Author: Samuel

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Expanse

What is Expanse?

Expanse is a decentralized smart contracts platform that is powered by Expanse, the cryptocurrency. This is a blockchain platform that has opened an avenue for anyone to create and use decentralized applications that are built to run on blockchain technology.

There is no control or ownership over Expanse, just as is the case with Bitcoin. Therefore, Expanse is an open source project. There are collaborators from all over the world, so users can always benefit from this in one way or the other.

While Expanse borrows from Bitcoin in terms of open source development, one of the primary differences between the two is the fact that Expanse is flexible and adaptable, while Bitcoin is not. It is very easy for users to create new applications on Expanse.

Apart from just creating applications, the introduction of the Honestead release means that anyone who is on the Expanse platform can easily use the applications that have been created, without having to worry about their security.

What is the problem that Expanse Solves?

Expanse is purely aimed at solving the challenge of governance. This is, in fact, one of the reasons why it is different from Bitcoin, and Ethereum, upon which Expanse is built. The idea behind Expanse is to come up with a project that is different from Bitcoin and Ethereum but draws on their best features to establish a governance platform that liberates citizenship and introduces the element of liquidity to it. Therefore, while a project like Ethereum, for example, tries to find solutions to many problems we experience in the world, Expanse is out to solve one problem only – Governance.

Expanse has created an ecosystem where blockchain can be utilized in day to day transactions. This is different from what Bitcoin, for example, was designed for.

Bitcoin was specifically meant to be a form of electronic money. It is important to note, however, that Expanse still shares in some of the core concepts of Bitcoin, relevant to the Expanse cause.

The kind of infrastructural applications that are supported by Expanse are supposed to extend over and above the scope of currency exchange.

How does Expanse Solve the problem?     

Expanse sets itself apart from the rest of the blockchain projects because it is a programmable blockchain project. Instead of pushing pre-defined operations down the throats of the users as is the case with Bitcoin transactions, Expanse creates an avenue where users are able to design unique operations in whichever complexity they can handle.

In so doing, Expanse takes the project away from the limitations of cryptocurrencies alone and allows users to explore other alternative ways of leveraging the blockchain towards solving their problems.

Expanse is a protocol suite that refers to a decentralized set of applications. All this is made possible because of the Expanse Virtual Machine (EVM). The EVM has the technical capacity to execute arbitrary algorithmic complex code. This allows developers an opportunity to build applications which run on the EVM while at the same time using languages that they understand.

This also has helped to widen the scope of developers, given that most of them are now able to code and build solutions in languages that they understand so well, like Python and JavaScript, instead of having to waste time learning languages that are inherent to certain blockchain projects.

Expanse also has a P2P network protocol, just as is the case with any other blockchain project. There are several nodes in the Expanse blockchain database that help to update and maintain the platform. This is also one of the reasons why Expanse has often been referred to as a world computer, because every single node on the network runs the EVM, and can perform similar instructions.

But, why would Expanse have each node in the EVM running this parallelization of computing, especially when it goes against the basic principle of efficiency? As a matter of fact, this parallelization of computing slows down Expanse and makes it relatively slower than a normal computer.

The answer is consistency. Each of these nodes operates in the way they do so as to maintain consensus all over the blockchain. By decentralizing consensus, Expanse has been able to inherit an extreme level of fault tolerance.

This allows users to run their applications on the platform without having to worry about downtime. In fact, it is important to highlight the fact that Expanse has zero downtime.

Other than that, this action further ensures that all data that is stored on the Expanse blockchain is free from censorship, and will forever remain unchangeable.

What makes Expanse better than the competitors?        

There is so much that is shared in terms of features between Expanse and a lot of the cryptocurrency projects that have been released in recent years. However, Expanse still manages to set itself apart from most of these by virtue of the following features:

Dedicated team of experts

Expanse has a dedicated team of experts who are actively involved in all aspects of the development process. These are people who have excelled in different fields of technology and bring to the project their vast experience. Users and investors in Expanse can also look forward to getting prompt updates on the project, and any development thereof.

Industry partnerships

One of the reasons why Expanse has come out to be a consistent player in the market is the fact that it is backed by several authority industry partners. These are entities that have shown commitment to advancing the blockchain agenda for the longest time possible and are heavily invested in other blockchain projects in the industry. Some of these include partners like Microsoft Azure, CenturyLink, and GameBoard.

Therefore, users can look forward to investing in, and being part of a network that is constantly working towards innovation and creating new projects and solutions that are applicable in solving world problems that we are currently experiencing.

Decentralization and open source

Decentralization is key to realizing the blockchain dream. A completely decentralized blockchain platform would help in setting users free from the bondage that they have been tied to, by most of the entities that they work with.

Expanse does not just offer a decentralized blockchain platform, it is also an open source project. Therefore, there is a free exchange of ideas, which further helps to make this a progressive project.

Consistent growth and stability

Expanse boasts as one of the blockchain projects that has experienced a steady growth trajectory since it was started. This level of growth can only mean one thing, that this is a reliable, credible and stable project. This also explains why a lot of people are actively involved in the project, and investors keep pouring in.

Unique decentralized apps

There are several blockchain projects out there that promise one thing but deliver something else. There are also projects whose premise includes solving problems in a theoretical manner. This is where Expanse sets itself apart from the others.

Expanse is offering solutions to real-world problems. These are problems that most people can relate to. Take the case of voting, for example. Almost everyone knows how shambolic voting can be or has been in their jurisdiction. Voting is often marred by violence and other cases of discord, simply because of a lack of trust by the voters, in the voting system that is in use.

Through Expanse, we are looking at a reality that voting might soon be a streamlined, honest and straightforward process. With projects like Expanse in place, some of the challenges that are often associated with voting processes like violence and unrest might soon be a thing of the past.

Self-funding

A lot of the cryptocurrency projects out there are funded through crowdfunding. They have to rely on donations and contributions from people and entities who believe in their cause, or those who share a similar vision.

One of the problems with this mode of funding is that in the long run, an entity that contributes the most toward the campaign might feel the need to impose their demands and desires over the project. In the long run, the project has to align its goals and objectives to that of the investor.

Expanse, on the other hand, does not crowdfund. Instead, it is a self-funding model that is built on DAO. It uses a reserve for the smart contracts to fund the platform, hence it is free from influence by parties who might feel they have contributed so much to the project’s development.

How can Expanse be categorized?

Expanse is a governance integrate open source blockchain platform where users and developers alike have the freedom to create decentralized applications, all which run on the blockchain.

What’s Expanse’s vision on Security?

In terms of security, Expanse borrows a lot from Bitcoin. Users who have used Bitcoin in the past should have an easy time using Expanse. There are, however, innovative modifications unique to Expanse that have been built on top of the Bitcoin security features.

While Bitcoin simply is a list of transactions that have taken place on the network, the basic unit in Expanse is the account. The algorithm used in Expanse tracks the state of each account. All the transitions in state within the Expanse blockchain are considered as transfers of information and value between the accounts.

In light of the above, Expanse has two types of accounts: Externally Owned Accounts (EOA) and Contract Accounts. EOAs are controlled with private keys. Contract Accounts, on the other hand, are controlled by the unique instructions in their contract code. The Contract Accounts, therefore, can only be made active through an EOA.

The main difference between these is that EOAs are controlled by humans since they have the private keys that control these accounts, while Contract Accounts are maintained and governed by internal code.

Examples of Expanse use cases/applications

Twitch Streaming

The Expanse team has recently started using the live streaming platform, Twitch. This has made it easier to get in touch with the community around Expanse. Users have been able to participate in the discussions, share ideas and learn more about the Expanse project.

Using Twitch is not just about communication, but users are also able to earn Expanse Bits (EXPB) when they view the live streams. These tokens are redeemable in the Streamlabs store.

TokenLab ™

This is a smart contract management and ICO management platform that allows everyone who has access to it, the chance to give their brilliant ideas a shot at the limelight. It does not matter whether you are an issuer or an investor, TokenLab presents scalable and unique technology that gives you the best ICO experience for your project. Other than that, it is a secure, simpler, safer platform that offers one of the best flexibility options so far.

VoteLock ™

Many are the situations where voting has been marred by claims of unfairness, theft and so many other concerns. Through VoteLock, it is possible to get results verified very fast and with the highest level of accuracy. VoteLock also brings a level of transparency to voting that is currently lacking in most, if not all of the traditional voting systems in use all over the world.

Through VoteLock, it is possible to leverage the best of blockchain technology and bring forth a system that will streamline an important activity in the social and civic lives of many societies. It helps to provide one of the most secure systems not just for voting, but also for counting votes.

Borderless Identity Management

Identity management has always been a challenge in so many instances. Many entities actually struggle with this, and it is one of the reasons why for a very long time, identification of accounts or account holders has been a challenge for a lot of these entities, hence making it difficult to prevent fraudulent activities. Borderless Identity Management is a governance system that is not just accessible globally but is fully decentralized.

All the services on this platform are either free or available at a very small fee. It can be accessed from anywhere very easily. This is one of the best governance platforms in the world and is useful in a world where connectivity is happening at a very fast rate.

Resources

https://coincheckup.com/coins/Expanse

https://www.expanse.tech/

https://blog.expanse.tech/

http://docs.expanse.tech/en/latest/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions.html#what-is-expanse

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ITNRmZ0dTse-aZqjbWiC9w1n2XpPvKyl4J9BP-liuxw/edit?usp=sharing

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Matchpool

What is Matchpool?

Matchpool is a unique matchmaking protocol that makes use of the blockchain principle of decentralization and group dynamics to allow users to connect and get in touch with their lovers. Simply put, this is the blockchain equivalent of OK Cupid and so many other dating apps that have become famous in recent years.

However, unlike these dating apps, the potential for Matchpool is not just limited to finding love, but it is all about establishing a need and creating a community around that need.

By design, Matchpool is meant to be a generic platform upon which a community can be built, especially communities that require paid membership plans.

As long as the communities can clearly identify both sides of the market or their interaction, Matchpool can be a useful tool to make this a thriving experience.

The vision behind Matchpool is to establish and allow all users the chance to use matchmaking tools that do not just connect them with people around the world, but also incentivize quality interactions while at it. To incentivize the communities created, Matchpool uses cryptocurrency payments, hence providing value for everyone on the network.

What is the problem that Matchpool Solves?

A lot of those who have used dating apps in the past will admit that even though they managed to have fun using them, or even ended up meeting their soulmates, there were challenges that need to be addressed. There are two basic challenges that these apps seem to be struggling with.

One of the first concerns is the dehumanization of the strategies used for profiling users. As a result, these platforms end up putting very little effort towards using forms of matchmaking that are more effective and/or efficient.

Subscription money is the second challenge that these platforms grapple with. Everyone seems to be very keen on cashing in on the innate desire by people to go online and find a match. In light of this, a lot of the apps will intentionally establish and work towards maintaining a demographic imbalance, so that they can cash in on the user experience.

Relevant studies into the use of these apps suggest that more than 60% of people who use dating apps are men.

Other than that, there is the fact that we end up with a lot of social apps that are aimed at matchmaking.

However, the real picture on the ground is that these are people who barely have some social cues or real-life social experiences with people around them.

This abundance of men on social apps and an obvious shortage of women ends up in an environment that is neither successful nor fun to engage in.

In the long run, a lot of users are disappointed and disgruntled at their experience with these apps, and some even end up turning into predators. To be honest, none of these apps or companies, if any, ever truly care about what their users feel. For them, it is all about getting money through subscriptions, and bombarding you with ads where necessary.

How does Matchpool Solve the problem?

Matchpool is different from all these apps. In design and application, Matchpool uses game theory.

To do this, it allows users the benefit of creating their own pools to meet their unique demographic requirements.

The design of the pools draws from some of the most useful collaboration platforms out there, Meetup and Slack. Matchpool, therefore, has successfully designed the pools to look like a perfect blend between the Meetup groups and Slack channels. These are invite-only pools, which are federated and operated by matchmakers who are devoted to their course.

What makes Matchpool better than the competitors?

In a market that is already filled with apps and websites, each trying to carve a niche out for themselves, Matchpool’s biggest challenge is to come up with a unique proposal for their target market.

Unique

Uniqueness is not one of the easiest points to achieve in this market. Matchpool, however, has managed it by introducing a matchlock feature. This is a unique feature that strives to keep the ratio of x and y at 50:50. How does this happen?

Matchlock actively monitors the population in the Matchpool ecosystem. Whenever a given number of x have joined the network, it stops more x from joining that particular pool until a similar number of y have joined the pool.

X and Y here are used and do not necessarily signify men and women. This is because Matchpool can be used as a means of social interaction between different people, or people who share different common goals.

Assuming a dating context, for example, if a given number of men join the pool, matchlock makes sure that no more men will join the pool until a similar number of women have joined the pool.

This is, of course, in a pool that is specifically created for men and women to meet and interact with one another, and in a dating context based on gender.

In other parameters, x and y can be used in any situation where there is a need to establish an arbitrary market polarity. By design, there is no restriction in the structure of matchlock to warrant that x and y must always be opposites.

In the case of an entrepreneurial matchmaking, or in any other use, for example, x and y can be the same, or unset altogether. In an LGBT pool, for example, the gender demographic or configuration for either side might be the same. Therefore, it is up to the founder of that specific pool to determine what the composition of x and y will be, in order to meet the unique demands of the pool they created, or the community they have a vision to establish.

Strategy

In order to connect users, social networks employ one of two or both strategies, pooling, and profiling. Before social interactions went online, a profiling strategy would involve creating a classified in one of the local newspapers.

This is a very clear means of going about things, given that both sides of the divide are clear about what they are looking for. One user advertises what they want, the other user responds to that demand.

In terms of pooling, one social network that has perfected this is Twitter. While profiles are important on Twitter, most of the interaction comes from spontaneous human interaction.

Therefore, Twitter is a social platform that is geared towards pooling. In the real world, some of the best examples of pooling include interactions that happen in nightclubs, bars, concerts and so forth.

Others that are more direct include speed-dating.

Matchpool has managed to combine profiling and pooling effectively. Those who join pools have profiles, but these are only useful in sorting out the pools. After that, they can engage one another in different pools they belong to, through chats, attending events or playing dapplets.

The events are often organized by the persons in charge of the pools for the entire group. Pools essentially create an enabling environment wherein nature can take its own course, and people can interact with one another freely.

The pools are designed to create as many matches as innately possible. There is also the natural motivation by singles. Intentionally, the pools created in Matchpool establish a community high on trust. There is a lot of pressure for the pool members to behave well towards one another, avoid spamming, or sending mass messages of low quality.

How can Matchpool be categorized?

Matchpool is a social networking project. It is a project that is built and leveraged on the benefits of the blockchain, such as decentralization and the use of Ethereum smart contracts. This matchmaking blockchain project is not just one of a kind, but a champion, given that it does not restrict the type and number of communities that can be created.

What’s Matchpool’s vision on Security?

Like any other platform that brings together different people with different interests and creates communities for them to fit in, security is one of the prime concerns of Matchpool. Matchpool uses smart contracts. Smart contracts are unique lines of code that are written to perform a specific task upon execution. Apart from that, the use of smart contracts also makes sure that there is a trustless and automated interaction without having to concentrate power in a central space.

Matchpool is an Ethereum-backed project. Because of this, all users are in full control of their security, their data, community management, and identity management. This is one of the features that inspires a high level of trust among Matchpool users.

Transparency of the blockchain is another factor that has made it easier for a lot of people to venture into Matchpool. Given that Matchpool runs on a decentralized platform, it is very difficult and expensive to orchestrate an attack. There is no central point to target, so for anyone to make an attempt, it would take a lot of effort and in the long run, this would be very expensive for them, hence a deterrent.

Examples of Matchpool use cases/applications

Bloggers

Content curators and bloggers can use Matchpool to establish communities that are passionate about the topics they write about. This is a good way for them to create and sustain exposure, while at the same time driving traffic to their pages.

Startups

In the case of startups, using Matchpool is all about creating organic communities like what we find on Telegram and Slack. These ventures can benefit from using pools to interact with like-minded persons.

Recruitment

Recruiters can also use Matchpool to link people with the right set of skills to the right employers who would appreciate their services.

School Communities

Learning institutions are often focused on creating communities that share a common goal or objective. More often, these communities will include faculty members, professors, students, and at times the wider community around the school, especially for corporate social responsibility purposes.

Through Matchpool, it is possible to enhance the activities of people who share objectives in this manner. There are specific, user-defined matchmaking and reputation scores which apply, and it is through these that Matchpool is able to connect like-minded persons. Deploying Matchpool on different mobile platforms has also made it easier, and increased the reach potential for Matchpool.

Students

There are several ways through which Matchpool has been an innovative product, and applications vary, given the kind of community that it is being used in, or for. Let’s take the case of the student population, for example. Matchpool has made it easier for students to monetize their talents in the following manner:

  • Success Fees

Until a match is confirmed, it is barely a match. The pool owners can put a price on matches. For each match they facilitate, they can earn monetary rewards. This, in the student environment, can have a wide range of applications.

The pool owners can simply create a platform that matches students with classes that they feel the users should consider taking, match them with sports teams which would be a good fit for the students, or even link students with tutors.

  • Pay Walls

It is up to the pool owner to decide whether or not they must implement a pay wall. Pay walls simply require members to pay a fee before they can join a given pool. The good thing about this is that it creates an element of exclusivity and clout, which can be leveraged by the pool owners or members, and used as an income-generating venture.

This can be used by students to create a unique pool that allows them access to a special or unique society like a sorority or a fraternity, access to a special or extremely talented group of tutors, join a club or sport or something of the sort.

  • Subscription

Using a subscription model for pools is another way to generate money out of this for students. This is not just for the student population, but learning institutions can also implement this. They can create pools where members pay a subscription fee to access certain classes directly.

Resources

https://coincheckup.com/coins/Matchpool

https://matchpool.co/

https://blog.matchpool.com/

https://medium.com/matchpool/faq/home

https://matchpool.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/mp_wp3.pdf