#non-transferable currency

[soafteritellhimreal]

Just had a thought about how tumblr is kind of like when newspapers and magazines would have “caption” contests where the winner with the funniest caption gets a prize only our prize is clout except tumblr clout has literally zero currency anywhere else online or in the world

[tradersuraj1]

Top Money Transfer Tips for NRIs Living Abroad

NRI (Non-Resident Indian) Money Transfer services play a crucial role in facilitating financial transactions for individuals living abroad. These services offer a convenient and secure way for NRIs to send money to their families, make investments, or handle other financial obligations in their home country. With features like competitive exchange rates, fast transfer times, and reliable customer support, NRI Money Transfer services cater to the unique needs of the global Indian diaspora. Whether it's sending remittances for daily expenses or larger investments, these services provide a lifeline for NRIs to manage their finances effectively across borders. For more details visit: https://www.myforexeye.com/nri-solutions

[yogurtverse]

Fuck it, the Homestuck kids and trolls with JJBA stand abilities

John Egbert: Jesus of Sburbia

Namesake: Green Day song

Jesus of Sburbia allows it's user to create a room around them, then disassemble any non living object into a currency. The stand can then rebuild anything it can either see or remember disassembling at the cost of said currency. It may also store objects inside it that the user might want to use later on.

Rose Lalonde: Nightwish

Namesake: Finnish metal band

Nightwish takes the form of a lovecraftian tentacle monster, and has the power to peer into the minds of it's opponents and scan for their worst fears. It can then shapeshift into the fears and cast grimdark illusions into the opponents mind.

Dave Strider: Deltron

Namesake: Rap Group

Deltron works differently than your average stand master relationship. Instead of the normal "Kill the stand kill the user." rule most stands apply to, if the stand or user is defeated, the remaining one will pull from another timeline (more likely to find doomed Daves anyway) and use their spirit to replace the stand. However, this weakens the user and stand until the merging process is complete.

Jade Harley: Sweet Trip

Namesake: Indie Rock band

Sweet Trip is a combat based stand that mostly focuses on guns. It has the secondary ability to set these guns to teleport objects by firing a bullet somewhere and then shooting a second target, in which case the shot target takes the place of the fired bullet.

Aradia Megido: Tornado of Souls

Namesake: Megadeth song

Tornado of Souls can put people in a sort of sleep paralyses, freezing an opponent in place. During this process, Tornado of Souls can implant memories of deceased people known to the victim and torment them.

Tavros Nitram: Rhapsody

Namesake: Power Metal band

Rhapsody is a rallying stand that allows it's user to enter talks with and recruit any creature to their cause, acting like a translator between the two.

Sollux Captor: Remain in Light

Namesake: Talking Heads album

Remain in Light is a two headed stand that allows it's user to pinpoint two objects to fall under the effects of RiL. Once they are, the stand can both produce powerful beams as well as transfer any feeling from one target to the other. (For example, if Sollux was to punch someone under RiL, the impact of the punch could transfer to the other person, having them feel the impact)

Karkat Vantas: Death Grips

Namesake: Experimental hip-hop group

Death Grips is probably the weakest stand in terms of pure combat potential in the session. However, it's main ability lies in it's ability to infiltrate electronic systems and destroy them, no matter how complex. If a device is turned off while Death Grips is still inside, it will go haywire and destroy the machine beyond repair. If Death Grips is inside a shut down machine for too long, it will start to lose power and die.

Nepeta Leijon: 100 Gecs

Namesake: Hyperpop duo

100 Gecs is a colony stand made up of 100 small catlike creatures. They can be controlled by Nepeta for either attacks with their claws or using them to cover herself or allies for defensive purposes.

Kanaya Maryam: Black Halo

Namesake: Kamelot album

Black Halo allows it's user to remove the light from anything it comes across, storing the light to either illuminate areas or blind others. When a lot of light is collected, BH can fire it in concentrated beams or throw it as a shield

Terezi Pyrope: Follow the Leader

Namesake: Korn album

Follow the Leader forces it's user to follow their own moral code, whatever that may be. If the victim is forced to break their moral code through things like peers and circumstances beyond their control, FtL slowly begins to hurt the victim. If they reject their own morals too much, the pain will kill them.

Vriska Serket: Mind Fuzz

Namesake: King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard album

Mind Fuzz takes the form of a spidery woman with eight legs. Once one of these legs touches a victim they become temporarily mind controlled and forced to enact Vriska's bidding. Vriska can also shake it's limbs and it will randomly point a leg upwards or downwards. If all eight point upwards (surprisingly more likely than you'd think) Vriska can make a wish to alter the area around her.

Equius Zahark: Powerslave

Namesake: Iron Maiden album

Powerslave allows it's user to drain the strength from their opponent and add it to the stand, while the stand can transfer the gathered strength to either Equius or others around him.

Gamzee Makara: Atrocity Exhibition

Namesake: Danny Brown album

Actrocity Exhibition is a combat stand that can also produce an extremely high frequency noise that drives people into a manic state as well as heightening their senses. The user is not immune from this, often adding to the mania.

Eridan Empora: Headmaster Ritual

Namesake: The Smiths song

Headmaster Ritual works as a science powered stand with full access to the periodic table, being able to change any two elements. This runs the risk of creating extremely volatile changes, so using the stands secondary ability of channeling the elements into objects such as wands or guns is all but nessesary to avoid harm to the user.

Feferi Peixes: Queen of the Stone Age

Namesake: Metal band

Queen of the Stone Age is a wearable stand dedicated to helping the ruler survive any sort of pressure and move along any sort of surface, be it from lava, water, space, etc. Feferi can also extend the stand to anyone she's physically touching.

[mythaura-blog]

Development Update - September 2024

Hello folks! Miyazaki checking in with our development updates for the month of September. Between getting our newest art team member onboarded, cooking up some really exciting Fall Quarter concept art, a new color, and a new Mutation, it's been a really creative month for us.

Koa and Sark are hard at work on the back end, creating the systems that power the game. We've got functioning inventories, and Koa was able to have a Beast successfully use a healing potion in the Wild Area! I'm making headway on our intro quest, working in tandem with the art team to create assets to bring our very first area to life.

All in all: some solid progress this month!

Also, for Tumblr users: the August update didn't get posted here (I apologize!), but you can read it here.

Inventory System

This month, we focused on refining Mythaura’s inventory system, with special attention on making starting items function as expected. One of the most exciting additions is the Satchel feature. The satchel begins with 18 slots and can be expanded using non-premium currency, allowing for plenty of space to bring essentials on your adventures.

When preparing to explore, only provisions can be transferred from your stash to the satchel, but along the way, you’ll be able to pick up and store all types of loot. Additionally, the first row of your satchel is now displayed as a hotbar while exploring, enabling quick use of items like the Godspeed Potion, which boosts your movement speed, or a Torch to light your way in the dark.

However, be cautious—if you’re defeated while exploring, you’ll drop your satchel, leaving your items behind. You’ll need to return to the floor you were defeated on to recover it. If you’re defeated again before retrieving your original satchel, those items will be lost for good.

Fall Quarter (2024) Concepts

It’s the first day of Fall Quarter 2024, which means we’ve got new Quarterly Rewards for Sponsors to vote on on our Ko-fi page!

Which concepts would you like to see made into official site items? Sponsors of Bronze level or higher have a vote in deciding. Please check out the Companion post and the Glamour post on Ko-fi to cast your vote for the winning concepts!

Votes must be posted by October 27, 2024 at 11:59pm PST in order to be considered.

All Summer 2024 Rewards are now listed in our Ko-fi Shop for individual purchase for all Sponsor levels at $5 USD flat rate per unit. As a reminder, please remember that no more than 3 units of any given item can be purchased. If you purchase more than 3 units of any given item, your entire purchase will be refunded and you will need to place your order again, this time with no more than 3 units of any given item.

Summer 2024 Glamour: Corona Dragon

Summer 2024 Companion: Venomous Stalker

Summer 2024 Solid Gold Glamour: Solid Gold Griffin (Young)

Custom Color Contest Winner

In another round of incredible color concepts pitched to our team, we came away with an exciting new color, courtesy of user Noxith: Canyon!

Their reference images were canyons with a beautiful gradient of reds and oranges, along with other geographical features of the American Southwest, such as mesas.

Canyon adds a wonderful richness to the Mythauran color wheel. We encourage you to share your Canyon creations made in the Beast Creator with us!

New Mutation: Celestial

Astrology plays no small part in Mythauran culture, so perhaps it's not such a surprise that the genes of some Beasts born in Mythaura are mutated to show a map of brightly glowing constellations around their bodies.

As a reminder, Mutations are not Specials that can be applied via item. Instead, a Beast can rarely be born with a Mutation or they can rarely be obtained via a late-game boss encounter.

Mythauran Astrology: October

The month of October is referred to as Greenbright's Close, representing the official beginning of autumn and the winding down of greenery as foliage turns gold and red. This month is also associated with the constellation of the Physician and the malachite stone.

Mythaura v0.32

Dependency upgrades were made to improve stability.

Implemented new inventory services

Created satchels and added services to manage dropping and retrieving them.

Added energy and position tracking to wild area sessions.

Implemented filtering and context actions for inventories.

Starting items were created for each class and are automatically delivered to the satchel at game start.

Added battle item structure and functionality.

Added the ability to use an item from your satchel in battle.

Added functionality for health & energy-related items.

Added functionality for revival items.

A Hotbar with adjustable keybindings has been added to the UI when exploring.

A semi-final version of each skill tree was fully populated and began implementing said skills.

Thank You!

Thanks for sticking through to the end of the post, we always look forward to sharing our month's work with all of you--thank you for taking the time to read. We'll see you around the Discord.

We are also keeping all those impacted by Hurricane Helene in our thoughts. We hope you and your loved ones are all safe.

[albatross-lancer]

``"Dearest Kavaliere:

I have been requested by the Karrakin Unified Mining Company to contact you for assistance in resolving a matter. The Karrakin Unified Mining Company has recently concluded a large number of contracts for paracausal exploration in the Dawnline Shore region. The contracts have immediately produced moneys equaling Manna 40,000,000. The Karrakin Unified Mining Company is desirous of paracausal exploration in other parts of the interest, however, because of certain regulations of the Karrakin Government, it is unable to move these funds to another region.

You assistance is requested as a non-Karrakin citizen to assist the Karrakin Unified Mining Company, and also the House of Stones, in moving these funds out of House Stones. If the funds can be transferred to your name, in your Union Core account, then you can forward the funds as directed by the Karrakin Unified Mining Company. In exchange for your accommodating services, the Karrakin Unified Mining Company would agree to allow you to retain captured Balor exosuits and weapon from Khayradin skirmish salvaging operation.

However, to be a legitimate transferee of these moneys according to UEB law, you must presently be a depositor of at least Manna100,000 in a Karrakin bank which is regulated by the UEB.

If it will be possible for you to assist us, we would be most grateful. We suggest that you meet with us in person in Khayradin, and that during your visit I introduce you to the representatives of the Karrakin Unified Mining Company, as well as with certain officials of the House of Stones.

Please call me at your earliest convenience at (lord-baron-alex.omid) . Time is of the essence in this matter; very quickly the Karrakin Government will realize that theHouse of Stones is maintaining this amount on deposit, and attempt to levy certain depository taxes on it.

Yours truly,

Lord Baron Stone Alexander"``

Leaving aside the fact that this is plainly a fraudulent offer (we have received several false distress calls before and know the form of such deceptions), I must admit to being very curious as to why you sought the Albatross for this. We have no interest in utilizing Balor chassis or any kind of greywash weaponry, in fact we (along with the DoJ/HR) fought against and defeated the first Balors during the Sanjak Rebellion. Consequently, we are not on the friendliest of terms with the House of Stone, either. And lastly, we do not utilize currency, so we have little in the way of discretionary Manna for this deposit regardless.

[strangelittlestories]

On Christmas Eve, Ebeneezer Scrooge fell asleep in the server farm of his Cryptocurrency mine. In the background, the soft wash of LED displays and gentle hum of cooling fans filled the basement. He'd recently expanded his operation, having gotten a great deal on hardware in the Cyber Monday sales. So he was sung to sleep by the gentle guzzling of electricity and the slow accumulation of what might (by some) be considered wealth. Throughout the long night, he was visited by three ghosts. The whole business played out more or less as you'd expect, so we won't overly dwell on it here. Where things really started to go FUBAR was when Scrooge awoke… Looking out the security cameras on the snowy morning, Scrooge spied an urchin child. He pressed the buzzer on the speaker and cried out to them! "You, boy! What day is it?" "What? I can't hear you." "Hold on, I'll come upstairs!" Scrooge ran up the dingy stairwell of his minimalist and kinda grungy compound, stopping only to disarm his top of the line security system. He stepped out into the brisk winter, and very nearly forgot to reset the alarm in his excitement. Then he remembered he had prime numbers in there, damn it! So he did reset the primary alarm, but didn't bother with the non-lethal countermeasures, and that was something at least. "Thanks for waiting!" He huffed. "So, boy … what day is it?" "Not a boy!" Came the shrill reply. "Girl, then! What day is it?" "Not that either!" "Look, kid, this isn't a game of what's your fucking gender. Just tell me what day it is!" "It's solstice day, sir!" Said the urchin, looking up at a dishevelled Scrooge with their big urchin eyes. "Wait, really? …You're sure it's not Christmas? I fell asleep on Christmas Eve…" "I guess you slept for near a year, then, ‘cos I celebrate solstice and it's the gods-damned solstice." “I don’t know how to process that!” Cried Scrooge. “Maybe there’s a specific detail you can focus on to ground you?” Suggested the urchin, in a surprisingly helpful bit of trauma advice. “OH!” Exclaimed Scrooge. “Tell me, child, the butcher’s nearby. Does it still have that big turkey in the window?” “The butcher’s closed down six months back, I’m afraid! But I think there’s an Amazon Fresh around here somewhere?” Said the urchin. “That’ll do!” Scrooge rummaged around in his pockets. “Here, take this printout of a Jpeg of a poorly drawn frog and go buy me the biggest turkey you can find in Amazon Fresh. Then deliver it to Bob Cratchet!” “Even Amazon won’t take your NFT bullshit as currency, mister!” “Okay - I can give you cash.” Scrooge paused for a moment. “Do you have Venmo?” “I’m a street urchin.” Replied the street urchin. “Of course I have Venmo.” “Great. I’ll transfer you now - keep the change.” “I don’t mean to look a gift crypto bro in the mouth, sir, but aren’t you famously stingy? Like, your name’s literally a synonym for tight-fisted penny-pinching.” “That’s the old Scrooge. I got visited by three ghosts last night and now I’m a new man.” Said Scrooge, proudly, before added conspiratorially, “At first, I thought I’d just drank a bad batch of Soylent. But they were pretty convincing in the end.” “So you’re going to donate all your money to charity or start a non-profit or something?” The urchin said with open-mouthed awe. "I don't know. It's kind of ambiguous. I might do those things, or maybe I'll keep being rich and be a bit nicer? "Okay, so now you're closer to a Bill Gates rather than full Musk/Bezos on the scale of evil billionaires.” The urchin looked directly into the camera for a full three seconds. “And we’re supposed to celebrate that? “Look, it was pretty fucking radical for its time, okay?” Said Scrooge, snapping his fingers to stop the urchin breaking the fourth wall any further. “Are you gonna buy the turkey or what?" “I dunno, man. On the one hand, it feels like if you really changed your tune, you’d do more than buy one turkey for the single poor person whose name you know. On the other hand, you said I could keep the change. So this really is a bind for me…” “If I’m honest,” Said Scrooge, “I really didn’t think it would be this difficult to be charitable. No wonder Elon is the way he is.” “Sigh.” Said the urchin. Saying the word out loud, rather than just sighing, which I think tells you something about the level of frustration here. “You know what, this isn’t gonna work.” “Huh?” Said Scrooge, somewhat nonplussed. “Spot! Here, boys! Heel!” Called the urchin. In the distance, a low rumbling growl could be heard. Out of the shadows of the misty winter morning, a giant three-headed hound emerged, its jaws snapping at Scrooge in triplicate. “AAAARGH!” Yelled Scrooge, now so nonplussed as to be minused. The urchin pulled out a matte black flip phone, decorated with a few tasteful flowers, and made a call. “Hi Persephone, it’s me, Charon.” Said the urchin. “Yeah, I’m up here on psychopomp duty. Yup, it’s the Ebeneezer Scrooge case - y’know, the tech bro who drank too much Red Bull and had a heart attack? Well, we gave him another shot this year, but he’s still a bit of a dickmagnet. He’s made some progress - he understands basic empathy - but we’re still a bit stuck on the ‘myth of the benevolent billionaire’ stage.” In the background, the sound of screaming tech-bro and snarling monster dogs was fading into the distance. “I think we’re gonna call it for the day and give it another try solstice.” Charon continued. “Yeah, Cerberus is dragging him back to the underworld now. Yeah - he did a great job as the three ghosts too - definitely earned a treat. Cool - see you in a few.” Charon flipped the phone closed and took a deep breath. They took a pair of bronze coins out of a pocket of their ragged hoody, and placed them gently over their own eyes. “Hades bless us. Everyone.” They said to no-one, then disappeared.

[nancydrewwouldnever]

If anyone still wants to give money today to a good, registered actual charitable endeavor today that helps people, may I make a suggestion?

Since about 2016 I've been part of Kiva helping make microfinance loans to people looking to help grow small businesses or help family farms, etc. in underserved, underfunded areas of the world. This is not exactly traditional charity as we think of it. I'm basically putting my money into small loan funds run by non-profit organizers, who in turn help administer the loans to their clients. I get to choose which applicants I want to help, and get to see their stories and follow along as they pay back their loan and work towards their project goals. You really do get the sense that you're helping an individual.

And what's really great is that your money comes back to you as the loan gets repayed, and you can in turn keep loaning that money out, helping more people. Over the seven or so years I've been loaning on Kiva, I think I've only had one complete default. I've lost some in currency fluctuations, but it's a fairly stable system.

It's not a huge commitment of cash. I do the $25 loan level on each of my loans. But over the years each $25 loan has just kept rolling over and kept rolling over, and has gone out into over thirty countries in the world helping people. Over my time there, I've transferred in $275 to make loans with, but that money has made almost $1000 in total loans with repayments being loaned multiple times. It makes me feel like my giving is going a little farther, you know?

And what's neat is that you can join a "team" and get the social aspect of investing as a group, and having people there helping look through loans that are available. The team I'm on is the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. LOL. Look us up if you decide to give it a try.

[acavatica]

not to get political but... where would the andalite government be in the political spectrum? :O

This is somewhat based on my worldbuilding in Lies Agreed Upon, but I think it’s generally supported by canon.

Non-Marxist Communism: government-regulated collectivism; land is not owned by individuals, but assigned by the electorate based on status and need; there is no need for currency, and “gainful” work is optional; post-scarcity economy

Social authoritarianism: highly nationalist/imperialist/racist/ableist; military police state; rigid gender roles; canonically reorganized population into pastoral life instead of cities; canonical population/fertility control; canonical eugenics; propaganda game strong; illiberal democracy

The Andalite Chronicles has this bit of worldbuilding that really fascinates me:

<Long ago we had cities,> I explained. <But we were free-roaming herd animals to begin with. I mean, that's how we evolved. Millions of years ago Andalites moved in vast herds, which would split off into smaller herds at different times of the year. Then, gradually, we got used to forming smaller herds. Families, really. Each family made its scoop, and we each held our own grazing lands. All this Andalite environment you see is part of my family's grazing land.>

We came to a patch of Yeerkish territory and skirted around the blackened vegetation and sluggish pools. On the other side was a wide band of Andalite land which we walked through.

<Once we evolved to form families, we began to study science and nature. And again, over millions of years, we learned to build things. You know — weapons and vehicles that let us fly over the land. And communicators for extending the reach of thought-speak. Scoops became larger. Families joined with other families. Building grew. Soon we had thousands of Andalites all crammed together without enough grazing space. But we were learning space travel at the same time. Still, we weren't happy. We knew something was wrong. We broke down our cities, divided the land, and went back to life in simple family scoops. We kept building spaceships, but we did it in little bits and pieces, here and there, spread out through the tens of thousands of scoops. My own family does some of that. We design heat transfer components for fighters. Another family builds the pieces from our designs. Another family transports the pieces to the spaceport. I guess the three spaceports are about as close as we come to what you would call a city now.>

— The Andalite Chronicles, p. 79

This really stuck with me because I cannot conceive of every single Andalite in every single urban setting agreeing to willingly relocate. The way Elfangor describes it doesn’t make sense—“we broke down our cities, we divided the land.” Huge sweeping reorganization of society requires a central authority to undertake. What did they do with the Andalites who didn’t want to leave? Imagine telling literally ANY city “we’re dismantling this place, it’s for your own good, you’re moving to Montana.” You don’t have to imagine it, because it happens and some people stay until they are FORCED to leave. To me, the story that Elfangor tells is obvious propaganda.

It also reminded me of The Great Leap Forward (CCP 1958-62), but in reverse. imo, there’s no real-world analogue, but early in the process of conceptualizing the government and political history, I thought a lot about the Chinese Revolution, and asked myself “what if Maoist policies had been implemented ‘successfully’ and resulted in functioning authoritarian communism, and it’s thousands of years later.”

But also functionally, they’re Space United States in terms of being cops and telling the galaxy how it should be run.

Here’s what I got from the political compass test when I answered it ~as if I were the Andalite government~, but I think they should actually be higher on the authoritarian scale. They got skewed because they aren’t homophobic or theocratic, I think.

(I was a political science major; this is the part of the worldbuilding I get horny for. The nature parts are set dressing.)

[tokenlauncher]

Common Questions About Solana Token Minting Answered

As the cryptocurrency world continues to expand, more and more developers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts are looking into token minting as a way to create their own digital assets. Among the various blockchain platforms available, Solana has emerged as a leading choice for token minting due to its high-speed transactions, low costs, and robust scalability. However, with the rise in interest comes a slew of questions from those new to the process. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about Solana token minting, providing clear and positive insights into why this platform is ideal for your token creation needs.

What Is Token Minting?

Token minting refers to the process of creating new tokens on a blockchain. These tokens can represent anything from digital currencies and assets to loyalty points, collectibles, and more. Minting tokens allows you to define the total supply, distribution, and unique characteristics of your tokens, which can then be used in a variety of applications such as decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), gaming, and more.

Why Choose Solana for Token Minting?

Solana has quickly gained a reputation as one of the fastest and most cost-effective blockchain platforms for token minting. Here’s why Solana stands out:

High Transaction Speed: Solana is capable of processing up to 65,000 transactions per second (TPS), making it one of the fastest blockchains available. This speed ensures that your tokens can be created, transferred, and traded quickly and efficiently.

Low Transaction Fees: Unlike some other blockchains where transaction fees can be prohibitively high, Solana’s fees are a fraction of a cent. This affordability is particularly beneficial for those looking to mint large quantities of tokens or those planning to use their tokens in high-frequency trading environments.

Scalability: Solana’s innovative Proof of History (PoH) consensus mechanism ensures that the network remains scalable even as demand grows. This scalability makes Solana an excellent choice for projects that expect to handle a large number of users or transactions.

Developer-Friendly Tools: Solana offers a range of tools and resources, such as the Solana token generator and Instant Token Launcher, that make it easy for developers to create and deploy their tokens.

How Do I Mint a Token on Solana?

Minting a token on Solana is a straightforward process, thanks to the developer-friendly tools provided by the platform. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Set Up a Solana Wallet: Before you can mint a token, you’ll need to set up a Solana wallet. This wallet will hold your SOL tokens, which are used to pay for transaction fees on the network.

Use the Solana Token Generator: The Solana token generator is a powerful tool that simplifies the process of creating tokens on the Solana blockchain. Simply input your desired token details, such as the name, symbol, and total supply, and the generator will create your token in seconds.

Launch Your Token: After creating your token, you can use the Instant Token Launcher to deploy it on the Solana blockchain. This tool allows you to instantly launch your token, making it available for trading, distribution, or integration into your application.

Distribute Your Tokens: Once your token is launched, you can distribute it to your intended recipients, whether they are investors, users, or community members. You can also list your token on cryptocurrency exchanges to increase its liquidity and visibility.

What Are the Costs Involved in Minting Tokens on Solana?

One of the most attractive aspects of minting tokens on Solana is the low cost. The transaction fees on the Solana network are minimal — often just a fraction of a cent per transaction. This means that even if you’re minting a large number of tokens, the total cost will remain affordable.

Additionally, the Solana token generator and Instant Token Launcher tools are designed to be cost-effective, allowing you to create and deploy your tokens without the need for expensive development resources. This makes Solana an ideal choice for startups, small businesses, and individual developers looking to enter the cryptocurrency market without breaking the bank.

Can I Mint Any Type of Token on Solana?

Yes, Solana supports the minting of a wide variety of tokens. Whether you’re looking to create a utility token, security token, non-fungible token (NFT), or even a memecoin, Solana’s flexible and scalable infrastructure can accommodate your needs.

Utility Tokens: These tokens can be used within a specific ecosystem or application, providing users with access to products, services, or other benefits.

Security Tokens: Representing ownership of an asset, such as equity in a company or real estate, security tokens are subject to regulatory requirements.

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): NFTs are unique tokens that represent ownership of a specific digital asset, such as artwork, music, or virtual real estate.

Memecoins: Inspired by internet memes and viral trends, memecoins are a fun and playful way to engage with the crypto community.

With Solana’s tools like the Instant Token Generator, you can create these types of tokens quickly and efficiently, enabling you to capitalize on market trends and innovations.

What Are the Benefits of Minting Tokens on Solana Compared to Other Blockchains?

When compared to other popular blockchains like Ethereum or Binance Smart Chain, Solana offers several distinct advantages:

Speed: Solana’s high transaction speed outpaces that of Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain, ensuring that your tokens can be minted and traded quickly. This speed is particularly important for applications that require real-time transactions, such as gaming or DeFi platforms.

Low Costs: The transaction fees on Solana are significantly lower than those on Ethereum, where gas fees can be a major obstacle for developers and users alike. Solana’s low fees make it a more accessible platform for those looking to mint large quantities of tokens or engage in frequent transactions.

Scalability: Solana’s Proof of History (PoH) consensus mechanism enables the network to scale without compromising on security or decentralization. This scalability ensures that your project can grow and handle increased demand without facing performance bottlenecks.

Ecosystem Support: Solana’s growing ecosystem includes a wide range of tools, services, and resources that make it easier for developers to build and deploy their projects. The Solana token generator and Instant Token Launcher are just two examples of the developer-friendly tools available on the platform.

How Do I Promote My Solana-Minted Tokens?

Once you’ve minted your tokens on Solana, the next step is to promote them to your target audience. Here are a few strategies to help you get started:

Build a Community: Community is key to the success of any token. Use social media platforms, forums, and online communities to build a strong following for your token. Engage with your audience regularly and provide them with updates, news, and incentives to participate.

Leverage Social Media: Social media platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Discord are essential tools for promoting your token. Share news, updates, and memes to generate buzz and attract new followers.

List Your Token on Exchanges: Listing your token on cryptocurrency exchanges can increase its visibility and trading volume. Many exchanges support Solana-based tokens, making it easier to get your token listed and accessible to a broader audience.

Collaborate with Influencers: Partnering with influencers in the crypto space can help you reach a larger audience and build credibility for your token. Look for influencers who align with your brand and values.

What Are the Risks of Token Minting?

While minting tokens on Solana offers numerous benefits, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved:

Market Volatility: Cryptocurrency markets are notoriously volatile, and the value of your tokens can fluctuate dramatically based on market conditions, news, and investor sentiment.

Regulatory Compliance: Depending on the type of token you mint, you may need to comply with specific regulatory requirements. Be sure to research the legal implications of your token and consult with legal professionals if necessary.

Security: As with any digital asset, security is a critical concern. Ensure that your token smart contracts are thoroughly tested and audited to prevent vulnerabilities and potential hacks.

Conclusion: Why Solana Is the Best Choice for Token Minting

In conclusion, Solana offers a powerful and flexible platform for token minting, making it an excellent choice for developers, entrepreneurs, and crypto enthusiasts alike. With its high transaction speed, low fees, and scalability, Solana provides the ideal environment for creating a wide variety of tokens, from utility tokens and NFTs to memecoins and more.

Tools like the Solana token generator and Instant Token Launcher further simplify the process, allowing you to mint and launch your tokens quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re looking to create a new digital currency, launch a DeFi project, or simply experiment with token minting, Solana offers the resources and support you need to succeed.

As you embark on your token minting journey, remember to stay informed about market trends, engage with your community, and prioritize security. With the right approach, your Solana-minted tokens have the potential to thrive in the dynamic and ever-changing world of cryptocurrency.

[unpluggedfinancial]

The Great Repricing: How Bitcoin Will Reshape the Financial World

The financial world we live in is a precarious house of cards, meticulously constructed by those in power to maintain control over the masses. However, a seismic shift is on the horizon. Bitcoin, the revolutionary digital currency, is set to reprice everything, challenging the very foundations of our current financial system.

The House of Cards

Our financial system is built on a fragile foundation of debt and manipulation. Central banks and governments have long relied on the unchecked printing of fiat currencies, leading to the devaluation of money and the erosion of purchasing power. This practice has created an illusion of stability, but in reality, it is a house of cards waiting to collapse. The recent ramp-up in money printing has only added fuel to the fire, pushing our financial system closer to the brink.

Control and Manipulation

Through monetary policy and economic intervention, those in power exert control over the population. Financial repression, including artificially low-interest rates and inflation, is used to manage economies and influence behavior. This manipulation benefits the few at the expense of the many, perpetuating a cycle of dependency and control. Governments and central banks can create money out of thin air, diluting the value of savings and wages, and effectively stealing wealth from the populace.

Bitcoin: A New Paradigm

Enter Bitcoin. Unlike fiat currencies, Bitcoin is decentralized and has a fixed supply of 21 million coins. This fundamental difference is what makes Bitcoin a superior form of money. Bitcoin's scarcity ensures that it cannot be devalued through inflation, offering a stable store of value. Additionally, Bitcoin operates on a transparent and secure blockchain, making it immune to manipulation by any single entity. Transactions are verified by a network of nodes, ensuring trust and security without the need for intermediaries.

Repricing Everything

As Bitcoin gains adoption, it has the potential to reprice assets, goods, and services across the globe. Imagine a world where value is measured in a stable, non-inflationary currency. Historical examples, such as the transition from the gold standard, show how a new standard can dramatically alter the economic landscape. Bitcoin is poised to be that new standard. With its fixed supply and decentralized nature, Bitcoin can serve as a global reserve currency, providing a stable and reliable measure of value.

Why Bitcoin is a Superior Form of Money

Decentralization: Bitcoin is not controlled by any government, central bank, or corporation. Its decentralized nature ensures that no single entity can manipulate or control the currency, making it a truly democratic form of money.

Scarcity: With a fixed supply of 21 million coins, Bitcoin is inherently scarce. This scarcity makes it a deflationary asset, meaning its value is likely to increase over time as demand grows and supply remains constant.

Transparency: Bitcoin transactions are recorded on a public ledger called the blockchain. This transparency ensures that all transactions are verifiable and cannot be altered or hidden, fostering trust and security.

Security: Bitcoin uses advanced cryptographic techniques to secure transactions and control the creation of new coins. This makes it extremely difficult for hackers or malicious actors to manipulate the system.

Portability: Bitcoin can be easily transferred across borders without the need for intermediaries. This makes it an ideal currency for global transactions, enabling instant and low-cost transfers of value.

Divisibility: Each Bitcoin can be divided into 100 million smaller units called satoshis. This divisibility ensures that Bitcoin can be used for transactions of all sizes, from large purchases to microtransactions.

Censorship Resistance: Because Bitcoin is decentralized, it is resistant to censorship. Transactions cannot be blocked or reversed by any central authority, ensuring that individuals have full control over their funds.

The Financial Revolution

Bitcoin represents more than just a new form of money; it signifies a financial revolution. It promises a fairer, more transparent system where individuals have control over their wealth. The shift to Bitcoin could dismantle the existing power structures, giving rise to a more equitable financial world. Without Bitcoin, the world was on the brink of financial collapse. However, Bitcoin acts as a safety boat, allowing us to build a new world while simultaneously dismantling the old one. It offers a path to financial independence, enabling people to escape the cycle of debt and inflation imposed by fiat currencies.

Conclusion

The repricing of everything through Bitcoin is not just a possibility; it is an impending reality. As the flaws of our current financial system become more apparent, the need for a decentralized, incorruptible currency grows. Bitcoin offers a path to financial independence and a break from the control of centralized institutions. Its superior characteristics as a form of money make it an ideal candidate to replace the outdated and manipulated fiat system. Explore Bitcoin, understand its potential, and join the financial revolution.

Take Action Towards Financial Independence

If this article has sparked your interest in the transformative potential of Bitcoin, there's so much more to explore! Dive deeper into the world of financial independence and revolutionize your understanding of money by following my blog and subscribing to my YouTube channel.

🌐 Blog: Unplugged Financial Blog Stay updated with insightful articles, detailed analyses, and practical advice on navigating the evolving financial landscape. Learn about the history of money, the flaws in our current financial systems, and how Bitcoin can offer a path to a more secure and independent financial future.

📺 YouTube Channel: Unplugged Financial Subscribe to our YouTube channel for engaging video content that breaks down complex financial topics into easy-to-understand segments. From in-depth discussions on monetary policies to the latest trends in cryptocurrency, our videos will equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed financial decisions.

👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content. Whether you're a seasoned investor, a curious newcomer, or someone concerned about the future of your financial health, our community is here to support you on your journey to financial independence.

[dzthenerd490]

File: Coco

SCP#: AHO

Code Name: The Mexican Afterlife

Object Class: Nexus

Special Containment Procedures: SCP-AHO cannot be contained as it is a plane of existence beyond our reality. Instead, the Department of Universal Affairs - Afterlife Management Division is responsible for cataloging as much information as possible. Mobile Task Force Mictecacíhuatl-Δ "Those who Remember" are responsible for carrying out this task. MTF Mictecacíhuatl-Epsilon is an eight-person non-combat research team able to travel in and out of SCP-AHO. They can do this because they all have Mexican heritage and therefore relatives who have not only died but also, meet SCP-AHO's requirements to reside there. They are to catalogue everything while wearing protective gear which is used for the sole purpose of concealing the fact that they are all alive. 

This process can only be done on Novembers 1st – November 2nd and they can only stay in the area for less than 24 hours; previous failures have shown that to stay longer will result in them dying in the real world and therefore never being able to leave again. Dead relatives and dead SCP Foundation staff have agreed to help with this process so there is no threat of being trapped in SCP-AHO.

There are no general hazardous threats within SCP-AHO; however, because SCP-AHO is a nice place to live, Foundation staff of Mexican ethnicity might be tempted to invoke the ritual that will allow them to enter SCP-AHO and stay there to live out a good afterlife. Any Foundation staff that attempt this are to be located by Mobile Task Force Mictlantecuhtli-Εpsilon and transported back to the living world at once. They are then to be demoted by a single level and transferred to a Site or Area far away from Mexico.

If a civilian accidently perform the ritual to be sent to SCP-AHO they are to be found as well as their dead relatives. Once both are found they are to perform the ritual to send the living back to earth. The dead are to be threatened that if they fail to do this their living relatives will all be executed so their family will be forgotten. This will also happen if they do the ritual with a pledge, the living must be brought back to life without restriction. Punishment is eradication of the bloodline and all that are related even if those related are Foundation staff. There will be no exceptions. 

Description: SCP-AHO is an afterlife located in the entirety of the country Mexico. When someone dies in Mexico, has Mexican heritage, and is remembered by their Mexican family members that are currently alive they will go to SCP-AHO after they die. Only by fulfilling these requirements will someone be allowed to go to SCP-AHO after death, otherwise they will go to another afterlife. 

Those who reside within SCP-AHO take on the form of indestructible skeletons that can be taken apart and put back together easily. Despite no longer having physical bodies they can eat, feel, and talk as if they are alive. Within SCP-AHO they can have their basic needs fulfilled as well as be allowed to indulge in any dream they want. Because everyone is dead there is no currency or need to work so anyone and everyone can do whatever they desire. Though extra resources can be obtained dependent on the living. 

As per Mexican tradition Novembers 1st – November 2nd is the Day of the Dead where dead family members are celebrated and remembered for their time in life. During this time denizens of SCP-AHO are allowed to travel to the living world and collect items that are given to them by the living. They don't actually take these items but when they make contact with the items a spiritual copy is made for them to take back and use later. Because it is the land of the dead none of the food or materials ever spoil or age meaning they can keep it for as long as they want. However, such perks will begin to wane once someone is becoming forgotten.

When someone is slowly becoming forgotten by their family or all their living relatives are dead, they will become forgotten. As this continues, they will be unable to go to the land of the living nor will even be able to have access to a majority of the benefits that is commonly available to other residence of SCP-AHO. When someone within SCP-AHO is completely forgotten they will be evicted form the afterlife quite painfully and sent to another afterlife. Just like with regular death, which afterlife they are sent to, if they reincarnated instead, or absorbed into the universe is unknown. 

SCP-AHO was discovered in 1947 only a year after the Mexican Division of the Foundation was established. SCP-AHO was only theorized to exist form reports of people disappearing and either never being found or coming back claiming they went to the land of the dead. From that point on, careful testing was made to see the full properties of SCP-AHO as well as if it's possible to send someone there intentionally. This testing led to the discovery that SCP-AHO can be accessed by the living when a living person of Mexican heritage steels an offering meant for a dead person who is not related to them at all. This must be done on the exact date of the Day of the Dead; any other day does nothing.

Once they are in SCP-AHO they are still alive but only for 24 hours afterwards they will be turned into a skeleton and forced to stay there forever. They only way to leave is to have a dead relative already living within SCP-AHO bless them with an Aztec marigold flower petal. These petals are symbolized within Mexican culture to be used to make pathways for the dead to find the living. With a single petal someone alive can be sent back to earth easily; however, that all really depends on the desire of the dead. 

Though this has been restricted by the Administrator, which is the only Foundation staff member who can enter and leave SCP-AHO without restrictions despite not being of Mexican heritage, it's possible for a dead relative to force a pledge on the living before blessing them back to earth. Once this is done the living relative must follower this pledge without question lest they be sent back to SCP-AHO.  There doesn't seem to be any way to counter this and if they are sent back to SCP-AHO their time left to get back to earth is not reset and thus must hurry or die and be trapped in SCP-AHO forever. Currently besides this SCP-AHO holds no threat and is a potential candidate for Protect [data expunged].

Still, because the Administrator cannot be expected to uphold this law himself. it is the duty of MTF Mictlantecuhtli-E to prevent such a thing from happening. MTF Mictlantecuhtli-E comprised of both dead and living MTF units who are still aligned with the Foundation for a single job and that's to ensure no one will try to forcefully become a denizen of SCP-AHO. They are also in charge of ensuring all information regarding SCP-AHO can be obtained as quickly and effectively as possible. MTF Mictlantecuhtli-E are the most essential aspect of studying SCP-AHO without them, control and by extension containment would be a failure.

.

SCP: Horror Movie Files Hub

[optikes]

Doreen Chapman (b1971) Jigalong (Pilbara region, Western Australia)

Manyjilyjarra people

Untitled (2023) acrylic on canvas

Untitled (2023) acrylic on canvas

A tracksweshare.com.au

Doreen’s story as told by her mother Maywokka (Mayiwalku) Chapman.

Been born Jigalong. Big sister for my son, Dennis Thomas. He been come this way, Hedland. Doreen, and me, are from Karntimarta, Warralong. I been bring him here. Little girls he start painting, in Warralong. He looking … looking … he quick painter, quickly, looking, looking. No fishing, no hunting, no car, painting, painting every day eh? You been bring ‘em, he painting, painting, painting!

B jardan.com.au

Profoundly deaf since birth, Chapman is a non-verbal artist. Doreen spends most of her time in Warralong community and visits Port Headland to see family and paint her bold and arresting works at the Spinifex Hill Studios. Her paintings explore the interplay of tradition and contemporary culture, where past and present co-inhabit space and time. ...

As a deaf woman, ‘painting is a crucial form of her communication and storytelling’. Doreen is an ambidextrous painter who mainly uses round brushes, fingers and thumbs to complete large format works.

C Gina Fairley artshub.com.au

At each of the multiple venues presenting the 24th Biennale of Sydney, visitors are greeted by a brightly coloured painting of an ATM: the works of Manyjilyjarra woman Doreen Chapman (Jigalong, WA), a non-verbal, deaf artist known for her uninhibited painting style.

These ubiquitous machines represent a point of transaction – a transfer of currency – and, when placed within an artistic vernacular, one can’t help feel that Artistic Directors Cosmin Costinaș and Inti Guerrero are asking the question, “at what cost does culture come to us?” and reminding us of the value of creative exchange.

It is a wry and sensitive entry point, given that it is easy to feel jaded by these big, spectacular exhibitions, which take on so much and yet often fall back on familiar names doing the global “biennale circuit” – a kind of “art world currency”, to pick up on Chapman’s ATMs.

[onecornerface]

taxing the rich can be good even if it is theft

My problem with "taxation is theft" libertarianism is that I think the badness of stealing is contingent on (1) the wealth of the victim, and (2) the specialness of the object stolen.

I think it's really bad to steal anything (money or otherwise) from a poor person. And I think it's also really bad to steal special things (like beloved family heirlooms) from a rich person.

But money is fungible, not special at all. Stealing money from a rich person is the least bad kind of stealing.

(Another example of not-very-bad stealing: Individual acts of shoplifting mass-produced items from a corporation-owned store. However, large amounts of shoplifting may create serious problems, even if individual acts of shoplifting are okay. Shoplifting may also be wrong when it harms the employees.)

Note that my view is not that property rights are bogus or less important than other rights. Nor do I deny that taxation is theft. However, I construe theft as a pro-tanto property-rights infringement, rather than as an all-things-considered property-rights violation. My view is that stealing non-special things (like money)-- from people who have a LOT of it-- is much less bad than other kinds of stealing.

(Sometimes "theft" is defined as an all-things-considered property rights violation, so that theft is wrong by definition. If we define "theft" this way, then I deny that taxation is theft, rather than argue that taxation is legitimate theft. There are pros and cons to either definition.)

So even if taxing the rich is theft, it is the least bad kind of stealing. This badness is easily outweighed by the stealer's doing good things with the money.

(Note: Some theorists, like some Modern Monetary Theorists, claim that the "governments spend taxpayer money" view is a false theory of how the money supply works, for nations with fiat currency like ours. I'm setting this view aside, and I will assume the government does spend taxpayer money. The MMT view may be compatible with a slightly modified version of my view, anyway.)

Taxing the poor can be extremely bad, however. The government unjustifiably steals from the poor in many ways --such as asset forfeiture, fines, and incarceration-related fees, as well as some kinds of taxation.

The government often wastes taxpayer money, and some libertarians allege that the government rarely spends money well, but this is a mostly separate line of complaint. When the government spends rich people's stolen taxpayer money on good things, that's legitimate.

Poverty causes massive and horrific suffering. When governments steal money from the rich to fund programs to prevent and mitigate the horrors of poverty, this is often a great thing to do. In fact, the government should massively, massively increase this activity.

A potential objection: Does my argument imply it would be okay for private effective charities to start stealing from rich people, to fund valuable projects like fighting malaria or giving cash-transfers to the poor? In principle, I don't have a problem with it. However, in practice, if lots of private charities began stealing from the rich, then there would likely be many practical problems.

We could also distinguish two versions of this scenario: one where such "charitable stealing" is legalized, and the other where charitable stealing remains illegal but becomes widespread. Either scenario likely leads to many problems. If governments maintain their monopoly on stealing from the rich, then the system is more stable and governed by consistent expectations.

However, it may be good for the government to provide more money to effective charities, insofar as the latter can do some important tasks better than other actors can. Whether this is true (and whether such funding would create good or bad incentives-- cf. the "non-profit industrial complex" literature for potential reasons for cynicism)-- is partially an empirical question.

[i-need-glitter]

So I just got hacked and let me tell you what I did

I recognized there was remote access mouse movement

Now regardless what is useful which is typically websites you are logged into that have connections to your credit and bank account info

The only time I go on a bank account online is from my moms computer which has the best anti virus programs

So I don’t do huge purchases online and I’ve never done a transfer

Normally people do that

90% of the worlds currency is digital now. Non physical

So I recognized remote mouse movement. I literally pulled the power cord on my computer to turn it off because I didn’t want to risk them preventing me from turning off the computer.

Then I went to the power cord with the wifi and turned it off

I then spent like 1 minute 17 seconds panicking.

Then I pulled All Of My Cards. And I froze them and for the ones I couldn’t freeze I just ordered new ones while alerting fraud

I now won’t turn on the wifi for awhile. Like all weekend at the least and during that I’m turning on the computer, and downloading copies of everything to a thumb drive and then I’m going to factory reset the computer

That wasn’t all my idea

My friend who works IT said to do factory reset to destroy the prior pathway they used so they wouldn’t be able to get to me again

Act quick and recognize it’s scary but you can tackle the ghost moving your computer’s brain around

[poemusart]

We would like to invite you to visit our new website. Poemusart.com is a first of its kind platform where poems, music and art can digitally combine to create a new medium we call a Poemusart. Creators can mashup with others music, art and poems, written or spoken in their own unique style, on various topics, from current affairs to comedy, from short stories to inspirational messages. All translatable into 21 spoken languages at the click of a button and sold as NFTs. gofund.me/4d73e940

Most people would not usually read a poem, or scroll through art, but when poems, music and art are combined, this new combination becomes a lot more entertaining. Creators on poemusart.com can speak or write their poems in their own unique style, on various topics, from current affairs to comedy, from short stories to inspirational messages. All translatable into 21 spoken languages at the click of a button. Users of poemusart.com are categorized as viewers, creators and advertisers.

Viewers can stream the algorithm-curated Poemusarts as entertainment and discuss it in the comments section. And advertisers display their brands on the website. Advertisers and users are also able to commission Creators to create content for them in exchange for tokens. Viewers can also purchase a subscription. Subscription benefits include: creation of a playlist; skipping advertisements; use of the Text to Poem A.I and use of the Text to Art A.I. On poemusart.com "NFT" (non-fungible token) means that we endeavor to make sure that each poem, music and art uploaded is not a duplicate of one that already exists on the site. It is not a blockchain. It is very easy to use for all.

We also make sure that each combination of poem, music and art that constitutes a Poemusart is a one of a kind combination. The primary purpose of the site is entertainment, similar to video streaming sites like TikTok.com. A Poemusart is like a video in that when played, the viewer sees a moving digital art and hears a spoken poem with music playing in the background. Creators/composers that contribute to the site are able to monetize their Poemusarts through receiving gifts in the form of tokens or through ownership transfer in exchange for tokens. The tokens on poemusart.com are similar to the tokens on Tiktok.com or the Coins on Reddit.com, they are not crypto currency and only serve to lubricate gifts and exchanges on the site. Ownership transfer of a Poemusart is not the same as transactions on NFT platforms. Poemusarts cannot be downloaded off the site so there is no risk of your collection being stolen from the site.

Also on other social media sites like TikTok.com there are many duplicates of the same videos or concept. Users copy each other's content because they seek the benefits from having that particular video on their page. On poemusart.com, since we take strides to ensure that each Poemusart cannot be duplicated, the only way users can acquire other coveted Poemusarts is to do so by ownership transfer in exchange for tokens. Benefits of ownership include increased traffic to owner's collection, more attention, more discussions, more donations, and possible ad revenue sharing.

Like the text-to-poem and text-to-art A.I. function, the text-to-music A.I. function will allow users to simply type in certain keywords such as genre, styles, tempos and moods into the text box and the A.I. will generate a piece of music from that prompt.

It is our sincere hope that you will enjoy what we have created and also become a contributor. Your feedback is much appreciated too.

Thank you in advance,

Raymond

[mariacallous]

America’s payment system is transforming as methods of transacting digitally grow. Digital transactions offer the opportunity to move money faster, cheaper, and more conveniently for customers and businesses. Digital transactions can also unlock new methods for businesses to operate; the online economy is only possible because of online payments.

Our current payment system has solved one set of challenges to unlock the new economy, but the system causes significant problems for others. The current system has a cost structure that is expensive for digital micro-payments, which are small dollar payments. Furthermore, digital payments require accessing digital currency which is easy for the wealthy but can be expensive for those with less income. Finally, digital payment acceptance is fragmented, cumbersome, and slow, creating delays.

These problems form a perfect storm when it comes to transit agencies. Public transit has a large share of low-dollar, high-volume payments. Transit agencies face unique challenges in adapting their fare payment systems to best meet the needs of riders while simultaneously solving concerns regarding user ease, speed, interoperability, and costs. Public transit is generally funded by a combination of user fees and subsidies by multiple levels of government. Federal, state, and local governments have all embraced public transit to serve multiple goals of providing basic mobility, supporting equity, catalyzing economic growth, and creating a more sustainable transportation system. The federal government’s recent infrastructure legislation is a historic investment in transit that provides transit agencies a unique opportunity to improve payment collection systems. To achieve this, payment systems have to become more efficient and effective for low-dollar, high-volume transactions, a key characteristic of transit fare payments.

Enhancing payment efficiency for low-dollar, high-volume payments offers benefits beyond public transit as America’s infrastructure and mobility methods rapidly evolve. Electric vehicle charging, e-bikes, scooters, tolls, and even traditional parking meters have moved into digital payments, which, similar to transit, often result in low-dollar, high-volume transactions. Transportation technology is rapidly evolving in a direction that involves greater use of micro-payments which exposes many problems in America’s payment system.

A payment is comprised of two parts: the transfer of money and the information necessary to conduct that transfer (e.g., who is paying whom, how much, from where, and when). While the information necessary for a payment often goes through non-bank firms, the settlement of money is currently bank-centric with most funds flowing through financial institutions. Non-bank companies, including technology firms providing card systems, messaging firms providing information services, and processing firms, have played critical roles in managing the flow of information and the methods in which payments are transacted, although increasingly, they are also participating in the flow of funds.

This paper lays out the challenges inherent in scaling up open payments in the public transportation context and begins to outline potential paths for solutions. It begins with an overview of the current landscape of transit payments, followed by a discussion of existing and emerging payment systems, including how those systems currently operate, the costs of the systems, and who bears those costs. It then  considers the specific issues involved in moving toward open payments from the perspective of public transit agencies. It concludes with a potential path for solutions.

Download the full paper here.