What is ODIN Society? My Take on the Community Responsible for the Worlds’ First Private Blockchain Messenger Nondescript Follow Jun 11, 2019 · 5 min read

What is ODIN Society? My Take on the Community Responsible for the Worlds’ First Private Blockchain Messenger

Introduction

In an effort to be transparent I would like to disclose up front that I am a stakeholder in the form of ODIN coin, an Odin Society member, and general contributor to the development of ODIN.

I am not a financial advisor and am in no way suggesting investment strategies or investing advice of any kind.

This post will provide my impressions and general takeaways as an active community member and now Odin Society member under the handle of ‘nondescript’ over the first ten months of ODIN Blockchain’s developmental process.

What is ODIN?

ODIN Blockchain, a mobile DApp platform focused on privacy promises to provide a workers co-operative built on a set of simple core values that promote innovation and intuitive user interfaces. The applications are built with integrity for the end user in mind every step of the way. Odin currently uses a Proof of Stake consensus algorithm and makes use of a fully functioning network of masternodes that help secure the network and provide passive income via staking rewards in addition to voting power on community proposals.

The ODIN Blockchain’s ‘genesis block’ started on September 28th, 2018 and the initial coin distribution took place in the form of a KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti Money Laundering) registration required claim portal. The motivating factor behind these choices can be traced back to Obsidian and the gross mishandling of that project. Since the coin would be distributed to ODN coin holding community members, the KYC/AML registration required portal was designed to act as a safeguard against bad actors who held a disproportionate amount of ODN. More on this can be read in the ODIN white paper under the ODIN Fair Coin Distribution subheading. (https://medium.com/@alphacentauri3030/where-to-get-odin-coin-the-native-currency-of-the-worlds-first-blockchain-private-messenger-54e1a2150279?postPublishedType=initial)

ODIN has recently launched its first flagship application, odin.chat (see below for links to all things ODIN related and learn how to get odin.chat today.) The driving principle behind odin.chat is simple: allow users to take back what has far too often been exploited, the individuals’ right to basic human privacy. This is just one of many initiatives ODIN Society has embarked on to restore privacy to a wide audience of users.

“Our aim is to simply create useful, innovative and inclusive technology. Our vision is to be the number one trusted global gateway to user-friendly and data private applications.” (3) — Odin White Paper.

In addition to odin.chat, the MASH (Massive Automated Scalable Hosting) service has been launched. This has allowed for more than 150 users of the total 725 (and growing) currently running Masternodes to be set up. The service provides an incredibly easy to use interface and offers a subscription-based model to host up to 100 Masternodes via a remote server whilst maintaining the security of the coins the owner holds in their cold wallets,

“…There is no risk to your holdings. MASH hosts your “hot” wallet, which does not have any of your coins. You coins are kept safely locked in your “cold” wallet. You always retain control of your holdings and at no point does MASH require access to your private keys or coins. By providing the transaction hash MASH is able to verify the existence of the locked coins in your wallet in order to sync the node.” (M.A.S.H. FAQ https://mash.odinblockchain.org/faq)

All in all the future looks bright for ODIN Society as they’ve delivered functioning projects that wholehearted align with the communities core values of integrity, intuitive applications, and an inclusive environment that has continued to have the end users in mind.

White Paper

On May 31, 2019 ODIN Society released the most recent version of their white paper (v0.4) which provides a clear, concise, and user-friendly read to even the most entry level of participants in the space. The goals outlined in the whitepaper are grounded in present or near future tech, keeping the goals attainable for a community growing organically in the marketplace while avoiding the pressures of lofty and unrealistic expectations other communities set forth.

The timelines presented are open-ended and provide no specific dates slated for completion and or launch. This approach allows for the community to thoroughly test and vet projects prior to their release as they are not constricted by timelines that have been set in stone. This while frustrating for some, ultimately allows for a product more aligned with the communities ideals and the protection of the end user continually in mind.

With the launch of odin.chat on Android via the Google Play Store and ODIN-QT wallet for Windows, Linux, and Mac the end user can already participate in the ecosystem across most mainstream platforms.

The white paper is peppered with additional exciting things to come which brings us to:

Looking Forward — What’s Next for ODIN?

Among the most intriguing takeaways from the latest release of the white paper was an outline of future implementation of service nodes and the ongoing usage of Masternode Proposals which allows for community members to have a meaningful say in how Superblock funding is distributed toward the growth of the community and the funding of projects related to ODIN development.

In addition to taking into account the current community members, it is clear that the ODIN society has already begun to look forward to those new users who are sure to come in the near and long term. One of the more exciting future partnership potentials lie with the youth and their untapped potential:

“Form educational partnerships, supporting research and development, working in collaboration with universities and startup incubators.” (Odin Society White Paper)

As an educator by trade I am thrilled at the prospect of collaborating with the young minds that are sure to propel us forward and grateful that ODIN Society has begun thinking about our future through the lens of the worlds’ youth.

My Experience as a Community Member

“Nurture and grow the ODIN community, be as open and transparent as possible whilst adhering to the human right to privacy, and confidentiality agreements”. (5) — Odin White Paper

Having followed the project since its announcement in Q2 of 2018, I have fluctuated from silent observer, inquisitive mind, and in more recent days an active contributor of thoughts, critiques, and wonderings about how I can advance the efforts of the community. Throughout this time I have found an overwhelmingly positive, genuinely passionate and curious set of minds. This isn’t to say that there haven’t been the occasional toxic or generally non-constructive contribution by some, but as a whole, the community doesn’t promote or through complicity allow this sort of behavior. When I have a technical support question, I’m received with grace and enthusiasm in an effort to solve the problem. When I present a question, I’m given a thoughtful response and not dismissed no matter how obvious the answer may seem to the more technically savvy mind. When I look for playful banter I’m engaged with witty people who have personality and depth. All in all, I’m proud to be ODIN community member and now ODIN Society member.

Engage with ODIN Society Today:

https://discord.me/odinblockchain

https://www.reddit.com/r/OdinBlockchain/

https://t.me/ODINBlockchain

https://odinblockchain.org/

https://mash.odinblockchain.org/

https://odin.chat/