Protect yourself because no one else is going to.... Blockchains versus Palimpsests by reneenouveau

View this thread on steempeak.com
· @reneenouveau · (edited)
$2.05
Protect yourself because no one else is going to.... Blockchains versus Palimpsests
http://www.texample.net/media/tikz/examples/PNG/complete-graph.png

Most of us are used to centralized systems with a clear chain of hierarchy. When we enter this wonderful world of blockchains, we bring with us our expectations of security and safety. It's natural. 

Yet Steemit is being marketed quite fervently to people on other centralized social media sites, to entice them with you "We pay you to blog". People are use to the Facebook experience, the Twitter experience, or their own personal blogs that are a palimpsest. A palimpset is a manuscript or document in which the original writing or drawing has been effaced, through scratching or chemical removal, to make room for later writing but of which traces remain.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/Codex_ephremi.jpg

Think of it as a chalkboard. This word harkens back to a day when writing material was scarce and hard to produce.
Your new users are coming from a chalkboard world where it is easy to edit, delete, and start again. 

Steemit has been a wonderful introduction into decentralized  systems for me. I was unaware of the potential for good and the potential for harm upon joining the site. No where in my introduction did it explain that what I wrote would be indelibly inscribed upon the block-chain. That there is no delete, no edit button. No one to ban a user who's harassing me. 

While the freedom that comes with this technology is liberating for some, it may not be a good fit for a lot of adapters. 

@smooth joined us in steemit.chat and cast much light on the subject for me. It was an awakening experience when they laid it out pure and simple. No one will protect you here so you have to protect yourself. 

Me in my naivety, fresh off the programming of a centralized existence. I railed against this answer, as if maybe they hadn't properly understood what I was proposing (censorship, moderation, etc). Their frank honesty was freshing as they explained "look, it's not that I don't care, I do care, it's simply an inherent part of this system." 

This flies in the face of expectation. New users should be met with a big red warning box upon setting up their account, or upon hitting 'post' about the rules of this new game. It's an alien concept to some of us. 

Enticing, but also dangerous if not fully consented to. I urge the devs to consider such a 'declaration' of Steemit's inherent differences to other social media sites somewhere in the account creation. Make it clear and legible. I urge everyone who's marketing for Steemit to make sure you mention these inherent traits to your audience.  

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/80/Transparency.jpg

If transparency is law, then we should do everything in our power to make the inherent dangers of Steemit as transparent as possible as well.

*images from http://www.texample.net/ and wikipedia*
👍  , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 3 others
properties (23)
post_id814,142
authorreneenouveau
permlinkprotect-yourself-because-no-one-else-is-going-to-blockchains-versus-palimpsests
categorysteemit
json_metadata"{"links": ["http://www.texample.net/"], "users": ["smooth"], "image": ["http://www.texample.net/media/tikz/examples/PNG/complete-graph.png"], "tags": ["steemit", "privacy", "socialmedia", "userexperience", "transparency"]}"
created2016-08-31 16:12:18
last_update2016-08-31 17:27:42
depth0
children12
net_rshares4,531,545,557,395
last_payout2016-10-01 18:42:24
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value1.691 SBD
curator_payout_value0.361 SBD
pending_payout_value0.000 SBD
promoted0.000 SBD
body_length2,883
author_reputation43,540,046,536,566
root_title"Protect yourself because no one else is going to.... Blockchains versus Palimpsests"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 SBD
percent_steem_dollars10,000
author_curate_reward""
vote details (67)
@anns ·
Keep on Steeming
properties (22)
post_id814,170
authoranns
permlinkre-reneenouveau-protect-yourself-because-no-one-else-is-going-to-blockchains-versus-palimpsests-20160831t161514169z
categorysteemit
json_metadata"{"tags": ["steemit"]}"
created2016-08-31 16:15:12
last_update2016-08-31 16:15:12
depth1
children0
net_rshares0
last_payout2016-10-01 18:42:24
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 SBD
curator_payout_value0.000 SBD
pending_payout_value0.000 SBD
promoted0.000 SBD
body_length16
author_reputation1,460,307,932,866
root_title"Protect yourself because no one else is going to.... Blockchains versus Palimpsests"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 SBD
percent_steem_dollars10,000
@logic ·
I agree 100%. Very good post. I am glad that know that others share similar observations!
properties (22)
post_id814,256
authorlogic
permlinkre-reneenouveau-protect-yourself-because-no-one-else-is-going-to-blockchains-versus-palimpsests-20160831t162405976z
categorysteemit
json_metadata"{"tags": ["steemit"]}"
created2016-08-31 16:24:15
last_update2016-08-31 16:24:15
depth1
children0
net_rshares0
last_payout2016-10-01 18:42:24
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 SBD
curator_payout_value0.000 SBD
pending_payout_value0.000 SBD
promoted0.000 SBD
body_length89
author_reputation53,020,576,363,049
root_title"Protect yourself because no one else is going to.... Blockchains versus Palimpsests"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 SBD
percent_steem_dollars10,000
@clevecross ·
I tend to think some of the people are too technical for their own good.
While it is entirely true what is written on the blockchain is on the blockchain, that doesn't mean it needs to part of the steemit experience. We can see this with the NSFW hashtag. I can post anything I like and add that single hashtag... Because the site filters it out, it's not visible to anyone here.
Same with the mute button. It keeps you from seeing what was said, even though it in no way removes it from the blockchain.

There's a middle ground that can be explored.
👍  
properties (23)
post_id814,740
authorclevecross
permlinkre-reneenouveau-protect-yourself-because-no-one-else-is-going-to-blockchains-versus-palimpsests-20160831t171252757z
categorysteemit
json_metadata"{"tags": ["steemit"]}"
created2016-08-31 17:12:54
last_update2016-08-31 17:12:54
depth1
children4
net_rshares16,435,143,840
last_payout2016-10-01 18:42:24
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 SBD
curator_payout_value0.000 SBD
pending_payout_value0.000 SBD
promoted0.000 SBD
body_length550
author_reputation7,644,222,742,525
root_title"Protect yourself because no one else is going to.... Blockchains versus Palimpsests"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 SBD
percent_steem_dollars10,000
author_curate_reward""
vote details (1)
@reneenouveau ·
Yeah! You are on the mark, where is my bullseye emoji when I need it! I'm all for pushing for exploration! That's why I keep pestering those with technical minds! However, until that's resolved with a creative work around, I think everyone should be informed about the "immutable technical laws" of this type of set up and the ramifications it can have for their user experience.
properties (22)
post_id814,828
authorreneenouveau
permlinkre-clevecross-re-reneenouveau-protect-yourself-because-no-one-else-is-going-to-blockchains-versus-palimpsests-20160831t172135114z
categorysteemit
json_metadata"{"tags": ["steemit"]}"
created2016-08-31 17:21:39
last_update2016-08-31 17:21:39
depth2
children1
net_rshares0
last_payout2016-10-01 18:42:24
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 SBD
curator_payout_value0.000 SBD
pending_payout_value0.000 SBD
promoted0.000 SBD
body_length379
author_reputation43,540,046,536,566
root_title"Protect yourself because no one else is going to.... Blockchains versus Palimpsests"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 SBD
percent_steem_dollars10,000
@clevecross ·
For sure they need to know they can't undo what they said. Absolutely, because it isn't visible to most doesn't mean it can't come back and haunt you. 

For the trolling etc.... It can be implemented smoother was all I am trying to imply.
properties (22)
post_id814,903
authorclevecross
permlinkre-reneenouveau-re-clevecross-re-reneenouveau-protect-yourself-because-no-one-else-is-going-to-blockchains-versus-palimpsests-20160831t173123261z
categorysteemit
json_metadata"{"tags": ["steemit"]}"
created2016-08-31 17:31:24
last_update2016-08-31 17:31:24
depth3
children0
net_rshares0
last_payout2016-10-01 18:42:24
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 SBD
curator_payout_value0.000 SBD
pending_payout_value0.000 SBD
promoted0.000 SBD
body_length238
author_reputation7,644,222,742,525
root_title"Protect yourself because no one else is going to.... Blockchains versus Palimpsests"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 SBD
percent_steem_dollars10,000
@alifton ·
@clevecross That's really not how blockchains work.  They record anything and everything without discrimination.  The NSFW tag being filtered is a Steemit Platform issue.  Not a blockchain issue.  

Block chains were originally designed to be 100% immutable ledgers to act as historical records for finance.  They work great for banking records, but not so well if you want to go back and delete a record because they make sure the current block must rely on the previous one by design.  

--------------------------------------------------------------------
* Great for banks where you want 100% accuracy and consensus. Integrity of the information is priority #1.
* Bad for use cases when you would all but kill for the "Delete" button in hindsight after a post.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
properties (22)
post_id820,795
authoralifton
permlinkre-clevecross-re-reneenouveau-protect-yourself-because-no-one-else-is-going-to-blockchains-versus-palimpsests-20160901t062955866z
categorysteemit
json_metadata"{"users": ["clevecross"], "tags": ["steemit"]}"
created2016-09-01 06:29:57
last_update2016-09-01 06:29:57
depth2
children0
net_rshares0
last_payout2016-10-01 18:42:24
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 SBD
curator_payout_value0.000 SBD
pending_payout_value0.000 SBD
promoted0.000 SBD
body_length833
author_reputation662,385,948,693
root_title"Protect yourself because no one else is going to.... Blockchains versus Palimpsests"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 SBD
percent_steem_dollars10,000
@xanoxt ·
Oh, by programmers for programmers? A lot of things that have to do with blockchain technology aren't build for human consumption, yet. Because the interface, design and whatnot aren't optimised for the common people, like Facebook/Twitter/etc.
A lot of thought has to be put into the whole thing before this is approachable to the masses. And since it is in their mission statement, they have to do something about it. And I really hope that steemit peeps understand it. Or at least some people who are building their own tools to interact with the blockchain.

At least a lot of people see the problems, and are offering their thought on what solutions may be.
properties (22)
post_id826,006
authorxanoxt
permlinkre-clevecross-re-reneenouveau-protect-yourself-because-no-one-else-is-going-to-blockchains-versus-palimpsests-20160901t174502705z
categorysteemit
json_metadata"{"tags": ["steemit"]}"
created2016-09-01 17:45:03
last_update2016-09-01 17:45:03
depth2
children0
net_rshares0
last_payout2016-10-01 18:42:24
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 SBD
curator_payout_value0.000 SBD
pending_payout_value0.000 SBD
promoted0.000 SBD
body_length662
author_reputation10,364,671,822,779
root_title"Protect yourself because no one else is going to.... Blockchains versus Palimpsests"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 SBD
percent_steem_dollars10,000
@thecryptofiend ·
Brilliant points.  I think this should be a particularly important message for those that are trying to be deliberately harassing or otherwise abusive.  The evidence is permanently there on the blockchain.
properties (22)
post_id815,997
authorthecryptofiend
permlinkre-reneenouveau-protect-yourself-because-no-one-else-is-going-to-blockchains-versus-palimpsests-20160831t192226163z
categorysteemit
json_metadata"{"tags": ["steemit"]}"
created2016-08-31 19:22:24
last_update2016-08-31 19:22:24
depth1
children2
net_rshares0
last_payout2016-10-01 18:42:24
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 SBD
curator_payout_value0.000 SBD
pending_payout_value0.000 SBD
promoted0.000 SBD
body_length205
author_reputation323,593,656,929,629
root_title"Protect yourself because no one else is going to.... Blockchains versus Palimpsests"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 SBD
percent_steem_dollars10,000
@reneenouveau ·
$0.52
Thank you! I'd add that transparency works to reveal those who are trying to cheat the system with shady wallet transfers, and any number of nefarious activities. 
We aren't use to such accountability in our lives!
👍  , , , , , , , , , ,
properties (23)
post_id816,009
authorreneenouveau
permlinkre-thecryptofiend-re-reneenouveau-protect-yourself-because-no-one-else-is-going-to-blockchains-versus-palimpsests-20160831t192404721z
categorysteemit
json_metadata"{"tags": ["steemit"]}"
created2016-08-31 19:24:09
last_update2016-08-31 19:24:09
depth2
children1
net_rshares2,143,681,470,407
last_payout2016-10-01 18:42:24
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.519 SBD
curator_payout_value0.000 SBD
pending_payout_value0.000 SBD
promoted0.000 SBD
body_length214
author_reputation43,540,046,536,566
root_title"Protect yourself because no one else is going to.... Blockchains versus Palimpsests"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 SBD
percent_steem_dollars10,000
author_curate_reward""
vote details (11)
@stellabelle ·
I know, and for that, the blockchain is quite wondrous, revolutionary, isn't it?
👍  
properties (23)
post_id903,430
authorstellabelle
permlinkre-reneenouveau-re-thecryptofiend-re-reneenouveau-protect-yourself-because-no-one-else-is-going-to-blockchains-versus-palimpsests-20160909t163153359z
categorysteemit
json_metadata"{"tags": ["steemit"]}"
created2016-09-09 16:31:54
last_update2016-09-09 16:31:54
depth3
children0
net_rshares18,739,214,821
last_payout2016-10-01 18:42:24
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 SBD
curator_payout_value0.000 SBD
pending_payout_value0.000 SBD
promoted0.000 SBD
body_length80
author_reputation436,515,832,240,166
root_title"Protect yourself because no one else is going to.... Blockchains versus Palimpsests"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 SBD
percent_steem_dollars10,000
author_curate_reward""
vote details (1)
@mrwang · (edited)
nice... maybe call it the 
## RED PAGE
***A must read follow up to those about to steem their life and or dignity away*** :P
properties (22)
post_id817,071
authormrwang
permlinkre-reneenouveau-protect-yourself-because-no-one-else-is-going-to-blockchains-versus-palimpsests-20160831t211953592z
categorysteemit
json_metadata"{"tags": ["steemit"]}"
created2016-08-31 21:19:54
last_update2016-08-31 21:20:24
depth1
children0
net_rshares0
last_payout2016-10-01 18:42:24
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 SBD
curator_payout_value0.000 SBD
pending_payout_value0.000 SBD
promoted0.000 SBD
body_length124
author_reputation85,769,589,859,089
root_title"Protect yourself because no one else is going to.... Blockchains versus Palimpsests"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 SBD
percent_steem_dollars10,000
@stellabelle ·
Steemit, the application, however is centralized, it has a server, and the power is centralized too. The blockchain is decentralized. I think this is not very clear at all to people.
properties (22)
post_id903,407
authorstellabelle
permlinkre-reneenouveau-protect-yourself-because-no-one-else-is-going-to-blockchains-versus-palimpsests-20160909t163002990z
categorysteemit
json_metadata"{"tags": ["steemit"]}"
created2016-09-09 16:30:03
last_update2016-09-09 16:30:03
depth1
children0
net_rshares0
last_payout2016-10-01 18:42:24
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 SBD
curator_payout_value0.000 SBD
pending_payout_value0.000 SBD
promoted0.000 SBD
body_length182
author_reputation436,515,832,240,166
root_title"Protect yourself because no one else is going to.... Blockchains versus Palimpsests"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 SBD
percent_steem_dollars10,000