Timetable set
So we have a release date for SMTs.
January 15th 2019, SMTs go live on the TestNet and March 24 2019 is the MainNet launch.
That’s pretty precise.
Let’s hope it’s definitive too!
Here are my initial thoughts:
When SMTs were introduced around this time last year and promoted as the ‘big ticket’ item of Steemfest2 in November, I think most people believed we’d be seeing the functionality in Q2 of 2018. Indeed Ned stated (in a Fireside Chat) that SMTs would be launched ‘early 2018.’ So an announcement that they wion’t be ready until Q2 2019, does feel far off.
One piece of the puzzle
I really hope SMTs are successful and do big things for the Steem blockchain however I’m not that wildly enthusiastic about them. My opinions haven’t changed much from a year ago:
I do think the Smart Media Tokens will be far superior than the other token creation protocols out there. However launching the functionality is only one piece in a complex puzzle.
For SMTs to succeed it will need a combination of successful partnerships (with existing and new content creators/ platforms) and developer tools to integrate them.
It’s great that in theory ‘anyone’ can launch an SMT. However the world needs simply more tokens like it needs a hole in the head. It is quality rather than quantity of SMTs that count.
A handful of high profile, high demand, liquid tokens will go a long way to making SMTs a success. I hope the approach to SMTs is more than just ‘create the technology and they will come’ else we could be a long time waiting!
Communities
I hope (at the very least) that the announcement of SMTs in Spring next year, means will be getting Communities functionality by then too.
For me, strong identifiable Communities that are appropriately rewarding the best Content Producers in a given niche is the best (and most simple) way to expand the Steem eco-system, as I've spoken about before:
However, regardless of whether the SMT or Communities approach is the best way forward it os good to have a date that entrepreneurs looking to leverage these tools can work to.