w/ William Entriken: Why should we care about tokenizing domains or, simply, tokenisation?
w/ William Entriken: Why should we care about tokenizing domains or, simply, tokenisation?
“From the outset, my understanding was clear: we have DNS and we have NFTs, so let's start with that.” – William Entriken, Lead Author of ERC-721
Dear Namefiers,
Namefi is grateful to have invited William today to kick-start Namefi’s Real World Asset (RWA) Twitter Space in this genesis #0 session. Like Namefi, William believes in the power of decentralized ledger technology to improve trust processes traditionally handled through paperwork and mundane manual labor, which have proven to be time-consuming and error-prone.
“As you may know, US equities are transitioning from a two-day settlement period to a one-day settlement period, known as T+2 to T+1. This change is significant, with trillions of dollars at stake. Essentially, it alters the way transactions are processed, making them faster.
However, transitioning to T+0 would have even more profound effects.
Achieving this requires new systems, and tokens offer a potential solution. Tokenizing, whether through blockchain technology or other means, could revolutionize the trading process, moving away from centralized databases to decentralized ones. It's a transformative step that will inevitably impact the liquidity of US equities.”
(quotes from the space)
If the argument for decentralization no longer resonates with you in the context of "decentralize everything," consider the pragmatic use of blockchain to implement smart contracts and consensus. By treating time as a global fluid (24/7 availability), we are no longer constrained by the finite hours of the day, thereby T+0. This approach can significantly accelerate operational efficiency by integrating smart contracts and consensus mechanisms into existing processes. Moreover, leveraging constantly evolving governance structures, debated and implemented both globally and locally, can further enhance efficiency.
William was initially unsure about Ethereum but later became convinced that non-fungible tokens (NFTs) would significantly benefit consumerism—a term encompassing the rights of merchants, consumers, and now, a new layer, digital creators. NFTs have the potential to effectively synchronize stakeholders both financially (e.g. transactions) and non-financially (e.g. royalties), thereby minimizing delays and intermediary agencies. This replaces trust with automatically executable trust agreements, which can often be composed from bottom-up.
As the Namefi Crew, we all concur with William's clear vision of the future direction of Web3, which is exemplified in our commitment to tokenizing Domain Name Services (DNS) names. We believe that the smart programmability of domains could unlock possibilities that are otherwise unattainable in Web2.
As we know it, Namefi’s mission is not only about facilitating domain trading.
“Namefi could offer a solution by providing a platform where domain names associated with projects can be managed. Whether it's renting the domain temporarily, placing it in a trust, or employing other strategies, Namefi offers flexibility in handling domain names.
As DNS evolves to become not only a brand but also an identity where cryptographic keys are recorded, Namefi could play a crucial role in managing sensitive information.
In my opinion, every domain name should have a digital cryptographic identity. You could utilize a public-private key, such as an Ethereum key, or explore other methods, but the idea is to link your cryptographic identity to your domain name.
Namefi, for instance, allows you to compose such rules. However, it's essential to note that Namefi doesn't provide legal trust-setting technology or establish rules for you; it simply allows you to compose them, akin to NFTs…”
(quotes from the space)
The above is just a snapshot of the exciting conversations illuminated by William. In the discussion below, William also delved into some compelling use cases of NFTs today, the role of China in NFTs, and shared useful learning materials for anyone interested in delving deeper into blockchain technology.
Hope you enjoy the convo.
Sunny,
Namefi Ops
The following is a Namefi RWA Twitter Space with William Entriken, the lead author of the ERC-721. The session was hosted by Alex, the cryptoreporter.eth, and Victor Zhou, CEO of Namefi.
March 8th, 2024
Story behind co-creating ERC-721
Cryptoreporter: Hey everyone, this is Cryptoreporter. Today we have a very special guest, William Entriken, the head author of the ERC-721 standard. William, how are you today?
William Entriken
Thanks for the intro. It's good to be here. I've heard about Namefi for a while. I actually have an account there and I’ve seen it before Namefi had its name. So it's nice to see it revealed and to be on the other side of it.
Crypto Reporter
So, William, for those who don't know you, can you give a brief introduction about yourself, your journey in crypto, and how we got the ERC - 721 Standard?
William Entriken
In 2017, I was on the sidelines looking in, and a good friend of mine from high school works in DeFi. He tried to convince me to get into Ethereum in 2017, but I always said no, thinking there was no value. I didn't believe anyone was doing anything useful.
Then, I saw the NFT movement, the art idea, and thought, "This is fun. This is a really good opportunity." In the second half, I began to open-source. I started my career at Google a long time ago, working on Linux in a mentorship program. I asked questions like, "How do you find developers?"
So, standing on that leg, seeing the opportunity in NFTs, and with my friend nudging me along, I decided to go into ERC-721. I did not create ERC-721, but I'm the lead author. Dieter Shirley was working on it, and it was part of CryptoKitties. That's where I came in.
This was my first project. There are a lot of things I would do better, but over the course of that project, my goal was the people part of standards development. It's like the code from Office Space, "I'm a people person." When you're doing standards and something very big in blockchain, you really have to listen to a lot of projects, find common ground, and convince them not to fragment. It's very easy to have everyone move forward, but hard to get nine out of ten people to merge into your project. That's where my skill came in, that was my background. It was a huge opportunity, and that's how I got started with NFTs.
Crypto Reporter
I wanted to ask, what inspired you? I feel like we're here today in this new age of NFTs and DeFi. Honestly, between you and the Namefi team, I think that's really how we got here today. So, what inspired you in the first place to create that standard?
William Entriken
I had a pretty big vision.
Not technical, not product, just like a vision of the future of products, real world products, the future of business.
My vision is very consumer based. Consumerism, that's the way that I define that word, is the kind of rights that accrue to people that buy things. This is where I started. This has been a vision of mine for a while. I looked at NFT’s and looked at blockchain, and how it connects to physical things.
And I said, okay, if I drive this forward, it's gonna connect with the rest of the vision.
I had a really good opportunity to see how other projects can utilize and connect. I've had the chance to talk to several of them and work with a couple, just sharing ideas.
They all have the same goal.
Let me provide a brief example: A client of mine is involved in creating 'Breitling Watches.' When you purchase a watch, it comes with an NFT.
The primary purpose of this initiative is to prevent fraud, distinguishing between real and counterfeit watches.
I believe most people are familiar enough with blockchain to understand that bitcoins cannot be simply copied.
Alright, bear with me here. If you sell an NFT along with a watch, and subsequently, when you sell the watch, you also transfer the NFT with it, which essentially means that fake watches cannot be produced. Interestingly, they don't even refer to it as an NFT; it's simply termed a certificate of authenticity.
In the past, they used physical certificates of authenticity, but those could be easily replicated using a copy machine. However, you can't replicate NFTs; you can only duplicate paper. It's a perfect match.
So, essentially, what we're doing is enhancing the validity of watches, ensuring their authenticity, and preventing fraud. You can rest assured that the certificate hasn't been duplicated. I view this as a significant achievement.
Now, there's much more that I'm involved in – a variety of different projects. And from what I'm observing, they all share a similar essence. They possess a distinct flavor. Interestingly, some of the challenges we encounter here are akin to those faced by other projects, albeit in entirely different industries.
What we truly prioritize are superior products and transparency.
We must ask ourselves, why are we really utilizing NFTs? Is it solely for profit? Even when faced with obstacles, our focus remains on catering to individuals who value transparency.
5-year Trends unimaginable without NFTs
Crypto Reporter
You've raised a very valid point, highlighting the ethos of Web 3, which revolves around transparency and digital verification. We're beginning to witness developments such as digital identity within this sphere. However, as you rightly mentioned, these innovations are grounded in similar principles. It seems that individuals involved in this field aspire to uphold these ideals, and now, with established standards, achieving this goal is indeed feasible.
In terms of NFTs, how do you envision their impact on industries beyond their current influence? What other potential use cases do you foresee for NFTs?
William Entriken
This is the largest use case of NFTs that I'm aware of, currently implemented within Xbox production.
It's publicly known, so I can discuss it freely. They've conducted presentations on this matter. Essentially, it involves tracking royalty payments across different platforms when purchasing items from the Xbox store. Behind the scenes, NFTs are utilized as an accounting mechanism to monitor these royalties.
In the case of FIFA, the monetary transactions within the game are quite complex. Funds are routed from the user to FIFA, then to the players' association, followed by the union, individual teams, and players for name and image rights. And that's just for the players. There are also various teams worldwide, along with music bands, players, agents, and royalties involved. So, when you purchase a game, for instance, priced at $60, the funds are distributed across multiple entities.
Consider the time it takes for Microsoft to pay FIFA, then for FIFA to compensate the music label, and subsequently, for the label to pay the band, and the band's legal entity to pay the individual players. Let me provide a quick example.
I personally know of famous bands who created music at 18 but didn't receive payment until they were 22 or 23. They produced a hit song, but the compensation process was prolonged. Imagine if we could expedite that process.
Crypto Reporter
I think that's awesome. So another question would be what trends are you actually seeing in space right now, that you couldn't have imagined, building this out years ago.
William Entriken
Yeah, so those are actually two different things. What I didn't anticipate were the people I would meet, and honestly, the parties. I never expected the parties. I thought this was just a group of artists. I didn't realize that artists partied like this.
The NFT parties are incredibly creative. The Beeple Studios event was truly epic, literally. Some of these yacht parties are also truly epic. And that was never part of my plan. I had a lot of things on my roadmap that I was planning on, and that wasn't one of them.
I mean, share your stories, you know, inspire me. I'll share all these stories. It's just great to see wildly creative people exploring new categories. I don't mean wildness in a drunken, crazy way. I mean, like, I didn't even realize this was considered art. I've seen a lot of pictures, but I didn't know that.
And these aren't just pictures. These are entirely new categories of things that redefine modern art. So that's what I wasn't expecting. As for the trends, where we are right now, the trends are Solana, ridiculous projects like ordinals, and China.
These are the three things.
Solana has gained a reputation for hosting outlandish activities. A lot of people are buying and selling things using this Twitter bot or Telegram bot. You just deposit money into it and then you instruct it via tweets or direct messages to carry out actions with your funds.
And I'm like, "That's what you're doing with your Solana?" And they're like, "Yes, that's the way you do it." So that blows my mind. I totally didn't expect that. But, even though I didn't expect it, it's a trend.
I mean, you cannot ignore the fact that people are willing to send money to a random robot on Telegram because, at least, it works. That's a very strong signal that we need to take seriously. I've known these things are broken. Metamask is painful. It's a disaster to always see people complaining about Metamask. But now, people are literally sending their money to a robot in Russia. That's a different level. Listen to them before you listen to me, right? Go look at that. So that's really a trend, and we've got to watch it. And that means opportunities.
If it surprises you what people are doing with Solana, then there's an underlying opportunity there. And don't just think about selling stuff on Solana. No, make something ten times better. Figure out what's ten times wrong and fix that.
And don't just think about Solana. Ordinals and some of these ideas may not be long-term trends, but they're indicators of the energy that's coming in and needs to go somewhere, and we cannot ignore that.
Number three is China. China is at the center of NFTs. China is at the center of important things in blockchain. If you haven't noticed, learn what Chinese names look like and recognize them all over. But also, think about China. Many people from China may not disclose their nationality or may not want to be associated. So you'll see many people without a picture of their face. Interestingly, Chinese people don't use pictures of fake people. They either use their real picture or an avatar. So don't put your hands up or down if I'm calling you out.
China is everywhere, and people physically from China and in China are part of a very strong trend. It's significant. I knew about this because I've read the Chinese government's five-year plans. NFTs are specifically mentioned in that plan, and they're actively funding and supporting projects directly.
They're investing directly in these projects. I can tell you about them, but it's amazing. I would never have thought that, especially since China basically outlawed Bitcoin. So it's very refreshing to see them specifically funding NFT projects. And obviously, they're done differently over there.
But this is a trend that cannot be ignored. There's a lot of opportunity. It's not very clear what the opportunity is. You have to understand it a bit, but it's a huge trend in China. So those are the trends and the surprises.
China’s Bitcoin Outlaw Vs. NFT Full Support?
Crypto Reporter
I find that quite intriguing because last year, many of us were starting to catch on to the trend of ordinals. Some individuals within the compute and ENS communities actually shifted their focus to a couple of these areas. As you mentioned, one was Solana and the other was the entire ordinal sphere. We were able to witness what was happening in those domains. And as evidenced by the release of the Bitcoin ETF, that trend is expected to persist. I believe there will be many individuals who may not be heavily invested in Ethereum but are interested in Bitcoin.
One thing that you did say though, which I thought was pretty interesting is the fact that China has NFTs in their five year plan. Can you go into that just a little bit? I know that was definitely not a question I had beforehand, but that is actually pretty interesting. So we, can you go into that just a little bit?
William Entriken
Yes. So there are two specific plans that I've observed. One is the national Five-Year Plan, known as the 15th Five-Year Plan. The other is specifically for the city's special area of Shanghai.
In China, they've used a couple of different terms to define what an NFT is, and I'll translate them for you. Now that the government is adopting these specific terms, the industry is aligning around them because of the government's usage. Previously, there was a more literal translation, such as "a token/payment that is not fungible." They also used terms like "ad" or "electronic commerce items." However, now they're referred to as digital products. It may seem somewhat opaque when phrased this way, but they've found a term that encompasses what a digital product entails – essentially, a product on a blockchain or something similar, cryptographically protected, and assigned a unique serial number.
When governments articulate such definitions, they must be precise, lest entities attempt to exploit or circumvent the regulations. So, the government has defined these terms and highlighted them as a target area for investment. In China, they not only document these initiatives but also actively support them. They may state a goal, like aiming for a 12% growth rate in the real estate sector, and then allocate significant funding through banks to make it happen. While the written plans provide the framework, it's the financial backing that truly drives implementation.
I don't have insight into the private communications of the banks or how they further fund these projects. However, I do observe the projects that receive funding and approval, indicating that these individuals likely have government connections facilitating their progress.
There are various approaches to conducting business in China.
Some opt to maintain anonymity through avatars, VPNs, or selling exclusively to non-Chinese individuals.
Others engage directly with Chinese consumers, adhering to regulations and leveraging personal connections to navigate the system.
Both methods are prevalent in China, more so than in other parts of the world.
Why tokenizing? And why tokenizing DNS names?
Crypto Reporter
That's quite intriguing. I believe we'll witness an increase in regulation as the space evolves, with more government entities delving into NFTs and blockchain technology in general to explore their applications in real-world scenarios. But aside from that, I'd like to digress for a moment and shift our focus to the individuals contributing to shaping this space, such as Namefi. A big shout-out to the Namefi Crew, and especially to Victor. I find the work you're doing over there truly remarkable.
So, you mentioned that you've had the opportunity to utilize Namefi. Is that correct? That's right. Well then, could you share with us how you became involved with Namefi? Additionally, what are your thoughts on digital assets, particularly those that are native to the digital realm? It's fascinating how we've progressed, isn't it? Tokenizing assets like domain names, for example. What are your reflections on the concept of names in general?
William Entriken
Yeah, so I initially met Victor through a call at Google, which was essentially a Q&A session covering various topics related to things you might expect.
Following that, we followed up and identified an opportunity to collaborate on Crypto Fund, as you can see on the website. Subsequently, Victor introduced me to Namefi, which at the time was still undergoing various name changes in search of an identity.
From the outset, my understanding was clear: we have DNS and we have NFTs, so let's start with that. There were and still are different opportunities to explore, and
Victor has been instrumental in guiding me through those discussions and decisions. However, where we stand today is with tokenized DNS names, which I believe is our primary and perhaps only product at the moment.
Victor Zhou (Namefi Founder & CEO)
Recognizing the difference between a DNS name (a traditional name) is crucial. Yes, and then you were among the first to gain access to it. I had a private preview while it was still in its early stages, and it was quite rough back then.
William Entriken
Alright, so for domain names, there's a lot of functionality available. Domain names are actually quite crucial. I believe this is becoming increasingly evident. You may notice it when setting up email accounts or logging into various platforms. For instance, there's a significant change happening currently: starting this month, you won't be able to send emails to Gmail unless you update your DNS settings and add specific email records related to cryptography.
If you weren't aware of this, don't end this call just yet, but after we're done, make sure to update your DNS settings promptly. Furthermore, if you intend to use Google Webmaster Tools or engage in other activities, you'll need to configure DNS keys accordingly.
I believe DNS is invaluable. It offers decent pricing per month, making it one of the few things on the internet that doesn't cost $10 monthly. Obtaining a DNS name costs less than that, and the possibilities it offers are extensive. It's evolving into a cool asset, whether for personal use or for your project, and it's increasingly necessary for connecting various elements.
I also think we can take these records even further. In my opinion, every domain name should have a digital cryptographic identity. You could utilize a public-private key, such as an Ethereum key, or explore other methods, but the idea is to link your cryptographic identity to your domain name.
This is something I actively support for commerce and for digital assets. The potential applications are vast.
Okay, so DNS names are increasingly important, particularly concerning products and identity. This is a positive trend. But should we tokenize it?
Well, some people are invested in this concept, while others aren't quite yet. Personally, I don't believe Namefi signifies the end of DNS as we know it. There are other developments that could potentially lead to such an outcome when tokenized. However, what I do see with Namefi is that it's unlocking new possibilities.
I consider it to be the new DNS for numerous applications.
To illustrate, consider another project working on tokenizing stock trades using blockchain technology for equities in major exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ. As you may know, US equities are transitioning from a two-day settlement period to a one-day settlement period, known as T+2 to T+1. This change is significant, with trillions of dollars at stake. Essentially, it alters the way transactions are processed, making them faster. However, transitioning to T+0 would have even more profound effects.
Achieving this requires new systems, and tokens offer a potential solution. Tokenizing, whether through blockchain technology or other means, could revolutionize the trading process, moving away from centralized databases to decentralized ones. It's a transformative step that will inevitably impact the liquidity of US equities.
Now, let's address those who aren't interested in tokenizing or the speed enhancements it offers.
Let's focus on the new features that Namefi could potentially introduce, whether now or in the future.
For instance, consider a scenario where ownership of a project is unclear, as often seen on platforms like Github. Projects can become dormant, forks become the primary version, and accessing the original repository becomes challenging. This issue is common and can lead to prolonged delays.
Namefi could offer a solution by providing a platform where domain names associated with projects can be managed. Whether it's renting the domain temporarily, placing it in a trust, or employing other strategies, Namefi offers flexibility in handling domain names.
As DNS evolves to become not only a brand but also an identity where cryptographic keys are recorded, Namefi could play a crucial role in managing sensitive information.
Victor Zhou
Alternatively, you could set up a trust with a group of lawyers or law firms and pay them, let's say, 200k to 400k a year. Then you would need to email them, send them letters, and wait for responses every 15 to 45 days. In contrast, as William suggests, you can handle it digitally with Namefi. You can send them direct messages (DMs) and potentially resolve the matter within a couple of hours.
William Entriken
Yeah, trusts in general, anything that involves a trust can typically benefit from establishing the rules upfront.
Typically, when we mention the term "trust" in a legal context, it's because there's a third party involved, and there's a concern about who holds authority. Often, there's a lot of written documentation involved, but it doesn't become significant until there's a lawsuit or a problem arises, costing a significant amount of money and leaving room for interpretation.
Blockchains or digital systems, not necessarily limited to blockchain or Ethereum, address this issue. I want to emphasize systems based on clear rules that can be executed against specific inputs, such as smart contracts. These systems do a commendable job in this regard.
In many cases, trusts are long-term arrangements, especially those involving inheritance or end-of-life planning. Warren Buffett's Trust, for instance, includes relatively simple rules, like allowing money to be withdrawn unless the government imposes new taxes, in which case the funds must remain in the trust until the tax issue is resolved. Besides such complex trusts, many other rules are relatively straightforward and can be easily enforced if written in clear language.
Namefi, for instance, allows you to compose such rules. However, it's essential to note that Namefi doesn't provide legal trust-setting technology or establish rules for you; it simply allows you to compose them, akin to NFTs.
As I mentioned earlier, NFTs may not yet be fully prepared for widespread adoption, as evidenced by the use of Telegram robots for transactions.
If that's the best solution we currently have, we're still in the early stages.
However, there are undoubtedly better tools on the horizon, such as multisig wallets or other mechanisms that function similarly to trusts but are more efficient and reliable.
Public Q&A
Namefi N.B.: Twitter's recording doesn't quite capture the public question accurately, so a simulation of the public question is created using GPT.
Crypto Reporter
I think those are some pretty interesting use cases. And I'm not 100% familiar with trust, but I'm going to be looking into Warren Buffett Trust pretty soon. So thank you for that. And yeah, I did also wanna just open it up to the crowd for Q&As real quickly.
Q1: What advice would you give to newcomers entering the blockchain space regarding project development and network effects?
W.E.: The initial step is to refrain. In this space, which encompasses blockchain-related projects with strong network effects, it's crucial not to pursue your idea immediately. Instead, take the time to investigate if someone else has already conceptualized a similar vision. Consider either joining forces with them or gaining insights from their work beforehand.
Q2: What are some common characteristics of the decks you've encountered in your experience with blockchain projects, particularly regarding their approach to marketing and pitching their products?
W.E.: It's quite amusing. I've come across countless decks, infinite in number, for blockchain projects. These decks often proclaim, "I've got the product. It's the solution. It's the future. It resolves every developer's problem." The narrative goes that once developers see it, they'll eagerly embrace it, utilizing it for their blockchain projects and gladly paying a monthly fee.
My response is usually, "Fantastic! Are you developing it right now?" They enthusiastically reply, "Yes!" Then I inquired, "So, if developers are willing to pay for it, are you planning to use an existing solution or create your own?" Their response? "Well, I want to build my own so I can secure funding." And there lies the crux of the matter - relying on ourselves.
Q3: What advice would you give to someone who believes they have an original idea for a project, particularly in the context of joining forces with others?
W.E.: I could tell you, I haven't encountered Namefi before, and I would have offered this advice as well: Consider halting your current endeavors and collaborating. This is a genuinely original concept, one I haven't come across before. It's distinct from ENS or similar platforms. However, my initial recommendation is to avoid assuming you have an original idea. Don't anticipate developers paying for your product. These assumptions are the least favorable starting points for a project.
Crypto Reporter
Yeah, I believe everyone dreams of being a founder at some point and raising funds for innovative ideas like the "Uber for dogs" or similar concepts. However, it's essential to assess two key factors: firstly, is it feasible? And secondly, has someone already pursued the same idea? You're spot on with that perspective.
William Entriken
Well, there's nothing wrong with repetition; you can adopt someone else's idea. For instance, you could create another L1 blockchain—there are plenty of them out there. However, it's crucial to clearly articulate why you're not opting for the existing one. Frankly, I don't see enough programming in this space. If you aspire to be the "Uber for dogs" or the "CRI," consider finding an existing solution and creating a landing page for it within a day. If you can't even do that, how do you expect to start from scratch?
Crypto Reporter
Spot on. Well, here, Victor, do you have any questions or anything specific you'd like to ask William? It seems like nobody in the crowd is stepping up to speak, but let's not miss this opportunity. After all, William played a pivotal role in shaping this space. So, if anyone has any questions, now's your chance. Feel free to reach out.
Victor
William and I, our friendship goes back several years. We've known each other for quite some time, and we often have discussions behind the scenes as well. I really want to give him credit for creating the standard of an ERC721. If you've been following developments in the space and have bought anything related to NFTs, there's some kind of credit that you have to give to William for this behind-the-scenes story that isn't often told.
When William started out trying to standardize ERC721, there were actually five competing proposals.
Not one, not two, not three, but five.
He was able to bring people to the table, talk to them, understand where they were coming from, what they were proposing, and the benefits of each proposal individually. He convinced them to join forces with the proposal he was working on. He did this by staying neutral on many issues, giving credit to others, and working extremely hard. He ran meetings every week for multiple months, a marathon of unpaid effort, just to achieve that. His dedication, capability of bringing people together to form technical and social consensus, enabled the NFT rush, including events like NFT NYC and many other NFT communities.
Of course, he's usually very humble and says, "It's not just me, it's not a one-person project." Yeah, it's not a one-person project, but largely thanks to him. Thanks to his efforts and the group he led, we were able to leverage NFTs, and Namefi is one of those thousand projects that leverage NFTs, right? We're not trying to reinvent the wheel, as William says, but rather join forces. We're not trying to reinvent NFT standards; we build on top of them. We're not trying to reinvent ENS; we build on top of it. That's exactly the kind of mindset we have. So thank you, William. Thank you.
Q4: Hey, what's going on? So I met William at NYC NFT, a great individual. Over a year, I started learning how to actually get into solidity. I found my passion now just with coding, and I'm just looking for communities where I can learn smart contracts themselves and just get some direction. I know you guys have the skill. I'm young, and I just want to know if there's a direction I can take. I'm currently learning solidity from a group called Siphon, and I just want to know if there are any directions or communities that you guys have that can help me with this. I do want to develop an app myself. I am in the finance world, but I'm just looking for some guidance, especially for somebody young who's learning smart contracts and solidity itself.
William Entriken
Yeah, I got you. So thanks, and it's good to catch up. If you open Remix on your computer, remix.ethereum.org, there's actually a start page that nobody ever reads. I met the guy who wrote that page, and he said people should read it. And I agree. You should read that page. So the front page on Remix has a lot of great tutorials. They're coded in there, deep, and templated. You click on it, and it works. You're always starting from something that works, and then you can mess with it. So that's the first thing. You always want to have progress now and then mess it up a little bit and fix it a little bit. Otherwise, you're going to feel like, "What am I doing? Am I halfway there? Am I not even close?" Nobody likes that feeling. So start with Remix and then get something that works now, and then mess with it.
Now, in terms of technology-wise, the next step is actually to read the Solidity documentation. This is really good. I helped write some of this stuff, and you want to actually read that stuff. It's meant to be read from top to bottom. So that's the tech side.
Now, on the inspiration side, if you're really making a product and trying to figure out how to hit the road running, then you want to take your idea privately or publicly and just test it. So you want to know, has this been done before? Can I study something else? Is this ridiculous? If you have any questions about that direction and you don't want to just try first, you actually want to talk through it.
Call here. I have a weekly call, and it's on Spotify. You can jump into that and ask very specific questions. You can share your screen or anything. I'm here, been in the NFT since the beginning, and I still answer any questions from anybody. So, you know, I want this to be successful.
Now, there are some workshops too. I don't have any workshops on the calendar yet. Workshops are great too. If you can get to one, Namefi was just represented in Denver recently, good workshops there. Don't be shy about that. So if you can get there in person, I'll be in New York in a couple of weeks. Hit me up. I'll be at the same event. I'm not sure I'm going to be there the whole time, but hit me up, and you know, let's have coffee, bring your laptop, and don't be shy. Because I was getting started in this space in 2017.
And within a couple of months, people were in the newspaper saying he's a veteran of NFTS. So if you feel like you're a beginner, well, you're just three months away from being a veteran.
*The Q&A session was refined using GPT-3. The polished text may have diverged slightly from the exact speech of the recording, but we try to keep the meaning unchanged.
More about William Entriken:
William hosts weekly calls under his Twitter/X: @fulldecent. Everyone is welcome to join every Tuesday.
Official website: https://phor.net/
Github: https://github.com/fulldecent
original Twitter space link: https://x.com/namefi_io/status/1766214352929964236?s=20