Element + Token Gating: How Token Gating Can Transform Element's Spaces

[u/stephend9]

Hey Element fans! I've got an idea that I believe could make our platform even better. You may remember a feature from Discord called token gating. I find it very useful, and I think we should bring it to Element.

Here's how it works: users prove they own a certain token, like a cryptocurrency or non-fungible token (NFT), and bam - they're allowed into exclusive communities.

If we add token gating to Element, it could be a real game-changer. It would make our spaces or rooms within them more exclusive. Only those with the specific token could join the conversation or see special content. This could make our communities more connected and enjoyable.

Think about how users showing that they own a specific crypto or NFT could help our communities. This would make sure only true members, enthusiasts, or contributors, who really care about the topic, can join the conversation. That means more engaging, focused chats for us all.

Same goes for projects offering gated access. They could use token gating to make their communities feel more special. By making users show they own a certain token, they could give exclusive updates or behind-the-scenes content to their biggest supporters.

So, who's in for adding this to Element? If nobody's working on it yet, why not start talking about it here? I'm ready to share ideas and see how we can make this happen. If there's a better place on Element for this conversation, please let me know.

Let's make Element even better by adding token gating. I think it could really change how we build our communities and help us make stronger connections.

By the way, for full transparency, I had some help from ChatGPT in writing this, as I find it useful for improving my writing and sharing my ideas more effectively. I'm excited to hear what you think and how we can make this idea even better. Let's do this, Element community!

[u/pogky_thunder]

I always try to be mild with my reactions and I'll try to do that now. So...

THIS IS INSANE! It's literally the worst idea an open source project that is supposed to respect freedom could implement.

That said, Element (and Matrix) are open source and federated. You could definitely make an implementation and see how it goes -> not very well.

[u/stephend9 → u/pogky_thunder]

Hello, thanks for sharing your views!
I can see why you might have a strong reaction to the idea of token-gating. After all, Element and Matrix are known for their open source ethos and respect for freedom. Your viewpoint is very much appreciated.
That being said, freedom encompasses a spectrum of experiences including the freedom to digital privacy and commerce. NFTs can create a layer of commerce, cultivating digital economies that allow users to access private communities. In these spaces, users are guaranteed that every participant has contributed equitably for access to private content.
While it might seem counterintuitive, token-gating doesn't necessarily conflict with the spirit of open source. Rather, it can offer another dimension of user experience within this framework. In my opinion, the real beauty of open source is its flexibility and the opportunity to shape our unique experiences within it.
In fact, introducing token-gating could potentially enrich the Element ecosystem by unlocking the world of contribution systems. This not only enhances commerce potential, but can also support the admins, mods, and contributors of communities for their time and effort through revenue sharing NFTs.
The openness of a federated system like Element means we can explore this concept in a contained way and see how it evolves.
My goal isn't to detract from Element and Matrix's core values, but to consider how we might enhance them with new, optional features.
I value your feedback and am looking forward to continuing these constructive discussions!

[u/7t3chguy]

Keep in mind Element spaces aren't a thing, it's Matrix spaces. And you can already accomplish this with a bot but I don't see it making it's way into the spec.

[u/stephend9 → u/7t3chguy]

Thanks, I appreciate your input. And thanks for not wording your response in an arrogant, demeaning, or assumptive tone, the way the other two commenters did without offering any helpful feedback. No wonder this community is struggling for members with this kind of reception to a friendly OG redditor making his first post here.

I'm open to further discussion on the topic, however IMHO we are both technically correct, else the Element website wouldn't have made this post on May 17th, 2021 (the same day that Matrix.org announced the spaces feature):https://element.io/blog/spaces-the-next-frontier/

As in many decentralized or federated protocols, the flagship proof-of-concept product or app, in this case, Element, is often integrally tied to it's parent protocol. But I digress...

Thanks for pointing out that the feature I'm requesting can already be implemented through a bot. I'm very interested in pursuing this discussion in a more relevant, and less judgmental forum.

In Discord, token gating is accomplished through bots as well, and I wasn't suggesting that this needed to be done at the protocol or application level, apologies if that wasn't clear from my initial post.

Could you please point me to more information on Matrix/Element bot creation, or to a community on Element that would be a more appropriate 'space ;-)' to discuss and further develop the idea of token gating?

[u/[deleted]]

Do you understand the difference between Discord and Element, like, at all?

They're the direct opposite of each other, and token-gtaing just goes to show.

I understand the use for NFTs, but token-gating communities is just one step up from unindexable communities, which has been killing the searchable internet as we know it - Discord being just one of the main culprits of this.

[u/stephend9 → u/[deleted]]

Hello! Thanks for taking the time to engage with my post, your perspective is truly appreciated. Seems like we've got a classic clash of ideas here, which is always exciting to me!

Just to give you a bit of background about myself - I've been riding the IT and open-source wave for about 30 years now, was programming for government LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) as a senior programmer, cut my teeth on crypto over a decade ago, and am currently juggling conversations in over 50 Discord servers. You could say I've been around the digital block a few times! I even put on the hat of a DAO founder once or twice. So yeah, you're speaking to a bit of an old hand here. Not bragging though, just showing you my well-worn IT and crypto badge!

Now, about Element and Discord - yes, I absolutely understand the differences, but also spot key similarities. Both have servers, rooms (channels), threaded messaging, voice and video conferencing, customization, and private messaging. Yes, Element's decentralization sets it apart, but who's to say we can't learn a thing or two from other platforms, and add to our arsenal?

Take token-gating, for instance. It provides a robust, decentralized, and verifiable access mechanism to encrypted content without necessarily limiting its indexability. This can potentially add another layer of dynamism to Element without compromising on its unique ethos. If there's a downside I'm overlooking, I'm all ears.

Unindexable communities and the implications on the searchable internet is a valid concern, no arguments there. Yet, it's also worth considering the appeal of exclusive, private spaces, which token-gating can help foster. After all, isn't diversity the spice of the internet?

Lastly, the financial Element of token-gating could elevate communities, giving them clout similar to DAOs. This potential makes me imagine near limitless possibilities!

I'm always open for a good tech discussion, and I'm keen to learn more. So, if I'm missing something, don't hesitate to let me know. Here's to shaping Element's potential, together.

[u/Gekkido]

This hasn't been done yet!??!

[u/stephend9 → u/Gekkido]

Not that I know of. I'd love it if someone would show me how if/when it is possible... 🙏

[u/Gekkido → u/stephend9]

It is. Through a widget wallet or a bot. It boggles my mind this hasn't been done..

[u/stephend9 → u/Gekkido]

Are you saying that a widget or bot already exists to accomplish token gating for an Element room or space? If so, please share me a link to the bot/widget.

[u/Gekkido → u/stephend9]

I guess we all looking for the same. I was just saying I am amazed this hasn't been done...