the decentralized way™ Archives - The Stack Cafe™ https://thestackcafe.com/tag/the-decentralized-way/ The Stack Cafe™ Fri, 16 Feb 2018 05:57:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://thestackcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cropped-TM-tsc640-32x32.png the decentralized way™ Archives - The Stack Cafe™ https://thestackcafe.com/tag/the-decentralized-way/ 32 32 Blockstack: Did you say jobs? – Calling all Engineers, Designers, Product Managers, Hackers, Operation Partners… Blockstack is Hiring https://thestackcafe.com/blockstack-did-you-say-jobs-calling-all-engineers-designers-product-managers-hackers-operation-partners-blockstack-is-hiring/ Tue, 13 Feb 2018 06:48:32 +0000 https://thestackcafe.com/?p=804 Welcome to the Stack CafeTM – Blockstack is an open source project and public benefit corporation for the new internet for decentralized applications (dApp)(own your own data and maintain your privacy and security). Now that Blockstack has the [sg_popup id=”3″ event=”hover”]architecture in place[/sg_popup] and is running full steam ahead to complete the build-out of the […]

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]]> Welcome to the Stack CafeTM – Blockstack is an open source project and public benefit corporation for the new internet for decentralized applications (dApp)(own your own data and maintain your privacy and security).

Now that Blockstack has the [sg_popup id=”3″ event=”hover”]architecture in place[/sg_popup] and is running full steam ahead to complete the build-out of the ecosystem of the new decentralized internet, it finds itself in the wonderful position of needing to hire passionate, experienced and talented people in various disciplines. 

If you feel up to the task or if you know someone who would be a great fit, Blockstack would love a recommendation. Blockstack presents a unique ground level opportunity that is at the cusp of not only helping to the bring the decentralized internet to fruition but is leading the way. 

For your convenience, please find a brief listing of some of the highlighted job openings currently at Blockstack.  For a [sg_popup id=”8″ event=”hover”]complete listing[/sg_popup] please visit this link here.

Applied Cryptography Engineer

  • New York, NY or Remote
  • Engineering
  • Full-Time

Blockstack is looking for a passionate and experienced engineer with a strong background in applied cryptography. This person will work with a team of distributed systems experts to implement a new blockchain architecture for Blockstack apps, decreasing transaction time and cost for the Blockstack ecosystem, while enabling new functionality. This role is ideal for engineers who are experts in developing cryptographic protocols, familiar with blockchains, and keen to build a clean-slate system from the ground up.

Android Engineer

  • New York, NY or Remote
  • Engineering
  • Full-Time

Blockstack is looking for an experienced Android engineer to architect and build a mobile portal to the decentralized internet. This role is for experienced developers who can work with product managers and designers to build a native user interface on Android and own a fully finished product to be used by Android users at a global scale. This will be the first Android Blockstack app and a critical part of growth plans increase user accessibility.

Documentation Engineer

  • New York, NY or Remote
  • Engineering
  • Full-Time

Blockstack is looking for experienced engineers with excellent communication and writing skills to improve our developer and API documentation. This role is crucial for increasing Blockstack accessibility and building user engagement in the Blockstack community. This person will convey complex concepts and UI instructions to a developer audience, and engage with the engineering and product teams to deliver succinct product writing updates at a rapid rate.

Product Designer

  • New York, NY or Remote
  • Design & Product
  • Full-Time

Blockstack is looking for a Design Partner to help create and implement the portal to decentralized apps. This is a role for a product designer who can both design and build changes, and who has an eye for both user experience and user interface. This is ideal for designers who are comfortable working in start-ups, who have experience building design processes and can educate a team as to best design practices. This will be a critical contributor to the team and someone who will partner with product managers, co-founders, and the engineering team to design elegant, clean and simple products.

Product Manager

  • New York, NY or Remote
  • Design & Product
  • Full-Time

Blockstack is looking for a user focused Product Manager to help build our browser for decentralized apps. This role will be focused on improving design, user experience, and usability of the Browser and accordingly, Blockstack apps. This position is ideal for experienced product managers who have built a product from the ground up, who have a proven ability to build and grow a user base, and can establish user testing and research practices to improve the experience of the browser. This role will interface across teams, be incorporated across feedback loops and successful candidates will be highly research driven and communicative.

Growth Hacker

  • New York, NY or Remote
  • Growth
  • Full-Time
Blockstack is looking for a technical Growth Hacker to increase activation, retention, and engagement on Blockstack.org and in the Blockstack browser product. You will be an integral part of our overall growth plans and will lead our strategic efforts to pioneer new and innovative ways to drive performance results. The Blockstack Growth Hacker will be responsible for defining ambitious KPIs, as well as developing, recommending, and executing marketing strategies that lead to increasing daily active user. You’ll be tasked with devising creative solutions, and bringing the analytical expertise necessary to optimize performance and drive an increase in daily active users. They’ll also be responsible for defining goals for the team and building systems to track and measure our marketing performance.

Business Operations

  • New York, NY or Remote
  • Operations
  • Full-Time

Blockstack is looking for a process driven Operations Partner to take on executive responsibility and collaborate on a financial, legal, and operational level throughout Blockstack PBC and the associated Blockstack Token LLC cryptocurrency companies. This is a crucial role that will cross the breadth of Blockstack’s involves fintech and blockchain initiatives. This position is ideal for candidates with a diverse background in law or finance who are interested in scaling rapidly growing companies.

For more on the decentralized internet and Blockstack, please see some of our posts, blockstack browser and go to Blockstack.  And, if you have not done so, go download the Blockstack Browser and get started with your journey into the new decentralized internet.

Resources re: Blockstack and dApps

Note: If you do not have the Blockstack browser, please see this link (note – to enable the full functionality of any dApp built for the Blockstack ecosystem (e.g., building a new internet, a decentralized internet, re-decentralizing the internet) you need to use the Blockstack browser).

Thanks again for visiting The Stack CafeTM and we look forward to hearing from you. Please help us put out the word on Web3.0 by posting a comment below and signing up for e-mail notifications for future updates (right side-bar).  Let’s help build the new internet | The Decentralized WayTM.  A decentralized internet | The Way The FutureTM.

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]]> Blockstack: Developers Corner… Multi-Reader/Player Storage https://thestackcafe.com/blockstack-developers-corner-multi-reader-player-storage/ Wed, 07 Feb 2018 18:41:41 +0000 https://thestackcafe.com/?p=626 Welcome to the Stack CafeTM — Developers Corner series: Multi-Reader/Player Storage – We left off with a high-level overview about the tools created by Blockstack for developers (and others) to use to build the decentralized applications (dApps) for use on Blockstack’s decentralized internet.  Next, in line in the Developers Corner series is a high level […]

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]]> Welcome to the Stack CafeTM — Developers Corner series: Multi-Reader/Player Storage – We left off with a high-level overview about the tools created by Blockstack for developers (and others) to use to build the decentralized applications (dApps) for use on Blockstack’s decentralized internet. 

Next, in line in the Developers Corner series is a high level overview of a first in the decentralized dApp internet space – the ability to share data (public/private) that was stored in your preferred storage choice.  This wonderful feature is referred to as either multi-reader storage or multi-player storage.  And, up until its introduction by Blockstack, it has not been available in the decentralized application (dApp) space.  This is a first for the dApp space and for Blockstack.

The introduction was the next logical next step for the dApp space on the Blockstack ecosystem.  The first two steps being Blockstack Authentication (SSO and authentication without 3rd parties or remote servers) and Single Player Storage (ability to store all of your app data privately). 

Not to get to deep into the tech – better left to the engineers (see video below), multi-reader storage allows for the data that you write into storage while using a dApp – via the Blockstack browser & ecosystem, to be readable only by you or by others that you give access too (if you so desire).  In other words, you are now able to own and share your data (created when using a dApp) with only people of your choosing, no need for a third party to help you do that. 

A great visual resource (see video below) that provides a more detailed and technical overview of Blockstack’s multi-player reader (storage) was presented a few months back at one of the Meetups – in particular Blockstack NYC during September 2017.  The presentation – by Mr. Jude Nelson, a Blockstack Engineering Partner – provides some excellent information on multi-reader storage and how it works.

The ability of the user – no one else – to own and control access to the user’s (your) data is at the core of the Blockstack vision.  It is a fundamental shift from the internet we use today – centralized versus decentralized.  Imagine the new internet The Decentralized WayTM in which your data (written word, spoken word, other things internet…) resides with you – only you, is controlled by you and not by anyone (or company) else.  With the introduction of multi-reader storage, it is hard not to be a developer/user/supporter of Blockstack and the Blockstack community. If you have not done so, go give the Blockstack browser a try.

If you want to give a Blockstack dApp that implements multi-reader storage (caveat – you need a blockstack id and some features are in beta version) a try, look no further than Graphite. Graphite provides the platform for you (the user) to create something new – a story/letter… with its word processor, a budget with its spreadsheet tool or a new conversation (messaging).

Then, Graphite gives you the ability – thanks to the Blockstack browser and internet portal (Blockstack architecture), and of course multi-reader storage – to keep your creation/data to yourself, share it with one of your contacts or share it with the world. It is yours, you made it, you own it, so you should control it.

Please find below, some links that might be most helpful as you learn more about Blockstack’s tools for developing a decentralized application for use on Blockstack.

Resources re: Blockstack and dApps

And – calling all developers, do not forget about the dApp bounties – Blockstack: $50,000 Bounty for Messaging Applications. Bounties – One aspect of promoting the Blockstack ecosystem is to provide a platform to help support the global community of developers, designers, and others to submit their ideas and products for a chance to win a prize (e.g., decentralized application(s), dApp, dApps on the Web 3.0).  THE DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 16, 2018 – YOU STILL HAVE TIME.

Additionally, do not miss the next big event/meetup – Blockstack: Event in Berlin – March 2, 2018.

Thanks again for visiting The Stack CafeTM and we look forward to hearing from you. Please help us put out the word on Web3.0 by posting a comment below and signing up for e-mail notifications for future updates (right side-bar). Let’s help build the new internet | The Decentralized WayTM. A decentralized internet | The Way The FutureTM.

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]]> Blockstack: Graphite Update – Contacts https://thestackcafe.com/blockstack-graphite-update-contacts/ Tue, 06 Feb 2018 05:58:55 +0000 https://thestackcafe.com/?p=552 Welcome to The Stack CafeTM — We recently heard some great news.  The team at Graphite – the dApp that can be used on the Blockstack ecosystem to create documents and sheets without giving up privacy – just pushed out an update to its dApp.  The update includes a refreshed user interface along with some […]

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]]> Welcome to The Stack CafeTM — We recently heard some great news.  The team at Graphite – the dApp that can be used on the Blockstack ecosystem to create documents and sheets without giving up privacy – just pushed out an update to its dApp.  The update includes a refreshed user interface along with some great new features – the ability to add contacts and an alpha version of P2P encrypted conversations/messaging.  Here is a look at the new landing page.

As shown above, the update offers a fresh, new and nice layout with easy access to the tabs used to create a new Document or Sheet, add a new Contact and open a conversation (feature is an alpha version) with someone (one of your contacts – peer to peer “P2P”).  And it is all completely decentralized, encrypted, and secure thanks to Blockstack’s ecosystem.  Next, we will take a look at one of the new features – how to add a contact while using Graphite’s dApp. 

Note: If you do not have the Blockstack browser, please see this link (note – to enable the full functionality of any dApp (including Graphite) built for the Blockstack ecosystem (e.g., building a new internet, a decentralized internet, re-decentralizing the internet) you need to use the Blockstack browser).  And, if you need more information on Graphite and how to use it, please visit this link.

Now, let’s take a look at the new Contacts feature and how it works.  Once you are signed into the Graphite dApp via your blockstack browser using your blockstack ID (e.g., abc.id), you should see the landing page shown above.  From that page, choose the Contacts tab and you will be directed to the contacts page data entry field as shown below.

At this juncture, you will then be able to type in the name of the person that you want to add to your contacts database.  In this overview, we are going to try and add the developer of Graphite, Justin Hunter.  We found a couple of ways to search for a particular person to add to your contacts tab – by full name or by the Blockstack ID (e.g., justin hunter or jehunter5811.id, respectively).

The first way we tried was by the person’s name – e.g. Justin Hunter.  And, as you can see from the image below, as you type in the name of the person you are trying to add, the search feature in Graphite kicks in and begins to search/auto-fill in names that might be the closest match to the name you are trying to find.  The results turned up a couple of choices, one being Justin Hunter (the search polls/searches the Blockstack naming system registry).

The second way we tried was by using the person’s Blockstack ID – e.g. jehunter5811.id (this was already known to us).  Again, as you can see from the image below, as you type in the Blockstack ID of the person you are trying to add, the search feature in Graphite kicks in and begins to search/auto-fill in names that might be the closest match to the ID you are trying to find.  In our example, the results turned up one choice, Justin Hunter (jehunter5811).

Now, we can select the appropriate name and it will be added to our secure and encrypted contact name database. As shown below, we selected the preferred profile – click the “+” button – and it was added to our contacts page.

Remember, all information or data you create or store using a dApp via your Blockstack Browser is encrypted and securely stored in a decentralized manner.  And, it is only accessible by you and only those you give access to your data and information.

And, you can delete the contact too.  To delete a contact, navigate to the Contacts page and find the contact you wish to delete.  Once you have located the contact, select the garbage can icon (see image above), and a pop-up will appear asking if you are sure if you want delete this contact (you cannot undo a delete) as shown below.

Hit the delete button and the contact is removed from your contact listings page.  As that was the only contact in our contacts, we are now back to add a new contact page (deleted contact removed).

We have successfully added and deleted a contact in the Graphite dApp. 

Graphite has brought the blockstack community a decentralized, secure and encrypted dApp that offers word processing, spreadsheets, storage and a Peer-to-Peer conversation/messaging platform.  Go check out Graphite and try out all of the great features it has to offer.  And, check back here for our next overview – a look at the public alpha version of the new conversation/messaging feature offered by Graphite.

Thanks again for visiting The Stack CafeTM and we look forward to hearing from you. Please help us put out the word on Web3.0 by posting a comment below and signing up for e-mail notifications for future updates (right side-bar).  Let’s help build the new internet | The Decentralized WayTM.  A decentralized internet | The Way The FutureTM.

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]]> Blockstack: Developers Corner… https://thestackcafe.com/blockstack-developers-corner/ Mon, 05 Feb 2018 15:47:33 +0000 https://thestackcafe.com/?p=532 Welcome to the Stack CafeTM — In order for the Blockstack ecosystem to work, someone has to build something.  Well, Blockstack is and has been hard at work building out the architecture and infrastructure for the entire ecosystem.  Another step or evolution in the build-out of the Blockstack ecosystem is to have applications to use/run […]

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]]> Welcome to the Stack CafeTM — In order for the Blockstack ecosystem to work, someone has to build something.  Well, Blockstack is and has been hard at work building out the architecture and infrastructure for the entire ecosystem.  Another step or evolution in the build-out of the Blockstack ecosystem is to have applications to use/run on the ecosystem. 

And, in order to have applications to use/run on the ecosystem, you need an idea for a decentralized application (e.g., P2P Encrypted Messaging, Community Messaging, Word Processing, Cryptocurrency Portfolios…) and then a developer to build the decentralized application.  Welcome to the Developer’s corner (not only for developers though)…

In this post, and subsequent posts related to this series, we will try and explore some of the tools created for developers (and others) to build the decentralized applications (dApps) that can be used on the decentralized internet.  

To begin with, Blockstack is probably a developer’s dream come true.  By that, we mean Blockstack is making it a lot easier for developers to build decentralized applications for use on the Blockstack ecosystem. 

How did Blockstack make it a little easier, well they setup the kitchen (architecture and infrastructure) with almost everything the cook (developer) needs to create the dish (decentralized application – dApp).  The kitchen – Blockstack’s ecosystem, includes (among many other items):

  • a decentralized domain name system (DNS)(it is called BNS)
  • a decentralized public key distribution system
  • a registry for applications (dApps)
  • a registry for user identities
  • a decentralized storage system
  • tokens…

so the cook (developer) can bake (build) some wonderful creations (dApps).  Below, you will find a couple of different diagrams (e.g., stack for decentralized applications & how blockstack works) laying out the major components – blockchain, virtualchain, routing layer and storage layer – of the Blockstack architecture:

 

 

It is all there – the Blockstack infrastructure described above, provides a lot of the tools that a developer might need to build decentralized applications for use on the Blockstack ecosystem.  And, by providing some of the tools needed to build decentralized applications, Blockstack has enabled the developer to more easily build a dApp.  For example, the 

  • developer can use java-script (and libraries) to build a single page application(s)
    • that does not plug into the front-end of a centralized API
      • but one that plugs into an API run by the user (as the API is pre-built and runs on the user’s device)
  • developer does not have to worry about
    • running servers
    • maintaining databases
    • building out user management systems because:
      • the applications are server-less and decentralized
      • users bring their own storage
      • user/applications use public-key cryptography for authentication
      • the developer’s of the application and the application itself do not have to store anything

To make it even easier, Blockstack also includes libraries and step-by-step tutorials (e.g., identity, storage, tokens (coming soon)) for the developer, hacker, hobbyist and others to build decentralized applications. 

All of this looks so good that we might try and build a decentralized application too.  All kidding aside (not really though), it looks like Blockstack has put forth a complete package so developing decentralized applications should be a lot easier.  In addition, Blockstack has put together a great team in case a question should arise.   And, to top it off, everything Blockstack ecosystem is an open source community project.  So, not only is Blockstack there to help, the open source community of developers, hackers, users and supporters, and others  – already participating in the environment –  are helping out too (e.g. forums, meet-ups, code/programing feedback, testing…).  

Please find below, some links that might be most helpful as you learn more about Blockstack’s tools for developing a decentralized application for use on Blockstack.

Resources re: Blockstack and dApps

And, if all of the above wasn’t enough, Blockstack and the Blockstack Signature fund have sprinkled a little powdered sugar on top with the dApp bounties – Blockstack: $50,000 Bounty for Messaging Applications.  Bounties – One aspect of promoting the Blockstack ecosystem is to provide a platform to help support the global community of developers, designers, and others to submit their ideas and products for a chance to win a prize (e.g., decentralized application(s), dApp, dApps on the Web 3.0).

Note: If you do not have the Blockstack browser, please see this link (note – to enable the full functionality of any dApp built for the Blockstack ecosystem (e.g., building a new internet, a decentralized internet, re-decentralizing the internet) you need to use the Blockstack browser).

Thanks again for visiting The Stack CafeTM and we look forward to hearing from you. Please help us put out the word on Web3.0 by posting a comment below and signing up for e-mail notifications for future updates (right side-bar).  Let’s help build the new internet | The Decentralized WayTM.  A decentralized internet | The Way The FutureTM.

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]]> Blockstack: Signature Bounties – Two Weeks to go… https://thestackcafe.com/blockstack-signature-bounties-two-weeks-to-go/ Fri, 02 Feb 2018 19:03:39 +0000 https://thestackcafe.com/?p=504 Welcome to the Stack CafeTM — As outlined in our brief overview about Blockstack Bounties, Blockstack’s Signature Fund challenged the community to bring forth a new communication reality – The Decentralized Way™  The Blockstack Way™.  And, as you know (or see this), the bounty window closes in about two (2) weeks.  So, if you or […]

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]]> Welcome to the Stack CafeTM — As outlined in our brief overview about Blockstack Bounties, Blockstack’s Signature Fund challenged the community to bring forth a new communication reality – The Decentralized Way™  The Blockstack Way™. 

And, as you know (or see this), the bounty window closes in about two (2) weeks.  So, if you or your team have the dApp for the new communication reality, there is still plenty of time to submit applications for both dApps before the window closes – February 16, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. eastern.

Along with the Bounty participants, we wanted to also provide a brief overview about one of the open source platforms – Rocket.Chat – a Slack alternative, that is collaborating with Blockstack to help bring the new community messaging dApp to fruition. 

Rocket.Chat – in a nutshell – is an open source web based chat platform (server) that offers both companies or general communities the ability to privately host its own chat/messaging service.  In addition, it allows the developer community the ability to build custom chat platforms (web based chat platform (server)). 

The collaboration (generally) is about Blockstack providing its single sign on feature (no need to rely on any outside servers or third parties) and Rocket.Chat providing its open source web based chat platform (server) so that a team can figure out how to integrate (build) both into a new decentralized messaging platform.  The ultimate goal is to have a team build a new messaging platform that enables users to access Rocket.Chat with their Blockstack identity for secure login and identity verification (e.g., single sign on feature).  The team with the best decentralized messaging platform wins the bounty – $25,000.

Resources

Note: If you do not have the Blockstack browser, please see this link (note – to enable the full functionality of any dApp built for the Blockstack ecosystem (e.g., building a new internet, a decentralized internet, re-decentralizing the internet) you need to use the Blockstack browser).

Thanks again for visiting The Stack CafeTM and we look forward to hearing from you. Please help us put out the word on Web3.0 by posting a comment below and signing up for e-mail notifications for future updates (right side-bar).  Let’s help build the new internet | The Decentralized WayTM.  A decentralized internet | The Way The FutureTM.

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