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 that it is 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. After reading some articles on Follow, I learned that it is a product of DIYGod (I had previously interacted with his RSSHub and RSS3), and discovered that another one of his products is Xlog. Perhaps due to a good experience with Follow (which can aggregate content from many platforms, including some social media and video sites from abroad), I became interested in Xlog and registered to try it out.
Xlog introduces some new concepts related to blockchain and tokens. My personal understanding of Xlog, from a functional perspective, is that it is a blog. Its characteristic is that it can write the publication record of the content onto the blockchain (indicating that the publisher of this article is the wallet address owner), while the storage of files is achieved through a decentralized storage mechanism (InterPlanetary File System IPFS). I specifically looked into what special role this characteristic 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, something that is free can also be the most expensive. You never know when it might disappear or become unavailable. Compared to the closed, centralized ecosystem of WeChat public accounts, this open-source, decentralized approach feels quite appealing 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 hinder the platform's growth... (I suddenly thought it might be somewhat similar to the development of X, even the name has some implications. It's impressive that DIYGod can integrate the latest blockchain technology in both information aggregation and publishing).
Recorded Content#
I actually don't have a habit of publishing notes. In the past, I didn't properly publish on QQ Space, blogs, WeChat public accounts, or my self-built blog website... However, I have taken a lot of notes, both on paper and in various electronic forms. Since last year, I gradually realized 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 review when I get old? After putting in a lot of effort to organize many notes, I found that many are of no use to my current self, let alone the future. I think if I just read and learn aimlessly, then take notes without forming my own thoughts, such learning is merely a waste of effort. However, organizing and publishing my reading and study 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 comprehension 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 skills were 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, reflecting a wrong attitude. Whether it was actual audiences or the imagined audiences and judges in my mind, they seemed to impose higher demands on me. This burden made me ponder over my writing repeatedly, spending a lot of time. However, this pondering is beneficial to some extent. Facing these processes bravely and striving to organize the materials is also a process of further reviewing and changing my understanding. So, I treat it as having an imagined audience, and then do my best 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.
I will organize and publish some notes here, along with various content I find worthwhile. I will first edit and organize it in my knowledge base before considering migrating it to Xlog. As for why I chose this place, one reason is that it is free and open-source, and currently has no ads; another is that I need a better website to read my own library content. As for the audience, I will leave it to chance; if my content can bring feedback, that would be even better. Sharing my content to inspire those who are destined to encounter it is also a form of help. More importantly, I need to strive to produce good content and improve my understanding.