AdrianMa.xyz – Squarespace customer – (United States)
The .xyz community is home to skilled professionals using .xyz domains to develop their online presence and showcase their career highlights. Accomplished writer and book editor Jackson Howard uses JacksonHoward.xyz to display his writing samples. New York-based multi-talented creative Talia Goddess uses TaliaGoddess.xyz to share her music, merchandise, and music videos. Entertainer Ace Anderson uses AceofAllTrades.xyz to showcase his accomplishments. In this week’s #WebsiteWednesday, we’ll introduce you to a reporter and podcast co-host who shares his work using a “FirstNameLastName.xyz” domain: AdrianMa.xyz.
AdrianMa.xyz is the personal website of Boston-based Adrian Ma, a reporter and co-host for NPR’s daily economics podcast, “The Indicator from Planet Money.”1 Prior to his role at NPR, Adrian gained experience working at public radio stations WBUR in Boston, WCPN in Cleveland, and WNYC in New York. Adrian’s journalistic pursuits revolve around understanding the dynamic nature of our economy through immersive experiences, such as accompanying an Amazon driver on their route.2 As he shares on AdrianMa.xyz, Adrian’s passion for journalism originated during his studies of media law at the University of Maryland School of Law. While working for a federal judge in Baltimore, Adrian decided to pivot. In 2016, he obtained a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University. Adrian’s work has earned several prestigious awards, including:
Adrian’s collection of work examples are easy to explore with his simple and informative website design. By clicking on the Work link, visitors can explore a gallery of Adrian’s earlier projects, including many projects with NPR, and features from his early days as a staff reporter for WBUR Boston news station. Check out “The economic effects of being denied an abortion”7, a 9-minute audio piece for NPR that examines the long-term economic consequences faced by women who were denied access to abortions following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. You can also check out “Boston gets billions in home loans, but white areas get ‘much bigger piece of the pie,”8 a feature for WBUR Boston about the disparity in investment and access to homeownership between predominantly white and predominantly Black neighborhoods.
Using a FirstNameLastName.xyz domain like AdrianMa.xyz can help make it easier for Adrian and his accomplishments to be discoverable online. Anyone who Googles “Adrian Ma” will see AdrianMa.xyz near the top of the search results page (as of July 19, 2023). With a professional website using a domain name that matches your full name, it’s more likely that your website will show up in relevant results. There is further benefit in a domain like AdrianMa.xyz for your personal website. Adrian’s content and layout is not limited by any third-party platform constraints. He can use his website as his own online hub helping him link out to all his podcast and journalism work, and maintain complete control over how he presents the information. We are proud to have Adrian among the thriving .xyz community of skilled professionals. You can learn more by following him on Twitter and LinkedIn, and by visiting AdrianMa.xyz.
1. https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510325/the-indicator-from-planet-money
2. https://www.npr.org/2020/01/28/800620890/weird-amazon-flex-but-okay
3. https://www.rtdna.org/content/2022_rtdna_edward_r_murrow_awards_national_honorees
4. https://www.wbur.org/news/2021/01/21/kitchen-cafe-boston-closes-doors-covid-economy
5. https://pmja.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/PMJA-2021-Winners-List.pdf
6. https://www.npr.org/sections/npr-extra/2019/04/16/713912839/npr-work-recognized-by-gracie-awards
7. https://www.npr.org/2022/07/06/1110182026/the-economic-effects-of-being-denied-an-abortion
8. https://www.wbur.org/news/2022/03/31/boston-home-lending-neighborhood-data
Museverse.xyz – GoDaddy customer – (Czech Republic)
AI and blockchain developers are using .xyz domains to leverage the latest technologies and develop useful solutions. NFT platform Revel.xyz is aimed at providing users with a new tool for generating AI-powered animated avatars. Tech startup Spice.xyz’s AI platform aims to make it easy to access and leverage web3 data. AI startup Optic.xyz aims to detect AI-generated media and counterfeit NFTs. In this week’s #AIMonday, we’ll introduce you to a platform that leverages artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and blockchain technology to innovate music production: Museverse.xyz.
Museverse.xyz is the online home of Museverse, an AI-powered music production platform. The platform offers an AI assistant that aims to simplify and accelerate sound creation, helping users generate unique sounds based on prompts.
The platform’s AI assistant is designed to assist music creators in their production journey. It offers several tools and functionalities that can be integrated with popular digital audio workstations (DAWs). Some of the key features of the AI assistant include:
One of the notable aspects of Museverse is its commitment to ensuring user ownership and privacy. The platform claims that the generated music pieces are royalty-free. This means users can freely use their creations in their projects and retain the copyrights to the content they create. Additionally, Museverse states in their FAQ that private user data will not be shared with other users, and it is protected by theirEnd User License Agreement (EULA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
For those interested in exploring the capabilities of the Museverse AI assistant, early access is available. By following the website’s Call to Action (CTA), users can join the waitlist and enjoy 14 days of free access. Museverse.xyz will send notifications via email when the platform is officially launched.
Looking ahead, Museverse.xyz has outlined a roadmap that includes several AI-driven features and long-term focuses:
Museverse is led by Patrik Gudev, who serves as the CEO and Co-founder. Patrik is also the founder of Revo Music, a music tech company focused on innovative technologies in music production and sample pack creation. Co-founder Matej Zimák has previous experience as a Portfolio Manager at Miton C, a Prague-based VC fund specializing in web3 and crypto projects. We are inspired by the innovation demonstrated by Patrik and Matej. Much like .xyz aims to reshape the future of the internet, Museverse.xyz aims to shape the future of music production. You can learn more by following the platform on Twitter @Museverse_xyz and LinkedIn, and by visiting Museverse.xyz.
Otherlife.xyz – GoDaddy customer – (Canada)
Forward-thinking web3 businesses are embracing .xyz domains and upgrading to domain names that signal expansion. Financial services company Square, Inc. rebranded to Block.xyz to acknowledge their growth beyond their Square product. Fintech company Party Round rebranded to Capital.xyz with a goal of continuing to help startups raise money with new, additional features. Web3 company TAIKAI Labs rebranded to LayerX.xyz with a focus on connecting web3 developers and organizations to create innovative solutions. In this week’s #BlockchainThursday, we’ll introduce you to a newly rebranded web3 creative agency acquired by crypto payment service Moonpay: Otherlife.xyz.
Otherlife.xyz is the online home of newly named web3 creative agency Otherlife (previously Nightshift). In January 2023, leading crypto payments company MoonPay acquired the agency as part of its plan to establish itself as a one-stop shop for brands interested in expanding to crypto, collectible tokens, and metaverse activities.1 By joining forces, MoonPay and Otherlife now offer end-to-end support for big brands, helping them execute a full strategy in the web3 space. The rebranded Otherlife continues to serve its existing portfolio of brand customers, including Adobe, Shopify, and Arsenal Football Club, while also providing services to MoonPay’s clients.2
The creative agency offers a range of creative services to meet various needs in the digital landscape. Here are services provided by Otherlife as indicated on their website:
On the agency’s Work page, you can view a sampling of the innovative projects they’ve developed. For example, Otherlife worked with haircare and beauty products company Wella Professionals to develop The Wella Generator project3, a gamified sweepstakes experience with web3 integration. Otherlife provided a range of services for this project, including art direction, illustration, 3D animation, NFT design, and web design. The Wella Generator provided an opportunity for participants to potentially win collectible NFTs as bonus prizes, along with redeemable beauty prizes through the Wella Wheel. By spinning the digital prize wheel on a daily basis, participants had the opportunity to accumulate a collection of bespoke web3 bonus gifts.
The leadership team at Otherlife consists of Michael Perrow, co-founder and CEO, and Michael Moodie, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer (CCO). Prior to his role at Otherlife, Michael Perrow held positions as the Head of Business Development at independent electronic music label Monstercat, and as a VP at blockchain infrastructure company Hut 8 Mining Corp. Before joining Otherlife, Michael Moodie worked in Acquisition and Engagement at Amazon Prime Video. We look forward to seeing more of Otherlife’s innovative web3 projects. You can learn more by following the platform on Instagram @otherlife.xyz, Twitter @Otherlifexyz, Linkedin, and by visiting Otherlife.xyz.
1. https://cryptonews.com/news/crypto-payments-company-moonpay-acquiring-web3-creative-agency-nightshift-rebranding-as-otherlife.htm
2. https://cryptonews.com/news/crypto-payments-company-moonpay-acquiring-web3-creative-agency-nightshift-rebranding-as-otherlife.htm
3. https://wella.coveteur.com/
Nadia.xyz – GoDaddy customer – (United States)
The .xyz community is home to many accomplished individuals using .xyz to highlight their creative work, passions, and career experiences. Successful entrepreneur Matt Gray uses MattGray.xyz to promote his coaching and training services. Political satirist Bassem Youssef uses BassemYoussef.xyz to share his media appearances, upcoming shows, and press clippings. Australia-based artist Serwah Attafuah uses Serwah.xyz to showcase her digital art and NFT creations. In this week’s #WebsiteWednesday, we’ll introduce you to an accomplished open source software writer and researcher who shares her work on a personal website with a memorable “first name” .xyz domain: Nadia.xyz.
Nadia.xyz is the online home of writer and researcher Nadia Asparouhova (previously Nadia Eghbal). Her work and research center around open source software and its impact on the social and political aspects of the tech industry, bringing attention to the hidden labor behind our digital infrastructure. Nadia’s book, titled “Working in Public: The Making and Maintenance of Open Source Software,”1 provides an exploration of the evolution of open source software development. Open source software development is the collaborative process of creating computer programs where the source code is openly accessible to everyone. The book features interviews with developers and a study of popular online platforms. In May 2023, Nadia wrote a piece for Wired titled “Remembering GitHub’s Office, a Monument to Tech Culture.”2 The article shares her firsthand perspective of GitHub’s former San Francisco office, and its representation of tech culture. Nadia spent two years working for GitHub in Developer Experience. As she details on her LinkedIn profile, she “built programs, product and partnerships to better support open source developers on the platform.”
Nadia’s involvement in improving the open source developer experience, both independently and while working for GitHub, led her to publish the book “Roads and Bridges: The Unseen Labor Behind Our Digital Infrastructure” in 2016.3 Nadia’s book explores the challenges facing digital infrastructure, and how they can be addressed. As she shares on her Projects page in reference to the book, “my early work argued that open source code is a form of public infrastructure that requires maintenance.”
Nadia uses Nadia.xyz to showcase her multifaceted contributions to the tech industry and beyond. You can visit her Projects page to read about some of her latest projects. Check out “Microgrants,” where Nadia details how she created Helium Grants, a “no-strings-attached” microgrants program providing awards of $1K to $5K to individuals. Nadia documented her process and insights about this two-year experiment, and compiled resources designed to inspire others to start their own microgrant programs. Nadia shares a link to a dedicated website about the Helium Grant for more information.4
Over on the Notes page, Nadia shares various ideas, reactions, and useful insights. These notes cover a wide range of topics, including governance, research culture, ethics, and social dynamics online. While some of these notes have evolved into longer blog posts or projects, most remain unpublished in her personal notes app. Although she stopped updating the page in 2021, visitors can still explore previous years’ notes. She shares that she may consider resuming the practice in the future. In an earlier interview shared on the Kicks Condor blog5, Nadia shares some thoughts pertaining to how she makes use of her website for notes and thoughts, as opposed to other platforms such as Twitter. She states “I like being able to publish my messier, half-formed thoughts, but I get turned off by putting those next to a like count. It feels like the more likes you get, the more you start writing things to get likes, whereas the REALLY weird, unpopular stuff probably won’t get many likes at all.” You can glean more of Nadia’s insights by subscribing to her Monomythical newsletter on publishing platform Substack, where approximately every couple of months she shares thoughts and essays about living life online.
The Nadia.xyz domain is branded with Nadia’s short and memorable first name. On her homepage, Nadia provides her branded email address [email protected] for inquiries. When you have an email address directly associated with your domain name, visitors can use that email address to find your website and have confidence that they’re reaching out to the appropriate contact.
We are excited to have Nadia and her insights on open source software in the .xyz community. You can learn more by following Nadia on Twitter and LinkedIn, and by visiting Nadia.xyz.
1. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54140556-working-in-public
2. https://www.wired.com/story/github-tech-values/
3. https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/32317627
4. https://www.heliumgrant.org/
5. https://www.kickscondor.com/nadia-eghbal/
Optic.xyz – Namecheap customer – (United States)
AI developers are using .xyz domains to showcase their innovations in the field of artificial intelligence. Tech startup Spice.xyz harnesses AI technology to make it easy to access and leverage web3 data. NFT platform Revel.xyz is focused on providing users with a new tool for generating AI-powered animated avatars. AI-backed platform Airstack.xyz is aimed at helping developers to access and utilize cross-chain data. In this week’s #AIMonday, we’ll introduce you to an AI-based startup aimed at safeguarding humanity from AI-generated fake media and counterfeit NFTs: Optic.xyz.
Optic.xyz is the online home of Optic, a tech startup that employs artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle growing concerns such as fake media and counterfeit non-fungible tokens (NFTs). At the forefront of the company’s offerings is the Bias-O-Meter, an innovative solution designed to safeguard humanity from the issue of internet misinformation in the era of generative AI (Gen-AI). The innovative company is founded by former Google Product Director and YouTube Head of Mobile Andrey Doronichev. As reported in March 2022, Optic raised $11 million and began using the funds “toward building out the cost-intensive infrastructure and hiring engineering talent.”1
Authenticity is a crucial concern in the world of NFTs, as it is the foundation upon which trust and value are built. Optic.xyz addresses this challenge by utilizing AI technology to analyze the details of NFTs and verify their uniqueness and origin. This process aims to provide reassurance to artists, creators, and buyers regarding the legitimacy of the digital assets they engage with. In doing so, they may also contribute to safeguarding the credibility of the entire NFT ecosystem.
AI’s strength in NFT authentication comes from its ability to analyze large amounts of data and spot detailed patterns that humans might miss. Its advanced algorithms can quickly process information like metadata, cryptographic signatures, and transaction history, making the distinction between real NFTs and fake or unauthorized copies. This can help build trust and ensure reliability in the fast-growing world of digital art and NFTs. By leveraging AI algorithms, Optic strives to contribute to the prevention of fraud and unauthorized duplication, building trust within the NFT market.
Optic.xyz provides a user-friendly platform that can simplify the authentication process for creators and buyers. Their solutions are designed to help artists submit their NFTs for authentication, and to provide buyers with the capability to verify the authenticity of NFTs they are interested in. This streamlined experience can benefit all stakeholders, fostering the growth and sustainability of the NFT market. Check out Optic’s featured products:
We are inspired by Optic.xyz’s interests in furthering safety and authenticity in AI, and look forward to further developments. You can learn more by following the company on Twitter @optic_xyz and LinkedIn @optic-xyz, and by visiting Optic.xyz.
1. https://www.coindesk.com/business/2022/07/20/ai-based-startup-optic-raises-11m-to-put-the-nf-in-nfts/
2. https://www.aiornot.com/
