DOON Network: Web3 publishing platform for independent journalism

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Dominik Tilman

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

dominik@conu21.com

Additional applicants

Thomas Zuchtriegel

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

3

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.” .

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.”

Project will be fully open source.

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

dApp

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

Executive Summary:

DOON is a Web3 publishing platform built on Cardano that aims to revolutionize the journalism and media industry. By leveraging blockchain technology, DOON addresses key challenges faced by journalists, including content ownership, monetization, reader engagement, and data privacy by providing authors, content creators, and readers with a transparent, secure, and censorship-resistant ecosystem. THis proposal seeks funding to develop and launch the MVP version of the platform. 

Extended Problem Statement: 

The DOON platform addresses several problems in the journalism and publishing industry, including:

• Censorship and Content Manipulation: Traditional publishing platforms are often susceptible to censorship, content manipulation, or removal due to centralized control or external pressures. DOON, being built on the Cardano blockchain, ensures decentralized content storage and distribution, making it resistant to censorship and manipulation.
• Lack of Transparency and Trust: In traditional publishing, it can be challenging for readers to verify the authenticity, originality, and ownership of the content they consume. DOON solves this problem by leveraging the transparency and immutability of the blockchain, providing a verifiable record of content creation, ownership, and changes.
• Limited Monetization Options for Journalists: Many journalists struggle to monetize their work effectively. DOON introduces novel monetization models through its token economy, allowing journalists to earn income directly from their readers, eliminating the need for intermediaries and providing a fairer compensation system.
• Copyright Infringement and Plagiarism: Plagiarism and copyright infringement are common issues in the publishing industry. By timestamping and storing content on the blockchain, DOON provides indisputable proof of authorship and protects against unauthorized modifications or plagiarism, enhancing content creators' rights and protecting their intellectual property.
• Lack of Data Privacy and Security: Traditional publishing platforms often collect and control users' personal data, exposing them to privacy risks and potential data breaches. DOON's decentralized architecture ensures that personal data is not stored centrally, reducing the risk of data breaches and giving users more control over their information.
• Lack of Community Engagement and Influence: Traditional publishing platforms typically lack mechanisms for community engagement and decision-making. DOON's community governance model empowers token holders to participate in platform decisions, ensuring a more democratic and inclusive approach to shaping the platform's future.
• Centralized Infrastructure Dependence: Traditional publishing platforms rely on centralized infrastructure, making them vulnerable to single points of failure or disruptions. DOON's decentralized nature reduces dependence on centralized servers, ensuring content availability even in the face of network or infrastructure issues.

By addressing these problems, DOON aims to provide a more transparent, secure, and equitable publishing ecosystem for journalists, readers, and other participants, ultimately fostering a more vibrant and sustainable journalism industry.

Key Features of DOON:

• Web3 Publishing Interface: DOON provides a user-friendly web interface specifically designed for journalists to create, edit, and manage their content. It offers tools and formatting options to facilitate the creation of professional-looking articles and stories.
• Cardano Blockchain Integration: DOON integrates with the Cardano blockchain, leveraging its capabilities for decentralized storage, immutability, and transparency. Content is stored on the blockchain, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of published material.
• Content Timestamping and Proof of Ownership: DOON timestamps each published article on the Cardano blockchain, providing irrefutable proof of ownership and creation. This feature helps protect against plagiarism and copyright infringement, establishing the credibility and authenticity of the content.
• Content Monetization Options: DOON introduces various monetization options for journalists to earn income from their content. This includes subscription models, where readers pay a recurring fee to access premium content, and the ability for readers to tip directly to journalists using DOON tokens.
• Transparent Royalty Distribution: DOON employs smart contracts on the Cardano blockchain to automate and ensure fair royalty distribution. Journalists receive a proportionate share of revenue based on factors like readership and engagement metrics, eliminating the need for intermediaries and promoting transparency.
• DOON Token Integration: DOON operates with its native utility token, the DOON token. This token is used for various functions within the platform, such as content access, exclusive features, tipping, and participating in community governance.
• Community Governance and Voting: DOON embraces a decentralized governance model, allowing DOON token holders to participate in decision-making processes. Token holders can vote on platform upgrades, policies, and other important matters, ensuring a democratic and inclusive platform evolution.
• Reader Interaction and Feedback: DOON facilitates direct interaction between journalists and readers. Readers can leave comments, provide feedback, and engage in discussions, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
• Data Privacy and Security: DOON prioritizes the privacy and security of user data. By leveraging the Cardano blockchain's cryptographic features and decentralized storage, personal information and sensitive data are protected from unauthorized access or breaches.
• Decentralized Content Distribution: DOON enables decentralized content distribution, reducing reliance on centralized servers. Content is distributed through peer-to-peer protocols, making it more resistant to censorship and ensuring wider accessibility.

MVP Version

This proposal seeks funding for the MVP version of DOON. The MVP version of DOON aims to provide a simplified yet functional publishing platform for journalists to create and publish content, while offering basic features for reader engagement and monetization. It establishes the foundation for future iterations and enhancements based on user feedback and market demands.

Here's an outline of how the MVP version will look like:

• User Registration and Profiles:
• Journalists and readers can create user accounts on the DOON platform.
• User profiles provide basic information about journalists, such as bio, expertise, and portfolio.
• Content Creation and Publishing:
• Journalists can create and publish articles or stories using a simplified editor.
• Basic formatting options (e.g., text styling, headings, images) are available for content creation.
• Content Timestamping and Ownership:
• Published content is timestamped and stored on the Cardano blockchain, ensuring proof of ownership and establishing authenticity.
• Timestamped information is displayed alongside each published article.
• Content Discovery and Consumption:
• Readers can browse and search for articles based on categories, tags, or keywords.
• Published content is accessible to readers, providing a seamless reading experience.
• Monetization Features:
• Readers can support journalists by making direct donations or tips using DOON tokens.
• Journalists can offer subscription-based access to premium content, allowing readers to subscribe and gain exclusive benefits.
• Basic User Interaction:
• Readers can leave comments and engage in discussions on articles.
• Journalists can respond to comments and interact with their audience.
• DOON Token Integration:
• The DOON token is integrated into the platform for tipping, donations, and subscription payments.
• Users can manage their DOON token balances and transactions within their accounts.
• Basic Data Privacy and Security:
• User data is collected and stored securely, following best practices for data privacy.
• Encryption and secure protocols are implemented to protect user information.
• MVP-Specific Limitations:
• The MVP version will have limitations and will miss certain advanced features that will be developed and introduced in later versions.
• The focus is on delivering a functional and usable platform with essential features to meet the core needs of journalists and readers.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

The challenge asks for products and integrations that will offer more high impact use cases to the Cardano ecosystem and that drive more adoption.

DOON benefits the Cardano ecosystem in several ways:

• Increased Adoption and Usage: DOON provides a real-world use case for the Cardano blockchain, showcasing its capabilities in the publishing industry. By attracting journalists and readers to the platform, DOON drives adoption and increases the usage of the Cardano network.
• Demand for DOON Tokens: As the native utility token of the DOON platform, the demand for DOON tokens is generated by journalists and readers utilizing the platform's monetization features. This demand for tokens adds economic activity to the Cardano ecosystem, enhancing its token economy. This increased transaction activity contributes to network fees, benefiting the Cardano ecosystem.
• Validation of Cardano's Technology: By integrating with the Cardano blockchain, DOON validates and showcases the technology's capabilities, including decentralized storage, smart contracts, and transparent governance. This validation strengthens the credibility and reputation of the Cardano ecosystem.
• Community Engagement and Governance: DOON's community governance model involves token holders in decision-making processes, allowing them to participate in shaping the platform's future. This community engagement fosters a sense of ownership and strengthens the Cardano ecosystem's decentralized governance principles.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

Here is our list of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that we use to measure the success of the creation and launch of our MVP version of DOON:

• 
  
• User Adoption and Engagement:
• Number of registered users per month (at least 500 users in the first month)
• Monthly active users (MAU) and daily active users (DAU).
• User retention rate (% of users who remain active over a specific period).
• User satisfaction by conducting surveys or ratings.
• Content Creation and Publication:
• Number of articles/stories published per month (at least 50 articles in the first month)
• Average content quality ratings (based on user feedback).
• Number of comments or engagement per published content.
• Monetization and Revenue:
• Total transaction volume (DOON token-based transactions) per month.
• Average earnings per journalist.
• Growth rate of transactions and revenue over time.
• Technical Performance and Reliability:
• Platform uptime and availability (measured in percentage or downtime hours per month).
• Average response time for platform actions or loading pages.
• Bug reports and their resolution time.
• Media and Industry Recognition:
• Number of media mentions or press coverage (interviews or features in industry publications).
• Partnerships or collaborations with recognized organizations or influencers.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

Our approach is to operate as transparently as possible, so that the community has the maximum possible insight into the project on the one hand and can also participate in the project on the other. Therefore we provide different sources for the documentation:

• Website: We will create a sub page on our website to give the community easy access to all relevant documents, links and reports that we will publish.
• Github: We have created a new GitHub-page to publish our technical development and to track our ongoing activities.
• Official monthly Catalyst reporting:
• During monthly reporting we share our activity board for the project as well as the developer sprint velocity for development tickets
• During monthly reporting we share estimated parts of work in our detailed budget/timeline that need more or less time than expected to get an estimate on the forecasted completion date

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

The core team of DOON consists of experienced professionals with expertise in various areas critical to the project's success. The team includes experts in project management, tokenomics, business strategy, media industry, technical development, and graphic design. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, as well as a track record of successful ventures and projects.

Furthermore, parts of the core team have been active members of the community since Fund 3 in Project Catalyst. They have actively participated in the community and have been voted and funded for their projects by the community multiple times, highlighting their reputation and credibility within the Cardano ecosystem. Importantly, all previous projects have been successfully completed, further demonstrating their ability to deliver on commitments.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goals of creating the MVP version of DOON are:

• Proof of Concept: The MVP version aims to demonstrate the feasibility and viability of the DOON platform by showcasing its core functionalities and value proposition. It serves as a tangible proof of concept that validates the platform's potential for journalists and readers.
• User Validation and Feedback: The MVP version allows for user validation, enabling journalists and readers to experience the platform firsthand. Gathering user feedback and incorporating it into future iterations is crucial for refining and improving the platform based on the actual needs and preferences of our target audience.
• Monetization Proof: The MVP version focuses on implementing basic monetization features to demonstrate the platform's potential for revenue generation to support journalists in earning income through our platform
• Platform Scalability and Performance Evaluation: The MVP version serves as a testing ground for evaluating the scalability and performance of the DOON platform. 
• Attracting Partnerships: The MVP version aims to attract partnerships, including journalists, readers, and potential industry partners. 

To ensure that our approach for building the MVP version of DOON is feasible, we consider the following steps:

• Conduct Market Research: We have conducted thorough market research to assess the demand and viability of a Web3 publishing platform for journalists. Thereby, we have analyzed and identified gaps and opportunities in the market. 
• Clear Objectives and Scope: We have clearly defined the objectives and scope of this proposal: only create MVP version to validate business model 
• Skilled Development and Management Team: We have assembled a skilled and experienced development and management team that is familiar with the media industry and the required technologies and has a track record of successfully delivering similar projects.
• Realistic Timeline: We have created a detailed development plan with realistic timelines, milestones, and deliverables. We have also considered potential dependencies, resource availability, and potential delays.
• Prototype and User Testing: We will first develop a prototype of the MVP version to validate the user experience and gather feedback from potential users. We will Conduct user testing sessions to evaluate usability, identify pain points, and gather suggestions for improvement. 
• Seek Expert Advice and Collaboration: We will engage with industry experts, advisors, and potential partners who have knowledge and experience in Web3 publishing and blockchain technology. By Collaborating with experts we ensure and enhance the feasibility of your approach.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Here's a detailed breakdown of the project milestones for the MVP creation of DOON, along with the main tasks or activities to reach each milestone and the expected timeline for delivery:

Milestone 1: Basic functionality

Phase 1: User Registration, Profiles and simplified editor (Timeline: Weeks 1 & 2) 

• Develop user registration and login functionality.
• Implement user profile creation, allowing journalists to provide basic information about themselves.
• Build the content creation and publishing feature with a simplified editor.
• Integrate basic formatting options, such as text styling, headings, images, etc.

Phase 2: Content Timestamping and Ownership (Timeline: Weeks 3-4)

• Integrate the Cardano blockchain for content timestamping and ownership verification.
• Implement the display of timestamped information alongside published articles.
• Develop the content discovery feature, allowing readers to browse and search for articles based on categories, tags, or keywords.

Milestone 2: Doon Token Integration

Phase 1: Monetization Features and Basic User Interaction (Timeline: Weeks 5-6)

• Integrate DOON token functionality for tipping, donations, and subscription payments.
• Implement the ability for readers to make donations or tips using DOON tokens.
• Develop the subscription-based access feature for journalists to offer premium content.
• Enable basic user interaction, allowing readers to leave comments on articles.

Phase 2: DOON Token Integration and Data Privacy (Timeline: Weeks 7-8)

• Build the DOON token management system, allowing users to manage their token balances and transactions within their accounts.
• Implement encryption and secure protocols to protect user data privacy.
• Conduct testing and security audits to ensure data privacy and protection.

Milestone 3: Final Testing and MVP Launch

Phase 1: Refinements, Testing, and Deployment (Timeline: Weeks 9-10)

• Conduct comprehensive testing of all MVP features to ensure they are functioning as intended.
• Identify and fix any remaining bugs, glitches, or issues discovered during the testing phase.
• Refine the implemented features based on user testing and feedback.
• Set up the necessary hosting infrastructure and server environment for the live deployment of the MVP version.
• Configure the server, database, and other required components to ensure a stable and scalable platform.
• Implement monitoring tools and systems to track the performance and availability of the MVP version.
• Set up analytics and reporting mechanisms to gather data on user behavior, engagement, and platform usage.

Phase 2: MVP Launch (Timeline: Weeks 11-12)

• Prepare user documentation, tutorials, or guides to help journalists and readers navigate the registration process and the platform.
• Provide clear instructions on how to use the key features of the MVP version.
• Plan and execute a marketing and communication strategy to generate awareness and excitement about the upcoming launch.
• Coordinate the rollout of the MVP version across different channels, such as the website, app stores, or other distribution platforms.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Milestone 1: Basic functionality

Deliverables:

• User registration and login functionality
• User profile creation feature
• Content creation and publishing feature with a simplified editor
• Integration of basic formatting options

Outputs:

• Functional user registration and login system
• User profiles for journalists to provide information about themselves
• Content creation and publishing functionality with a simplified editor
• Basic formatting options for enhanced content creation

Intended Outcomes:

• Seamless user onboarding and account creation process
• Complete user profiles for journalists to showcase their information
• Ability for journalists to create and publish content easily
• Basic formatting options to enhance the visual appeal of articles

Milestone 2: DOON Token Integration

Deliverables:

• Integration of DOON token functionality for monetization features
• Donation and tipping functionality using DOON tokens
• Subscription-based access feature for journalists to offer premium content
• Basic user interaction capabilities, including leaving comments on articles

Outputs:

• DOON token integration for monetization and payment features
• Donation and tipping functionality using DOON tokens
• Subscription-based access feature for premium content
• User interaction features like commenting on articles

Intended Outcomes:

• Monetization options for journalists, allowing them to earn income
• Reader ability to support journalists through donations and tips
• Premium content offering for subscription-based revenue
• User engagement and interaction on the platform

Milestone 3: Final Testing and MVP Launch

Deliverables:

• Refined and fine-tuned features based on user testing and feedback
• Bug fixes and issue resolution
• Hosting infrastructure set up for live deployment of the MVP version
• Analytics and reporting mechanisms to gather user behavior data

Outputs:

• Bug-free and improved platform performance
• Hosting infrastructure ready for the live deployment
• Analytics and reporting systems to track user behavior and engagement

Intended Outcomes:

• Improved user experience and satisfaction based on feedback
• Successful live deployment of the MVP version
• Data-driven decision-making based on user behavior and engagement data

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Milestones based budget breakdown Google Spreadsheet:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DGz3_6BrtoAJjW-7HWPz4LQZ5qMUbiKoa8HxGh05B8E/edit?usp=sharing

We have calculated the estimated time to the best of our knowledge. Of course, there are always uncertainties, which is why we have planned additional time for testing and refinement. The hourly rates represent a fair payment for our team. We have calculated an average hourly rate, since both senior and junior developers are used.

Total planned hours: 446

Total requested budget in Ada: 97,400

Milestone 1: 33,400

Milestone 2: 31,200

Milestone 3: 32,800

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

• Innovative Solution: DOON aims to provide a unique Web3 publishing platform for journalists on Cardano. By investing in DOON, the Cardano ecosystem gains a pioneering solution that leverages blockchain technology to address key challenges faced by journalists and the media industry. 
• Economic Value: DOON's implementation on Cardano introduces additional utility and use cases for the Cardano native asset, ADA. The integration of DOON tokens for monetization purposes can drive increased demand and usage of ADA within the ecosystem. This increased demand can potentially lead to a positive impact on the ADA token economy and contribute to the overall economic growth of the Cardano ecosystem.
• User Adoption and Engagement: By providing a user-friendly platform for journalists and readers, DOON has the potential to attract a significant user base. The engagement of journalists and readers within the Cardano ecosystem can drive increased network activity, community participation, and content creation. 

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept