TapTools: Cardano Ecosystem Articles

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Alec Myers

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

55000

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

9

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

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We aim to produce 120 high-quality articles within a 9-month time frame to spotlight Cardano's progress in projects, tokens, NFTs, and technology, boosting its media visibility.

[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?

No

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Since our project outputs are articles, they are inherently open for public viewing but do not fall under typical open-source software licensing. The content will be freely accessible and shareable, ensuring transparency and wide dissemination across various social platforms. This approach fosters community engagement and education without the need for a formal open-source license.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution addresses the underrepresentation and misinformation of Cardano in mainstream crypto media. By crafting high-quality, thoroughly researched articles, we aim to shed light on Cardano’s technological advancements, community achievements, and upcoming projects. Authored by seasoned participants of the Cardano ecosystem, our articles offer deep insights and factual accuracy that mainstream coverage often lacks.

This initiative will educate both existing members and newcomers to Cardano, bridging knowledge gaps and correcting misconceptions. We will engage the community and measure our impact through detailed analytics on readership and direct feedback.

Our approach is unique because it emerges directly from within the Cardano community, ensuring a passionate and precise representation of its importance in the broader blockchain environment. This not only bolsters community knowledge but also enhances Cardano's visibility and appeal globally.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Our project significantly enhances the Cardano community's knowledge and engagement by providing deep, well-researched coverage on Cardano’s technical innovations, achievements, and emerging projects. As a leading media source within the ecosystem, we deliver content that ranges from interviews with key figures to detailed analyses of developments. Having produced over 200 articles, we serve as a central information hub, improving visibility and understanding of Cardano both within and outside the community.

Quantitative Metrics: We track engagement through article views, shares, and comments. These metrics help assess how widely our content is disseminated and the level of interaction it garners.

Qualitative Feedback: We gather community feedback to understand the effectiveness of our articles in enhancing knowledge and shaping perceptions about Cardano.

The outputs of our project are shared widely across social platforms, ensuring that they reach both existing community members and potential new users or investors. Our content also ranks highly in Google searches, further extending Cardano's reach. This increased visibility attracts new users and investors, contributing to a more informed and interconnected Cardano community.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team has a strong track record, having produced over 200 articles about the Cardano ecosystem in the last two years. This step will allow us to provide even more in-depth and frequent coverage.

We will ensure financial integrity through strict financial controls, paying team members strictly according to the budget outlined, as demonstrated in Catalyst Fund 9. This careful management will uphold our commitment to transparency and accountability while maximizing the project’s impact on the Cardano community.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Launch of Initial Article Series

A: Milestone Outputs

• Create and publish 30 high-quality articles focusing on Cardano's projects, tokens, NFTs, and technology advancements.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Each article must meet our editorial standards for accuracy, depth, and engagement, as vetted by our editorial team.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• URLs of each published article with engagement metrics (views, shares, and comments).

Continued Content Development

A: Milestone Outputs

• Produce another set of 30 high-quality articles, selecting topics based on the evolving needs and interests of the Cardano community.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Articles must maintain consistency in quality and provide new insights into the Cardano ecosystem, approved by our editorial team.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Links to published articles along with engagement statistics to track reader interaction and feedback.

Advanced Content Series

A: Milestone Outputs

• Complete an additional batch of 30 articles, focusing on timely and pertinent subjects within the Cardano ecosystem as determined by ongoing developments and community feedback.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Maintain high journalistic standards with verified information and expert insights, ensuring each piece adds value to the reader's understanding of Cardano.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• List of published articles with corresponding analytics, plus qualitative feedback from the community indicating the articles' impact.

Editorial Conclusion and Impact Assessment

A: Milestone Outputs

• Publish the final set of 30 articles, addressing a mix of current events, technological updates, and community stories as they unfold in the Cardano ecosystem.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Articles must capture emerging trends and provide critical analysis, approved by our editorial board for depth and engagement.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Comprehensive report detailing all published content with full analytics and community responses, illustrating the reach and influence of our work.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Some of the key contributors and founding members of TapTools are:

Alec Myers

CEO of TapTools

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alec-myers-profile/

https://twitter.com/cardano_tools

Jacob Warren

CTO of TapTools

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-warren-186252127/

https://twitter.com/_jacobwarren

James Cadena

COO of TapTools

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-cadena-41280a57/

https://twitter.com/jamescadeen

Alex Yue

CMO of TapTools

https://twitter.com/Alex_ADA_

There are also 7 other core members of the team that contribute greatly to TapTools.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Content Creation

• Full-time Lead Writer: Manages and produces high-quality articles on various topics relevant to the Cardano community.
• Part-time Contributor: Assists in writing and researching articles as needed.
• Total Cost: 35,000 ADA

Editorial and Quality Assurance

• Editorial Oversight: Ensures all articles meet high standards for accuracy, depth, and reader engagement.
• Total Cost: 5,000 ADA

Graphic and Multimedia Design

• Graphic Designer: Creates visuals and infographics for articles, enhancing reader engagement and comprehension.
• Total Cost: 6,500 ADA

Community Engagement and Social Media Management

• Foster a vibrant community dialogue around our articles, increasing visibility and impact, drawing more readers and enhancing the overall influence of the content.
• Total Cost: 7,500 ADA

Technical Support and Infrastructure

• Content Management System (CMS) and Social Media Tools: Supports effective content scheduling, publication, and management across platforms.
• Total Cost: 1,000 ADA

Total Project Budget: 55,000 ADA

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

The costs of our project represent exceptional value for the Cardano ecosystem, reflecting the lasting relevance and quality of the content we produce. Our articles are crafted to make an immediate impact and serve as ongoing resources, providing deep insights into Cardano’s advancements.

Our team includes skilled writers, a meticulous editor, and a creative graphic designer, ensuring each article is accurate, informative, and visually appealing. This combination enhances the readability and allure of our content, making complex topics both accessible and engaging.

We align our costs with industry standards for writing, editing, and graphic design, ensuring high-quality output without overspending. By investing in skilled professionals, we consistently deliver top-tier articles that boost understanding and visibility of the Cardano ecosystem. This strategic investment not only supports ecosystem growth but also offers lasting value to the community.