I've seen a couple posts around about DECENT recently, most of them are a copy/paste of the news announcements but some are comparing it to Steemit so I had to take a look at it and see what's happening. Below I've listed my findings and more details about who/what DECENT is.
So DECENT is a new blockchain based digital content distribution network. The idea there is rather similar to Steemit. We have authors that create content, upload it to the blockchain and then everyone else can get that content.
The main founders are Slovak and they seem to have a bunch of people involved with the project:
http://decent.ch/about/#team
They also seem to have a lot of partners that are mostly media organisations or individuals that are known in the crypto world. Most probably to promote the idea.
From a timeline perspective I understand that:
- They have the system at a prototype level so far. To get a hands on experience of the DECENT ecosystem they've posted a screengrab video at the moment (a bit disappointing I would say). It's all they have so. Watch the video below:
- On Aug 3rd they started a promo campaign to raise awareness and it comes with bounties for Following their Twitter account, Liking their Facebook account, signing up to their newsletter and finally, using their custom signature in the Bitcointalk forums. Details here: http://decent.ch/decent-ico-bounties-update-rules/
- There's a Software Sale coming on September 10th which will enable anyone to buy DCT ( the DECENT token coin). It seems Bitalo partnered with them to support the trading then. http://decent.ch/decent-software-sale-announcement/
- Actual launch is planned for Q1/Q2 2017. That's the moment when the tokens will be enabled for trading and also mining can begin. Until then everything is just at an idea level.
What I'm positive about:
- Translating their website and all materials in as many languages as possible. That way the information is available multilingual and adoption is more effective globally
- Chinese expansion. They are doing some great lobbying inside the Chinese crypto community and that will mean a lot if the Chinese are on-board from the start. http://decent.ch/decent-tour-china-vol-1/
- It is designed to work with every type of content: text, audio, video, etc. Technically so is Steemit.
- Some media trusts seem to have promised to back them up and it makes sense they would.
What doesn't impress me yet:
- The Software sale is in September and the actual launch is 8 months away in Q1/Q2 2017. I am a bit reluctant to invest without much else than an idea at this stage and most probably so are others.
- They still need to bring to the table some strong reasons as to why would anyone switch to DECENT and not keep the current channels through which they would get information (Reuters etc.) as I take it, in the future
- Adding content costs. This may make content creators think twice before submitting their stuff
All in all it's a waiting game to see if it gets traction.
One last piece of information: they are holding an AMA this Friday (5th of August) at 4pm CET. Via Google Hangount: http://decent.ch/wanna-hang-decent-join-us-friday/ and its open to anyone's questions which can be submitted through their Telegram channel, Slack (a working one yes), e-mail, etc.
PS. Here's their whitepaper too if you're in the mood for more reading: http://decent.ch/decent-whitepaper.pdf
I hope it helps!
Anduweb