It’s been quite a while since HyperSpace, formerly Synereo, released its seminal whitepaper, defining the language now used by the entire space. During these four years, other platforms have tried their hand at decentralized social networking, some operating with the same ideals we espouse, namely, that those creating the value should be fully rewarded for their contributions.

HyperSpace hasn’t stagnated, however — far from it. Launched earlier this week, the HyperSpace web app has many unique advantages over mainstream social networks — as well as over other experimental attempts popping up. Here’s a not-so-short list of the strongest points, making it easy to understand what HyperSpace is all about.

#1 - Powered by Universal Basic Income (UBI)

With supporters from the full range of the political spectrum and tech leaders such as Bill Gates and Elon Musk agreeing on its usefulness — as well as its inevitability, Universal Basic Income (UBI) is everyone’s new favorite idea for the economy.

It’s an idea whose time has come in HyperSpace. With UBI, everyone can participate in the online content economy, rather than just those with disposable income. In an era where information is frictionlessly copyable and content is expected to be distributed and consumed for free, creators of content can finally be supported by their audiences without having to compromise on their art.

In HyperSpace, each active user receives a daily allocation of AMP as Universal Basic Income. With this income, they’re free to participate in the platform in whichever way they wish: to support their favorite creators, to Amplify and increase the reach of certain posts on the network — earning more if others do the same, to stake the funds necessary to establish their own new Spaces, or to invest the amount required for their posts to be published to a Space.

UBI is the foundation allowing HyperSpace to draw the best content creators to its platform and for the best communities on the web to form and thrive.

HyperSpace UBI

#2 - Community-Owned Spaces

A Space in HyperSpace is where people come together to post, comment on, and Amplify content around a particular topic, hobby, or interest. Each Space is an economic entity unto itself, whose community is incentivized socially and financially to help it grow and thrive; to make it a lucrative target for the best creators to post in, and for many people to give their attention to.

When the Space’s participants channel their energy together, they can stand out — inside of HyperSpace and beyond.

A HyperSpace Space

#3 - Creators Are Supported

In an age where information is infinitely copyable, creators of digital content have a hard time monetizing their works. The new economic model HyperSpace is employing incentivizes users to support creators, allowing even the smallest ones to make some money for their efforts.

Beyond financial support, HyperSpace users are also incentivized to locate and recruit new audiences for content creators on the site.

#4 - Group Admins Get Compensated

Cultivating a thriving online community and keeping it free of spam, flame wars, and irrelevant content takes a lot of effort. HyperSpace has developed tools to recognize this hard work and has created a mechanism to compensate Space admins such that they get rewarded for creating fertile grounds for communities that are useful and enjoyable for their members, driving the community towards growth and success.

#5 - Curators Get Paid

Curators help spread the word and offer insights about quality content, and oftentimes all they receive in return are “likes.” HyperSpace rewards this vital contribution to the attention economy, allowing prolific curators to be compensated for their valuable efforts.

#6 - Top Posters Get Paid

HyperSpace rewards top contributing members. Those effortful posts which help define the community? The people who take time out of their day to share their knowledge and insight with you? They get paid.

#7 - Novel Economic Models

Serving the axiom that value created online should remain with those who are responsible for it, the HyperSpace economy incentivizes and encourages users to support creative processes so that the whole content chain is rewarded for the value created.

With the right set of incentives and encouragements, HyperSpace’s novel economic models push members to be their best social selves.

#8 - Cutting Edge of Decentralization Technology

HyperSpace is user-experience-first. We integrate the cutting edge of production-ready decentralization technology, but never compromise on how good HyperSpace feels to use!

#9 - Posts Are Saved on the Decentralized Cloud

Every HyperSpace post — including images — is forever accessible from the #decentralized Internet, unmediated by HyperSpace and regardless of its existence. Your posts are forever!

#10 - Incentivizing High-Quality Content

When members of a Space own and benefit from it, they take care of it much better. HyperSpace incentivizes users to create the best social Spaces on the web and post the highest quality of content. HyperSpace also attracts the best original creators — that’s where they can be supported for their work.

#11 - An Attention Economy That Works For You

Thanks to all of the above, HyperSpace allows for a sustainable, responsible attention economy — one that benefits you.

#12 - You’re the Purpose, Not the Product

With current social networks, you are not the client. You are the product being sold.

The value you create by being a part of the other networks flows upwards immediately, reaching only a select few: those in control of the network. With HyperSpace, you are in control. The value you create stays in your hands. The network is created for your benefit and serves your goals and interests.

HyperSpace Posts — Creating Value

The HyperSpace Alpha is the first step to an innovative, decentralized content economy that offers community-owned spaces where members are rewarded and recognized for creating and sharing the content most appreciated by their peers. As we reveal more features and incentives, we look forward to receiving feedback and ideas from our Alpha users.