In 2021, I started looking into how early innovators were applying blockchains and other revolutionary technologies toward making better books. The potential was for books that better protected authors’ rights, resisted censorship, resisted piracy, promoted reader communities, and enabled new reading experiences and formats.
I created Cryptoversal Books to tinker and experiment with books that could be used as keys to reader spaces or tickets to author events. Books that wouldn’t vanish with a lost device, an unrenewed domain, a corporate bankruptcy, or governmental censorship. Books governed by smart contracts that paid authors a royalty for sales of used copies. Books that could be upgraded with alternate endings, multiple story paths, mini-games, multimedia elements, and other new features over time.
In our most recent upgrade, we've introduced groundbreaking features to our TokenBooks that further enhance your reading experience.
Thanks to our partners at Darkblock and Paper, and with assistance from the PageDAO web3 authors guild, the Cryptoversal Books platform now supports a fiat onramp, custodial wallets, decentralized access, and a Send-to-Kindle option.
Together, these features have the potential to make TokenBooks accessible to a much broader audience of mainstream readers.
Fiat Onramp
In the old days (early last week), we had to ask potential readers to make their TokenBook purchases in cryptocurrency. This created a huge barrier and learning curve for people who had never before needed to convert their money into ERC-20 tokens just to read about zombies.
We’ve streamlined the onboarding process by integrating Paper’s fiat onramp, allowing readers to purchase TokenBooks directly with their local currency, without needing to know anything about cryptocurrency conversions or native tokens. This development makes it far easier for mainstream readers to access and enjoy our innovative platform, opening up new possibilities for both authors and readers alike in growing the web3 literary ecosystem.
Now readers will be able to purchase a TokenBook in a transaction that’s as seamless as any other online purchase.
Custodial Wallets
Although readers now have a choice between making their purchases in crypto or fiat currencies, blockchain transactions are still required. A token representing each TokenBook still needs to be created and assigned to the wallet address of its holder.
As of this week, we no longer have to hold a new user's hand through the process of creating their first cryptowallet. We've implemented Paper custodial wallets for our users, simplifying the process of holding and managing their tokens. Instead of learning about seed phrases and private keys, new users can simply sign up with Cryptoversal Books and have a custodial wallet automatically created for them.
This hassle-free solution provides an easy entry point into the world of TokenBooks, further expanding accessibility for mainstream readers.
Decentralized Access
Cryptoversal Books uses the Darkblock protocol to provide decentralized encryption/decryption for our TokenBook content. Not only does our website provide an access point to TokenBook holders, but anyone can embed the same widget to provide contextual TokenBook access to a book club, classroom, or community website.
Now, in addition to a prior widget that reads the tokens in a connected wallet, we have a web page that will verify an email address linked to a user's custodial wallet. This page resides on the IPFS network and can be linked to or embedded within any other website.
Send-To-Kindle
It may seem ironic, but we're as excited to embrace established technologies as we are to innovate new use cases. In our latest update, we've taken another step toward bridging the gap between heritage ebook and TokenBook formats by offering seamless integration with popular reading devices.
With our new Send-to-Kindle feature, TokenBook owners can easily transfer their books to their preferred device or app, allowing them to enjoy the best of both worlds: the familiarity and convenience of their favorite reading platform combined with the unique benefits and enhancements that come with owning a TokenBook.
This development further demonstrates our commitment to making better books that cater to the needs and preferences of all readers, while pushing the boundaries of innovation in the literary space.
Our Vision for the Future of Books
At Cryptoversal Books, we envision a future where books are more than just static texts; they become dynamic, interactive experiences that evolve with each reader. By harnessing the power of blockchain and other cutting-edge technologies, we aim to create a thriving ecosystem where authors can maximize their creative and earning potential while readers enjoy an immersive and personalized literary journey.
Together, we'll continue to explore innovative ways to foster connection, collaboration, and growth in the world of TokenBooks, ultimately revolutionizing what it means to be a book in the digital age.
As always, our commitment to building a better book ecosystem remains unwavering, and we’re excited to lead the way in redefining the future of literature.
Visit Cryptoversal Books at CryptoversalBooks.io
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