Zuckerberg promised in 2009 that Facebook would never sell or exchange their consumer data without consent. We all know what happened since, and that good intentions (if they are even real) are not enough to entrust a company with such sensitive pieces of information. When it comes to social network, blockchain can bring a lot to the table.

good intentions (if they are even real) are not enough to entrust a company with sensitive pieces of information

Without getting too much in the technical aspects, there is one dimension I would like to highlight: the possibility for trustless services.

Indeed, with a social network on a blockchain, you don’t need to have faith in the founder’s good intentions. Instead, you can audit the code and contracts to make sure the platform behaves precisely like the creator said it would. The best part is that even if you don’t have the skills or time to audit their service, considering everything is public, there will be people in the community willing to do that for you.

A blockchain-based social network wouldn’t be able to pull the full spread as Facebook did. As soon as the platform’s actions don’t match the company’s declarations, users will notice and let others know.

INTRODUCING HOWDOO

HowDoo aims to provide a social media platform up to our standards: inspiring, trusted and that rewards quality contribution.

MISSION

HowDoo’s ambition is to provide a safe and reliable platform for its users to do all the things they love with social media while retaining total ownership over their data: sharing with their friends, staying in touch, or getting news. Initially envisioned on the ethereum blockchain, the HowDoo team will create their own blockchain powered by EOS to gives power back to its users: they can earn, transact, and be rightfully rewarded for their contributions.

Main actors of the ecosystem:

Users

Content Creators

Sellers

Advertisers

PROBLEM SOLVED

The dominant social media platforms suffer from several flaws, all of which stems from the fact that they were created for profits with pretty much nothing else in mind. It comes with two main set of consequences:

HOWDOO’S DIFFERENCE

The proposition stands out because it’s a new approach to social network, it’s an evolution in the way to design an environment to share and engage.

HowDoo is not just a new platform. The proposition stands out because it’s a new approach to social network, it’s an evolution in the way to design an environment to share and engage. Users will be able to shape their environment, even refuse the advertising if they want to. On the other hand, content creators will get a fair percentage of the advertising revenue they generate (the current cut took by the platforms is around 50%) — without having to fear arbitrary moderation. Sellers and brands are also welcomed on the platform, and they will be offered features to respectfully promote themselves without annoying the users.

Here is a video from the founder Brett King explaining his vision:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyXZQaI3Pis

TOKEN

To set a positive framework for the interactions on the platform, Howdoo uses the µDoo, an Ethereum-based token. It’s the vehicle used to transfer values between all the actors of the ecosystem. It can also obviously used for simple transfers of money.

TOKEN UTILITY

Here is an overview of the main features powered by the µDoo token for users, creators, advertisers, and sellers.

[USER] Reward participation and engagement using Proof of Contribution (POC) and Proof of Trust (POT) mechanisms.

and engagement using Proof of Contribution (POC) and Proof of Trust (POT) mechanisms. [CREATORS/ADVERTISERS] Fund campaign activity

[CREATORS/ADVERTISERS] Advertising rebates : content creators are rewarded with µDoo they can use to give more exposure to their creations

: content creators are rewarded with µDoo they can use to give more exposure to their creations [CREATORS/ADVERTISERS] Special Campaigns : access to specific audiences and community will be granted through an auction using µDoo.

: access to specific audiences and community will be granted through an auction using µDoo. [TOP CREATORS] Professional introductions : individuals with high POC (those who produced high-quality content) will be able to set an engagement fee. Brands and sellers that want to reach out to them will have to cover the fee before doing so.

: individuals with high POC (those who produced high-quality content) will be able to set an engagement fee. Brands and sellers that want to reach out to them will have to cover the fee before doing so. [SELLERS] E-Shop : stimulate activity on shops opened on the platform

: stimulate activity on shops opened on the platform [ALL] Redeem µDoo token for fiat currencies, through regular services or a teller network. The µDoo token is also used to power other interactions, such as making in-game purchases or reward performance of network operators (nodes). Moreover, Howdoo is developing partnership agreements to extend the token “out-of-network” utility such as the exchangeability, or cross-services integrations.

OFFERING SUMMARY

For users

A reliable and fair network for sharing and messaging

The ability to shape their experience and environment

The ability to gain reward for their active participation

For content creators

Earn a bigger share of the advertising revenues they generate (>60% minimum)

Gain access to reliable audience figures and stats

Work free from centralized control and moderation

For sellers and advertisers

Access to highly-engaging audiences

Reliable stats and data regarding their ad performance

Active feedback to improve their future activities

For payments

One currency to exchange value across the network

µDoo can be instantly converted to fiat currencies

International teller network to provide µDoo — fiat conversion the unbanked customers.

CONCLUSION

Just like Injii (decentralized video streaming platform), Howdoo is addressing an issue I’m deeply concerned with: the centralization of social media platforms and the complete absence of control users have over them. I wrote quite a bit on the topic, so here are some resources if you want to dive deeper:

The project is currently undergoing the first phase of its ICO. You can click here to participate, or here if you want to share the love with me (Referral Link). The platform is already available in its alpha version for early users.