Those of us working to further develop the new OHM cryptocurrency are operating off of a cheerful, but ultimately broadly-defined mission statement. Like our titular motto, our logo, and our staff, this statement has recently undergone some profound changes. We believe that all of these changes will ultimately show themselves to positive ones -- opportunities, though sometimes in disguise -- and that they will carry us forward into a period of overall growth within the project.
With that being said, we've got precious little room to blame anybody not directly involved in OHM's development if ample confusion remains about what exactly OHM is, and what we intend for it to do. After all, most successful cryptocurrencies have fairly specific goals and communities with which they are strongly associated (check out this BitConnect article for more information on how the value of cryptocurrencies is calculated). OHM's avowed goal of spreading positive vibes and optimism, while changing the way people look at money, does seem a little vague.
So, let's try to clear some of that up. What exactly is OHM, what is our mission, and where do we see the project heading in the future?
While the preceding statement is technically our first official mission statement, it does represent a slight change from what was originally expressed as OHM's core ideology. Very simply, the original concept behind OHM's development was twofold. The creator of OHM wanted to solve the energy problem inherent to other forms of cryptocurrency, and to change the way the average person look at money.
Proof-of-work currencies, such as Bitcoin, involve expensive computer systems and demanding, resource-intensive processes. The energy problem inherent to cryptocurrency isn't just a metaphorical idea: it's a very real, very expensive problem, with a measurable impact on the environment. By some (currently unproven) claims, Bitcoin mining alone could consume up to 60% of the world's energy supply, in an ongoing manner, before the last coin is found. This makes crypto an impractical replacement for the entire world's economy, until the energy problem is solved.
As a proof-of-stake coin, OHM already avoids many of the energy problems inherent to PoW coins, including Bitcoin. The minting process used by the OHM network generates new OHM for everyone whose OHM Wallet app is connected. The act of mining is centralized, with computers on the network confirming new coin instead of participating directly in its discovery.
OHM is neither the first, nor the only PoS altcoin. Where our work really stands out is in our efforts towards streamlining the confirmation process, and in improving our blockchain explorer and related software. This further advances our goal of maintaining the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cryptocurrency possible.
The OHM philosophy is that currency is a tool. It was developed to streamline trade: if you're a shepherd, and you need some iron nails to build your house, a money-using society frees you from the concern of whether or not the local blacksmith needs the woolen goods you have to offer in exchange.
Money is no different from a computer, an encyclopedia, a particle accelerator, or a screwdriver. It is inherently without moral bias. Any morality involved in the use of a tool lies in two areas: how it is used, and the impact it has on the world -- both on human society and (directly) on the environment in which we live. This is where the two original components of our mission statement come together: the minimal footprint created by OHM.
Those of us who work for OHM believe that the common perception of money as a bad thing is false. It is a combination of external influences and personal circumstances; it affects each person differently, and to varying extends. However, as a general rule, it results in two very specific and profoundly negative consequences:
People excuse the bad things that are done with large sums of money, often by their own avowed representatives. If money is bad, then bad things will inevitably result from its use, and taking exception to that is pointless.
People feel a sense of guilt over their own need for, and use of, any form of credit or currency. If money is bad, then a sense of shame over its use is unavoidable, and if something requires the use of money to obtain, nobody can be said to be inherently deserving of it.
This process, this false ideology surrounding money, has resulted in a profound miss-allocation of the concept of value within our society. It has created an atmosphere of insularity, bordering on the xenophobic. It creates a society-wide stress response comparable to that experienced by earlier human societies during times of scarcity, even when nothing -- including money itself -- is actually in short supply.
There is nothing positive, nothing sustaining, about this view of money as inherently negative -- whether or not we also acknowledge its necessity to our modern way of life. It is a view which contributes to the oppression of the less fortunate. It further empowers those who are already at the top of the pyramid, allowing them to get away with acts of pure malice and malevolence, often on a scale that the average person can barely understand.
Both of the aforementioned points of focus are still very much a part of what we're about, but they can no longer be construed as the whole of our mission. From very early on in its development -- prior to OHM being publicly traded on any major exchanges -- the coin has been developed in a loose cooperation with the SVV alternate reality game.
Sodalitas Vulturis Volantis is a puzzle-based ARG, which utilizes elements of several ancient mystical traditions, generating an atmosphere of mystery, mysticism and conspiracy (all the spooky forbidden fruit, but entirely in good fun). SVV's puzzles are convoluted, and often come in several stages: as a result, solving them is made much more effective through working in teams. SVV's background lore, coupled with the associated LAMB initiative, provide for a strong emphasis on positive thinking and incentivized acts of kindness.
This concept -- the active rewarding of acts of kindness with OHM -- fits right in with OHM's ideology that there is nothing inherently wrong in the acceptance and use of currency: it simply needs to be put to positive and constructive purposes. LAMB's example acts of kindness include planting a tree, tending to a garden, donating canned goods to a food bank, and even leaving a kind word on somebody's social media profile.
These are inherently positive and constructive acts; they go beyond simple kindness, being openly supportive of both other people and the environment. By asking those who perform these acts to describe, in their submissions to LAMB, what personal significance their actions had for them directly, the organization behind SVV is also encouraging a state of mindful self-awareness. This is a frequent component of modern psychiatric therapy for the relief of anxiety and general stress.
OHM and SVV recently entered into a close, jointly operated partnership, through which certain members of the SVV administration have taken up some of the leadership responsibilities involved with OHM. This was due in part to the loss of previously key OHM project staff, as well as to the need for additional media development. At that time, OHM staff lacked some of the necessary design and technical expertise to realize the full potential of a variety of our established goals. This partnership has proven fruitful for both OHM and SVV, and will last until certain technical goals of the OHM project are met.
Regardless of when (or if) our two organizations once more go their loosely connected ways, the general emphasis on positive thinking and personal mindfulness will remain a part of OHM. It will characterize our organization, our methodology, and the message we spread through our community.
OHM Wallet is the name of our software app, which allows people to receive OHM through secure base-56 encrypted addresses. Provided that the wallet is properly set up and synchronized to the network, an existing OHM balance will gradually mint OHM. Minted OHM is automatically added to your wallet, following confirmation by the network.
Currently, the wallet is available for download on Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms. Android and iOS versions are in development, and are nearing completion as of this writing. Some additional near-future goals for OHM include:
The implementation of a daily puzzle, which will include an OHM bounty for the first correct solution.
The launch of a video media campaign with beautiful, high-definition graphics and rich sound. These videos will serve to entertain, as well as to expand upon the purpose and current achievements of the OHM project.
OHM's addition to YObit and Bittrex. For the time being, those interested in trading OHM are encouraged to check out the BTC/OHM market on Novaexchange.
Some more long-term goals, with groundwork currently being laid, include the following:
The implementation of RFID technology to create apps with real-world applications and OHM bounties. These would include a range of potential functions, from augmented reality gaming to disaster relief funds.
The provision of funding and support for small businesses and charitable causes which uphold our message, which would also be willing to partner with OHM for the promotion of our core ideology.
The drawing of public attention to new information and advancements related to sustainable renewable sources of energy, in line with OHM's efforts to solve the cryptocurrency energy problem. More available energy + an inexhaustible long-term supply = no problem.
The creation of engaging media campaigns, related to environmentally-friendly practices for the modern lifestyle.
Additional projects and initiatives, as they are proposed, are likely to be added to the list; for example, there are ideas for video games being tossed around, but at present we lack the time, funding and expertise to make them a reality in the immediate future. Our back burners are piled high with interesting concepts set to simmer, awaiting the opportune moment to move to the forefront.
That's about all there is to share, for the moment! Feel free to ask any questions you might have about OHM's mission, short- and long-term goals, specific projects, and any technical details regarding the coin itself.
If you would be interested in joining the OHM team, or in contributing some of your time and expertise to the project on an irregular basis, please join our Discord server. Speak to one of the community managers (they're in gold -- or yellow, depending upon who you ask) and they'll hook you up with the right administrative staff member. We're particularly keen on people who know C++, have multimedia skills, or have experience in social media management.
