#automated payouts

[api-management]

Who Can Join a Company's Affiliate Program?

Affiliate programs are a popular way for companies to expand their reach and boost sales through partnerships. But who exactly can join these programs? Understanding the criteria can help potential affiliates determine if they qualify and how they can benefit from affiliate program payouts.

General Eligibility

In most cases, anyone with an online presence can join a company's affiliate program. This includes bloggers, influencers, content creators and website owners. Companies are often looking for affiliates who have a relevant audience and the ability to promote products or services effectively. The key is to align your content or platform with the company’s offerings. For instance, a fashion blog would be a good fit for a clothing brand’s affiliate program.

Requirements and Application Process

While many affiliate programs have broad eligibility, they may still have specific requirements. Companies might look for affiliates with a certain number of followers or traffic on their platforms. The application process usually involves filling out an online form where you provide details about your website or social media channels and how you plan to promote the company’s products.

Understanding These Programs

One important aspect of joining an affiliate program is understanding how affiliate programs payouts work. Affiliates earn commissions based on their performance, such as sales or leads generated through their referral links. Payout structures vary, with some programs offering fixed commissions and others providing tiered rates based on performance. Make sure to review the payout terms and conditions to understand how and when you will receive your earnings.

In conclusion, joining a company’s affiliate program is accessible to a wide range of individuals, provided they meet the specific criteria set by the company. By understanding the requirements and payout structures, potential affiliates can make informed decisions and optimize their earnings through affiliate programs payouts.

Read a similar article about paying international contractors here at this page.

[gremlingirlsmell]

streamelements: "sponsorship? Raid shadow legend? shovelware rts mobile game? gambling disguised as an open world game? PUBG Mobile? Hello Fresh (who will CHARGE you money if you do a little mistake)? Sponsorship Sponsorship?"

me: "when will Dr Pepper offer me a Sponsorship deal"

[marketplace-payouts]

What are Payout Processes?

In business, there are several different types of financial transactions, including payments for goods and services and refunds for products that a customer decides to return. These types of payment processes are fairly straightforward, but you may not have heard about payout processes.

A payout process is any process by which funds that have been accrued are paid out to the rightful owner of the funds. This is similar to a traditional paycheck in the sense that someone is being paid money that they are owed, but payout processes involve money that has already been received by the payer for work already done by the entity being paid. A paycheck is earned based on hours worked, and the payer is obligated to pay the worker for these hours regardless of whether funds have been received for the worker’s efforts.

How Do Payout Processes Work?

Payout processes usually work by bank transfer, but they can involve any type of channel that allows funds to get from one account to another. When a payout is initiated, the request is verified and sent to the payer’s bank.

Once it has been determined that funds are available to cover the request, these funds are then transferred to the payee’s account. Afterward, a receipt is usually generated showing the amount of the payout, the date and other relevant information that may be needed for financial record keeping.

How Are Payouts Made?

Payouts can be made manually, meaning the entity initiating the payout has to actually trigger the transfer of funds, but an automated payout processor may be used as well. An automated payout processor can send funds when an account has accrued a certain dollar amount or when a specific period of time has passed.

Whether a payer chooses to use manual processes or automated processes, another option is to allow the payee to request a payout. This option can also involve automation to alleviate the need for the payer to trigger the payout. Stipulations may still be placed for requesting a payout such as requiring that an account reach a certain dollar amount before a payout request is made.

Read a similar article about marketplace payout here at this page.

[gomzdrawfr]

just saw your patreon tax post, but what is bad about kofi membership? I got confuse after seeing comments arguining about which platform is better, and you also talked about kofi a bit...

I wish I can make a patreon but I got nothing but my writings, which barely get any attention

[context]

Okay I should've phrased it correctly, it's less about which platform is better than the other, but rather which platform is more suited for you. I know you're more on writing, but I'll offer a general view since I've used both sites + others has asked me about this. Disclaimer, these are all from my personal experience, it can be different to the rest.

What both of them can do:

Offer tier membership, you can offer free or paid and list down the benefits of joining your membership, you can also limit how many members you want.

Basic build in functions such as posting photo and poll.

Digital and physical benefits.

Analytics and tracking management.

Discord integration.

Financial payouts such as PayPal, Stripe or Cards.

Ko-fi membership

The Good

Generalized service for smaller scale projects, such as a tipping site and paywalled subscription service for fewer fees than patreon (ko-fi takes 5%).

Good for beginners because there are a lot of things that can be performed with a simple button, with comprehensive FAQ lists. Extremely straightforward with zero hastle.

Payment goes directly into your digital (PayPal/Stripe) or physical (card) wallet, no waiting for payout days.

The Bad

No NSFW content, if you try to go around this rule high chance to get penalized and your account goes bye bye. I've seen artists who offer nsfw art commissions in a hush hush way, but guess what? Ko-fi monitors your dms apparently, so if you sent nsfw related content through DMs or Posts, you're very likely going to get banned (happened to a friend).

There's no mobile app, might be a hastle if you want to post and handle things, every notification or changes you'll have to do it on web or desktop/laptop.

No direct video uploads, you'll have to use a link (a disadvantage if you're offering timelapse videos or podcasts)

For discord integration, it's finicky, half the time it doesn't work. This is due to pledger needing to connect their discord to their profile first before joining yours.

Sales tax are not automated. I may be incorrect here so better refer the FAQ, but from what I am understanding is that kofi doesn't automatically calculate, collect and remit sales/VAT/GST tax based on the buyer's location, content sold and local tax laws. You need to manually add them yourself. If you're charging $10, the buyer pays exactly $10, you receive <$10. If your country requires you to collect VAT or other sales tax, you're responsible for calculating how much should go to taxes, reporting and possibly remitting that amount manually or issuing any tax-compliant invoices if required. Uhhh so far I have not seen any cases regarding taxes, so I'm basing this off their FAQ page, posts online and youtube.

No group dms, so if you're someone who prefers to have more engagements with your supporters such as wanting to update things through chats, asking feedbacks, or simply just vibing with them, it might feel limited on Ko-fi. This is why most people have a separate discord group for better handling and posting in general.

Limited management. There are lesser details on post views, membership management, tracking payment or managing your posts. Every post you share in Ko-fi goes directly in your gallery which, in my opinion, kinda sucks because it's cluttery and messy. You will just have a tab of payment, like who joined, who has outstanding payment and who left.

Patreon

The Good

Bigger popularity and attention since it has been a thing for years. Also famously known as "pay so you can see art of dicks, tits and balls" site. Although throughout the years they've been trying to suppress NSFW posting for some reason (it is still allowed, just with some bullshit rules to deal with).

Mobile apps available, simple to use and comfortable to handle everything anywhere any time.

You can upload videos directly. You can also do polls, audio, link and livestreams.

Detailed analytics. Posts impressions/views, membership earnings, surveys (what your patreon members are joining your membership for), traffic (total visit of your patreon page and where they're coming from). This is especially useful when you have a massive following and want to have insights and control over your performance (or if you just wanna be nosy like me KAJSDKF).

Buttload of other functions that I myself have not learn much, such as automated promotions, discounts and product selling.

Built-in Discord integration. Uhm idk if Patreon works better than Ko-fi cuz when I transition to Patreon I didnt set up a discord group like before (I don't have the commitment to run and maintain them)

(Again as previously mentioned, fact check on their official page instead because I'm not sure about this) Sales tax automatically calculated and added. Patreon automatically adds VAT or applicable taxes on top of what supporter pays. If you're charging $5, a supporter from EU is charged $5.60, you get $5 in patreon and 0.60 goes to tax authorities, final money you're getting is <5$. They also handle tax collection, filling and remitting to country and provide tax reports for your records.

There are group dms (called Community tab). You can update processes and notify them directly there. It may not be as versatile as your regular communication apps like discord (eg, you can only send one image at a time to the group) but it's enough to keep some form of engagement. There is also Moderation hub to assign moderators or reported content stuff (I personally have not use this thing).

The Bad

Personally, starting patreon page was daunting to me cuz *points at FAQ and setup pages* THAT'S A LOT OF WORDS. It is not as straightforward as Ko-fi, so if you're struggling with management or suck at English like me, it can be terrifying to do the first few steps, it is a bit more advance. However, since Patreon is widely use you can ask people that has em and they'll be happy to help out, not to mention videos and tutorials out there that simplify the process. (Thank you Bressy and Shiba for helping out my initial phases)

The random ban for no reason, I've seen people who got their accounts banned when they created their patreon page, idk the full story as to why or how but, yeah it happens. Customer service varies between countries, some good some bad.

Higher charging fees, patreon takes 8% instead of 5%, if you're on premium plan then they'll take 12%. They are however, changing this and just charge 10% for ALL new blog that starts after August 4th. If you have a blog before August 4th, you'll be the 8% group still. Payment processing fees varies by region and method, typically is 2.9% + $0.40. These fees could add up quickly and offer losses over gain if you're running small tiers or have a large fan base. I also heard generated tax bookkeeping files are slightly confusing to count if you're not familiar with these business stuff.

Payout delays. Initial funs will take 5-10 days (or longer if you're unlucky) after the first pledge (like when you get a first patreon). They stay in patreon and you'll either set up automatic payout or manually withdraw them, compare to Ko-fi's instant withdrawals.

I don't know much about this but I think the Shops option differ to Ko-fi and I've heard people saying Patreon Shop setup is more finicky, so yeah that.

okay that's a lot of words so which one should I choose????

If you want simplicity, something on the side just to earn some extra income, with no thoughts about expanding it beyond a comfortable numbers of supporters (such as 10-12 members), then Ko-Fi is great. There are many memberships out there who offer benefits besides art! Such as writing, photography, editing, even algebra classes. It just really comes down to what you can offer with your skills and capabilities.

If you want to build a community, you want to continue expanding to a certain goal, you want more control over financial management, systems and tools, then Patreon is the way to go. This is especially preferred if you have content-driven mindset and if you have audiences to reach.

The reason why I am suggesting to make your patreon post now is obviously the tax increment stuff, but also if you already have that thought to have a page in the future. I understand the concern of "but i'm not ready" or "i ain't got stuff to offer", but you can always have a blank state with free memberships only. If you truly want to offer something, I believe a few passage of your current wip about your fics, or if you're an artist a simple doodle every month should probably keep your page afloat (and I mean you can ask your friends to join for free and do the engagement sillays like liking and commenting if you want extra security). Idk if patreon allows blank pages though so uhm, don't say I didn't warn you if something did happen lmao xD

I read other comments that talked abou 10% is not that high, which is fair since everyone has a different financial status and background. I'm not out here forcing anyone to start a patreon right away, I am just simply suggesting.

I wish I can make a patreon but I got nothing but my writings, which barely get any attention

I'm going to be very blunt about this and you might dislike what I am going to say, but if you have a goal you'll have to put in that effort to research, learn, experience the loss and failure, fall hard and step up again. I too, was once an account with 1 follower, and it's from Tumblr official page. My doodles were not the greatest, it's not rendered God-like, nor does it have any coherency. While I didn't think about starting memberships very early on, once I had that thought I started pushing myself to be better. Being a creative-based person online can be challenging, because if you want some financial gain from this, you'll have to put in the work to earn it. Studying what algorithm wants, what the audiences like, how other users alike are utilizing their skills to pull in the people. It's a long process that involves a lot of trial and errors, and it gets incredibly frustrating and tiring with a lot of burntout and giving up. Because you usually have to do something that you yourself may not like, but the vast majority do. You have 2 options with this kind of dilemma, stay true to yourself and do whatever you want, create and write what you want to be authentic, and find the real ones who would support you along the way, this one will be a longer road and lesser moments of "shit man, why the hell do i still write alien fucking if it throws me off." The other is okay, you figure out the people want, so time to improve and start working on that thing and slowly gain a steady amount of followers, and when you finally feel like it? start creating things you actually prefer. If they leave, they leave, if they stay, then they stay, you win some you lose some. I personally chose the second path, and yes I've lost a lot of people and support along the way, but I am happy with my progress. It took me about a year + before I launched ko-fi membership for 6 months, and then transition to Patreon now if you want a picture of my growth.

I don't think I'm there yet, even with my followings, even with patreon set up. There are many times where I still felt like what I do is inadequate and I'm ripping off their wallet with my creations and benefits. That is why I am still working my darn hardest to improve and to keep moving forward, but also to stop and reflect on my progress, to understand that these people are supporting me because they wanted to and they've been extremely kind and supportive along the way.

Well what I'm trying to say is, every foundation is hard to build, every beginning feels like torture, because it's foreign and it's tiring to even think about it, but if you want, or in other cases, need this growth and expansion, you'll have to endure it. Just like learning how to ride a bike, ya gonna fall and ya gonna bleed at times, but once you're comfortable with the handles, the rest of the ride will be easier, not smooth sailing, just easier! because there are still some bumpy road and blockage ahead, it's an ever learning curve.

Since I come from art concept, I cannot offer much advice with writings. The best way for me to improve is by looking up at what others are doing, so a good start is always connecting with others. Do you like an author's work? then read up about them like how you're putting that blorbo under a microscope and analyze the shit outta them. How do they post? What words do they use often? What prompts or premise is usually popular with their posts? What time do they post? How do they communicate with others? How do they communicate to you? How do they tag their post to reach 2k notes? How do they respond to questions about their memberships if they have one? What benefits are they offering in their pages? etc etc

idk maybe this all sounds way too much work to earn 10 pledgers in patreon, maybe all these are just way too elaborated but, at the end of the day it really depends what you want, how much are you willing to achieve the goal and how comfortable you are with these online content monthly producing responsibilities, stuff. Yeah.

Either way, I wish you all the best in your endeavors!

[lyndztanica]

the thrum of the machine sounds like a heart

The seconds creep like minutes, and the minutes like hours. Move, aim, fire, plod across this field until suddenly the entrance is there, a hair's breadth away. Until he’s standing outside of it, frozen in place. It’s the adrenaline, he thinks, grateful it’s detached him just enough from anger to be rational. Anger makes you stupid. He couldn’t afford that right now.

July doesn’t bother to ruminate – he just steadies his aim and fires, knocking another mech clinging to Baccara away.  

Shep was the adult in his life who taught him how to shoot. His grandpas taught him how to play games, how to look for tells and count cards. His father taught him it was a fool’s game to work for a company so large you didn’t have a face or a name to those who held your life in their hands. His uncles taught him to get the fuck out of dodge before he got too old to forget the previous lesson.

Shep had taught him how to aim because July at the time had been a snot-nosed kid barely out of his teens who was quick on his feet. But there would always be someone quicker, he advised. There almost always was.

So one early morning, when the arena was quiet before the evening’s lineup of Lancer fights, Shep set up a few targets, handed July his own handgun and got to work. 

Line Your Sight. 

Breathe. 

Fire.

Diamondback’s guns didn’t have a recoil he could feel – it was all automated, and when the Raleigh was fine-tuned the mechanized joints moved buttery smooth. Even as his fingers danced a nervous jitter on one button or another, inside all you’d generally feel was a little nudge, scarcely stronger than a shoulder tap. No real friction to it compared to a human body. 

When he won his first license in a card game it was Shep’s idea to join the bouts. Why not have some fun, he’d said, Crowds love a scrappy underdog story. July took to it – the betting payout was always bigger than counting cards. The thrum of the machinery, the cheers, having to study his opponent to outwit them.

Fuck, how old was he then? Twenty-three? Twenty-five? Nah, maybe not that old. Still, shit.

The situation is getting worse, not better. More targets appear, Feren shouts something about Halcyon panicking that sets off his worst suspicions but they’re too high up and she’s in rodeo. ERIS births a star on the field that’s set to go nova – and maybe it did when his view of the world became a black void empty of everything. 

No visuals, no outside sound. Just him, the glow of monitors and the duet of his own breathing with a recurrent beep warning him of heat levels. Did the Toku have one of these things? Or did JW just uninstall it. Either way they seem pointless in a Harrison, and in the Raleigh it’s drilling into his skull to take the place of everything. Minutes feel like hours, too long for him to sit with nothing. Nothing to line his sight, breathe, and fire at.

What are we doing? Trying not to die before we enter uncertain death, he thinks. He reaches for a cigarette he knows isn’t there; the pack sits empty in his pocket.

Before he can feel angry again the void recedes; he can see the newly made wasteland. Frames reduced to slag. The few who aren’t he helps eliminate until his weapons jam. More and more mechs crawl out of the woodwork and towards the hole in the wall. Nowhere left to go but inside.

Is this why he’s thinking on all this now? No light at the end of a tunnel, no life flashing before your eyes. Just ruminating on memories that come to mind, people who come to mind. Mercedes would make a good arena fighter, he thinks. Maybe Shep would pitch it to her when July was gone. Maybe he should have pitched it before now, in a time and place he’s pretty sure his slate doesn’t work correctly outside the immediate area.

None of his life lessons, from Shep or anyone else have prepped him for this. He wasn’t a man for metavaults, for the paracausal. There was already enough ‘-causal’ bullshit to deal with out there. That was still true. Nobody could have prepared him for this.

He didn’t know what to do when you gave too much of a shit the idea of being left behind chafes more than leaving. Of having to deliver bad news. Of surviving something alone, left to fend for himself. After all those insistences and overtures. Especially when they were the type to throw themselves into a fire. For what? A cause? A belief? A misplaced sense of duty? This wasn’t an adventure – if it was more people would respond to metavaults with excitement. At least his parents did it for something that made sense. At least they left him to fend for himself for something he could understand.

Instead he’s here. Outside a doorway to hell with a binary choice. Hang back and go it alone or throw himself after someone else. The seconds creep like hours. The thrum of the frame sounds like a heart against the metavault’s ribs.

[gamelott]

The Rise of Crypto Casinos: A New Era in Gambling

The gambling industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the centuries, evolving from rudimentary dice games in ancient civilizations to the glitzy casinos of Las Vegas. Today, the rise of the crypto casino represents a new chapter in this storied history, blending cutting-edge blockchain technology with the timeless thrill of wagering. Platforms like Jups.io are at the forefront of this revolution, offering players a secure, transparent, and decentralized gaming experience that traditional casinos struggle to match. This article explores how crypto casinos emerged, their technological foundations, and why they are reshaping the gambling landscape.

The origins of gambling trace back thousands of years, with evidence of dice games in Mesopotamia and betting on chariot races in ancient Rome. These early forms of gambling were social activities, often tied to cultural or religious events. Fast forward to the 17th century, when the first modern casinos appeared in Europe, formalizing gambling into structured venues. The 20th century saw the rise of Las Vegas and Atlantic City, where opulent casinos became synonymous with luxury and risk. However, these traditional setups had limitations—centralized operations, high fees, and concerns over fairness. Enter the crypto casino, a game-changer that leverages blockchain to address these issues.

Cryptocurrency, pioneered by Bitcoin in 2009, introduced a decentralized financial system that prioritized security and anonymity. By the mid-2010s, developers recognized the potential of integrating blockchain with online gambling, giving birth to the crypto casino model. Unlike traditional online casinos, which rely on centralized servers and fiat currencies, crypto casinos operate on blockchain networks, ensuring transparency through immutable ledgers. Jups.io exemplifies this model, offering games like slots, poker, and roulette, all powered by cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Players can verify the fairness of each game through provably fair algorithms, a feature that builds trust in an industry often plagued by skepticism.

The technological underpinnings of crypto casinos are what set them apart. Blockchain ensures that every transaction—whether a deposit, wager, or withdrawal—is recorded transparently, reducing the risk of fraud. Smart contracts, self-executing agreements coded on the blockchain, automate payouts and game outcomes, eliminating the need for intermediaries. This not only lowers operational costs but also allows platforms like Jups.io to offer competitive bonuses and lower house edges. Moreover, the use of cryptocurrencies enables near-instant transactions, a stark contrast to the delays often experienced with bank transfers in traditional online casinos.

The appeal of crypto casinos extends beyond technology. They cater to a global audience, unrestricted by geographic boundaries or banking regulations. Players from regions with strict gambling laws can participate anonymously, thanks to the pseudonymous nature of cryptocurrencies. Additionally, crypto casinos attract tech-savvy younger generations who value innovation and digital assets. The integration of decentralized finance (DeFi) principles, such as staking rewards or yield farming, into some platforms adds another layer of engagement, blurring the lines between gaming and investment.

However, the rise of crypto casinos is not without challenges. Regulatory uncertainty looms large, as governments grapple with how to oversee decentralized platforms. Volatility in cryptocurrency markets can also affect players’ bankrolls, though stablecoins like USDT are increasingly used to mitigate this risk. Despite these hurdles, the trajectory of crypto casinos points upward, driven by relentless innovation and growing adoption.

In conclusion, the crypto casino represents a bold fusion of gambling’s rich history with the transformative power of blockchain. Platforms like Jups.io are leading the charge, offering players an unparalleled blend of security, fairness, and excitement. As cryptocurrency continues to permeate mainstream finance, crypto casinos are poised to redefine the future of gambling, one block at a time.

[quackity1999]

What's on for today big guy

ughhh. 6am, revenue time. checking overnight casino profits; i've already noted an unusually high jackpot payout flagged at 4:37 am. sam's texted me three times about payroll errors.

i've got a call at like, 7:30 with the state gambling board, regarding an upcoming licensing renewal. probably gunna lie about “enhanced security protocols” that don’t exist yet. lol.

um. what else. oh! staff meeting at 9. staff misconduct reports, customer complaints, and new training schedules. aaaand yet another call with a radio station arranging an interview for tourism promotion. that's a win.

around 11, i think i'm gunna do a walk of the hotel, maybe check in with slot floor supervisors at the casino, go over revenue analytics; there's no meetings with investors today so i'll prooobably stop by and ask about fundy's tech proposal for streamlining casino security systems. i dunno. i'm intrigued by the automation benefits. he's got some level of intelligence when it comes to shit like that.

it'll be around 2:30 by then. unless fundy keeps me until 3, and i wanna escape that, so— off to chat with the toll gate personnel to review border entry logs and note down anything unauthorised or suspicious.

more boring shit like that (minus like, 2 visits out of LN) until 6pm, then it's cocktail hour with high rollers. bet your ass i'll feign interest in a businessman’s vacation photos while sipping an overpriced daiquiri that i don't have to pay for, watch some drunken tourists gamble for PR appearances, pretend to root for a blackjack player while texting laverna about cutting cocktail budgets.

by 11, i'll probably be back to the office to skim pending documents, consider canceling everything i have on the next day, lock the fuck up and tell security to switch shifts, aaand go to bed. nighty noos.

aaaand also deal with you fuckass pop-ups throughout the entire thing. big day. haha.

. . god, this sucks.

[rlyehtaxidermist]

honestly I think people underestimate how important it is to tell someone to go fuck themselves sometimes. one of my favourite examples is Eva Rowe

Rowe lost both of her parents in the 2005 Texas City refinery disaster. she received a boilerplate apology letter for the death of her father - the company apparently either unaware, or sufficiently automated as to not notice, that her mother had died in the same incident. Rowe was also offered a part in a settlement process which would give her a sizable payout in exchange for never being able to criticise the company in the media

she told them to go fuck themselves. she took BP to court, publicly proclaiming that she would not take any settlement that did not hold corporate leadership accountable. after her case got attention from the press, it proceeded to the point that her lawyers wanted to call BP's CEO as a witness - at which point the company caved to her demands. Eva Rowe's version of the settlement:

got considerably more money than she had already asked for (probably - the personal settlement terms are unknown)

got even more money to charities, including hospitals and research institutes working on industrial safety

and most importantly:

forced BP to publish seven fucking million pages of internal documents, including reports indicating that employees had repeatedly voiced concerns about safety at the plant and been ignored

As a result, BP as a corporation would receive the first criminal conviction for a chemical release under the Clean Air Act.

...unfortunately, they were only fined a trivial amount of money (for a company like BP) and continue to operate drilling and refining operations. and we all know how that turns out. but a small win is more than no win - so never underestimate telling someone to go fuck themself

[ofcrowsanddragons]

Posting a Veilguard/The Murderbot Diaries crossover snippet, for fun:

It was a Secunit’s job to protect the Company’s human clients. It was a human’s job, especially this human’s job, to try to get killed anyway. Even with my hacked governor module, which—if it had been working—would have kept me from going rogue and killing anybody nearby, I still found it easier to keep the stupid humans on my assignments alive. At least any any individual human would spend a few hours out of a cycle sleeping, during which they weren’t actively trying to die or kill somebody else. That freed up time that I could use to watch the new serials I’d been able to download since I got back from my last job on a backwater planet.

The contract was a survey mission, and it was a weird one. The first red flag, not that anyone had asked me, was that there was only one human on the mission. This was a stupid thing for a human to do, because everyone knows that you can’t count on Secunits from the Company to do anything except provide the barest standard of security as required by the contract. What if the client had a heart attack? I wasn’t technically required to get them into a Medunit, only protect the humans on the job from outside threats (and each other, when relevant). The fact that the client had also tried to opt out of a Secunit put me on edge.

Unfortunately, there’s a difference between letting a client be stupid and letting them lose all of the company’s gear, even if said client had opted for the lowest possible insurance payout. The Company always made sure that its Secunits could be grown cheap, but the gear for an entire expedition needed to be used more than once to “maximize revenue”. So I got sent along on this particular idiot’s suicide mission.

"You don't have to answer this," said Doctor de Riva, as they kicked their filthy feet up onto the dashboard of the automated shuttle that would drop us off on some mudball that probably had cheap options on mineral rights, "but how much of that is really because I’m obligated to bring you with me any time the hopper leaves the base, and therefore the Company gets to datamine my entire trip?"

Even stupid clients can be right. A human isn’t supposed to be able to get very far without the help of the hopper, a ground-to-air vehicle that can get most of the way around a habitable planet’s surface in an interminably long six to eight hours, on average. If I came along, the Company was supposed to be able to have full access to audit my visual feeds, and conveniently, the single idiot human who had funded the trip was less likely to die.

It was the company’s data for the taking, and I always gave them a nicely redacted version from my own feeds.

The cameras around the base started shorting out a lot, after that. The hopper remained where it was, except for short trips out of the camp, which wasn't enough for the client to be able to get anything out of them. I swore I could see the client watching me sometimes, out of the corner of their eye. Daring me to say something.

I say that because they had the same smirk on their face as the guest star in episode 338 of Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon.

[bnbbropool]

What is the Difference Between a Smart Contract and Blockchain?

In today's digital-first world, terms like blockchain and smart contract are often thrown around, especially in the context of cryptocurrency, decentralized finance (DeFi), and Web3. While these two concepts are closely related, they are not the same. If you’re confused about the difference between a smart contract and blockchain, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll break down both terms, explain how they relate, and highlight their unique roles in the world of digital technology.

1. Understanding the Basics: Blockchain vs Smart Contract

Before diving into the differences, let’s clarify what each term means.

A blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that stores data across a network of computers.

A smart contract is a self-executing program that runs on a blockchain and automatically enforces the terms of an agreement.

To put it simply, blockchain is the infrastructure, while smart contracts are applications that run on top of it.

2. What is a Blockchain?

A blockchain is a chain of blocks where each block contains data, a timestamp, and a cryptographic hash of the previous block. This structure makes the blockchain secure, transparent, and immutable.

The key features of blockchain include:

Decentralization – No single authority controls the network.

Transparency – Anyone can verify the data.

Security – Tampering with data is extremely difficult due to cryptographic encryption.

Consensus Mechanisms – Like Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (PoS), which ensure agreement on the state of the network.

Blockchains are foundational technologies behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many others.

3. What is a Smart Contract?

A smart contract is a piece of code stored on a blockchain that automatically executes when certain predetermined conditions are met. Think of it as a digital vending machine: once you input the right conditions (like inserting a coin), you get the output (like a soda).

Smart contracts are:

Self-executing – They run automatically when conditions are met.

Immutable – Once deployed, they cannot be changed.

Transparent – Code is visible on the blockchain.

Trustless – They remove the need for intermediaries or third parties.

Smart contracts are most commonly used on platforms like Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano.

4. How Smart Contracts Operate on a Blockchain

Smart contracts are deployed on a blockchain, usually via a transaction. Once uploaded, they become part of the blockchain and can't be changed. Users interact with these contracts by sending transactions that trigger specific functions within the code.

For example, in a decentralized exchange (DEX), a smart contract might govern the process of swapping one cryptocurrency for another. The logic of that exchange—calculations, fees, security checks—is all written in the contract's code.

5. Real-World Applications of Blockchain

Blockchains are not limited to cryptocurrencies. Their properties make them ideal for various industries:

Finance – Fast, secure transactions without banks.

Supply Chain – Track goods transparently from origin to destination.

Healthcare – Secure and share patient data without compromising privacy.

Voting Systems – Transparent and tamper-proof elections.

Any situation that requires trust, security, and transparency can potentially benefit from blockchain technology.

6. Real-World Applications of Smart Contracts

Smart contracts shine when you need to automate and enforce agreements. Some notable use cases include:

DeFi (Decentralized Finance) – Lending, borrowing, and trading without banks.

NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) – Automatically transferring ownership of digital art.

Gaming – In-game assets with real-world value.

Insurance – Auto-triggered payouts when conditions (like flight delays) are met.

Legal Agreements – Automatically executed contracts based on input conditions.

They’re essentially programmable agreements that remove the need for middlemen.

7. Do Smart Contracts Need Blockchain?

Yes. Smart contracts depend entirely on blockchain technology. Without a blockchain, there's no decentralized, secure, and immutable platform for the smart contract to run on. The blockchain guarantees trust, while the smart contract executes the logic.

8. Which Came First: Blockchain or Smart Contract?

Blockchain came first. The first blockchain, Bitcoin, was introduced in 2009 by the anonymous figure Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin’s blockchain didn’t support smart contracts in the way we know them today. It wasn’t until Ethereum launched in 2015 that smart contracts became programmable on a large scale.

Ethereum introduced the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), enabling developers to build decentralized applications using smart contracts written in Solidity.

9. Common Misconceptions

There are many misunderstandings around these technologies. Let’s clear a few up:

Misconception 1: Blockchain and smart contracts are the same.

Reality: They are separate components that work together.

Misconception 2: All blockchains support smart contracts.

Reality: Not all blockchains are smart contract-enabled. Bitcoin’s blockchain, for example, has limited scripting capabilities.

Misconception 3: Smart contracts are legally binding.

Reality: While they enforce logic, they may not hold legal standing in court unless specifically written to conform to legal standards.

10. Benefits of Using Blockchain and Smart Contracts Together

When used together, blockchain and smart contracts offer powerful advantages:

Security – Combined, they ensure secure automation of processes.

Efficiency – Remove delays caused by manual processing.

Cost Savings – Eliminate middlemen and reduce administrative overhead.

Trustless Interactions – Parties don't need to trust each other, only the code.

This combination is the backbone of decentralized applications (DApps) and the broader Web3 ecosystem.

11. Popular Platforms Supporting Smart Contracts

Several blockchain platforms support smart contracts, with varying degrees of complexity and performance:

Ethereum – The first and most widely used platform.

Solana – Known for speed and low fees.

Cardano – Emphasizes academic research and scalability.

Polkadot – Designed for interoperability.

Binance Smart Chain – Fast and cost-effective for DeFi apps.

Each platform has its own approach to security, scalability, and user experience.

12. The Future of Blockchain and Smart Contracts

The future looks incredibly promising. With the rise of AI, IoT, and 5G, the integration with blockchain and smart contracts could lead to fully automated systems that are transparent, efficient, and autonomous.

We may see:

Global trade systems are using smart contracts to automate customs and tariffs.

Self-driving cars using blockchain to negotiate road usage.

Smart cities are where infrastructure is governed by decentralized protocols.

These are not sci-fi ideas; they are already in development across various industries.

Conclusion: A Powerful Partnership

Understanding the difference between smart contracts and blockchain is essential in today's rapidly evolving digital world. While blockchain provides the secure, decentralized foundation, smart contracts bring it to life by enabling automation and trustless execution.

Think of blockchain as the stage, and smart contracts as the actors that perform on it. Separately, they're impressive. But together, they're revolutionary.

As technology continues to evolve, the synergy between blockchain and smart contracts will redefine industries, reshape economies, and unlock a new era of digital transformation.

[blorbocedes]

was at the printer shop to get some docs printed and was roughly short of a quarter and the shopkeeper said it's okay ! 🥹👍 thinking of how machine automated payout will murder you and kill you dead for being 1 cent short...... it robs you from community and the kindness of being a little short and it being waived creating lifelong loyalty

[commgroundstone]

...Waltz Well the Reaper-

ooc: prev threads with @luna-wing-cns274: [LOG//: 1/PLYBK#new_contract] [LOG//: 2/PLYBK#first_contact] [LOG//: 3/PLYBK#hazard_pay]

ooc2: disco elysium +1

====== The debrief is... a debrief. Half closure, frankly.

Acting Commissioner Marcello is clipped and grave as he stands in front of the audience. It does not hide a certain misery.

"N-C-P-S is in the process of investigation. We don't know everything yet, and the situation is still changing. This is a rough timeline, subject to change. Kelly 'Fantail' Circe was murdered over two weeks prior to your arrival. Your contract was issued by an unknown impersonator, at the request of Commissioner Ocelot. It remains in force, however we cannot provide any endorsements the imposter promised. Regular payout and combat bonuses will be issued."

The slide changes. It's a video analysis of the earlier gunfight Fantail showed from a different angle, compared with the recovered armor rig of one of the survivors.

"Earlier charges against Marshall Hall have been dropped and re-classed self defense against assault with malicious deceptive intent. Medical care to the survivors of the armed group, and investigating their background, is currently inconclusive."

The slide changes again.

"The N-C-P-S remains open to future working relationships with Luna Wing, however has no further requirements of your unit at this time. That will be all. Any questions?"

====== Ascension Orbital Hab One's officers pore over the body. It is... unpleasant. The living block has been evacuated and all occupants or passers-through sent to quarantine.

Circe's condition is poor. It's not a surprise, given her background as an ex-Union Navy Fusilier NCO. The welfare check team found two empty magazines, and a fighting knife, among other things.

They also discover signs of biopsy-based proso-harvesting, as well as the telltale signs of destructive memory theft.

A state-sponsored funeral, sealed casket. She will be buried with military honors.

-But From I, You Shan't Run.

====== Replacement engines. Replacement leg. This time there is respite to repaint her parts, and refit.

A small laser repeater next to her shoulder, akin to where it would be on a fighter jet. The snubnose barrel is behind a little door.

FINE-TUNED MACHINE — About fuckin time. PERCEPTION— Don't get too excited. It's just a snubbie repeater, and your sensors are still terrible.

Her endoskeleton needs to be removed and replaced, alongside a large amount of crash-armor and the civil-grade RADAR set in her chest. It... isn't pleasant to do it quickly without disconnecting her subjectivity sync-

TOLERANCE [Challenging: Success] — Pfft. The crash hurt more. FINE-TUNED MACHINE — And now we're so much better for it! Haven't felt this good in months!

This time, the performer takes a GMS free-print for a personal skiff, and leaves for the blinkgate herself. It is uneventful, and the spacecraft advance in good order as one by one they translate through to places unknown. When it is her turn and she submits the voucher from the Norrigo government, she almost expects it to be turned down-

But it's accepted, and she is waved through.

She will not reappear where she should. The error message is lost in a computer fault before it can even be sent.

=== 'Metal isn't supposed to feel pain! Ow! Fuck!' Hall finds herself laying on the floor, cabin blinking with a dozen warning lamps and the emergency lighting drenching it in a red haze. All of the external monitors have shut off, leaving blank screens and impossible indicator combinations on the console.

ENCYCLOPEDIA [Challenging: Failure] — It's hard to make heads or tails of any of this. These things are mostly automated, and these lights aren't supposed to come on without something catastrophic happening.

The aerialist picks herself up cautiously, feeling nothing broken or bruised. A ping of the skiff's C/C returns... no response, and it seems the skiff intranet is entirely gone.

She stares for a second at the displays, trying to will them into action by intensity of stare alone-

The whole hull shudders, and the distinct sound of something cutting at the outer hull plays through the small spacecraft.

Hall whirls around, staring at the source of the noise, just as the lights flick off.

=== END OF FILE+++INSERT NEW OR EXIT PLAYBACK ===

ooc: thats all for now folks! i hope this was kinda cool to read! uh. sorry if i like. got times wrong.

[fansloft]

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[sokowachi]

STON.fi: The Driving Force Behind TON’s DeFi Growth

The decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape is evolving rapidly, and STON.fi stands at the center of innovation on The Open Network (TON). From facilitating seamless asset swaps to powering institutional-grade integrations, STON.fi is doing more than just operating as a decentralized exchange (DEX)—it’s building the backbone of TON’s DeFi expansion.

With billions in trading volume, millions of active wallets, and consistent ecosystem growth, STON.fi’s impact extends far beyond trading. It’s fueling liquidity, driving cross-chain connectivity, and enabling developers to integrate DeFi into their applications effortlessly.

Let’s explore the major developments that are cementing STON.fi’s position as the core of TON’s DeFi ecosystem.

Cross-Chain Liquidity: Expanding the Boundaries of TON

One of the biggest challenges in DeFi has always been blockchain interoperability. STON.fi’s integration with Symbiosis is solving this by enabling seamless asset movement across different networks.

This integration has opened new possibilities:

✔️ Easier swaps between TON and other major blockchains like Ethereum and BNB Chain.

✔️ Increased liquidity flow into TON, making it a more attractive ecosystem for traders.

✔️ Reduced friction in asset transfers, making DeFi more accessible.

Now, users can engage in cross-chain swaps without unnecessary complexity, making the TON ecosystem more connected to the broader crypto landscape.

DeFi Meets Web3 Gaming: The Elympics Integration

The intersection of gaming and DeFi is becoming one of the most exciting areas in blockchain. STON.fi’s partnership with Elympics is a game-changer for the TON ecosystem, enabling direct DeFi functionality within blockchain games.

What does this mean?

✅ In-game assets can be instantly converted into tradable tokens.

✅ Gaming projects get direct access to STON.fi’s liquidity pools.

✅ A new era of play-to-earn gaming with real financial utility.

By removing the barriers between in-game economies and DeFi, this integration is setting a new standard for Web3 gaming.

Maximizing Yield: Leveraged Farming with Farmix

STON.fi isn’t just enabling swaps—it’s redefining yield farming on TON. The Farmix integration allows users to leverage their positions, significantly increasing farming rewards.

Supported liquidity pools include:

✔️ STON/USDt

✔️ PX/TON

✔️ STORM/TON

Users can now earn more with optimized farming strategies, making liquidity provision on STON.fi more lucrative than ever.

AI-Powered Trading Automation via Wisdomise

DeFi is becoming smarter, and STON.fi is ensuring that TON users stay ahead of the curve with AI-powered trading solutions. The integration with Wisdomise brings:

✔️ AI-driven market analysis for better trade execution.

✔️ Automated limit orders, leveraging STON.fi’s liquidity.

✔️ Smarter trading tools that optimize risk management.

This is making STON.fi a go-to platform for both passive and active traders in the TON ecosystem.

Revolutionizing Web3 Gaming Payments with TonTickets

Gaming on TON is evolving beyond simple play-to-earn models. The TonTickets integration with STON.fi introduces a new level of financial utility in gaming.

Key benefits include:

✔️ Instant conversion of gaming rewards into liquid assets.

✔️ On-chain raffles and tournaments with immediate payouts.

✔️ A growing Web3 gaming ecosystem backed by DeFi liquidity.

This is making STON.fi a crucial infrastructure for the next generation of blockchain games.

Institutional Adoption: A Breakthrough with Zodia Custody

For DeFi to achieve mass adoption, it needs institutional trust. STON.fi is bridging the gap by integrating with Zodia Custody, a regulated digital asset custodian backed by major financial institutions.

What does this integration unlock

✔️ STON is now supported by an institutional-grade custody service.

✔️ Institutional investors can now securely hold and manage TON-based assets.

✔️ TON’s DeFi ecosystem gains credibility in the eyes of traditional finance.

This move is attracting serious capital into TON DeFi, signaling long-term growth.

Simplified Asset Management with Tomo Wallet

Managing assets across multiple blockchains can be overwhelming, but STON.fi’s integration with Tomo Wallet makes it seamless.

With this update, users get:

✔️ Direct access to STON.fi swaps from Tomo Wallet.

✔️ A more efficient way to manage multi-chain portfolios.

✔️ Easier liquidity access for everyday DeFi transactions.

STON.fi is not just expanding its trading capabilities—it’s creating a full-fledged DeFi experience.

STON.fi SDK: The Power Behind Seamless Integrations

One of STON.fi’s biggest strengths is its developer-friendly approach. The STON.fi SDK has been instrumental in enabling all these integrations by providing a simple yet powerful toolset for projects.

With the SDK, developers can:

✔️ Embed STON.fi’s swap engine with minimal effort.

✔️ Enable seamless cross-chain interactions.

✔️ Offer DeFi functionalities without complex coding.

From AI-driven trading to gaming and institutional investments, the STON.fi SDK is the backbone of TON’s DeFi expansion.

Final Thoughts: STON.fi’s Role in Shaping TON’s DeFi Future

STON.fi has moved beyond being just another decentralized exchange. It’s now a core infrastructure piece powering DeFi, gaming, and institutional finance on TON.

With its cross-chain capabilities, strategic integrations, yield farming innovations, and institutional backing, STON.fi is proving that it’s here to stay.

For traders, developers, investors, and gamers, STON.fi is not just an option—it’s a fundamental pillar of the TON DeFi ecosystem.

[dijacrypt]

STON.fi x Wisdomise: A New Era of Smart DeFi Trading

The decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape is rapidly evolving, and staying ahead requires innovation, efficiency, and accessibility. STON.fi, the leading decentralized exchange (DEX) on The Open Network (TON), continues to push boundaries, and the latest integration with Wisdomise is another leap forward.

This partnership redefines how traders interact with DeFi, bringing automation, AI-powered insights, and seamless liquidity access into one powerful ecosystem.

Unlocking a Smarter Trading Experience

For many traders, the biggest challenge is timing the market. Buying too early or too late, failing to set stop losses, or missing key trends can significantly impact profits. The STON.fi x Wisdomise integration eliminates this burden, making trading smarter, automated, and more precise.

With this integration, traders now have access to:

AI-powered automation – No more manually monitoring the market 24/7. The system executes trades based on data-driven insights.

Multi-position strategies – Trade multiple assets at once, diversifying risk and maximizing opportunities.

Advanced risk management – Take Profit and Stop Loss features help protect capital while optimizing gains.

Direct access to STON.fi liquidity – Trade seamlessly within Wisdomise without additional complexities.

This means traders can now focus on strategy, while the AI handles execution, risk management, and market tracking.

Wisdomise Auto Trader Launch Tournament – $10,000 in Prizes!

To celebrate this game-changing integration, Wisdomise is hosting an Auto Trader Launch Tournament with a $10,000 prize pool.

Traders who use the platform and generate the highest trading volume will secure rewards, including USDt payouts and Wisdomise Pro+ subscriptions.

For those looking to test their trading strategies while earning extra rewards, this is a huge opportunity.

STON.fi’s Dominance in the TON Ecosystem

This integration is another milestone in STON.fi’s unmatched growth as the leading DEX on TON. The numbers tell the story:

$5+ billion in total trading volume—the highest of any DEX on TON.

4 million+ unique wallets, representing 81% of all DEX users in the TON ecosystem.

25,800+ daily active users, with 16,000+ making multiple transactions daily.

8,000+ new users joining the platform daily, marking record-breaking adoption.

700+ trading pairs actively transacted every day.

And beyond the daily activity:

$425,000,000 – Average monthly trading volume in 2024.

$370,000,000 – Peak total value locked (TVL).

50x-80x increase in both trading volume and TVL over the past year.

$5.2 billion+ total trading volume to date.

20 million+ total transactions processed.

These aren’t just numbers; they are proof of STON.fi’s leadership, reliability, and adoption within the DeFi space.

The Future of Trading Starts Now

The integration of STON.fi and Wisdomise represents a major step forward for traders who seek automation, efficiency, and deeper market access. The power of AI-driven trading combined with the deep liquidity of STON.fi creates a smarter, more profitable trading experience.

🔗 Start trading now with STON.fi on Wisdomise and unlock a new level of DeFi trading!