My Thoughts on Steemit's new Video-based Addon - Dtube
With the birth of Dtube only a few short days ago, I can see a new direction for Steemit that could well be the introduction of a highly sought-after “killer app” for our social media blockchain. In the not-too-distant future, Steemit may not just cater for one specific type of blogger or even simply a few select groups, but could represent an all-encompassing solution to reaching a mass online global audience. Be it video, pictures, writing. Steemit will be your one-stop shop for everything social media.
This, as well as the timed release of this awesome bit of code, seem to be a match made in heaven. For instance, never ever before I have witnessed such a potential exodus with YouTubers. The sheer amount of videos posted relating to users being censored or demonetised in some way, is shocking. And the fact that there was a fabulous alternative available (that has now been improved beyond anyone's expectations) is a very positive sign for Steemit’s continued growth.
Finding Your Way Around
The interface used to navigate through Dtube's pages is actually very similar to it’s main competition, which I thought was a nice little touch. Don’t try to fix what ain’t broken, eh? Well, the GUI part anyways, lol! And I’ve been amazed the way the community has taken to it like ducks to water. Although a few initial techical issues have surfaced (which is only to be expected), just look at it as a work-in-progress for now. A glimpse into one facet of Steemit’s future and what the end-user experience will be like. It’s just astonishing.
One minor concern (which I’m sure will be addressed soon or maybe someone in the comments section can help me understand better) is concerning certain content uploaded. For instance, I noticed a few full-length feature films. With copyright laws being what they are, does this mean the governing powers that be could come after Steemit or even @heimindanger? With the decentralised nature of the website at it’s core, I guess it’s a question of “watch this space” and see.
Also, who’s to stop other rogue Steemit accounts from uploading dubious or downright wrong content (e.g. ISIS execution videos). That would surely mean an administrator would have to be employed to oversee such things and prevent them from taking place. But then, as horrible an example of content as that was, will that run counteractive to Dtube's decentralised model? Again, just putting a few of my personal thoughts out there. And if there’s already an explanation available, please let me know in the comments below.
Heading In The Right Direction
But otherwise, things are looking grand. I think we are witnessing the pieces of the puzzle converge. Because that’s exactly how I see the Dapps running on top of the steem blockchain. A collection of problem-solving components of a much larger picture. And once they all manage to work in unison with each other in a seamless manner, totally transparent to the end user, the true vision of Steemit will be realised. The innovative and incredibly talented steemian @heimindanger seemed to have that exact same vision of where we are going.
And I’ve got every sense of faith in that very conceptualisation coming true.
As for censorship:
The two platforms dtube leverages are both censorship resistant:
Steem witnesses could decide to not publish specific content to the blockchain. However, i think all the witnesses would have to unanimously agree to block certain content since any single witness can publish content when it is their turn to write the block.
IPFS maintains blacklists for hosts.. however the hosts are under no obligation to use those these list. So as long as the content can be hosted on IPFS, it will be available over the dtube platform.
Fantastic answer! Thanks for clearing up a lot of questions for me! So it seems that there is some modicum of control on content if it was so required. But the efforts to monitor everything posted up may end up being too resource hungry. Any type of content administration would be considered as censorship. Let's see. And thanks again for shedding more light on the subject.
i get problem with dtube its too laggish for me :/
This is BIG @ezzy, thanks for bringing it to my attention as I missed the launch notice. As I said in my article comparing cryptos to the gold rushes, those that create the 'picks and shovels' are the ones to be rewarded the most. DTube is just that.
So well put, my bro! "Picks and shovels", love it! Yes, you called it perfectly as always. The pieces of the puzzle seem to be converging together for steem. Of course there will be peaks and troughs on the long, rocky road to the grand prize, but it's looking very good from where I'm standing.
Bless, @getonthetrain. :)
I'm yet to start using d tube but I definitely will be , do you think d tube has had anything to do with the price of steem going up lately? Great article thanks. Cheers mike
Thank you, buddy! And yes, the price rise in steem could very well have coincided with news spreading about the release of Dtube.
Let's hope it continues. Thank you very much for your reply, cheers mike
You've hit the mark.
I'm all for keeping things uncensored but we cannot allow some things on Dtube such as some piracy and things that spread evil (child porn, your aforementioned videos) to ensure it grows optimally.
Chainflix for example seems cool and they upload some pretty old movies which im fine with but if chainflix starts uploading HBO shows hours after it airs it will attract unwanted attention and ultimately bad for Dtube.
Exactly, @chrone. That's the one part I'm unsure about. Who accepts responsibility if it is decentralised and some major studios start banging at our front door?
How do you propose to stop people from posting videos to IPFS and putting links and hashes into the blockchain?
Great question, guess you can't. What you can do is as a community flag them and call them out on it like we currently are doing. We'll see if this works, it kinda has so far.
Or hunt down the person in real life assuming they're not behind tor and a vpn or whatever and can track them.
When we choose to value a censorship resistant platform, we take the good with the bad. We don't get to have a 'censor just what we want to censor' platform and call it anti-censorship.
Yes, I hope that's the case, @demotruk. But I do see a divide in opinions as to what content is acceptable or not, especially on Dtube, as time goes on. Interesting times! And btw, look forward to meeting you again at the next Steemfest! :)
Needs to get to work on mobile apps for IOS and Android as soon as and we will be cooking with gas!
The area you mentioned should be well on it's way by now, @meesterboom. As Dtube came out of the blue, more secret Dapps may now follow suit! :)
Wayhay! :0)
You're a natural.
I've yet to have a look, but have been reading about it a lot. I's good to get your take on it. If it helps end the monopolistic control that YouTube has then all the better.
As for the copyright aspect, I am curious to see how that issue evolves. I have no firm view on it just yet, but I am watching and waiting to see what develops.
Hey @naquoya! I was blown away by the concept and it's looking very promising. Yes, the YouTube fiasco is painful to watch but a great opportunity for Steemit. Let's see and watch this space, my friend!
Thank you for your time, man. :)
Haha yeah, it came out of the blue, didn't it? I remember reading about a different project that involves video streaming a while back that was different than Dtube. While I'm in two minds regarding it's similar look to YouTube, I appreciate how it would remove the unfamiliarity aspect for the new users. I do wish it would distance itself from its more well-known competitor in terms of the GUI as it gets more users. We don't want it to be marred by legalities now do we?
Lol, so true, my brother. It's such early days though and leaves room for so much change and improvement. I feel "content" politics may play a much bigger part of Dtube's development than anything else. Let's see, my bro! :)
Well explained.
Nice...... Try to fine best way is going to bright features 👍
Yes. :)