1. First Encounter and Thoughts#
Initially, I learned about an invitation code called Follow through a mass message. I didn't pay much attention to what it was. Last month, while browsing a certain forum, I came across this keyword again and found out it was an online reading software for RSS. Since I had been tinkering with this kind of thing before, I registered for a Follow account to take a look. Then I read some articles on Follow and learned that it was a product of DIYGod (I had previously interacted with his RSSHub and RSS3), and discovered that another product of his was Xlog. Perhaps because the experience on Follow was good (it can aggregate content from many platforms, even some social media and video sites from abroad), and the introduction of blockchain and tokens was particularly interesting, I also registered for Xlog to try it out.
From my personal understanding of Xlog, it is essentially a blog from a functional perspective. Its feature is that it can write the publication record of content onto the blockchain (indicating that the publisher of this article is the owner of the wallet address), while the storage of files is achieved through a decentralized storage mechanism (InterPlanetary File System IPFS). I specifically looked into what special role this feature plays. I roughly understand that applications in this form are a product of the development of blockchain technology (Blockchain 1.0 is represented by Bitcoin as a blockchain cryptocurrency; Blockchain 2.0 includes Ethereum, smart contracts, and tokens; Blockchain 3.0 refers to decentralized applications). This type of product, based on blockchain technology, can write certain information onto the blockchain to prove its ownership and the immutability of the content.
Then there is the understanding of earning. The publication of articles and rewards are ways to earn tokens. Once these tokens are recognized by the market, they can be exchanged for actual profits. Early developers and investors can gain significant returns after the tokens are listed on the main board. Currently, publishing articles on Xlog incurs almost no costs. However, what is free can also be the most expensive. You never know when it might disappear or become unusable. Compared to the closed, centralized ecosystem of WeChat public accounts, this open-source, decentralized thing feels quite good to me. Although there were many bugs when I first started using it, and even registration had issues, I still hope this platform can succeed. I also know that cultivating user habits is not easy, and various countries' content review restrictions may make it difficult for this platform to grow and thrive... (Suddenly, I think it might be somewhat similar to the development of X, even the name has some meaning. The big shots are really impressive, being able to integrate the latest blockchain technology into both information aggregation and publishing is truly remarkable for the young.)
2. Content of Records#
I actually don't have a habit of publishing notes, including the QQ space, blog, WeChat public account, and self-built blog website I registered before... However, I have made quite a few notes and diaries, both on paper and in various electronic forms. Since last year, I gradually discovered that I couldn't recall the things I recorded. It was as if I had never recorded anything at all. So what is the meaning of my recording? To look back on when I get old? I worked hard to organize many notes, only to find that many are of no use to my current self, let alone in the future. I think if I only read and learned aimlessly, then recorded notes without forming my own ideas, such learning is just a waste of effort. However, organizing and publishing my reading and learning notes, and showcasing the results, can turn learning outcomes into tangible results. It requires me to express myself in smooth language, logically, and form my own understanding. Therefore, the important thing is to enhance my understanding through output, gaining a deeper impression. The moment of recording and organizing is more crucial, while future reviews are relatively secondary (though they can also provide references for my future self).
I used to be unaccustomed to publishing any content because I felt my writing was poor and I couldn't express my thoughts well, making the published content embarrassing. I was hesitant and unwilling to show it to others. Since I was only writing for myself, my notes were recorded casually, without properly organizing my thoughts, and my attitude was wrong. Whether it was actual audiences or the imagined audience and judges in my mind, they seemed to impose higher demands on me. This burden made me ponder repeatedly when writing, spending a lot of time. However, this pondering is beneficial to some extent. Facing this process bravely and working hard to organize materials is also a process of further reviewing and changing my understanding. So, I treat it as having an imagined audience, and then strive to organize my thoughts and the content I want to express, without worrying about the real audience. Therefore, writing it down is necessary, even if it takes a lot of time.
What will I record? Notes on reading and learning, various daily logs, and so on. I will first edit and publish them in my knowledge base, and then consider migrating them to Xlog. As for why I chose this place, one reason is that it is free and open-source, and currently has no ads. Additionally, I need a better website to read the content of my own library. As for the audience, I will leave it to chance; if my content can bring feedback, that would be even better. Sharing my content and providing inspiration to those who are destined to encounter it is also a form of help. More importantly, I need to work hard to produce good content and improve my understanding.