#web3 articles | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

ranidspace · 1 year ago

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So, this is a scary headline so we're gonna read it closely.

TechCrunch managed to get an internal company memo that details a few "strategic corrections" for the myriad Mozilla products. Mozilla has a "mozilla.social" Mastodon instance that the memo says originally intended to "effectively shape the future of social media," but the company now says the social group will get a "much smaller team." Mozilla says it will also "reduce our investments" in Mozilla VPN, Firefox Relay, and something the memo calls "Online Footprint Scrubber" (that sounds like Mozilla Monitor?). It's also shutting down "Mozilla Hubs," which was a 3D virtual world it launched in 2018—that's right, there was also a metaverse project! The memo says that "demand has moved away from 3D virtual worlds" and that "this is impacting all industry players." The company is also cutting jobs at "MozProd," its infrastructure team.

This is specifically saying that they're just downsizing teams which are focused on things which are NOT the main firefox browser. quote "It now looks like Mozilla may refocus on Firefox once more". layoffs suck, yeah, but firefox doesnt seem to be affected. Mozilla's a small company and firefox is getting bigger, and it looks like this is just a move to shift focus away from the side projects

As for the AI thing, the AI company they bought about was simply one that used machine learning to detect fake product reviews. (what i would say is a good use of machine learning.). "Generative AI" is said thought, and that concerns me a bit, but there's one thing about Firefox that's makes me think it's gonna be fine:

no matter what it is, you can turn it off.

"Pocket" is the weird mozilla thing about saving news articles for later and it recommends you news. you can just turn that off. The home page has sponsored links. you can turn them off. nearly everything about firefox you can just turn it off and ignore forever. if it is some awful AI bullshit, an annoying feature, something whatever it is, you can turn it off. I think firefox would STILL be the best option even if it's worst case. for a private browser, the only other option really is Brave, which is LOADED with web3 and cryptocurrency features and we're at the same problem here, but you cant turn those off completely, you can only just ignore them.

Also it might not even be part of the browser itself, just rather a single website or an extra service that you'll forget exists and then like 2 months later you hear it shuts down. idk.

Let's wait until firefox makes an actual public statement about this shit before anything becuase we literally know nothing. it's likely they're already getting some awful feedback and this may not even make the light of day.

Mozilla is a non-profit organization. i highly doubt they're firing people to replace them with AI. but again. wait and see what they say publically because it's hard to tell

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mariacallous · 8 months ago

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AI slop is flowing onto every major platform where people post online—and Medium is no exception.

The 12-year-old publishing platform has undertaken a dizzying number of pivots over the years. It’s finally on a financial upswing, having turned a monthly profit for the first time this summer. Medium CEO Tony Stubblebine and other executives at the company have described the platform as “a home for human writing.” But there is evidence that robot bloggers are increasingly flocking to the platform, too.

Earlier this year, WIRED asked AI detection startup Pangram Labs to analyze Medium. It took a sampling of 274,466 recent posts over a six-week period and estimated that over 47 percent were likely AI-generated. “This is a couple orders of magnitude more than what I see on the rest of the internet,” says Pangram CEO Max Spero. (The company’s analysis of one day of global news sites this summer found 7 percent as likely AI-generated.)

The strain of slop on Medium tends toward the banal, especially compared with the dadaist flotsam clogging Facebook. Instead of Shrimp Jesus, one is more apt to see vacant dispatches about cryptocurrency. The tags with the most likely AI-generated content included “NFT”—out of 5,712 articles tagged with this phrase over the last several months, Pangram found that 4,492, or around 78 percent, came back as likely AI-generated—as well as “web3,” “ethereum,” “AI,” and, for whatever reason, “pets.”

WIRED asked a second AI detection startup, Originality AI, to run its own analysis. It examined a sampling of Medium posts from 2018 and compared it with a sampling from this year. In 2018, 3.4 percent were estimated as likely AI-generated. CEO Jon Gillham says that percentage corresponds to the company’s false-positive rate, as AI tools were not widely used at that point. For 2024, with a sampling of 473 articles published this year, it suspected that just over 40 percent were likely AI-generated. With no knowledge of each others’ analyses, both Originality and Pangram came to similar conclusions about the scope of AI content.

When contacted by WIRED for this article and notified of the results of the AI detection analyses, Stubblebine rejected the premise that Medium has an AI issue. “I am disputing the importance of the results and also the idea that these companies discovered anything,” he says.

Stubblebine does not deny that Medium has seen a major uptick in AI-generated articles. “We think, probably, AI-generated content that gets posted to Medium is probably up tenfold from the beginning of the year,” he says. He also adopts a generally adversarial approach to AI slop appearing on the platform: “We’re strongly against AI content.” But he objects to the use of AI detectors in assessing the scope of the issue, in part because he alleges they cannot differentiate between posts that are wholly AI-generated and posts in which AI is used more lightly. (“That’s not accurate,” Spero says; he claims Pangram can indeed differentiate between a ChatGPT post generated from a prompt and a post based on an AI outline but fleshed out with human writing.)

According to Stubblebine, Medium tested several AI detectors and decided they were not effective. (Stubblebine also accused Pangram Labs of attempting to extort him “by press” because Spero, Pangram’s CEO, sent an email detailing the results of the analysis WIRED had requested and then offered its services to Medium. “I just thought we could help them,” Spero says.)

AI detection tools are, indeed, flawed. They work by analyzing texts and making predictions and can produce false positives and false negatives. Caution using them to judge individual pieces of writing and artwork is warranted, especially with a new wave of tools available to trick them. Still, they have utility as barometers gauging changes in how much AI-generated content exists on certain platforms and websites, and they can help researchers, journalists, and the public to spot patterns.

“Since AI detectors are accurate but not perfect, it is impossible to say with certainty whether any single piece of content is AI-generated or not,” says Gillham. “However, they are great at seeing the trend of AI writing taking over platforms like Medium.”

Others have spotted this trend. “During my regular scans for new AI-generated news sites, I regularly come across AI-generated content on Medium on a weekly basis,” says McKenzie Sadeghi, an editor at online misinformation tracking company NewsGuard. “I've found that most of it is often about crypto, marketing, SEO.”

Stubblebine is adamant that these numbers do not accurately capture what Medium readers experience. “It doesn't matter,” he says. “Having access to the raw feed of what gets posted to Medium doesn't represent the actual activity of what gets recommended and viewed. The vast majority of detectable AI-generated stories in the raw feeds for these topics already have zero views. Zero views is the goal and we already have a system that accomplishes [that].” He believes Medium is effectively containing its AI slop with the combination of its general-purpose spam filtering system and its human moderation.

Many accounts that appear to post high volumes of AI-generated material do, indeed, appear to have puny or non-existent readerships. One account flagged by Pangram Labs as the author of likely AI-generated posts about crypto, for example, posted six times in one day, with no interactions on any of the posts, suggesting a negligible impact. Other flagged posts appear to have been recently pulled down; while some may have been voluntarily removed, others may have been removed by Medium days or weeks after publication. Sometimes, Medium deliberately delays removing spam, according to Stubblebine, if it has identified “spam rings” attempting to game the system.

Zero views was not the case across the board, though. WIRED found that other articles flagged as likely AI-generated by Pangram, Originality, and the AI detection company Reality Defender, had hundreds of “claps,” which are similar to “likes” on other platforms, suggesting at the very least a readership substantially higher than zero.

Stubblebine sees people as the cornerstone of Medium’s approach to quality control. “Medium basically runs on human curation now,” he says. He cites the 9,000 editors of Medium’s publications, as well as additional human evaluation for stories that can be “boosted” or more widely distributed. “I think you could, if you're being pedantic, say we're filtering out AI—but there's a goal above that, which is, we're just trying to filter out the stuff that's not very good.”

Medium has taken steps this year to curb the presence of robotic bloggers, updating its AI policy. Its stance is a notable contrast to other platforms, like LinkedIn and Facebook, that explicitly encourage people to use AI. Instead, Medium no longer allows AI writing to be paywalled in its Partner program, to receive wider human-curated distribution from its Boost program, or to promote affiliate links. Disclosed AI writing can get general distribution, but undisclosed AI writing is given only “network” distribution, which means it is meant to appear only on the feeds of people who follow the writer. Medium defines AI-generated writing as “writing where the majority of the content has been created by an AI-writing program with little or no edits, improvements, fact-checking, or changes.” Medium does not have any AI-specific enforcement tools for these new rules. “We've found that our existing curation system has the side effect of filtering out AI generated writing simply because AI generated writing is also bad writing,” says Stubblebine.

Some Medium writers and editors do applaud the platform’s approach to AI. Eric Pierce, who founded Medium’s largest pop culture publication Fanfare, says he doesn’t have to fend off many AI-generated submissions and that he believes that the human curators of Medium’s boost program help highlight the best of the platform’s human writing. “I can’t think of a single piece I’ve read on Medium in the past few months that even hinted at being AI-created,” he says. “Increasingly, Medium feels like a bastion of sanity amid an internet desperate to eat itself alive.”

However, other writers and editors believe they currently still see a plethora of AI-generated writing on the platform. Content marketing writer Marcus Musick, who edits several publications, wrote a post lamenting how what he suspects to be an AI-generated article went viral. (Reality Defender ran an analysis on the article in question and estimated it was 99 percent “likely manipulated.”) The story appears widely read, with over 13,500 “claps.”

In addition to spotting possible AI content as a reader, Musick also believes he encounters it frequently as an editor. He says he rejects around 80 percent of potential contributors a month because he suspects they’re using AI. He does not use AI detectors, which he calls “useless,” instead relying on his own judgment.

While the volume of likely AI-generated content on Medium is notable, the moderation challenges the platform faces—how to surface good work and keep junk banished—is one that has always plagued the greater web. The AI boom has simply super-charged the problem. While click farms have long been an issue, for example, AI has handed SEO-obsessed entrepreneurs a way to swiftly resurrect zombie media outlets by filling them with AI slop. There’s a whole subgenre of YouTube hustle culture entrepreneurs creating get-rich-quick tutorials encouraging others to create AI slop on platforms like Facebook, Amazon Kindle, and, yes, Medium. (Sample headline: “1-Click AI SEO Medium Empire 🤯.”)

“Medium is in the same place as the internet as a whole right now. Because AI content is so quick to generate that it is everywhere,” says plagiarism consultant Jonathan Bailey. “Spam filters, the human moderators, et cetera—those are probably the best tools they have.”

Stubblebine’s argument—that it doesn’t necessarily matter whether a platform contains a large amount of garbage, as long as it successfully amplifies good writing and limits the reach of said garbage—is perhaps more pragmatic than any attempt to wholly banish AI slop. His moderation strategy may very well be the most savvy approach.

It also suggests a future in which the Dead Internet theory comes to fruition. The theory, once the domain of extremely online conspiratorial thinkers, argues that the vast majority of the internet is devoid of real people and human-created posts, instead clogged with AI-generated slop and bots. As generative AI tools grow more commonplace, platforms that give up on trying to blot out bots will incubate an online world in which work created by humans becomes increasingly harder to find on platforms swamped by AI.

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onemillionfurries · 1 year ago

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not for nothing, but around 2021 the CEO of the studio behind palworld was tweeting about ai generated pokemon designs, and how he “can almost not tell the difference,” referencing that exact article, actually. I do not think every single design was ai generated or that any ai references were used from start to finish with no human touch, but the CEO is very openly interested in ai technology and its applications in game development! I don’t think its a stretch to guess it may have been used somewhere in the pipeline. and as someone who also messed around with fakemon generators when the tech was still a bit novel, some of the designs do have that ai stink to them, even from around that time.

yeah i chose that article specifically bc i knew that the CEO had referenced it in a tweet. I WANTED to get into it in the post, but it was also 9am and I hadn't gotten a wink of sheep that night (... bc i was up all night playing palworld WHOOPS--) (im writing this off a 2 hour nap so pls forgive me if it's incomprehensible)

I remember the whole "palworld used ai to gen its monsters" narrative literally started because someone qrt'd someone pointing out that CEO's tweet and extrapolated that because the CEO spoke positively on AI generated pokemon, then the game MUST have AI generated monster designs which... wasn't what the original tweet was saying at all. but unfortunately nuance and reason is like poison to twitter so the speculation spiraled from there. (not like tumblr is much better. but I at least have the space to explain myself here, however poorly that may be :P)

And like, the unfortunate thing is that nearly /every/ CEO is interested in AI. their whole job is to make money, not art. some are just louder about it than others. with the insane crunch that the pokemon developers go through, I wouldn't be surprised if AI is also used in those games somewhere in the pipeline, whether that's in the past or a future release.

Let's also not forget when the pokemon company international was interested in hiring simeone with knowledge in NFT/web3 technology. if we're automatically assuming that open interest in something means that it's implemented, or that it will be at some point, then we better get to boycotting pokemon now!

I wanna be clear that I'm not defending the use of AI art in game development. it may very well be that AI /was/ used somewhere in the Palworld pipeline. I just don't want people to be asserting something as true with little to no actual evidence. ever since I got "called out" by an ex-friend of mine for some heinous shit that i quite literally never did, I've been a lot more diligent in figuring out if something people are freaking out about on social media IS actually true, or if it was a mountain made out of a molehill, as it tends to be 99% of the time.

(btw I'm curious as to what pals you think have that AI stink to them? im generally trying to avoid spoilers for later game pals bc i wanna discover them on my own, but if you wanna send a list or something that I can look up when im further in the game I'd be interested.)

#lab notes #answered #anon ask #palworld #palworld discourse

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bnbbropool · 24 days ago

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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.

#coin #crypto #digital currency #finance #invest #investment #bnbbro #smartcontracts #decentralization #decentralizedfinance #decentralizedapps #decentralizedfuture #cryptocurrency #btc #cryptotrading #usdt

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mysterioustrooperservant · 26 days ago

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Exploring SpookySwap: The DeFi Hub of Fantom in 2025

As decentralized finance (DeFi) continues to expand across multiple chains, users are seeking platforms that offer efficiency, transparency, and seamless user experience. On the Fantom Opera blockchain, SpookySwap has consistently delivered on all three fronts — earning its place as one of the most respected and functional DEXs in the ecosystem.

This article explores how SpookySwap evolved into a comprehensive DeFi hub, what it offers users in 2025, and how you can take advantage of its features to navigate the multichain DeFi landscape.

What Is SpookySwap?

SpookySwap is a decentralized exchange (DEX) and automated market maker (AMM) built natively on the Fantom network. Since its launch in 2021, the platform has prioritized speed, low fees, and a simplified user interface, making it one of the most user-friendly DEXs in the space.

Unlike some DEXs that offer only token swaps, SpookySwap has grown into a multifunctional DeFi ecosystem that includes:

Token trading

Yield farming and staking

Cross-chain bridging

Governance through the $BOO token

You can review their technical documentation and open-source repositories via their official GitHub: 🔗 SpookySwap GitHub

Core Features of SpookySwap

1. Token Swaps

SpookySwap allows users to trade any Fantom-compatible token using its AMM protocol. All trades occur in decentralized liquidity pools, which offer competitive slippage and low gas fees.

2. Liquidity Pools and Yield Farming

By contributing tokens to liquidity pools, users receive LP tokens that can then be staked in SpookySwap Farms to earn $BOO, the platform’s governance and utility token.

3. Staking via xBOO

SpookySwap offers a single-sided staking solution. Users can stake $BOO to receive xBOO, which entitles them to a portion of trading fees generated on the platform.

4. Cross-Chain Swaps

The SpookySwap Bridge enables seamless movement of assets between Fantom and other networks like Ethereum, Arbitrum, BNB Chain, and Polygon — directly through the app interface.

Why SpookySwap Stands Out in 2025

Built on Fantom

Fantom's high-speed, scalable architecture allows SpookySwap to offer ultra-fast transactions and negligible gas fees — a major advantage over Ethereum-based DEXs.

Community-Led and Transparent

As a decentralized project, SpookySwap is governed by its community through $BOO token proposals and votes. It also maintains complete transparency via open-source smart contracts and community contributions.

Continuous Upgrades

SpookySwap has stayed relevant by consistently improving its UI/UX, upgrading its backend architecture, and supporting multichain integrations. These efforts have kept the platform at the forefront of DeFi innovation.

Getting Started with SpookySwap

Download a Web3 wallet (MetaMask or Rabby)

Add the Fantom network to your wallet

Transfer FTM tokens for gas and trading

Connect your wallet to SpookySwap

Swap tokens, provide liquidity, or stake — all in one interface

Learning Resources

To help users understand how decentralized exchanges work and how to safely use them, platforms like Binance Academy offer comprehensive guides. Learn more here: 📘 Binance Academy

SpookySwap FAQ

What is the $BOO token? $BOO is the native governance token of SpookySwap. It can be used for staking, farming rewards, and voting on proposals.

Is SpookySwap only on Fantom? While built on Fantom, SpookySwap supports multichain bridging, allowing users to move assets from Ethereum, Arbitrum, and other networks.

How do I earn rewards on SpookySwap? By providing liquidity and staking LP tokens in farms, or staking $BOO in the xBOO pool.

Is SpookySwap audited? Yes. SpookySwap’s smart contracts are open-source and have undergone audits. You can find more information on GitHub.

Final Thoughts

SpookySwap represents a mature, efficient, and community-driven DEX experience in 2025. Its position on the Fantom network gives it an edge in speed and cost, while its multichain features expand its relevance across DeFi ecosystems.

Whether you are a passive holder, active trader, or yield farmer, SpookySwap offers a comprehensive set of tools to help you grow your crypto portfolio — all within a secure and user-friendly environment.

#crypto #bitcoin #cryptocurrency #blockchain #ethereum

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amryttmedia · 1 month ago

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Blockchain Content Marketing: Using Guest Posts for Authority Building

Most blockchain projects struggle with one thing: trust.

New coins, DeFi tools, and crypto startups pop up daily. But users are skeptical. They’ve seen too many scams and short-lived projects. That’s where content marketing comes in. And guest posting? It’s one of the fastest ways to build real authority.

I’ve used guest posts to get backlinks, grow traffic, and earn trust from the crypto crowd. When done right, they do more than rank your site. They put your name in front of the right people, on sites they already trust.

In this article, I’ll show you how to use guest posting to boost your blockchain brand. You’ll learn how to find good sites, pitch the right way, and write content that builds authority. No fluff. Just real strategies I’ve used to get results.

Let’s break down how blockchain content marketing works—and how to make guest posts your edge.

What Is Blockchain Content Marketing?

Blockchain content marketing is simple. It’s just using useful content to explain your product and earn trust.

But here’s the twist, blockchain is complex. Most people don’t fully get how tokens, wallets, or smart contracts work. So, my job (and yours) is to break it all down in plain English.

When I market a blockchain project, I focus on three things:

Education – Explain how it works without jargon.

Trust – Prove it’s not a scam.

SEO – Get found when people search.

Content isn’t just blog posts. It’s also guest articles, press releases, how-to guides, and even Twitter threads. The goal? Build visibility and trust without paying for ads.

Also, blockchain content should solve problems. Not hype tokens. If someone reads your post and feels smarter after, you’ve already won.

In short, blockchain content marketing builds real authority, if you keep it clear, honest, and helpful.

Why Guest Posting Works for Blockchain Projects

Guest posting isn’t new. But in crypto, it hits harder.

Most people don’t trust a new blockchain site. They do trust sites like CoinDesk, CryptoSlate, or niche DeFi blogs. So when I write for those platforms, some of that trust rubs off on me.

Also, backlinks matter a lot. A guest post with a dofollow link from a respected crypto site can move your rankings fast. That’s pure SEO gold.

But it’s not just about search traffic. A guest post puts your name in front of the right readers. Crypto investors. Web3 developers. DAO members. Real people who might use your product.

When I want to build authority for a blockchain project, guest posting is always on my checklist. It’s one of the fastest ways to prove you’re legit, without spending a ton on ads or influencers.

It works because you're not just talking. You're showing up where it counts.

How to Find Crypto Guest Post Opportunities

Finding guest post spots in crypto takes work, but it’s not rocket science.

First, I use Google search operators. Try searches like:

crypto “write for us”

blockchain “guest post”

DeFi “submit a guest post”

These pull-up pages that accept guest articles. Simple and effective.

Next, I check tools like Ahrefs or BuzzSumo. I plug in competitor URLs to see where they’ve been mentioned or linked. If they’ve posted there, I probably can too.

I also hang out on Reddit, Telegram, and other crypto groups. That’s where I find smaller niche blogs. They may not be big, but the backlinks are real, and the audience is targeted.

Also, don’t skip LinkedIn. I’ve found editors and blog managers there just by searching “content manager” + “crypto.”

Bottom line? Don’t wait for invites. Go where the attention is, and ask for a shot. Most blogs are always looking for solid content.

What Makes a Solid Blockchain Guest Post?

Writing a guest post isn’t the same as writing for your own blog. You’re stepping into someone else’s space. That means your post has to hit their audience, not just your goals.

Here’s what I focus on when I write for crypto sites:

Keep it simple – No one wants a wall of code or deep math. Break complex ideas into plain talk.

Stick to one idea – Don’t try to explain your token, your roadmap, and your DAO in one post. Pick one topic and go deep.

Add value – Teach something. Solve a problem. Share a unique insight. No fluff.

Natural links only – I link back to my site in a way that fits the topic. No keyword stuffing or fake calls to action.

Also, I follow the blog’s rules. If they say 800 words max, I keep it at 800. Respect earns repeat invites.

Authority-Building Tips for Blockchain Guest Posts

Not all guest posts boost authority. Some just sit there. I’ve learned that what you write and where you write it make all the difference.

Here’s what I do to build real trust:

Aim high first – I go for well-known crypto blogs before smaller ones. One backlink from a top site beats ten from low-tier ones.

Use the author bio well – I don’t just say “Blockchain enthusiast.” I write something like: “I help DeFi startups grow through SEO and content.” Clear and credible.

Stay on-brand – My tone, message, and links match my site. That builds consistency. Readers should know what I stand for after reading just one post.

Post regularly – One guest post won’t cut it. I aim for at least one solid post a month on a respected blog.

Also, I never chase links alone. Authority comes from real value, so I focus on that first.

Guest Post Outreach for Blockchain Brands

Getting your post published starts with good outreach. And in crypto, editors get tons of bad pitches. So I keep mine short, clear, and personal.

Here’s how I do it:

Use their name – I never say “Hi there.” I find the editor’s name. LinkedIn, About pages, or even Twitter usually help.

Keep the pitch short – I write 4–5 lines max. I mention a post I liked on their site, what I want to write, and why it fits their readers.

Suggest real topics – I pitch 2–3 headline ideas. Each one should be specific and show I understand their audience.

Also, I never send spammy templates. I’ve seen those fail again and again. Instead, I treat every pitch like a real conversation.

If you’ve got the budget, there’s an easier way. You can use a cryptocurrency and blockchain guest post service. They already have connections and can get your content published faster. Just make sure they focus on quality blogs, not spam networks.

SEO Boost: Link Building with Guest Posts

Let’s get real—guest posts are powerful for one reason: backlinks. And in blockchain SEO, the right links can push your rankings fast.

Here’s how I use guest posts to build strong links:

Go for dofollow – These are the links that pass SEO value. If a site only gives nofollow, I usually skip it, unless the traffic or brand value is strong.

Use smart anchor text – I avoid keyword stuffing. Instead, I mix branded, partial match, and natural anchors like “this guide” or “our DeFi project.”

Link to deep pages – Most people link to their homepage. I link to product pages, blog guides, or landing pages that need ranking help.

Also, I don’t just look for traffic. I check the domain’s authority, link profile, and relevance. One strong backlink from a trusted crypto site beats five weak ones from general blogs.

Smart link building starts with smart guest posting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Guest posting can work fast—but only if you skip the usual mistakes. I’ve made a few of these early on. Here’s what to watch out for:

Posting on low-quality blogs – If the site looks shady or is packed with spammy content, I stay away. One bad backlink can do more harm than good.

Overusing keywords – I’ve seen people stuff “blockchain platform” into every other sentence. It reads badly and kills your chances of ranking.

Pushing your product too hard – A guest post isn’t a sales pitch. If it sounds like an ad, it won’t get published—or read.

Skipping real value – If the post doesn’t teach or solve something, it won’t build trust. I always ask, “Does this help someone?”

Also, don’t rush it. I take time to research, write, and pitch the right way. Quality beats quantity every time.

Final Thoughts

Guest posting isn’t a one-time trick. It’s a long-term play—and it works best when you stay consistent.

I set a simple goal: one solid guest post every month. Over time, that adds up to strong backlinks, better rankings, and real trust in the crypto space.

Also, I don’t stop at publishing. I track results, traffic, keyword gains, and conversions. If one post sends solid leads or boosts SEO, I double down on that site.

I also repurpose the content. A good guest post can fuel LinkedIn posts, tweets, email newsletters, and even short YouTube scripts.

#seo #crypto #guest post

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undrgrnd-nft · 2 years ago

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Tezos Goes Big

I really didn’t want to write this, I swear. I have real work to do, podcasts to edit and my daughter is home sick; but, it’s like holding in a sneeze, when I have something to say it’s best to get it out.

This is not about the @tezos event at Art Basel Miami. It may be what is driving the conversation but this is not really about the displays in a lobby of a hotel.

This is the culmination of years of disrespect to a driving force of adoption and endemic of the crypto space (and society) at large.

Art rejuvenating dead space is not a novel concept. In fact, in Miami, there’s an entire area that could have been used as a template by all blockchains. It’s called Wynnewood, look it up and you’ll get the New York Times article I reference all the time.

What was once an industrial park became a hub for restaurants, music and entertainment: culture.

Why? Because some graffiti artists began painting on the cold gray walls of a concrete jungle.

Did those artists share any of the financial gain brought to the neighborhood? No, but think of the exposure!

Web3 was not built by nor built for creatives like us (yea, I’m putting myself in that group, shut up about it). It was built by boys and men that look, talk and act like me (white, male, presumable douchey based on appearance) but lack a moral and emotional foundation.

They use the right words, have picked up key phrases and platitudes, but at the core it’s not about the things many of us value. It’s not about art.

It’s not about a reorganization of institutions that were built to keep specific classes, races and sexes subservient.

It is not building a utopian-Marxist future where the moral and decent are rewarded financially for their collective effort.

Look at the state of streaming services: Netflix, Hulu, Paramount, Peacock, Max. What was once meant to disrupt the cable industry has now become Cable Networks 2.0.

The same is true in crypto. What started as a revolution has become a hype parade led by influencers masquerading as cultural relevance.

Remember the @TezosFoundation Permanent Collection drama? In a Twitter space shortly after things began to spiral downward, one of the leads made a comment on the criticisms, “if this is the response maybe we won’t do this again.”

We all knew it then.

But many of us came here to create something better. So we, many of them my friends, gave second chances, put a positive spin on it and took their opportunity when it was offered.

I was jealous.

Because I would have done the same.

UNDRGRND is just me: a stay at home dad, taking care of a toddler who disrupts the means of production constantly. I know how hard it is to put together something and share it with an audience.

But so does every artist I write about.

So when we watch people with large budgets, people who are able to make a living on crypto already, getting paid to present the work of others and the result is done with the level of care it takes to hang a Missing Cat poster on a telephone pole, it’s infuriating.

Many of the artists I’ve gotten to know over these past three years were creative directors in their web2 lives. Do you know what they could have done with a fraction the amount of money @tezos has in its war chest?

It’s disrespectful.

It always has been.

I’m going to push post on this in a few minutes and the anxiety is rising. I know others are going to criticize what I’m launching in the coming months.

I’m in a glass house throwing rocks.

The difference is I’m not deluded enough to think I have all the answers or have an ego like I’ve done anything yet.

I’m just a guy writing about the things I like while my four-year-old sleeps on me.

This was never about the display.

It was about the devaluation of creatives for years and the continuation of a broken social contract that promised an idealistic future.

So heed the lesson because we’re tired of this shit.

And I’m fucking coming…

- Founder of UNDRGRND, @NFTjoe

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mofeoluwa · 4 months ago

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How I Earn Over $1,500 Monthly from STON.fi—No Trading Required

Most people overlook the passive income potential of decentralized exchanges (DEXs). While trading is the first thing that comes to mind, STON.fi offers multiple ways to earn without the stress of market speculation.

Over the past few months, I’ve built a consistent income stream of over $1,500 per month just by leveraging STON.fi’s ecosystem. This isn’t about quick flips or risky trades—it’s about staking, farming, content creation, and referrals.

Let’s break it down.

1. Staking STON for Governance Rewards

STON.fi allows users to stake their $STON tokens and earn governance tokens like Arkenston and Gemston.

These governance tokens hold value and can be used within the ecosystem or converted into other assets. This creates a steady flow of rewards, making staking one of the easiest ways to earn passively on STON.fi.

For those holding $STON, staking is a no-brainer—it’s a simple way to grow holdings without additional effort.

2. Farming Pools—Maximizing Returns

Providing liquidity to STON/USDT V2 pools is another income stream that delivers consistent rewards.

Farming pools on STON.fi offer high-yield returns, and by supplying liquidity, users get rewarded in additional tokens. Managing impermanent loss is key here, but with the right approach, farming becomes a solid strategy for earning passive income.

It’s an efficient way to put assets to work instead of letting them sit idle.

3. Shelter 42—Earn from Knowledge & Referrals

Shelter 42 is an intellectual challenge program where participants earn rewards for correctly answering blockchain-related questions.

Beyond the quiz aspect, there’s a referral structure that provides additional earnings. Every referred participant brings extra benefits, making it a dual-income opportunity.

For those who enjoy competitive knowledge-based programs, Shelter 42 adds an engaging and profitable element to the STON.fi ecosystem.

4. Content Creation Contests—Web3 Earning Beyond Trading

STON.fi runs monthly content creation contests, rewarding users for producing high-quality content.

I submitted an article breaking down a farming strategy and ended up securing a top spot, earning $300 worth of STON tokens.

For anyone skilled in writing, video production, or design, this is an opportunity to earn directly from creative contributions.

5. The Stonbassador Program—Referral Earnings That Scale

STON.fi’s Stonbassador program is designed to reward community members who introduce new users to the platform.

By referring users who engage in trading, staking, or farming, Stonbassadors earn commission-based rewards.

Over time, this creates a passive income stream that grows as more people get involved. For those looking to build a long-term earning structure in Web3, this program stands out.

Why STON.fi Stands Out

STON.fi isn’t just another DEX—it’s the largest on the TON blockchain, with:

✔️ $5.2B+ total trading volume

✔️ 4M+ unique wallets (81% of all TON DEX users)

✔️ 25K+ daily active users

✔️ 700+ trading pairs with high liquidity

Beyond trading, STON.fi provides multiple revenue streams for users looking to earn in crypto without relying on market speculation.

Final Thoughts

Through staking, farming, content creation, and referrals, I’ve built a steady $1,500+ monthly income from STON.fi.

For those looking to maximize earnings in Web3 without active trading, these opportunities are worth exploring.

💡 Start leveraging STON.fi today and unlock new earning possibilities in the TON ecosystem

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sokowachi · 4 months ago

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How I Earn Over $1,500 Monthly from STON.fi Without Trading

Most people think decentralized exchanges (DEXs) are just for trading. But I’ve found a way to consistently earn over $1,500 every month from STON.fi—without actively trading.

This is not about buying low and selling high. It’s about staking, farming, content creation, and leveraging the right opportunities.

If you’re looking for stable, passive income in Web3, here’s how I do it:

1. Staking STON – The Foundation of My Earnings

STON.fi allows staking of its native token, $STON, which generates additional rewards in governance tokens like Arkenston and Gemston.

This isn’t just about earning APY. These governance tokens hold value and can be used within the ecosystem or sold for profit.

By staking $STON, I receive a steady flow of rewards every month. The more I stake, the higher my rewards.

2. Farming Pools – The Passive Income Boost

Liquidity providers (LPs) on STON.fi earn rewards by supplying assets to farming pools. One of the best opportunities has been the STON/USDT V2 pool, which offers competitive yields.

The concern with farming is usually impermanent loss, but with proper research and risk management, I’ve maintained consistent earnings from the pool.

It’s one of the easiest ways to generate income while supporting the liquidity of the DEX.

3. Shelter 42 – Earn from Knowledge and Referrals

Shelter 42 is one of the most underrated earning opportunities on STON.fi. Unlike staking or farming, this program rewards users for answering blockchain-related questions correctly.

In addition to quiz rewards, there’s a referral system that provides extra earnings. By referring others to the game, I receive additional incentives, making it a dual-income opportunity.

For anyone with blockchain knowledge (or willing to learn), Shelter 42 offers a simple way to earn in the ecosystem.

4. Content Creation Contests – Web3 Rewards Beyond Trading

STON.fi isn’t just for traders—it also rewards content creators through its monthly contests.

I participated in a content creation competition, where users submitted articles, videos, and infographics about STON.fi. By providing valuable insights, I secured a top position and won $300 worth of STON tokens.

This is a perfect opportunity for anyone skilled in writing, design, or video editing to monetize their creativity.

5. The Stonbassador Program – Referral Earnings

One of the easiest income streams I’ve built is through the Stonbassador program—STON.fi’s referral system.

By inviting users to explore the platform, I earn commissions on their trading and staking activities.

Over time, as more users engage with the DEX, my referral earnings continue to grow passively.

Why STON.fi Is the Best Platform for Web3 Earners

STON.fi is the leading DEX on the TON blockchain, with:

✔️ $5.2B+ in total trading volume

✔️ 4M+ unique wallets

✔️ 25K+ daily active users

✔️ 700+ trading pairs

Beyond trading, STON.fi offers multiple earning opportunities for users who want to stake, farm, create content, and refer others.

If you’re looking for ways to earn in crypto without relying on market speculation, STON.fi is a platform worth exploring.

Final Thoughts

Since leveraging STON.fi’s ecosystem, I’ve built a steady $1,500+ monthly income without needing to actively trade.

For anyone serious about earning in Web3, these opportunities are worth considering.

💡 If you found this useful, explore STON.fi and start earning today.

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autisticlio · 11 months ago

Note

Regarding the nft stuff with Laserhawk, can you clarify more on that?

Sure! It's worth noting some of these screenshots are not mine and are instead from a mutual in a server I'm in, but I'll go ahead and have them under a read more.

Here is what I mentioned regarding the contest. Earlier this year in the Discord server, in order to get various merch such as the art book and keychain, participants were required to spend their money. Anything that mentioned Sandbox = NFTs as they previously did a collab with the company for skins in that particular NFT game.

It's worth noting that there was also apparently an ID/call card generator that mentioned minting was involved. Multiple people did not know this and accidentally did that. However, any info regarding it I have only heard tidbits on. If you have further information, feel free to add onto this. I believe it's on the Eden Online site, but I would rather not risk messing with that and accidentally minting anything.

Here is more information on the game via crypto news articles, confirming the game the tweet was talking about is this. Even prior to this, various videos were made of a live event in May on the official Twitter. Here are the screenshots I took at the time. For those, multiple replies are hidden such as here. Note also the 'We want you!' in the banner in the back being the same as the one on the website.

Also, while technically unrelated to you question, a few people wanted to ask me what I meant by the game focusing on the Niji 6 and how that was confirmed. For that, it's because they are the very first thing you see alongside Rayman when promoting the Web3 game on the official website such as here. The video itself shows a PC booting up and a sprite of Red's helmet. There were also articles discussing it further, but have been struggling to find them. Again, feel free to add onto this if you have further info.

With all this said, please keep in mind my intentions are not to say 'If you like the series you're bad' or whatever. It is instead point out the various ways Ubisoft has attempted to trick it's fanbase into supporting a dead, environmentally bad market despite everyone I know being against it. It has gotten to the point where they are trying to bait both the series fans and Rayman fans into caring, whether that be through teasing a nonconfirmed Season 2 or nostalgia baiting. It is disrespectful at best and outright predatory at worst. I genuinely feel bad for those who enjoy the show. I want to spread awareness as someone whose favorite creators ended up also doing NFTs when it was a big thing.

#i talk #anon #captain laserhawk #for blacklist

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dijacrypt · 4 months ago

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Revolutionizing DeFi Development: How STON.fi API & SDK Simplify Token Swaps

The decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape is evolving rapidly, and developers are constantly seeking efficient ways to integrate token swap functionalities into their platforms. However, building seamless and optimized swap mechanisms from scratch can be complex, time-consuming, and risky.

This is where STON.fi API & SDK come into play. They provide developers with a ready-to-use, optimized solution that simplifies the process of enabling fast, secure, and cost-effective swaps.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at why developers need efficient swap solutions, how the STON.fi API & SDK work, and how they can be integrated into various DeFi applications.

Why Developers Need a Robust Swap Integration

One of the core functions of any DeFi application is token swapping—the ability to exchange one cryptocurrency for another instantly and at the best possible rate.

But integrating swaps manually is not a straightforward task. Developers face several challenges:

Complex Smart Contract Logic – Handling liquidity pools, slippage, and price calculations requires expertise and rigorous testing.

Security Vulnerabilities – Improperly coded swaps can expose user funds to attacks.

Performance Issues – Slow execution or high gas fees can frustrate users and hurt adoption.

A poorly integrated swap feature can turn users away from a DeFi application, affecting engagement and liquidity. That’s why an efficient, battle-tested API and SDK can make a significant difference.

STON.fi API & SDK: What Makes Them a Game-Changer?

STON.fi has built an optimized API and SDK designed to handle the complexities of token swaps while giving developers an easy-to-use toolkit. Here’s why they stand out:

1. Seamless Swap Execution

Instead of manually routing transactions through liquidity pools, the STON.fi API automates the process, ensuring users always get the best swap rates.

2. Developer-Friendly SDK

For those who prefer working with structured development tools, the STON.fi SDK comes with pre-built functions that remove the need for extensive custom coding. Whether you’re integrating swaps into a mobile wallet, trading platform, or decentralized app, the SDK simplifies the process.

3. High-Speed Performance & Low Costs

STON.fi’s infrastructure is optimized for fast transaction execution, reducing delays and minimizing slippage. Users benefit from lower costs, while developers get a plug-and-play solution that ensures a smooth experience.

4. Secure & Scalable

Security is a major concern in DeFi, and STON.fi’s API is built with strong security measures, protecting transactions from vulnerabilities and ensuring reliability even under heavy traffic.

Practical Use Cases for Developers

1. Building Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)

STON.fi API enables developers to integrate swap functionalities directly into their DEX platforms without having to build custom liquidity management solutions.

2. Enhancing Web3 Wallets

Crypto wallets can integrate STON.fi’s swap functionality, allowing users to exchange tokens without leaving the wallet interface.

3. Automating Trading Strategies

The API can be used to build automated trading bots that execute swaps based on real-time market conditions, improving efficiency for traders.

4. Scaling DeFi Platforms

For DeFi applications handling high transaction volumes, STON.fi API ensures fast and cost-effective execution, improving user retention.

Why Developers Should Consider STON.fi API & SDK

For developers aiming to create efficient, user-friendly, and scalable DeFi applications, STON.fi offers a robust solution that eliminates the complexities of manual integrations.

Saves Development Time – Reduces the need for custom swap coding.

Improves Security – Pre-tested smart contracts minimize vulnerabilities.

Enhances User Experience – Faster swaps create a smoother, more reliable platform.

Optimizes Performance – Low latency and cost-efficient execution ensure better outcomes.

Whether you’re working on a new DeFi project or improving an existing platform, STON.fi’s API & SDK provide a solid foundation to enhance functionality and scalability.

By leveraging STON.fi’s tools, developers can focus on building innovative features, rather than getting caught up in the technical challenges of token swaps.

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bigvee1 · 6 months ago

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How STON.fi and Web3 Are Changing the Internet for You

If you’ve been hearing a lot about Web3, cryptocurrencies, and decentralized exchanges lately and felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone. These concepts might seem complicated, but in this article, I’m going to break them down in a way that makes sense for you. Let’s talk about how STON.fi, a decentralized exchange (DEX) on the TON blockchain, is playing a key role in shaping this new version of the internet. And no, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Stick with me!

What Is Web3, and Why Should You Care

Imagine you’re at a café, and you’re paying with your debit card. The café doesn’t just get your money; they also need to deal with your bank to confirm the payment. There are two middlemen involved before your transaction is complete.

Now, picture a world where you could pay the café directly, without needing a bank or any other middleman to be involved. That’s essentially what Web3 is offering. It’s the next generation of the internet, where you have more control over your data, money, and digital presence, and it’s powered by blockchain technology.

Unlike the current internet (Web2), where large companies control the platforms we use, Web3 is about giving control back to you. In Web3, there are no gatekeepers. You own your data and interactions, and you decide how your information is used. In a way, you’re like the owner of a house instead of a tenant. You make the decisions, not someone else.

The Blockchain: The Heart of Web3

To understand Web3, it’s essential to understand blockchain technology. Think of blockchain as a notebook where every transaction or event gets recorded. This notebook isn’t held by a single person or company; it’s shared with everyone in a community. The key is that once something is written in the notebook, it can’t be erased or changed by anyone.

Blockchain gives Web3 the security and transparency that make it different from the current internet. It eliminates the need for third parties—like banks or tech companies—because blockchain is designed to be transparent and trustworthy on its own. If you’ve ever trusted a stranger in a market because they were honest, you get the idea behind blockchain. It’s built to be transparent and to foster trust among everyone involved.

TON Blockchain: Fast and Scalable

If Web3 is like a new highway, TON (The Open Network) is the express lane. While many older blockchains can slow down when there’s a lot of traffic (or users), TON expands as needed, ensuring everything runs smoothly. You can think of it like a road that automatically adds new lanes when there are too many cars on the existing ones, preventing traffic jams.

TON’s scalability means that it’s built to handle a large number of transactions without slowing down. This makes it perfect for Web3, where speed and efficiency are key to creating a seamless user experience.

What Is STON.fi

So, you understand Web3 and the blockchain, but what does this all have to do with STON.fi? STON.fi is a decentralized exchange (DEX) that runs on the TON blockchain. If you’ve ever used a stockbroker or an online exchange to buy or sell something, you know that these platforms act as middlemen. But with STON.fi, there’s no middleman. You trade directly with other users, cutting out fees and delays.

Think of it as a farmers’ market: Instead of buying goods from a supermarket (which adds its own markup), you’re buying directly from the farmer. This direct transaction keeps things transparent, fair, and cheaper for everyone.

With STON.fi, you’re not relying on a single company or authority to handle your trades. Everything is done directly through the platform, making the process quicker, cheaper, and more secure.

Why Does This Matter to You

You might be wondering: why should I care about Web3 or decentralized exchanges like STON.fi? Here’s the thing: Web3 is all about ownership and control.

Right now, most of us live in a world where we’re “renting” our online lives. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and even your email provider own your data. They control what you see and what you don’t. When you send money or trade assets, they decide how things go.

But Web3 flips that model. It’s like owning your own home rather than renting it. You control your data, your assets, and your online interactions. It’s empowering. With STON.fi, you own your assets and can freely trade them with others, without needing a middleman taking a cut.

The Benefits of STON.fi

STON.fi brings several key benefits to the table, especially for those looking to participate in the Web3 revolution:

1. Decentralized Control: No single company controls your trades. You interact directly with other users, and your transactions are recorded transparently on the blockchain.

2. Lower Fees: Since there’s no middleman, there are fewer fees. This makes trading and investing much more affordable.

3. Transparency and Security: Every transaction is visible on the blockchain, so you can see exactly how your assets are being moved. Blockchain also ensures that your funds are secure.

4. Passive Income: By participating in liquidity pools, you can earn rewards while helping to keep the platform running smoothly.

In many ways, STON.fi represents the true spirit of Web3: freedom, control, and transparency.

The Bigger Picture: The Future of Web3 and You

It’s easy to think that Web3 is just for tech experts or crypto enthusiasts, but that’s not the case. The decentralized web is for everyone. Whether you’re trading digital assets, creating content, or simply interacting with new online services, Web3 gives you a chance to participate in something bigger—a more open and equitable internet.

The combination of TON’s scalability and STON.fi’s decentralized exchange makes this new internet more accessible, more secure, and more efficient. This is just the beginning, and the possibilities are endless.

Wrapping Up: Why Web3 Should Matter to You

The world of Web3 is not just some distant future. It’s happening right now, and it’s already changing the way we interact with the internet. With STON.fi on the TON blockchain, you’re getting a front-row seat to a revolution in finance and digital ownership.

If you’ve ever wanted to take control of your digital life, Web3 is the way forward. And with platforms like STON.fi, you’re not just participating in this new world—you’re owning it.

The Web3 movement is all about you. Your data. Your assets. Your interactions. No more middlemen. No more restrictions. Welcome to the new internet, and welcome to a world where you are in control. It’s time to embrace the future.

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mariacallous · 1 year ago

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In his spare time, Tony Eastin likes to dabble in the stock market. One day last year, he Googled a pharmaceutical company that seemed like a promising investment. One of the first search results Google served up on its news tab was listed as coming from the Clayton County Register, a newspaper in northeastern Iowa. He clicked, and read. The story was garbled and devoid of useful information—and so were all the other finance-themed posts filling the site, which had absolutely nothing to do with northeastern Iowa. “I knew right away there was something off,” he says. There’s plenty of junk on the internet, but this struck Eastin as strange: Why would a small Midwestern paper churn out crappy blog posts about retail investing?

Eastin was primed to find online mysteries irresistible. After years in the US Air Force working on psychological warfare campaigns he had joined Meta, where he investigated nastiness ranging from child abuse to political influence operations. Now he was between jobs, and welcomed a new mission. So Eastin reached out to Sandeep Abraham, a friend and former Meta colleague who previously worked in Army intelligence and for the National Security Agency, and suggested they start digging.

What the pair uncovered provides a snapshot of how generative AI is enabling deceptive new online business models. Networks of websites crammed with AI-generated clickbait are being built by preying on the reputations of established media outlets and brands. These outlets prosper by confusing and misleading audiences and advertisers alike, “domain squatting” on URLs that once belonged to more reputable organizations. The scuzzy site Eastin was referred to no longer belonged to the newspaper whose name it still traded in the name of.

Although Eastin and Abraham suspect that the network which the Register’s old site is now part of was created with straightforward moneymaking goals, they fear that more malicious actors could use the same sort of tactics to push misinformation and propaganda into search results. “This is massively threatening,” Abraham says. “We want to raise some alarm bells.” To that end, the pair have released a report on their findings and plan to release more as they dig deeper into the world of AI clickbait, hoping their spare-time efforts can help draw awareness to the issue from the public or from lawmakers.

Faked News

The Clayton County Register was founded in 1926 and covered the small town of Ekader, Iowa, and wider Clayton County, which nestle against the Mississippi River in the state’s northeast corner. “It was a popular paper,” says former coeditor Bryce Durbin, who describes himself as “disgusted” by what’s now published at its former web address, claytoncountyregister.com. (The real Clayton County Register merged in 2020 with The North Iowa Times to become the Times-Register, which publishes at a different website. It’s not clear how the paper lost control of its web domain; the Times-Register did not return requests for comment.)

As Eastin discovered when trying to research his pharma stock, the site still brands itself as the Clayton County Register but no longer offers local news and is instead a financial news content mill. It publishes what appear to be AI-generated articles about the stock prices of public utility companies and Web3 startups, illustrated by images that are also apparently AI-generated.

“Not only are the articles we looked at generated by AI, but the images included in each article were all created using diffusion models,” says Ben Colman, CEO of deepfake detection startup Reality Defender, which ran an analysis on several articles at WIRED’s request. In addition to that confirmation, Abraham and Eastin noticed that some of the articles included text admitting their artificial origins. “It’s important to note that this information was auto-generated by Automated Insights,” some of the articles stated, name-dropping a company that offers language-generation technology.

When Eastin and Abraham examined the bylines on the Register’s former site they found evidence that they were not actual journalists—and probably not even real people. The duo’s report notes that many writers listed on the site shared names with well-known people from other fields and had unrealistically high output.

One Emmanuel Ellerbee, credited on recent posts about bitcoin and banking stocks, shares a name with a former professional football player. When Eastin and Abraham started their investigation in November 2023, the journalist database Muck Rack showed that he had bylined an eye-popping 14,882 separate news articles in his “career,” including 50 published the day they checked. By last week, the Muck Rack profile for Ellerbee showed that output has continued apace—he’s credited with publishing 30,845 articles. Muck Rack’s CEO Gregory Galant says the company “is developing more ways to help our users discern between human-written and AI-generated content." He points out that Ellerbee’s profile is not included in Muck Rack’s human-curated database of verified profiles.

The Register’s domain appears to have changed hands in August 2023, data from analytics service Similar Web shows, around the time it began to host its current financial news churn. Eastin and Abraham used the same tool to confirm that the site was attracting most of its readership through SEO, targeting search keywords about stock purchasing to lure clicks. Its most notable referrals from social media came from crypto news forums on Reddit where people swap investment tips.

The whole scheme appears aimed at winning ad revenue from the page views of people who unwittingly land on the site’s garbled content. The algorithmic posts are garnished with ads served by Google’s ad platform. Sometimes those ads appear to be themed on financial trading, in line with the content, but others are unrelated—WIRED saw an ad for the AARP. Using Google's ad network on AI-generated posts with fake bylines could fall foul of the company's publisher policies, which forbid content that “misrepresents, misstates, or conceals” information about the creator of content. Occasionally, sites received direct traffic from the CCR domain, suggesting its operators may have struck up other types of advertising deals, including a financial brokerage service and an online ad network.

Unknown Operator

Eastin and Abraham’s attempts to discover who now owns the Clayton County Register’s former domain were inconclusive—as were WIRED’s—but they have their suspicions. The pair found that records of its old security certificates linked the domain to a Linux server in Germany. Using the internet device search engine Shodan.io, they found that a Polish website that formerly advertised IT services appeared associated with the Clayton County Register and several other domains. All were hosted on the same German server and published strikingly similar, apparently AI-generated content. An email previously listed on the Polish site was no longer functional and WIRED’s LinkedIn messages to a man claiming to be its CEO got no reply.

One of the other sites within this wider network was Aboutxinjiang.com. When Eastin and Abraham began their investigation at the end of 2023 it was filled with generic, seemingly-AI-generated financial news posts, including several about the use of AI in investing. The Internet Archive showed that it had previously served a very different purpose. Originally, the site had been operated by a Chinese outfit called “the Propaganda Department of the Party Committee of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region,” and hosted information about universities in the country’s northwest. In 2014, though, it shuttered, and sat dormant until 2022, when its archives were replaced with Polish-language content, which was later replaced with apparently-automated clickbait in English. Since Eastin and Abraham first identified the site it has gone through another transformation. Early this month it began redirects to a page with information about Polish real estate.

Altogether, Eastin and Abraham pinpointed nine different websites linked to the Polish IT company that appeared to comprise an AI clickbait network. All the sites appeared to have been chosen because they had preestablished reputations with Google that could help win prominence in search rankings to draw clicks.

Google claims to have systems in place to address attempts to game search rankings by buying expired domains, and says that it considers using AI to create articles with the express purpose of ranking well to be spam. “The tactics described as used with these sites are largely in violation of Search’s spam policies,” says spokesperson Jennifer Kutz. Sites determined to have breached those policies can have their search ranking penalized, or be delisted by Google altogether.

Still, this type of network has become more prominent since the advent of generative AI tools. McKenzie Sadeghi, a researcher at online misinformation tracking company NewsGuard, says her team has seen an over 1,000 percent increase in AI-generated content farms within the past year.

WIRED recently reported on a separate network of AI-generated clickbait farms, run by Serbian DJ Nebojša Vujinović Vujo. While he was forthcoming about his motivations, Vujo did not provide granular details about how his network—which also includes former US-based local news outlets—operates. Eastin and Abraham’s work fills in some of the blanks about what this type of operation looks like, and how difficult it can be to identify who runs these moneymaking gambits. “For the most part, these are anonymously run,” Sadeghi says. “They use special services when they register domains to hide their identity.”

That’s something Abraham and Eastin want to change. They have hopes that their work might help regular people think critically about how the news they see is sourced, and that it may be instructive for lawmakers thinking about what kinds of guardrails might improve our information ecosystem. In addition to looking into the origins of the Clayton County Register’s strange transformation, the pair have been investigating additional instances of AI-generated content mills, and are already working on their next report. “I think it’s very important that we have a reality we all agree on, that we know who is behind what we’re reading,” Abraham says. “And we want to bring attention to the amount of work we’ve done just to get this much information.”

Other researchers agree. “This sort of work is of great interest to me, because it’s demystifying actual use cases of generative AI,” says Emerson Brooking, a resident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab. While there’s valid concern about how AI might be used as a tool to spread political misinformation, this network demonstrates how content mills are likely to focus on uncontroversial topics when their primary aim is generating traffic-based income. “This report feels like it is an accurate snapshot of how AI is actually changing our society so far—making everything a little bit more annoying.”

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