Blockchain is a hot topic nowadays – I see it on the news, social media, I notice increasing podcasters organizing episodes with experts in the area.

More than the bitcoin or other cryptocurrency, which often spark the curiosity in the first place, I felt it was important that I understood the technology behind it.

So, I finally took the time to understand what blockchain is all about. Somehow, I always put it aside, as it is not something I could listen to while cooking, for example.

The main ideas that stuck with me:

• no more middleman for data control – it remind me of the rise of online travel portals which enabled the travelers to become in control of their travel plans and expenses instead of relying solely on the travel agents
• decentralization – no strings attached to a single entity – so, it’s a public database
• increasing value for the community – the more one contributes, the more one earns

Then this post from Seth Godin landed in my inbox right on time: Why the blockchain matters –“Understanding it now is more productive than simply being forced to deal with it later.”

And so I began…