So its been a while since I actually did one of these reviews, I spend most of my time improving my programming skills on pluralsight(paid courses, so kind of important to take them), I'm not really free to write reviews, but not today! Today I thought to write a very short one(review) on a new platform that just started making waves.
The simplest definition of 3speak I can give is that it is a platform that allows you post videos or written content on their website. A platform that puts itself forward as one who cares for their community, with the underlying tagline being to cater for the deplatformed, 3speak has some unique angles from which it can operate.
3speak, a platform for the deplatformed
To be honest, when I first heard above 3speak, I was both wowed and skeptical. Wowed because the idea behind it is brilliant, the fact that so many people have been complaining about YouTube for example and a platform coming out to take care of those that have been hit hard by these social media giants is great.
I remember always trying to be careful when posting on IG or twitter so I don't get my account suspended, and luckily enough, I haven't had too much incidents.
I'm skeptical of the idea because while 3speak is good, there is still a lot that needs to be done. YouTube isn't going to fold it's arms and allow a startup come and take their place, these are multi-billiom dollar businesses that will use all their resources to fight any "threat" to their model.
Interface, functionality and type of content
As a podcaster, I had really hoped that they would allow simple wave files as a form of upload as well, but it seems I have to turn my content into video before I can post on the website.
The interface is great, although I kept getting an error when I tried to sign in with steem connect multiple times before I could finally log in.
One thing I couldn't find though, was the button to "become a content creator" on 3speak. According to the intro video, it is supposed to take me to a Google form that I need to fill with requested details, before I'll be put on a list and if selected, become a creator on the platform.
It may be due to the fact that I'm on mobile though, so I'll have to try again in the morning when I can access my laptop.
All in all, videos loaded relatively fast and I'm hoping that this would become a new standard for video consumption.
In terms of UI, it isn't so pretty, but thats to be expected of a service that's just starting up and without a big budget at that.
One aspect I perhaps liked the most out of everything was the sign-up options.
I could sign-up and log in with steemit, Facebook, twitter, Instagram etc
This means no user is left behind and goes in line with their mantra of "bringing in the deplatformed".They also have a coin created called the SPK coin, as with most new front ends on the steem blockchain.
I am not a fan of front ends having their owns coins, when they simply are a window to the steem blockchain, but it doesn't bother me a lot either.
verdict
All in all, 3speak looks promising, the target audience clearly isn't "everyone" as some startups make mistake doing, but rather a subsection of individuals who have been cast down by the big social media families for resisting their several attempts at exploitation or oppression or frustration.... depending on the platform they are in.
Congrats to @starkerz and the @oracle-d team for this new venture
I am interested in using the 3speak platform as much as I am enjoying palnet.io. I am not a vlogger or podcaster so there's the kicker. I read a part that said written content; is that true? Can I truly come on the platform and still be able to share my text based creations? That would be awesome!
I am getting into most of the projects around, testing them and getting to know their weaknesses and strengths. A time comes when one has to choose one's favourite means of expression on the steem blockchain. I don't want to miss out on the good stuff. FOMO at work here.
Lovely review @destinysaid. Have checked out palnet.io or steemmonsters yet? Cool stuff all over the place these days. I wonder what HF21 would bring?
HF21 brings lower rewards to authors.
I use palnet.io once in a while, it's cool
Am not very comfortable with the choice of 3speak users. It may take a longer time to earn public acceptance for there are few who are qualified to use it.
Posted using Partiko Android
For now, they'll open it up to more people later
I really hope so.
Posted using Partiko Android
I will take a look. After this review it is worth trying it.
With so many front ends coming out, its a shame HF21 is pushing for less author rewards and hence, less author participation in the ecosystem
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