Thread by @baconesq

Overview of @WithoutTheRope weekly AMA in the $STRONG Discord ⬇️⬇️⬇️

$STRONG @WithoutTheRope Before we get started, one of the questions that was NOT asked this week was about the Ethereum update.

StrongBlock pioneered the Nodes-as-a-Service with rewards model. And one of the things we pride ourselves on is that there are actual nodes (1/x)

$STRONG @WithoutTheRope with RPC endpoints, not just some fuzzy concept of "nodes". It's like gluten free when everyone was saying that they didn't eat gluten, and gluten was whatever they wanted it to be

StrongBlock actually spends hundreds of engineering hours on keeping (2/x)

$STRONG @WithoutTheRope our nodes up to date. This week we went live with Ethereum Arrow Glacier exactly when the update happened on the Ethereum mainnet.

That was just two days after we went live with $MATIC nodes. What you may not know was that the Polygon chain (3/x)

$STRONG @WithoutTheRope experienced two hard forks the weekend before we went live. We were one of the few engineering teams that stayed up in the middle of the night to make sure StrongBlock Polygon nodes kept running.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know that blockchain (4/5)

$STRONG @WithoutTheRope nodes are about engineering, and StrongBlock does actual engineering to keep nodes up to date and running so you don't have to. Not gluten-free nodes. Real blockchain nodes. (5/5)

$STRONG Q: Hey guys I see that with polygon nodes we can go to 150 nodes per wallet. Will this affect the performance of the app given that previously the cap was reduced from 200 down to 100 for this reason?

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope $MATIC nodes run on the Service 2 contract, which is considerably more efficient than Service 1, where Ethereum 1.0 and $DVPN nodes run. The 100 nodes per wallet limit on Service 1 is there to make sure performance stays high. There is a separate (1/2)

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope 50 node per wallet cap on Service 2, but that will be raised to 100 when we open nodes up to those without NFT's. (2/2)

$STRONG Q: There was a previous mention of a 30 day notice before any reward reductions. This was when strong was considering a halving instead of rewards decaying. Will there still be a notice of 30 days before rewards decay or has this changed?

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope We have been discussing the rewards taper (a community member suggested that term; we like it). The taper is in effect on the Service 2 contract, but you will barely notice it right now. There is no change to the Service 1 contract with (1/x)

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope Ethereum 1.0 nodes at the present time.

If we do introduce tapering to Service 1, we will discuss it in the community first.

We've been talking about the Service 2 taper since September. (2/2)

$STRONG Q: Hi David, when polygon nodes release to the general public in 5 weeks. Will the the rewards structure stay the same? I believe right now it’s kicking at about 0.2.?

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope Polygon nodes will be available to everyone in early January. That's about 3 weeks. We're trying to have it coincide with the release of $FTM nodes, but it's the holidays, so we want to make sure some of our staff can have short vacations. (1/x)

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope Vacation? What is that thing you speak of?

The tapered reward structure that we have in place for Service 2 $MATIC nodes will be the same whether or not you have an NFT. The only thing that would affect it would be if you are also staking an NFT (2/x)

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope That leads us into the next question, which is about fractionalization. Before I get into that, I wanted to point out that Service 2 has the ability to have a node - or any other type of validator rewards, etc - with different contributions, (3/x)

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope rewards, and even different types of rewards (i.e., non-STRONG ERC-20 rewards such as $ETH, $USDT and $USDC). (4/4)

$STRONG Q: I would like to ask what is being done regarding node fractionalization? At the moment node cost is the largest barrier to entry. Node fractionalization will attract many new node holders and benefit the project overall?

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope We are using $MATIC nodes as a pilot for the Service 2 contract. Service 2 has the ability to contribute, say, 1 STRONG and then receive $USDT or $ETH. Service 2 will also be used for introducing new types of nodes and shared validator rewards. (1/2)

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope We're laying engineering groundwork for all future types of nodes, so people can participate at many levels - from 1 STRONG to 10 (or more) STRONG. (2/2)

$STRONG Q: When will non nft holders be able to start building $MATIC nodes?

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope Service 2 is going through it's pilot phase. Non-NFT holders will be able to create Polygon nodes in a few weeks.

Speaking of Service 2, Hacken will be publishing the results of the Service 2 audit soon, if they haven't already. They will also be (1/2)

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope publishing the results of the $ETH 2.0 audit.

We got the audits, made the remediation's, and launched the contracts. Publishing sometimes takes a bit to keep up! (2/2)

$STRONG Q: Any further discussions with the Hector group? $HEC

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope I spoke with one of their founders this week. Discussions are ongoing. They are big $FTM fans, so there may be a possibility of working with them there. The issue is having a secure bridge; that's a work in process. $HEC (1/2)

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope There is no agreement with HectorDao at this time (2/2)

$STRONG Q: I'm new to STRONG so I'm curious about the long-term use-cases for STRONG tokens, what kind of ecosystem will be developed for STRONG?

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope The long-term plan for STRONG is for it to be used as rewards to support blockchain nodes. Over time, we expect to open up the governance model that's in the smart contracts (and was from the start) so that STRONG holders can make decisions about (1/x)

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope what protocols to pursue and how to expand the ecosystem. That will happen as more STRONG goes into circulation.

Overall, we envision a large, thriving ecosystem of support for blockchain nodes and validators. With actual engineering, not just (2/3)

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope calling something a "node" or a "validator".

We want to stay true to our mission of making blockchains stronger. Hence StrongBlock, STRONG token, and more to come. (3/3)

$STRONG Q: How will Strong Block maintain sustainability for the next 1-2 years?

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope We're already quite proud of the fact that, as of December 3rd, we've been offering Nodes-as-a-Service with rewards for 1 year. That's already much more sustained and sustainable than more defi protocols, but we're just getting started. (1/x)

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope We are working on a HUGE project that will allow current STRONG node-runners and holders to participate toward sustainability while continuing to benefit. The goal is to add many more protocols to the ecosystem, go much deeper with a few protocols (2/x)

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope such as @0xPolygon (we're big fans), and to offer our own sidechain to enhance the blockchain ecosystem, working side by side with the major chains.

More on this soon. Great strategy session this week with our advisory team, (3/4)

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope including our Swiss advisor - my god, the man is brilliant! (4/4)

$STRONG Q: Can you consider approaching Celsius networks to add your strong token ( they offer great lending against crypto)?

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope Yes, we are considering it. I am an advisor to @CosmicWireInc - they just added @Mashinsky as an advisor. If you don't know who he is, look him up.

$STRONG Q: Is there a plan to bring to light a road map for strong in general? Community is clamoring for information on an awesome project such as this

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope The roadmap question comes up a lot, and the simple answer is that we will be adding many more protocols for nodes and validators, and will be building our own side chain.

$STRONG Q: Any thought on the @coinbase tweet mentioning strong? If haven’t seen it here you go:

https://twitter.com/coinbase/status/1469060932135387138

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope @coinbase tracks projects that are on their radar.

$STRONG Q: How are the partnerships looking to be announced before the end of the year? Any Christmas presents for us?

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope Our big holiday presents were ETH 2.0 & Polygon nodes on the Service 2 contract. We have some negotiations going on; not sure if they will be announced before the end of the year. It's the holidays, and people are distracted. Everyone needs a break...

$STRONG Q: Any ideas on how to prove proof of wallet ownership incase a wallet is compromised? something like a pin for each node? or something like that?

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope This is a complicated question. First, I hope your wallet has not been compromised. If it has, my condolences. It sucks. But it is also something you - and only you - have complete control in preventing. Your wallet interacts with smart contracts (1/2)

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope on the blockchain, so you have no StrongBlock "account". Identifying you is a difficult process. Nevertheless, we are working on some ideas. They may be a long way out. (2/2)

$STRONG Q: People are wanting to know more about the $ETH 2.0 validator pool and the APY shown. Can David explain how the validator pool will work and when the APY will go in affect?

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope ETH 2.0 rewards are accumulating on the Ethereum mainnet, but will not be available to claim until the $ETH 2.0 mainnet switches over to Proof of Stake.

$STRONG Q: What stats/metrics can you take to partners to show them the partnership is benefitting them?

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope Simple: Number of nodes and/or validators created on their chain, along with the number of StrongBlock community members supporting their protocol.

$STRONG Q: just a simple question for you any exchange listings planned for the near future?

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope Those are subject to meeting certain requirements. We have been approached by a number of T1 exchanges.

$STRONG Q: I staked in $eth 2.0 staking, am I starting earning eth rewards?

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope You are accumulating "weight" in the pool. Weight is a combination of time and the amount of STRONG you staked. The longer you stake, & the more STRONG you stake, the more weight. Your weight then is a percentage of total pool weight to determine (1/2)

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope your rewards. So, yes, you are accumulating rewards; they can't be claimed until they are released by $ETH 2.0 (2/2)

$STRONG Q: Have you considered implementing a "token" that is issued for each node, which increases in value inline with the current reward model. The token then be traded in for the accrued strong tokens, triggering capital gains tax (or similar) on disposal, instead of income?

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope We can't discuss financial approaches, but we are considering synthetic tokens. Also, Service 2 has the ability to claim your rewards into a new pool or node; that feature will be turned on in early 2022.

$STRONG Q: You mentioned “As more STRONG goes into circulation”. Does that indicate there will be more minting or a wallet unlock?

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope The STRONG smart contract can neither mint nor burn. No more STRONG can be minted, and the wallet cannot be unlocked.

$STRONG Q: after seeing the Strong $Eth 2.0 pool where individuals can stake STRONG in order to receive/generate a piece of the yield from these ETH 2.0 validator nodes… can you confirm if there are plans on the horizon to create other staking pools where individuals can (1/2)

$STRONG Q:stake their STRONG in other pools to earn a piece of the yield from other validator nodes ? Examples being… staking pools to generate yield from $Gala nodes, $FTM nodes, $DAG nodes, $HBAR nodes, etc. (2/2)

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope That is the plan.

$STRONG Q: strongblock could sale a limited # of nodes per day for cheaper through stable coins or Ethereum and other coins, and that money could build a treasury. Can strong implement this concept of “bonded nodes”?

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope Bonded nodes is a broad concept, as is a treasury. We are looking at many ways to increase participation, including the idea of having a vehicle for participating in pools that leverage their holdings and make the yields available.

$STRONG Q: Will strong ever work with @Ripple being that some of us have reached out to at Hamilton of ripple and wanted to see node support by strong offered to the $xrpl also xrpl has the evm and has btc and eth running on top of it with cheaper smart contracts $XRP

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope I have been introduced this week to a Ripple representative. Looking forward to seeing where the discussions go. $XRP

$STRONG Q: Apart from the reward system that obviously dominates most peoples minds, will you give some specifics on the other side of the equation, that is, your company’s success or outlook in renting/leasing out all this physical infrastructure to organizations, who would(1/2)

$STRONG Q: presumably pay you to use the very physical infrastructure we are investing to help you build.
I am wondering if you could be specific. The biggest thing for me will be to see announcement of a signed contract for your NaaS business. (2/2)

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope Long question, short answer: Nodes are already being used, but few want to pay for them. We still have hope that protocols will support their own infrastructure; right now, we are a rarity, offering rewards for protocols without getting (1/3)

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope compensated. I've addressed this many times: the way the blockchain world SHOULD work is that nodes are compensated. They rarely are. Nor are they recognized as important. So, we are building validators on protocols to then circulate those rewards (2/3)

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope back to the StrongBlock community. & it's why we're designing our own chain, where validators and nodes will both be rewarded, and we can actually have a decentralized, democratic blockchain support system - the one we envisioned when we started. (3/3)

$STRONG Q: I think it was mentioned that we will be able to transfer S1 to S2? If so when will we have that option and will the current maintenance transfer with that?

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope Once Service 2/Polygon opens up for non-NFT holders, we will be introducing transfers from S1 to S2. We'll also be discussing the many ways that S2 is where you will want to be...

$STRONG Q: Solana Has been having issues Recently with unreliable RPC nodes using forked data from lagging nodes to deliver false results to requests sent to those nodes. $SOL

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope Solana is one of the projects that we believe will be around for the long term. They have a great combination of technology, leadership, and marketing. We are looking forward to discussing working with Solana. $SOL

$STRONG Q: What is the release schedule for the remaining STRONG supply & will some of it be allocated to the rewards pool?

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope Release schedule is coming. Some of it will be allocated to the rewards pool.

$STRONG Q: Imagine a decay model that would be triggered when coins are taken out of the wallet & not reinvested into new nodes? Leaving holders unaffected & reducing future rewards of people selling until a certain percentage? People would then decide when they halve themselves.

$STRONG A: @WithoutTheRope We discussed that in our post-launch (ETH 2.0, S2, $MATIC launches) sessions this week. It is an option we are considering. Again, we go through a LOT of discussions in our strategy sessions. The number 1 goal is sustainability for the community

That is it from this weeks AMA with @WithoutTheRope! So much room to grow! Where do you see $STRONG a year from now?

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