Narrative Unveils Blockchain-Powered Social Network

Narrative, a recently launched venture, is leveraging digital currencies and blockchain systems to construct an alternative social network that compensates those who generate material, manage

By Aubrey Swanson·17 November 2017·2 min read

Narrative Unveils Blockchain-Powered Social Network

Key Points

Narrative, a recently launched venture, is leveraging digital currencies and blockchain systems to construct an alternative social network that compensates those who generate material, manage

Narrative, a recently launched venture, is leveraging digital currencies and blockchain systems to construct an alternative social network that compensates those who generate material, manage discussions, and build audiences—fundamentally shifting compensation dynamics where "earnings flow to contributors rather than Silicon Valley executives." The platform's foundation rests on blockchain technology, underpinning its NRV token, which incentivizes all forms of participation: authored articles, commentary, image sharing, and community moderation. The token also functions as payment for premium features like dedicated channels and promotional placements. By harnessing blockchain's architecture, the system achieves unprecedented visibility into how revenue moves through the ecosystem.

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Narrative's architecture comprises three distinct spaces: a Personal Journal for individual storytelling, Niches serving as topic-focused communities, and Brands as branded hubs where organizations control contributor access. The community itself holds governing power—selecting moderators, establishing a judicial body operating "as the network's highest court," and determining acceptable advertising. Participants select their compensation preference: tokens or traditional money. Elected moderators handle content stewardship, with all operations operating under complete scrutiny. Reputation mechanics and content scoring systems work together to dilute disruption from "problematic actors."

Ethereum technology will power the NRV currency, though the company envisions deploying an alternative blockchain for expanded functionality, particularly handling traditional currency transactions. Public Hyperledger remains under consideration for this broader role. A test version launches in the third quarter of 2018.

Narrative enters a widening ecosystem of blockchain-based social alternatives. Steemit functions as a decentralized equivalent to message boards, distributing Steem tokens to those producing and rating content. Similarly, Indorse operates on Ethereum as a decentralized credentialing network where participants maintain absolute ownership of their information and earn direct compensation for participation. This addresses fundamental grievances plaguing existing platforms: "users stop forfeiting intellectual property rights to corporations, and see financial return on their platform involvement." Indorse's initial launch follows its September token offering, which generated approximately US$9 million, with the foundational release anticipated for later in November.

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