Commlink #40
Weekly Review
A retrospective after 40 weeks of publication at Community DAO…That’s right! Commlink is now “Over the Hill.” That’s a lot of energy expended to develop a record of this organization in the seminal year of 2022. This has become a massive conglomeration of info relative to DAOs during a crucial moment of evolution. Thank you to all who have contributed, especially our dedicated editor, Dr. Alina Okun! Here’s to 40 more issues!
Ever since about this time last year in 2021, I have undertaken to study and absorb everything I could about the whole NFT/web3/crypto world. It was a difficult leap but I sensed something valuable in these new forms of technology surrounding the blockchain, and knew that I wanted to figure it all out.
I took a break from drawing and began working with digital programs again. And it has been a tough year for these markets and for our economy, in general, compared to the hype earlier in ‘21 when Beeple made 69 mill from the 1st NFT sale to Christie's, and 2021 was hailed as the Year of the NFT. Most of the hot air is out of that bag. The best way to understand NFTs is that they are a form of one-of-a-kind collectible cards or art pieces. Blockchain enables us to imprint these digital files in such a way that they are virtually indestructible.
From a builder/creator's perspective, the downturn in markets and fears of recession, is the perfect time to develop new projects like seeds that will grow. Never been cheaper to get a big pile of bricks and start laying out new rows.
The new tech concepts are better than our current voting systems that no one trusts anymore (https://www.ravenist.com/colle.../c0mm-dao-governance-system). They are better than our financial system based on debt and inflation and money being printed faster than newspapers. These new systems, in particular, surrounding Bitcoin, Ravencoin (https://whyravencoin.com/), and Ethereum, are better for registering authenticity and provenance, especially for art and any other valuable asset.
Most importantly, though, these systems create new international communities of actively networking humans from all over the world, on a new emerging paradigm that posits Community as the core particle of civilization rather than the State or the Individual.
I have had some success collaborating in this way. I correspond now with dozens of people from all over the world, in addition to those in my local environment. This is a good thing.
Here is a review of my more recent collaborative as well as singular efforts on the arts front, as these are also breaking ground for our organizational approach creating a pipeline for members to mint and sell their own works through our token, the C0MM, on Ravencoin.
The Core Particle Ring series was my first foray into NFT sales. I am glad to report that I am currently sold out of these works! All 14 have been bought by a variety of people on 3 different continents. Time to make some more! You can see one of the showcases of these uniquely programmed interactive buttons here: https://www.ravenist.com/collections.php…
Most recently, I started a new collaboration with an Iranian artist named MRP (https://www.ravenist.com/profile.php?seoid=Mrp ). Together we are working on 9 unique "Portal Particle Rings"(https://www.ravenist.com/core-particle-rings/20571 ). This is a wonderful use case study of the ability of the internet and blockchain to reach beyond borders and cultural barriers, enabling artists from very different currently polarized cultures to connect and to discover how similar we all are, after all. Portal Particle Ring #01 shown below, sold before we even were able to fully advertise it.
Another fantastic collaboration is with Laura Patterson, the talented swimwear designer and owner of https://cannonballswimwear.com/. Laura and I are developing a fun series centered around 99 "Cannonball Babes" which are summoned like "genies." We have done 2 of these so far and both of them have sold in auctions. Check more about this innovative series: https://www.ravenist.com/collections/cannonball-babes
In further installations of this series, Laura will be autographing the photograph we use as the base starting point and sending it out to buyers in addition to the digital version which exists in a wallet such as Mango Farms provides: https://www.mangofarmassets.com/
One more collaboration of note is the "C0MM/DAO Corral" collection, which is a group effort involving 30 content creators and designers in West Africa: https://www.ravenist.com/collections/c0mm-dao-corral
We have developed a way for these members of Community DAO to get their artworks up onto a marketplace to be sold every week now. So far, in less than a week, we have seen 2 sales putting money back into the pockets of these artists who live in Nigeria, West Africa. Congratulations to KDS and Dani_Beehive!
This week our focus for design is “Add your Signature”: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SpXTOyVf63k9_VdssBZjzCowpLYAzkDkT2_pv1Re84E/edit?usp=sharing
What’s in a name? Well, alot. And we believe, especially as we try to coach and sponsor people in Africa and around the world to create works from remote areas, that the best way to stand out in this group effort, is to personalize all original artifacts and assets created by each individual. So, going forward, we will not mint works unless they carry that special imprimatur of the creator’s autograph.
That's not all. This week we also are featuring personal updates on “Holiday Memories” from members of CommDAO in Africa. In addition to that, enjoy Dr. Okun’s selections from our unpublished memory database.
Finally, I just want to say that we need help in growing these new systems. We need more people wading in from the mainstream, who are comfortable in the halls of Facebook and Instagram and maybe have not yet tried to go further.
These are not just gimmicks! These works involve an entirely new system of interaction. We need new systems. It's time that we fix our republic for good towards these new directions, which will ensure decentralization, strong organic communities, and sound money that cannot be diluted by corrupted parties "too big too fail." This is the way towards World Peace.
All right, well, that's my review for the week! Happy Monday!
Best,
Dow Harris, curator at Community DAO
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THOSE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS AT HOME
There's something about Nigerian Christmas that just feels different. Perhaps it's the warm weather or the extended family gatherings. Whatever it is, it's always been a special time for me.
Growing up in a rural area in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Christmas was always a time of great excitement. We would start preparing weeks in advance, making sure everything was just perfect. The whole house would be decorated with lights and greenery, and there would be a big feast on Christmas day (25th of December).
It wasn't just about the food and presents, though. Christmas was also a time to come together as a family and celebrate our culture. Feeling great watching masquerades dance-steps, singing traditional songs, dancing around our locally decorated Christmas tree, and telling stories as well. It was always a time to create memories that would last a lifetime.
Even now, as an adult living in Uyo, our state’s capital city, I can't help but get nostalgic for those Christmases back home.
MY MEMORIES OF THE HOLIDAY
I had just completed my 6 months of compulsory Industrial attachment (SIWES) in my 3rd year at the University. It was one of the most stressful times of my life, as I was attached to a medical lab and worked 6 days a week, 8am-6pm. I was glad when it finally came to an end with our seminar presentation rounding everything up. We were to defend that we had carried out this process and truly learned from the program. It was a successful seminar as I and my friends, Victoria and Blessing performed excellently in the course.
Thereafter, the 3rd year was granted a 3-week holiday before the commencement of a new academic session for us. My friends and I decided that we needed to give ourselves a splendid treat without any of our male friends just before the start of a new academic session. We took a tour around the shopping mall, bought a few things, had ice cream, and took a lot of pictures. The beautiful day ended with us seeing the movie- "Omo Getto The Saga”" directed by a popular movie director,”"Funke Akindel”," and it was all shades of great fun.
Later that evening, we went to a birthday party of one of our classmates, Modella. Since the party had most of our colleagues present, it seemed more like a class get-to-together with a lot to eat, drink, and dance. I enjoyed the few days of not having to do any school-related jobs and spending most of my days sleeping. Until I left school, I never got such opportunities to have a school-free week, but this Christmas would be so much fun as I'mI'mt of school and free.
Memories Of Holidays
Christmas is a time of tradition, and there are few things more traditional than watching a Christmas movie with the family. For me, it'it'sways been a party filled with love. I cancan'tmember a Christmas where we diddidn'ttch a movie and eat different food/drinks at least once and often. It has become such a part of our holiday tradition that even now, as an adult, I make sure to watch it every year. But this year is different.
This year, my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment. SheShe'sen through a lot in the past few months, and ZeeZee'srldview doedoesn'tem like something sheshe'slling to take on. So we decided to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas instead. It waswasn'te movie I was going to see, but it was perfect. My grandmother loved it, and we laughed and cried together the whole time. ThaThat'sactly the kind of emotional release we all need. And at that moment, I realized that sometimes the best traditions are the ones we carry on together despite everything that's gthat'sn in our lives.
My Holiday Memory
I seem to remember that my mother struggled my mother struggled when I was a child, particularly around the holiday season in a place like Lagos. She was constantly trying to figure out what to do with me and my siblings, where to go, and how to watch over, look after and supervise us when we were at home while she was at work. She fretted about how to take advantage of us all the time. Because we couldn't couldn't books when she wasn't howasn'te battled immensely to find a balance between leisure time and our academic endeavors.
For most families, the holiday season is a particularly special time for bonding since connections and memories are made while having fun together. The incidents and situations may be turned into uplifting or depressing tales that would last for generations. As my mother wasn't cwasn'ttly at home, it wasn't ewasn'tr her, but it was the finest time of my life for me because I could play ball in the rain, watch cartoons whenever I wanted, and do whatever I wanted. I constantly like my vacations.
Memories of End of the Year Holiday Season in My Culture
I am Alozie Nwosu, a Nigerian from the South Eastern part, the land of the rising sun. I am an Igbo, to be precise. Many activities are lined up down here at the end of the year to celebrate the holidays. I'll just higI'llht two. One is traditional masquerade dances, and the other is football matches.
During the holidays, most communities perform the masquerade dances to entertain their returning children and visitors. These masquerades are dressed in gorgeous colors, although some may appear frightening. They go from one house to the other, including those that especially invite them to visit their homes. Motorists and every other passerby give them money whenever these masquerades come their way.
It should be noted that only men and young men carry these masquerades. Although, there have been incidences of children also wearing the show.
Furthermore, most communities within these parts of the country also play football matches as a way to celebrate the holidays. These football matches are usually competitive, with trophies at stake for the best teams for both males and females. Football centers and or schools are usually the venues for these football matches, with many returning indigenes and those at home coming out to cheer their various villages for victory.
These are just a few activities embarked on down here to celebrate the holidays. Thanks for reading.
Holiday Memories
My holiday was fun and entertaining. I got chances to have afternoon naps, dinners from big eatery, swimming, play wicker and also babysit my niece. Babysitting my niece was stressful but after 2 days of staying with her I was able to adapt to the way she does her things. Feeding her was the worst part of it. She does not like spoon going into her mouth, unless, given to her, by her mother. I was able to make her open her mouth, after several tries. My niece was as tough as melting gold with bare hands. We both visited different places together like Tropicana, Market Square and Big Daddy. We enjoyed the little time we spent there together.
The most fun part of the holiday was that I got a chance to learn a new trade. Many people can do this, but is not easy as it looks. I got to learn how to operate the photocopying machine. I didn’t learn with any HP product. I learned with a French photocopier: Kyocera. It was more fun when I got introduced into the full properties of this photocopying machine in French languge. This holiday break gave me enough time to work on myself. Visiting different tourism centers was part of it. I enjoyed this holiday break because it made both me and others get the chance to make ourselves more comfortable. I wish that another holiday break will come and shall be greater than this.
MEMORIES IN SCHOOL
Back then, in secondary school
I was one of the reserved and introverted kids in school.
I had other siblings, but I was the eldest of them all.
Mom was a food seller, from the food she cooks, she dished little from it for our breakfast.
Then handed the sum of 30# in our hands to buy stuff at school for lunch.
In class, I always sat at the very back.
While the teacher was giving lectures, I'd go deep into the imaginary world.
Thinking how rich we would be, how I'll look healthy with beautiful friends too.
Most times, the teacher observed me when I was absent minded, he'd ask someone to tap me, it took minutes before I jerked back to reality...
Then I was asked to stand until lectures were over.
And there was this cute dark boy I was crushing on.
He was really sneaky and witty then, it seems he knew I had a thing for him.
He'd ask me for snacks, and on my part, I wanted to please him at all costs....
I'd use my lunch money to get him snacks, while I starved.
It didn't seem enough to me, I wanted him to see me as that kind hearted girl he'd fall in love with, so I started stealing from Mom.
Mom's hard earned money she made from her small food sales...
And he was happy, but he was a big flirt too.
At some point, he started hating me. Whenever he looked at me, he'd look at me and roll his eyes then sigh.
He started making fun of me in class, about my body, my clothes too.
His friends would join him and everyone would burst out laughing.
I'd just smile, didn't want to look weak or defeated in a little class cruise....I guess.
He was promoted to a senior class, he used that opportunity to serve punishment to me, even when I did nothing wrong.
I felt so inferior and sad. I withdrew myself from most activities in school.
I didn't think I deserved to partake in anything, I was a debtor, my siblings included.
And not to forget, my parents weren't together.
It was hard for me too, seeing other kids being brought by their guardians in cars.
They looked really happy, coming out, giggling with big fancy food flasks and beautiful bags hanging on their shoulders.
I looked at my shoes, they were not my size anymore but I managed it anyways.
The bag I used was my lil sister's bag from two years ago.
I didn't hang it on my back, it'd be so embarrassing yuuno.
I clutched it tight to my chest.
It got to a point where things got really hard for us.
We left on an empty stomach, and trust me, I didn't concentrate in class.
I don't know how my siblings dealt with it, but that was the beginning of me getting ulcer.
I personally tried my best to please our proprietress, whenever school was over, my siblings left me.
I'd stay at school and make sure I clean our class, empty the trash and wash the board.
Getting home, Mom understood, so no one had to explain to her.
One of my classmates I was a little bit close to, lost her Mom.
She left the school, and she lived on our street too.
So I drew a picture of the Frozen animation, then added a beautiful glitter pen.
I gave it to her baby brother as a petty gift since they would be parking out.
Got to school, three days after my meeting with her.
I was called into the proprietress office, she looked at me for a while.
I was so scared, she asked me what I gave to my Friend.
Then I smiled, feeling relieved.
I explained to her it was a drawing of a cartoon character.
She hissed loudly, did I forget to mention, her long-mouthed assistant was with her.
She explained to me that my drawing gave my classmate nightmares, it was really horrifying.
And I tried explaining to her it was just a cartoon character, she shunned me and asked me to go kneel outside, under the sun.
Few hours later, she took me into my class and searched my bag and locker.
Then she paused the lecturers, and announced to everyone in class, to beware of the kind of the friends they keep, and their spiritual background too.
Yea, I was severely punished.
I was still trying to fathom how an ordinary drawing could cause a nightmare.
I cried silently, from that day onwards, my classmates avoided me.
I was just isolated at the back of the class.
Then it was my junior brother's turn to pass through almost the same thing.
While going home, he and his friend got involved in stealing light bulbs from a tricycle.
They were asked to explain what led them to the place.
His friend tried explaining to them that my brother wasn't involved, he just stood at a distance.
But we were debtors, no one would listen to him.
He was just in junior secondary 2, they stripped him of his clothes.
He was left with his boxer, they put him and his friend inside a cage used for the school generator.
He played inside the cage, but I stood from the class window looking at him.
I was shedding light tears, he was being treated like a criminal for something he didn't do.
If only we had rich parents who were together, none of this would have happened.
And the funniest part is that none of our parents got to know about it.
All this made us get abused by teachers, especially the female folks.
Once, one of them told me I smelled, and said I had body odor.
The same person also told a new kid in my brother's class not to associate with him, he was a bad boy.
My little sister was given a long three seater bench all to herself, to prevent her from talking or communicating with other kids in this same teacher's class.
I'm still going through a lot of challenges. This experience has dealt with my self- esteem, but I'll try hard to work on it.
Envisioned Life
I have and still pray for this day to come to reality. A day that I will gladly hold my wedding gown in high esteem; walking down the aisle with my Dad. The day I will gladly wear that beautiful smile I have been envisaging all day long.
The day I will obediently kneel to receive blessings from my parents as a result of the marital fulfilment.
That day, I will innocently look at my would-be spouse's face, assuring him of the peace I will give him.
It will be called a day of compensation, when the daughter of Zion had long awaited.
A day that my make-up artist will be all over me trying to see how she can beautify this slim girl.
A day that many will be typing congratulatory messages just for me.
A day that all road will be led to Mbiaya in Uruan Local Government Area all for my sake.
The day when close and extended family will surround my father's compound just go to assist with the cooking.
A day when my asoebi (bridesmaids) will be neatly and properly dressed with good make-up just to dance with me.
A day when my mentors will be advising me on what and what not to do in matrimonial home.
A day when my pastor will preach a short sermon, teaching me how to care for my husband.
The Dream Of Travelling With My Family
After the wedding, I'm envisaging going on honeymoon with my husband; to tour around Dubai and also have a good time for myself. The day I will arrange and tidy up the bedroom for us lie down.
The day I will officially dive in the swimmers pool with my God-given man.
The day I will officially sleep over in his house without conscience pricking me.
The day I will gladly look into his eyes and profess my undying love for him and he will do the same without guilt.
This is the day I will happily visit museums with him without checking the time.
The day I will smilingly drink a glass of wine with him with a profound peace that God has answered my prayer.
The Joy Of Motherhood
This is when my Creator will gladly visit me with a piece from heaven. The joy will be overwhelming and peace will be full.
The day when the Doctor will outrightly shake my husband's hand and tell him congratulations.
The day when my husband and I will joyfully hold our baby's hand and tell him, "welcome son, we are blessed to have you".
The day when I will officially breastfeed my baby with milk and be talking sense into him; speaking into his life, future and destiny.
The day when I will be carrying on my back, singing for him and telling him stories.
The day when I will be lying beside him, carefully watching how he is sleeping.
The day when I will be bathing my baby and rubbing cream on his body so he will be shinning and glowing for me.
It wasn't quite long when I heard a bang on my door, lo and behold my mum coming to shout at me. She was telling me to wake up, that it was time for devotion. I was shocked that it was a mere dream.
Waking up, I needed to join my parents for prayers. In my mind, I was contemplating if this is a dream, then it can become reality.
It was after the morning devotion that I shared the dreams and she sat me down for advice.
In her words "My dear daughter, all this will come to pass if only you are focused. Pray also to the Father to bless you with the spirit of discernment. Make sure you are in line with your assignment cause most times, heavenly marriage comes in the place of assignment".
She added, "I am a full- fledged that has been in married for over thirty years and can tell you what it entails."
"During courtship, make sure you give maximum respect to your partner; communicate basically everything that needs to be communicated: from spiritual to sexual life."
"Give him the maximum peace and if he does that you are not comfortable with, kindly share it with him so he will know."
"Do not be jealous and over protective, learn to give him space where and when due."
"Never in any way curse or fight him if he offends you."
“Never in any way sleep with him except you are legally married."
"When he introduces you to his parents, do not be at war with them; rather respect them even as you are firm."
"Make sure you are free with him to the point that he is your best friend."
"Even when you have, please never shout at him, rather wait for the right time so you can politely tell him your mind."
"And when he marries you, please never deny him the conjugal right simply because you guys had issues."
"Always learn to cook his best meals and serve him on time."
"When God has blessess you both with a child or children, please never neglect your husband over your children. Make sure you strike the balance."
"Know when to talk even when you are angry."
"Be ready to listen to him at all times."
"Do not talk or listen to your friends when you have marital issues."
"Identify with what his calling and try supporting him."
And lastly, "always go on your knee if you have any challenge."
When she finished saying this, I gave a deep sigh and thanked her; promising her to be a good daughter and wife to my husband. That was when I lay down, in a sober mood contemplating how I will be a good daughter, wife and mother.
I was left with no other option than to wait for my hearthrob so I could judiciously apply everything my mum has told me.
This are my memories for the future.
Ambassador Report
Doing great designs is just what we've found doing on daily basis. The marketing team is growing from grace to grace and from good to better in out production of marketing designs. Currently, we have the name of our lovely CommDAO embedded in NFTs sold around pronounced NFT marketplaces like Ravenist. This is just the beginning of the greatest to come. Below is the Leaderboard for week 40 which consists of four straight week's activities.