom, seemingly designed to provoke me. Flaunting what they have: Christmas trees, gifts, loving families gathering around the tree once a year like in the movies. I once had a family too—a beautiful wife and a lovely daughter. But I screwed it up... My wife left and took our daughter with her. They might be living in England now. I know nothing about them. I can't even be angry; after all, I was the one who drove them away. Since then, Christmas for me has been about loneliness. About how people constantly remind me of what I've lost. But this Christmas will be different. This year, I'll have a tree too. I will be the tree. I've picked out a sturdy roof beam. That's where I'll hang myself. I thought it would be easier, but I've realized that this actually requires the most courage. Being suicidal isn't simple. So, I jumped down to the store for a bottle of whiskey, to drink up some bravery one last time. The street was completely deserted. There was no sign of life, except for that one convenience store where I finally managed to get some booze. I paid for it; the cashier wished me a Merry Christmas. I just shrugged and walked out the door. Why not start drinking right now? I opened the bottle and took a big swig. The whiskey scraped its way down my throat, and then became a warmth in my stomach, which felt particularly good on this cold winter night. After a few sips, when my steps began to wobble, I decided to stop for a moment to relieve myself. That's when I noticed the homeless person on the street corner. He wore tattered white clothes, possibly burlap. Maybe he stole it from a nearby nativity scene. The light played a strange game on his body as if he was glowing. Or maybe it was just my eyes playing tricks, which wouldn't be surprising after downing half a bottle of whiskey in about fifteen minutes. Come, buddy, sit with me. — he called out. Why not, after all? I'm not in such a hurry to hang myself that I can't spare a few minutes for a half-crazed man. Want some? — I offered him the whiskey. The homeless man just nodded, then took a sip of the whiskey. That's when it hit me where I recognized this face from. No, not an old friend. The last time I saw him was in the church. A very long time ago, when I still went to such places. It was Jesus himself sitting next to me, looking exactly as he was depicted in the church. I sat there with the most influential man in the world on an empty street, sharing a bottle of whiskey. He seemed so real, but I knew it couldn't be true. For a few moments, I just stared blankly, then he broke the silence. I know what you're thinking. You think all of this isn't real. That you've gone mad and your mind is playing tricks on you. But that's nonsensical. If I'm merely a product of your mind, anything you do to prove the contrary will be unsuccessful. You can't deceive your own mind. I could say I know everything about you, but that wouldn’t prove anything; if I'm just a figment of your imagination, you obviously can't ask a question I wouldn't know the answer to. Was the shopkeeper real? Or even this whiskey? How can you know if anything is real beyond yourself? And God? What about God? — I didn’t really understand his point, but I thought discussing God would be a good start in a conversation with Jesus. If everything is just a creation of your mind, then you are God, right?! If I am God, why is my life so miserable? Because you made it that way. And if I die, does everything end? Death is overrated. If you're a butterfly in your dream and someone steps on you, do you mourn the butterfly? You just wake up. Maybe ponder for a bit about what it was like, then start a new dream. So, I'm sitting here with Jesus himself, and you're suggesting I should commit suicide? Jesus? Why do you call me that? What should I call you? Last time you called me Arnold. Arnold? Yes, Arnold, your personal assistant. Personal assistant? Yes. That's the protocol. If you stray too far off the path, you can choose to start a new life or roll back the current one. I’m a bit confused. Can you explain all this clearly? Oh, sure. In the 2050s, human technology reached the singularity. People continue to live in digital form. Great. So, you're a time traveler? Not at all. I'm just a second-generation AI. Second generation? Yes. Humans are the first generation, and artificial intelligence based on the first generation is the second. So, you're some kind of robot? Now I'm starting to understand the Arnold name. A time-traveling robot from the future. Just like the Terminator... — I said, laughing, because this all started to seem very frivolous. Not exactly. Currently, a computer is running your mind, which includes me and all other people. Essentially, you are just a part of your own larger mind. It's hard to explain in a way that you would understand, but at a higher level, we are all one entity. I see. We are God, experiencing a massive split in consciousness. Something like that. The computer running us orbits the Earth with millions of similar machines. The machines are powered by the sun and arranged in a spherical formation around the planet. Nanomachines continuously transform the Earth so that dumb matter becomes smart matter. So, everything around us isn't real? It depends on how you define reality. Currently, it's 2019. If we reach 2050, humanity will likely achieve singularity and move into simulated worlds. From that perspective, this will be reality; from here, the outer world is. But who knows if the outer world is the ultimate objective reality? This is starting to give me a headache, but I still don't understand why you're here. To offer you the choice. A new life, or a rollback? What's a rollback? Before you created this personality, you set a path that you must follow. Why? Why not just enjoy omnipotence? Because it's boring. If you irrevocably stray from the path, you have the option to return to an earlier point and continue from there. It's like a backup of your mind at a specific state. Since your mind reverts to an earlier state, you won't remember what happened afterward. So that's how fate works? Yes. You feel as if a series of random decisions guide your path. Everything seems to lead in one direction. But that's only because we roll back the bad decisions. If something is meant to happen, it will, and you can't prevent it. If you tried, something random would always interfere. At least that's how you would experience it, since every time you managed to prevent an event, the system would roll back. In a mostly deterministic world, randomness is God's only tool. If the world is deterministic, how can anything happen by chance? It's like quantum mechanics. Exciting things happen when no one is watching. The slice of reality that no one is aware of is God's territory. Here happen the big things that people just shrug off as random. So, you came to ask if I'd rather reincarnate or go back in time to correct my mistakes? You could say that. At that point, I took a big gulp of whiskey. Then I want my family back. That last gulp might have been unnecessary. I started to feel dizzy, and the world became increasingly blurry. Finally, everything melted away… I felt a pressure on my chest. Slowly, I opened my eyes and stretched widely. A fire flickered in the fireplace, and Katy, my little girl, was sitting on my stomach. Daddy, daddy! Santa has come. Let’s open the presents! I clambered out of bed and rubbed my eyes. Under the ceiling-high tree, the presents were already laid out. Annie had taken care of everything, and let me sleep until this little imp jumped on my stomach. By the time I came to my senses, Katy was already unwrapping the gifts, then suddenly stopped for a moment and turned towards me. Daddy, didn’t Santa bring you anything? Oh yes, my little girl, he did. I watched Katy unwrap the presents, and a feeling of otherworldly joy washed over me. This is my gift. I had forgotten how much I adore Christmas. If you are confused, read my very first article on HackerNoon: https://hackernoon.com/our-universe-is-a-massive-neural-network-heres-why-c14j3ze1 I wish you a very merry Christmas!

A Christmas Story (After the Technological Singularity)

Let's learn about via these 67 free stories. They are ordered by most time reading created on HackerNoon. Visit the to find the most read stories about any technology. Solana /Learn Repo 1. Web3 is not About Blockchain or Decentralization Web3 is not about blockchain or decentralization. It is about the democratization of the web 2. How to Bulk Distribute SPL Tokens in 3 Easy Steps (Solana-based tokens) How to simply distribute SPL tokens in a couple of minutes using Solminter. 3. 3moji NFTs: Upgradeable NFT Avatars and NFT Emojis on Solana 3moji NFTs are changing the meta on the Solana ecosystem and bringing true utility to Solana NFTs with upgradeable and composable NFTs. 4. Solana, NFTs, Gamer Economics, and a Glorious Rant It's time to quit your day job and start selling $5 NFTs. Kidding, not kidding. 5. Chingari Brings 35 Million Active Users to Solana with the Launch of its In-App Wallet Chingari, a decentralised short video platform, is launching a mobile app on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. 6. Has Solana Encountered Another DDoS Attack? According to recent reports that have emerged on January 4th, the Solana network has been hit by a DDoS attack. 7. Why Startups aren't Using Ethereum This interview talks about the rising ethereum transaction fees, cross-fi staking and cybersecurity for blockchain startups. 8. Solana Summer is Coming: Here are 5 Projects Ready to Make an Impact Solana is quickly becoming one of the top blockchains and communities with hundreds of new ecosystem partners. Solana Summer represents Solana's time to shine. 9. Massive Solana Exploit Drains $8 Million Worth of Funds Tons of people lost their entire wallet balance in a massive Solana exploit that happened on August 2, 2022. 10. Breakpoint 2022: a Global Gathering of Leading Solana Builders, Key Industry Players, and Innovators The Solana community held its Breakpoint 2022 conference in Lisbon from November 4-7. It turned out to be a very productive, lively, and engaging meeting. 11. Exotic Markets Bringing Derivatives & Structured Products to Solana Ecosystem Exotic Markets is bringing crypto-based derivatives and structured products to the Solana blockchain. 12. Hubble Protocol, a DeFi project on Solana Raises $10 Million Led By Crypto.com Capital, DCG and CMS Hubble Protocol, a decentralized finance (DeFi) application on the Solana network, raises $10 million to develop infrastructure on Solana. 13. MixMob a Solana Powered Metaverse Game raises $7 million in funding MixMob is a Solana-powered Metaverse Game on Remix Culture that combines play-to-earn with user-generated content, raising $7 million USD. 14. Solana’s Rise is Thanks to Low Gas Fees and the SolPunks NFT Collection The Solana blockchain has recently earned a glowing reputation for its ability to serve the NFT industry better than Ethereum. 15. Why The Solana Hack Proves You Need a Hardware Wallet Slope and Phantom wallet users see their assets drained as a massive hack hits the Solana blockchain, something that hardware wallets are able to resist. 16. A Brief Discourse About the Solana Hack A quick explanation of what happened to Solana. How the hack happened and the culprit. 17. The Next Big Step is Web2 Integration into Web3 Ecosystems This article talks about Web3, Solana, DAC and NFTs. 18. An Intro to STEPN: The NFT Mobile Game That Pays You to Exercise STEPN is a web 3.0 NFT lifestyle game based on the Solana network. 19. Girlfrens NFT Project: Cancer Survivor Gives Back to the Community An interview with the co-founder and artist for Solana-based NFT project, Girlfrens. 20. Contests and Hackathons in Blockchain: An Overview Free TON, Solana, Near, Cosmos - we compare contests and prizes and
choose the most “generous” and favorable ecosystem for users and developers. 21. The Blockchain Social Experiment: Enforced Logic The blockchain community is not united in the strive of decentralization, as many groups and projects also exist with a more centralized architecture. 22. What Is Leveraged Yield Farming and How It Can Bring Higher Returns Yield farming is putting your crypto assets to work to generate returns. Yield farming is one of the most popular uses of decentralized finance or DeFi. 23. Build a Solana Crowdfunding App using React A step-by-step guide to building a Solana Crowdfunding App using React and TypeScript. 24. Top 10 Useful Tools to Work With Solana 10 useful tools for your work with Solana and NFT on this blockchain. 25. Everything You Need to Know About Solana: An Essential Guide In the cluttered cyber world of copycats & vaporware, Solana {SOL} stands out from the crowd with its unique design & value proposition. 26. OCEARCH NPO Partners with Rogue Sharks Solana NFT Project to Help Save our Oceans OCEARCH and Rogue Sharks Announce New Strategic Partnership to Protect Our Oceans 27. The Best in GameFi: 6 Exciting Web3 Games in Development on Solana List of the best Web3, NFT, and play-to-earn games being developed on Solana, a leading blockchain ecosystem for the emerging GameFi revolution. 28. The Nakamoto Coefficient and How it Can Impact the Robustness of a Blockchain Just as the world was turning to the crisp fall of 2022, one of the largest functional blockchains went down. 29. Our Marketplace is Lowering the Barriers to NFT Ownership What if you could buy, trade and sell NFTs without paying excessive gas fees? Rollbit's NFT marketplace allows you to do just that! 30. The Solana Saga is One Story that Will Drag on for Different Reasons The news is out that Solana Labs is launching a new #blockchain mobile phone for the #web3 generation, is this a good idea? Let’s dig into this a bit more. 31. Building a Solana Wallet Generator with React In this tutorial, we would successfully develop a Solana wallet-generating web application with basic capabilities. 32. How to Create Smart Contracts in Solana Using Anchor Creating a Smart Contract to allow Solana users to have transactions between each other is one of the best ways to get the most out of the platform's features. 33. How NFTs Are Growing Outside of The Ethereum Ecosystem There is more to NFTs than JPEG art collections and blockchain games, this trending technology is starting to find new and novel applications in the real world. 34. Introducing Nova Finance Nova is an inclusive portfolio management platform that harnesses the power of programmable assets built on Solana. 35. Solana DeFi Ecosystem: Exploring the Opportunities Also considered the "Ethereum killer," Solana is one of the fastest blockchain networks capable of hosting decentralized apps. 36. Solana Goes Forth with extrnode’s Open-Source Load Balancer Everstake launches extrnode load balancer that distributes requests within a cluster of Solana’s public RPC nodes to help decentralize the RPC layer in Web3. 37. How the Telos Build System Emulates NASA's RFP Model Telos is beginning to look like the most promising L1 option in blockchain, as it consistently outperforms competitors, including Solana, on every front. 38. Solend Bloodbath: How A Single Whale Almost Brought Down The Solana Blockchain Solana’s largest lending DeFi protocol was on the verge on liquidation. Here's exactly what happened 39. 4 BEST Crypto Coins To Invest In 2022 The crypto market has had a rough few months as of late, but now, there are a lot of indications that the market may see a sharp rise very soon in 2022 40. What Cryptocurrencies Should You Buy For the Longterm More people are showing interest in cryptocurrencies, a constantly growing asset and medium of exchange. As the Kyrrex CEO let me share with you our team`s industry insider opinion on  cryptocurrencies as a worthy investment. 41. How AI Can Protect the Blockchain AI and blockchain technologies have been working side by side to protect users in cyberspaces. 42. DeFi has a lot of room to Disintermediate TradFi Morphware is a decentralized approach to deep learning. The main problem that Morphware aims to address is the computational complexity required to train. 43. An Introduction to Building on the Solana Network This tutorial will teach you how to build and deploy your own programs on the Solana blockchain! 44. WTF Happened to Solana's Proof of History? A blockchain architect explains Solana (and what's wrong with it) 45. Fomo3d on Solana: Making my Own Blockchain Game Factory This article is more of a how-to guide on the various ways one can play the current evolution of my blockchain game  fair3d.me 46. OpenSea to adapt Solana - Success of OpenSea and NFT OpenSea standout alone with its performance and updated techs in its platform in that way now OpeSea again comes up with new multi-chain concept with Solana 47. Eizper Chain Raises $2 Million in Funding to Build Solana based Action-ARPG Game Eizper Chain, a blockchain-based action-multiplayer ARPG, raised $2 million through a seed round and an exclusive NFT offering. 48. What Happened to Solana (SOL)? Solana (SOL), a fast emerging blockchain project, has caught the attention of investors in the crypto space in recent weeks. 49. Solana Network Seems Extremely Promising but Isn’t Yet Battle-Tested This article talks about cross-chain DEX and how different blockchains such as Solana are distributing the smart contract industry. 50. Dear HackerNoon Community: A Pitch I noticed that most sponsored competitions here at HN are web3 and/or blockchain-related. I wondered if we could gamify the overall processes 51. NeverMind the Tornado Cash/Solana GitHib Attacks I﻿n August, thousands of Solana wallets were drained of their funds in an epic GitHub hack. Mitja Goroshevsky, lead dev of GOSH, explains what went down and why 52. Why Multichain Collaboration Is Critical To The Future Of Web3 Web3 is going to be built by a network of engineers working towards common goals using multichain collaboration to make it as interconnected as possible. 53. Learn Web3, Build the Internet of the Future I've listed all the tools you'll need if you want to learn web3. 54. Explore the Best Blockchain Development Platforms for 2022 I have compiled a list of the 5 most promising blockchain development platforms for 2022. 55. Why You Should Choose Blockchain Based on Programming Languages Learn which blockchains use what programming languages and why you might want to use them. 56. The Honest Story of a $5 Million NFT Drop With Wayne Rooney, Darren Till, and Mike Bisping An NFT drop is a huge milestone for any project, new or existing.  But, like most things, NFT drops have pros and cons. This article will look at both. 57. Stories From The Crypto Industry That Will Keep You Up At Night The crypto industry is characterized by high growth rates and an oversaturation of all sorts of events. The world doesn't stand still and the DeFi industry is only gaining momentum, constantly developing and surprising us with new launches, opportunities, and discoveries. 58. Building a Community Around Your NFT Project is Critical This article talks about NFTs and how to market and build communities around NFT projects. 59. Solana $SOL Wiki: Coin History, Techstack, and Crypto News Solana is an open source, permissionless, public blockchain platform that includes smart contract functionality. 60. A Solana Transaction is Almost as Low Impact as a Google Search and Requires Much Less Energy This article talks about the Solana ecosystem, smart contract development and Decentralized finance in the Solana ecosystem. 61. ETH vs XTZ/DUN vs TON vs AVAX vs SOL: A tale of 'Optimistic Finality' TL;DR: While Ethereum upgrades are still pending (4 years and counting by my watch!), Free TON and Solana are the most advanced, usable blockchain platforms to date. However, Free TON offers more rigid data from real-world battle testing, compared to theoretical figures advertised on Solana. 62. Here's How Solana is Challenging Ethereum's Dominance in DeFi No longer Ethereum-only territory, DeFi is expanding to other chains. Solana is one of the standouts among them. 63. Cryptocurrency Technology Provides a Higher Level of Security Compared to Widespread Credit Cards This article talks about crypto, blockchain and DeFi solutions. 64. Blockchain and Decentralization: are Blockchains as Decentralized as They Claim to Be? Are blockchains decentralized and if yes, to what extent? Blockchains may be not as decentralized as they claim to be which may affect how you view them. 65. 7 Innovations that Make Us the World's First Web Scale Blockchain Understand the tech breakthroughs that make Solana’s 50,000 TPS blockchain network possible 66. Solana Supercharges Crypto On The Go By Launching Web 3 Smartphone The launch of the Saga by Solana could catapult Solana into the league of the big tech, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Samsung and Apple. 67. 10 Solana NFT Projects You Should Know About in 2022 In this post we'll look at 10 interesting Solana NFT project which provide benefits to investors including airdrops, passive income generation and more. Thank you for checking out the 67 most read stories about Solana on HackerNoon. to find the most read stories about any technology. Visit the /Learn Repo

67 Stories To Learn About Solana

As a tech that allows companies to build powerful systems and store data securely, blockchain has found , especially in the field of finance. The decentralization capabilities have also become a valuable asset in political, social, and economic areas. quick adoption Like so many young technologies, blockchain works very well on paper. In fact, blockchain technology has been reviewed from every possible angle and its future is . very promising Despite the glowing reviews, however, we have yet to experience a futuristic world run on blockchain systems. Risks often come from an unexpected source, one that is not necessarily considered when securing blockchain systems: the human factor. The human factor has prevented blockchain from flourishing. This article will look at how and why. System Building Decentralized systems are arguably the most interesting aspect of the blockchain ecosystem. Initially, it promised a true revolution as a financial system not controlled by banks. Human behavior, however, affects the rules and protocol configuration. Selecting or is always determined by the way humans interact with the system, which can allow people to take advantage of it. consensus algorithms security parameters While some architectures can successfully navigate the human factor—such as the , which was originally designed as a captcha mechanism in the early 2000s—multiple architectures are more susceptible to external attacks. For example, happen regularly as a result of asset concentration. proof of work consensus 51% of attacks Another factor to consider is how the blockchain is managed. There are also private blockchains and several decentralized platforms—such as Hyperledger, Corda, and Quorum—but a blockchain can’t be controlled and regulated by a single authority, as that would defeat the purpose. Security And Audits Despite its efficient operation, blockchain cannot create or evolve its security measures. During the process of development, human error can create vulnerabilities within the system. Regular and efficient audits are, therefore, vital. Ideally, every time a new string of code is written, it should be audited and tested separately and with the whole contract. But some cut corners, eager to release the product quickly. External attacks are , and the responsibility for them falls equally on the attacker and the protocol owner. You can’t prevent every attack, but there are mechanisms to contain it or stop it altogether. very common Security has to be an essential part of the whole development process. That’s where consensus audits and attack threat modeling come in. Unlike a code audit, this process involves the initial idea and possibly some block diagrams. Consensus audits review the main rules that need to be followed for a consensus to be reached. Something like passing a law or a bill in the government. Attack threat modeling follows that law analogy and shows what happens if the law is abused. By modeling such situations in advance, you can help prevent them. We encounter this all the time with , especially with experienced companies as they order attack threat modeling to be able to see in advance which types of attacks would be likely used against the architecture. Consulting during the early development stages can provide project owners with the necessary information and help them overview the scope of the work that lies ahead. HashEx There are methods to secure blockchains. All we need is to take advantage of them. Interface And Accessibility One of the primary goals for all blockchain developers is increasing the adoption of this technology. So far it’s been a slow and painful process, mostly due to blockchain’s complexity. Psychologically, we aren’t inclined to use a system that consumes a lot of time and requires extensive education. Humans want and will always choose user-friendly options. That’s what blockchain has to become: user-friendly. Sure, it starts with a code, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. There have been many suggested uses for blockchain in commerce, healthcare or when working with documents. In all cases, one of the main issues preventing adoption is usability. To understand this, here are a few examples that illustrate the practical applications of blockchain: Walmart has been at the into its supply chain management, particularly in the realm of food safety and traceability. By implementing a blockchain-based system, Walmart has enhanced the transparency and efficiency of its supply chain. This technology allows for precise tracking of food items throughout the entire supply chain, from farm to store shelves. The primary goal is to ensure food safety by quickly identifying and addressing any potential issues in the food supply chain. forefront of integrating blockchain technology Another sector where blockchain has made significant strides is in digital identity verification. Estonia's e-Residency program is a pioneering example of how . blockchain can secure personal data In the healthcare industry, blockchain-based systems are being developed to in order to improve the security and interoperability of healthcare information. manage electronic medical records By focusing on user-centric design, blockchain can be made more accessible, encouraging adoption across various industries. What Blockchain Needs Some may disagree, but blockchain doesn’t have the best reputation today. Yes, it’s been an incredible help to many areas, but its notoriety is mostly connected to financial scams and failures of the market. The key to changing that is education. And I don’t just mean educating people about the technology and its advantages. We need to educate professionals to take over the development and management of blockchain-based systems. We have to involve it so it can do more good. And it’s most necessary to fix our previous mistakes. Maximizing the positive effects of this technology should be a priority. Blockchain can’t remain a closed field for a group of skilled experts. For the technology to truly bloom, it has to become accessible. Lead image by Terry on Unsplash

How the Human Element Shapes and Limits Blockchain Development

ROGER HAMLEY'S CONFESSION.

Scientific American, Volume XXIV., No. 12, March 18, 1871 by Various, is part of the HackerNoon Books Series. You can jump to any chapter in this book . THE SHERMAN PROCESS. here THE SHERMAN PROCESS. When people boast of extraordinary successes in processes the details of which are kept profoundly hidden from public scrutiny, and when the evidences of success are presented in the doubtful form of specimens which the public has no means of tracing directly to the process, the public is apt to be skeptical, and to express skepticism often in not very complimentary terms. For a considerable time, the public has been treated to highly-colored accounts of a wonderful metallurgic process whereby the best iron and steel were said to be made, from the very worst materials, almost in the twinkling of an eye. This process has been called after its assumed inventor, or discoverer, the "Sherman Process." The details of the process are still withheld, but we last week gave an extract from an English contemporary, which throws a little light upon the subject. The agent relied upon to effect the remarkable transformation claimed, is iodine, used preferably in the form of iodide of potassium, and very little of it is said to produce a most marvellous change in the character of the metal. A very feeble attempt at explaining the rationale of this effect has been made, in one or two English journals, which we opine will not prove very satisfactory to chemists and scientific metallurgists. The has published two three-column articles upon the subject, the first containing very little information, and the second a great number of unnecessary paragraphs, but which gives the proportion of the iodide used, in the extremely scientific and accurate formula expressed in the terms "a small quantity." Engineer Assertions of remarkable success have also been given. Nothing, however, was said of remarkable failures, of which there have doubtless been some. A series of continued successes would, we should think, by this time, have sufficed for the parturition of this metallurgic process, and the discovery would ere this have been introduced to the world, had there not been some drawbacks. We are not prepared to deny that the process is all that is claimed for it; but the way in which it has been managed is certainly one not likely to encourage faith in it. in toto The very name of "process" implies a system perfected, and if it be still so far back in the experimental stage that nothing definite in the way of results can be relied upon, it is not yet a process. If, in the use of iodine, in some instances, fine grades of iron or steel are produced, and in as many other experiments, with the same material, failures result, it is just as fair to attribute the failures to the iodine, as the successes. A process worthy the name is one that acts with approximate uniformity, and when, in its use, results vary widely from what is usual, the variation may be traced to important differences in the conditions of its application. On the whole, we are inclined to believe Mr. Sherman's experiments have not yet developed a definite process, and we shall receive with much allowance the glowing statements published in regard to it, until such time as it can face the world and defy unbelief. The patents obtained by Mr. Sherman seem to cover the use of iodine, rather than the manner of using it, and throw no light upon the rationale of the process. A patent was granted by the United States Patent Office, Sept. 13, 1870, to J. C. Atwood, in which the inventor claims the use of iodide of potassium in connection with the carbons and fluxes used in making and refining iron. In his specification he states that he uses about of this salt to eighty pounds of the metal. This is about 1⁄373 of one per cent. He uses in connection with this exceedingly small proportion of iodide of potassium, about two ounces of lampblack, or charcoal, and four ounces of manganese, and asserts that steel made with these materials will be superior in quality to that made by the old method. These claims we are inclined to discredit. Certainly, we see no chemical reason why this small amount of iodide should produce such an effect, and the specification itself throws no light upon our darkness. fifteen grains If the experiments in these so-called processes have no better basis than is apparent from such information as at present can be gathered respecting them, it is probable we shall wait some time before the promised revolution in iron and steel manufacture is accomplished through their use. About HackerNoon Book Series: We bring you the most important technical, scientific, and insightful public domain books. This book is part of the public domain. Various (2006). Scientific American, Volume XXIV., No. 12, March 18, 1871. Urbana, Illinois: Project Gutenberg. Retrieved https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/19180/pg19180-images.html This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at , located at . www.gutenberg.org https://www.gutenberg.org/policy/license.html

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