5 Key Lessons from Building and Running VIMM: A Web3 Streaming Adventure 🚀🎥
Hey there, Web3 enthusiasts and curious onlookers! It's your friendly neighborhood blockchain streamer, @chiren, here to spill the beans on what it's really like to run a Web3 streaming platform. Buckle up, because this ride's been bumpier than a rollercoaster built by a sleep-deprived engineer! 🎢
🌟 Quick Intro to VIMM
Before we dive in, let's quickly introduce VIMM for those who might not know us. VIMM is a decentralized streaming platform built on the Hive blockchain. We're on a mission to revolutionize content creation and consumption in the Web3 space, empowering creators and viewers alike. 🎮🔗
Now, onto the main event!
For those who've been living under a digital rock, VIMM is our labor of love - a streaming platform built on the Hive blockchain. We've been through highs, lows, and everything in between. So, grab your popcorn (or your favorite crypto-themed snack) as we dive into the lessons I've learned. Trust me, they're more valuable than that NFT of a pixelated rock you bought last year! 🍿💎
1. Resilience is Your Best Friend (And Maybe Your Only Friend at Times) 💪
Remember when you were a kid, and your mom told you to always get back up when you fall? Well, in the Web3 world, you're going to fall. A lot. And there won't be any Band-Aids big enough to cover the boo-boos.
We've faced more challenges than a cat trying to herd sheep. DDoS attacks? Check. Financial hurdles that would make an accountant cry? Double-check. There were days when I felt like I was juggling chainsaws while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. Over a pool of hungry sharks. You get the picture. 🎭🦈
But here's the kicker - we're still standing. How? Pure, unadulterated stubbornness... I mean, resilience. That, and a support network stronger than the wifi at a tech conference. Which brings me to my next point...
2. Community is Everything (No, Really, EVERYTHING) 🤗
In Web3, your community isn't just your user base - it's your cheerleading squad, your crisis management team, and sometimes, your therapist. The Hive community has been our rock (the good kind, not the overpriced NFT kind).
Open communication isn't just a buzzword for us - it's our lifeline. We've shared our triumphs, our failures, and that one time I accidentally set the server on fire. (Okay, that last one didn't happen, but you get the point.) 🔥💬
Building a community is like tending to a garden, if plants could talk back and had strong opinions about your coding practices. It takes time, patience, and a lot of virtual hugs.
3. Flexibility: The Yoga of Web3 Development 🧘♂️
If there's one thing I've learned, it's that the only constant in Web3 is change. And boy, does it change fast. One minute you're riding high on the latest blockchain trend, the next you're scrambling to adapt to a new paradigm faster than you can say "decentralized autonomous organization."
We've had to balance cutting-edge features with the kind of stability you'd want in a bridge you're about to cross. It's like trying to change the tires on a car while it's still moving. Spoiler alert: it's not easy, but it's possible.
Speaking of unexpected challenges, let me tell you about our adventures in the world of DMCA takedown notices. Picture this: we're cruising along, thinking we've got this whole streaming thing figured out, when suddenly we're hit with a barrage of DMCA notices faster than Mbappé on a breakaway. ⚽️💨
Turns out, some enterprising individuals thought VIMM would be the perfect place to broadcast soccer matches. Now, don't get me wrong, I love a good match as much as the next person, but unauthorized broadcasts? That's a red card in our book.
We found ourselves playing a frantic game of whack-a-mole, taking down streams left and right. It was like trying to mark Messi in the box – exhausting, nearly impossible, and occasionally leaving us feeling like we'd been nutmegged. But it taught us a valuable lesson about content moderation and the importance of clear user guidelines.
This experience forced us to quickly develop new strategies and tools to handle copyright issues more efficiently. We had to be as nimble as a goalkeeper facing a penalty shootout. It wasn't easy, but it made us stronger and more prepared for future challenges. 💪🥅
The key? Stay flexible. Be ready to pivot faster than a midfielder switching play. Your grand vision might need some tweaking, and that's okay. Embrace the chaos - it's part of the charm! Whether it's adapting to new blockchain trends or dealing with unexpected copyright issues, flexibility is your secret weapon in the Web3 world. 🎭🔄
4. Sustainable Tokenomics: Not Just a Fancy Buzzword 💰
Creating a sustainable economic model in Web3 is like trying to solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded. While underwater. With one hand tied behind your back.
We've learned (the hard way) that balancing user incentives with platform sustainability is crucial. It's not just about throwing tokens at people like confetti at a parade. You need to think long-term, or you'll end up with a digital economy shakier than a Jenga tower in an earthquake. 🎭🏗️
Remember, in tokenomics, what goes up must come down... unless you've designed it really, really well.
5. User Experience: Because Confusion Isn't a Feature 🤔
Here's a shocking revelation: users don't actually enjoy feeling like they need a Ph.D. in Cryptography to use your platform. I know, I was surprised too!
Creating a user-friendly interface in Web3 is like trying to explain quantum physics to your grandmother - in interpretive dance. It's challenging, but not impossible.
We've learned to bridge the gap between blockchain complexity and user-friendly interfaces. It's a constant process of iteration, based on user feedback and behavior. Sometimes, it feels like we're translating alien languages, but hey, that's part of the fun! 👽🎨
Wrapping Up: The Road Ahead 🛣️
So there you have it - the wisdom gained from our adventures in Web3 streaming. It's been a wild ride, filled with challenges, triumphs, and everything in between. But you know what? Despite the hurdles, the potential of Web3 streaming keeps us pushing forward.
These lessons are actively shaping how we approach VIMM 2.0. We're taking what we've learned about resilience, community building, flexibility, sustainable tokenomics, and user experience to create something truly special. I'm genuinely excited to see where this journey takes us next, and I hope you'll be part of it.
To my fellow Web3 developers and entrepreneurs out there - keep pushing, keep learning, and remember that every challenge overcome is a step towards innovation. This space is still young, and your contributions matter more than you might realize.
Now, I'd love to hear from you. Have you ventured into Web3 development? What lessons have you learned? Share your experiences in the comments - let's learn from each other and grow this space together.
If you're curious about VIMM and want to see what we're building, I encourage you to check out our latest updates:
- VIMM Dev Log: v0.1.97 - Exciting Hive Communities Integration and Stream Teams! 🚀
- VIMM 2.0 Prototype: Exploring Potential Features
- VIMM Dev Log: Progress Update to v0.1.30
And if you want to be part of our community and stay updated on our progress, join us on Discord. We're always excited to welcome new members and hear fresh perspectives.
Most importantly, if you believe in what we're building and want to support the future of decentralized streaming, please check out and consider voting for our VIMM 2.0 proposal. Your support could be instrumental in bringing the next evolution of Web3 streaming to life. Every vote counts and brings us one step closer to realizing our vision for VIMM 2.0.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here's to the future of Web3 streaming - may it be as exciting as the path that led us here! 🚀🎉
TL;DR 📚
- Resilience is key in the ever-changing Web3 world 💪
- Your community is your greatest asset 🤗
- Flexibility is crucial for survival and growth 🧘♂️
- Sustainable tokenomics are essential for long-term success 💰
- User experience should always be a top priority 🎨
Building a Web3 streaming platform is challenging, but with these lessons in mind, we're excited to shape the future of decentralized content creation and consumption with VIMM 2.0! 🚀🎥
You missed something important here. Vimm lasted 6 years without any sort of angel investors. That's huge. That's huge and you should be proud of what you accomplished.
I'm glad I was able to help you along the way. When I first reached out to you and foreveraverage, I saw potential in Vimm with a need in a few pain points. I'm thankful you took me in, allowed me to help, and that you're still taking some of my advice to heart. Especially that onboarding challenge. It's a true humdinger, and I don't think anyone is going to crack the code any time soon. Hopefully Vimm is the first to do it...
My partner in crime! 🤜🤛
Man, you're absolutely right - I can't believe I forgot to mention that! Six years without angel investors is no small feat. Sometimes I get so caught up in looking forward that I forget to appreciate how far we've come. Thanks for the reminder! 🙌
I remember when you first reached out like it was yesterday. Your insights were spot-on, and I'm so glad we brought you on board. You've been an absolute rock star throughout this whole journey. 🌟
That onboarding challenge... oof. But you know what? If anyone's gonna crack that code, it's gonna be us. We've got the scars and the experience to prove it! 💪
Your advice has been golden, my friend. It's helped shape VIMM into what it is today, and it's gonna be a big part of what makes VIMM 2.0 awesome.
Thanks for sticking with me through thick and thin!
You rock, man. Seriously.
First of all i reblogged it ...as i want to give the chance to be seen more again....,
Hey Mate i´m Proud to be part of VIMM for Years.... i went all those steps... when ever i missed the BURNING PART... heheh i would see it as a BURNING MAN Party as a IT Freak :D muahahha
Nah for Real man you should be proud of what you reached or failed on ... as i always tell my Kids... you wont learn properly if you dont fall... to get hurt is the most incredible way to move new ways.... Dont get me wrong but sometimes you need to fail to see failures ....
I´m up to got to the moon with Vimm as i go to hell as well :)
@ciderjunkie, my man! 🍻
You've been with us since forever, and I can't tell you how much that means. You're like VIMM's OG supporter, and that's freaking awesome!
Haha, sorry we missed out on the server-burning party. Next time we'll make sure to invite you for some virtual s'mores! 😂🔥
Your words hit home, man. The journey's been wild, with its ups and downs, but you're so right - those falls taught us the best lessons. We're tougher and smarter because of them.
Seriously, having you along for this ride, through thick and thin, it's just incredible. You're not just part of the VIMM fam, you're like the cool uncle everyone wishes they had!
To the moon or through hell - doesn't matter, 'cause we're in this together. Let's keep this party going! 🚀🎉
Cheers, mate! 🍺
I have already supported the proposal, but looks like its not got enough support level ?
Thank you so much for your support, @sanjeevm! We truly appreciate it. 🙏
You're right that we haven't quite reached our funding goal yet, but the proposal is still active and we're making progress. We've been blown away by the incredible organic support from the community - it's been amazing to see so many people believe in our vision for VIMM 2.0.
At this point, we're in a bit of a "last mile" situation. We've got broad community backing, but we need a few votes from larger stakeholders to push us over the finish line. We're actively reaching out and having conversations with these potential supporters.
In the meantime, I'm not sitting idle! I'm continuing to develop the prototype, focusing on features that don't require as much funding. This allows us to keep making progress and demonstrate our commitment to the project.
Every vote counts, big or small, so thank you again for your support. We're optimistic about reaching our goal and bringing VIMM 2.0 to life! 🚀
I am optimistic too, because we don't have any other live stream app built on hive.
Aah I caught you this time. Thanks for very quick response on https://peakd.com/hive/@chiren/re-ookamisuuhaisha-sj4pjy - I found that thing after your hint, obviously! Probably if I posted more I'd found it on my own :) Sadly I've read it something like 2 weeks later, so not much point in upvoting, yeah, I know it's only hive-cents with my current hp, but I felt bad about your quick response and me not paying attention.
I'm not really up to date, I remember reading about shutting down 'old vimm', I'm happy to hear the project isn't dead and that it's moving forward! Loved your point #5 btw "confusion is not a feature' :D So true! Sometimes I feel like 3-4 out of 5 legacy projects that I get to cleanup/fix/patch/rewrite/etc are built and kept in some peculiar design for some gimmick buzzword ideas instead of focusing on proving a clear app worfklows/etc for the end users in the first place, who, when confused, will only introduce 10x more data errors or security issues/breaches/etc frantically trying to do their thing in the app..
Anyways, I'll definitely check the papers you've linked to, sounds like a good read to start catching up!