Read on Twitter
1/ On this note, I’d like to highlight “reactive decentralization systems” (RDS) - systems that allow checks and balances. RDS can help us reach the mainstream quicker.
“Proactive decentralization systems” (PDS) are the familiar model throughout crypto/web3. https://twitter.com/j_schwartzz/status/1353674483685601280
“Proactive decentralization systems” (PDS) are the familiar model throughout crypto/web3. https://twitter.com/j_schwartzz/status/1353674483685601280
2/ Self-custodied crypto wallets or e2e encrypted messengers are PDS - users retain control the entire time.
RDS users can retain control when they choose, usually after suspected misbehavior. We’ve seen less of these well-executed in the wild, so finding examples is hard.
RDS users can retain control when they choose, usually after suspected misbehavior. We’ve seen less of these well-executed in the wild, so finding examples is hard.
3/ A system that decouples apps from data, yet allows users to easily change service providers, is reactive. When marginal switching costs go to 0, data monopolies disappear. This natively hedges against the advertising model, which has proven problematic.
4/ RDS can provide user experiences at parity with web2 tech while offering incentive mechanisms at parity with web3 tech. Self custodianship is a feature of PDS, but it also presents an unfamiliar friction to mainstream users. It makes onboarding and education harder.
5/ When deciding between RDS or PDS, considering the context is key.
Decentralization guards against specific types of risk. These risks, like the risk of being censored or the risk of data misuse, should also be measured on a spectrum and are not absolute across the board.
Decentralization guards against specific types of risk. These risks, like the risk of being censored or the risk of data misuse, should also be measured on a spectrum and are not absolute across the board.
6/ For example, folks might take a greater level of control over their financial assets than they do their Twitter password. Another example, folks in certain corrupt parts of the world may appreciate greater control than those in "less-corrupt" nations.
7/ Architectures can have defaults. An architecture can default to RDS but offer migrations to PDS or vice versa. Decentralization is like a buffet - pick and choose the qualities that are most important to your system at the start, and allow upgrades / migration paths over time.
8/ I suspect systems that enable users to do either/both and to seamlessly transition between the two will find the greatest network effects.
9/ I feel so privileged to have worked alongside and learned from folks at @textileio @ceramicnetwork @IPFS and @Filecoin who are accelerating the possibilities of making both PDS and RDS possible. I am highly optimistic about the road ahead of us.
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