Proposal “DASH-University-CryptoMaps-Promotion“ (Closed)Back
Title: | DASH University Tour and CryptoMaps Campaign: Increase DASH Transactions, Drive Merchant Acceptance and Indoctrinate Consumers |
Owner: | Craig_CryptoMaps |
One-time payment: | 840 DASH (19961 USD) |
Completed payments: | no payments occurred yet (1 month remaining) |
Payment start/end: | 2018-03-19 / 2018-04-18 (added on 2018-03-06) |
Final voting deadline: | in passed |
Votes: | 27 Yes / 514 No / 27 Abstain |
Proposal description
Overview:
This proposal seeks funding to educate a broad number of merchants, consumers, academics and the next generation of business and tech innovators to the benefits of DASH. This will be achieved through the development and promotion of CryptoMaps and its associated University Tour, designed to reach students and educators at some of the world’s most influential institutions including Stanford University; University of California, Los Angeles; University of Southern California and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Please view our YouTube video here
Background:
Until now, locating a reliable, central source of current local and online merchants that accept DASH and other cryptocurrencies has been nearly impossible. In fact, according to a recent survey (2018) to establish the market and gain insight on consumer sentiment around cryptocurrency 75 percent of crypto owners don’t know where they can spend their digital currency [1]. There are singular resources, such as the DASH website and DISCOVER DASH, but locating this information on the go can be a huge challenge. Further complicating the issue is the fact that many resources depend heavily on crowdsourced information, resulting in an incomplete and out-of-date directory and a frustrating end-user experience.
CryptoMaps is designed to offer consumers an easy way to discover local and online merchants that accept DASH and other currencies. Providing merchants with increased exposure to a highly-vetted, built-in user base with high intent to purchase. The ultimate goal is to significantly increase awareness and adoption of DASH by a broad range of consumers and merchants. DASH is focused on, and capable of, becoming the first digital currency capable of mass-market adoption, and CryptoMaps wants to help move the needle.
Reference:
[1] Survata. “CryptoMaps US Consumer Awareness Survey”. Survey. 18 Jan. 2018 – 23 Jan. 2018.
Please view attached deck: CryptoMaps x DASH
Solution:
This proposal outlines the development and promotion strategy for this new platform, including a University-based program designed to educate the next generation of business leaders, tech innovators and policy makers to the specific benefits of DASH for the global economy. DASH would be the premier digital currency promoted by CryptoMaps and its educational series.
Why CryptoMaps? Craig Cole’s background and more on the project:
Craig Cole, creator of CryptoMaps, is a serial entrepreneur with businesses focused on the U.S. and Latin American regions. He is an early investor in blockchain-based technologies and the cryptocurrency markets. He possesses expertise in marketing, finance and the global markets and discovered DASH from research around how blockchain and cryptocurrencies can be improved to scale and power everyday transactions. Craig’s analysis of the market, paired with personal frustrations and a desire to make crypto more mainstream, led him to develop CryptoMaps, an easy-to-use interactive map of bars, restaurants, ATMS, event venues, brick-and-mortar and online stores that accept digital currency.
CryptoMaps is an in-development web and iPhone accessible platform (Android version coming soon – funds from this proposal would go towards development), designed to make it easy for crypto owners to discover and support merchants that accept digital currencies. It also serves as a platform for participating businesses (online as well as physical storefronts) to increase exposure and attract new business.
The free-to-use platform is already in development and CryptoMaps has received validation from top-tier media outlets such as Forbes, where Craig was quoted highlighting how DASH is a game changer for cryptocurrency transaction speeds. “Projects such as OmiseGO, DASH, Stellar, BitcoinCash and Litecoin have radically improved transaction speeds. This has eliminated some of the angst that Bitcoin has given business owners and consumers.” The project has been self-funded to this point and CryptoMaps has hired a global tech-focused publicity firm that accepts DASH and is intimately familiar with DASH’s benefits and goals (examples of recent DASH-related media coverage secured by this team includes: Finance Magnates, Inverse, ISO & Agent, Coinsquare, NBC Memphis, GigaOm, Bitcoin Warrior). We are working to expose the current market shortcomings affecting the widespread adoption of crypto and to propose solutions and resources like DASH and CryptoMaps to address the issues. Our research has found that people just don’t know where to spend virtual currency which is a big reason why there has not been widespread adoption of crypto. In just a few short weeks, CryptoMaps has been featured in mainstream media proposing solutions to this problem and how Dash can help bring cryptocurrency into the future.
CrytoMap’s PR team is well connected in the academic circles, having represented highly-regarded institutions including University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of Engineering, and is committed to supporting CryptoMap’s mission to help bring digital currencies to the masses. Through their efforts, major institutions including USC, UCLA and Stanford have already committed to having Craig as a guest speaker for a variety of upcoming classes, lectures and community events related to the benefits of blockchain and cryptocurrency on the national and global economies.
Proposed Timeline (Major Milestones):
COMPLETED:
Nov. 2017: Concept Inception
Dec. 2017: Product Development
Jan. 2018: Consumer Survey Commissioned to Measure Market Sentiment of Cryptocurrency
Jan. 2018: Landing Page Live, https://cryptomaps.info/ (view the press release here: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cryptomaps-offers-cryptocurrency-clarity-highlights-local-merchants-who-accept-virtual-currency-300597594.html)
UPCOMING:
Mid-March 2018: App Store Submission
Late March 2018: iOS Launch (Heavy PR and Marketing Support)
Early April 2018: Start of DASH University Tour (targeting one university per week for 5 – 6 weeks – Heavy PR Promotion and Support)
Mid-APRIL 2018: Android Product Development
Late April 2018: Full Website Launch (Heavy PR and Marketing Support)
Early May 2018: Android Launch (Heavy PR and Marketing Support)
Over the course of the next three months there will be a consistent PR and marketing campaign in place to promote CryptoMaps, with a weighted focus on DASH-friendly merchants. The reason we are branching beyond just DASH is so that the platform appeals to the broadest possible audience – not everyone knows about DASH (yet), but they may know of and/or own Bitcoin or Ethereum. We can leverage this to get them into the ecosystem, where they are exposed to DASH and will be able to see the growing number of DASH-friendly merchants in real time.
Additionally, Craig will be on the streets, along with a small team of ambassadors, to introduce local merchants to DASH, the benefits of accepting digital currencies and to get them on the CryptoMaps platform (listings will be free for all merchants – the goal is to create the most robust and comprehensive resource on the market. CryptoMaps may introduce additional advertising and promotional options to merchants in the future).
San Francisco and Los Angeles are our first target cities. Craig Cole resides in San Francisco and is widely connected to owners of Los Angeles’ most popular retail, restaurant and entertainment venues.
From there the team will branch out to large, influential cities including New York, Boston and the other locations on the university tour.
The plan is to add a new city each month, pending available resources. One of the best ways to grow DASH is to give users a place to spend it! We know that in order to keep people coming back to the platform, and adopting it as a frequently-referenced resource, it will be imperative to have a populated map and robust (always growing) listing of merchants.
Should you approve this proposal, over the following 90 days CryptoMaps will demonstrate its commitment to the DASH community and prove its ability to deliver upon the promised milestones. This is a long-term venture, which will require ongoing support in order to flourish. CryptoMaps will submit a new proposal at the end of the three months to further the platform and our community outreach, designed to broaden the network of DASH merchants, owners and general supporters.
Benefits:
For the DASH Community:
For Merchants:
For Consumers:
Requested Funding: *Working on fixing ask, from a one time to a monthly, giving the MNO's an opportunity to review completed work on a monthly basis.*
815 DASH over 3 months (5 for proposal fee, 270 DASH/month)
Monthly Budget:
Note: Should any funding remain, we will apply it toward additional highly targeted paid advertising and consumer adoption strategies prominently featuring the DASH brand.
Reporting:
We will post monthly updates to show how we are tracking against our proposed timeline as well as all of our DASH campaign content and new media mentions on this forum.
*3/7/17* Below was a comment made by @masternodes and my reply. I decided to post it in the proposal as I believe it could provide additional insight for the MNO's
From: @masternodes
We already have https://discoverdash.com/ and brand new treasury funded merchant adoption based websites will be launching soon. Also launching at the end of the month will be phase one (online merchants) of the Dash Force merchant adoption program. Phase 2 will begin once we have proper POS solutions for brick and mortar businesses. Other treasury funded merchant adoption programs will be launching in the next few months as well. We will all be collaborating with country specific merch adoption initiatives in places like Venezuela and Africa etc etc etc.
Reply: @craig_cryptomaps
Thanks for the comments DASH community, and for diving into this proposal. Let me try to address most of your concerns in one response below;
I totally understand and get, we have Discover Dash, Merchant Adoption programs, and POS Solutions on the way, all completely Dash focused. These are all great initiatives, and obviously needed. Naturally, we will want to align with these projects.
However, with CryptoMaps try to see the different strategy this initiative is taking.
Let me give you an example; WeedMaps.com and the WeedMaps app. WeedMaps is unquestionably the top cannabis platform in America, particularly in California due to it being legal (I’m also very close with the founders) If I am a cannabis consumer, and I’m looking to find weed in my area, what am I more likely to download/view, WeedMaps?.. a) A platform that shows me all cannabis dispensaries and types of weed in my area? or.. b) download a singular strand of weeds platform. The answer to that question is 99% of people would prefer a platform that shows all locations in the area. (note: by showing ALL weed in the area, you capture 99% of the market, btw, guess who owns WeedMaps? 2 of the always featured brands) So then the question remains, well, why would we help CryptoMaps if we’re also helping our competitors at the same time? The answer is simply, they wouldn’t be our partners, and that’s exactly how I would look at this relationship. They would not be featured and traffic driven to them in every possible way. Look at Weedmaps.com again, and see how they have featured brands, that’s just one small example how we would always feature and drive customers to DASH. Yelp, another simple way to look at this opportunity, if you own a restaurant, what would you rather, have.. a) Have multiple websites and platforms? or.. b) always come up and be featured first on yelp and google … zero dispute you want to be on top of yelp and google ten fold over having all your money in only your own platforms.
Thank you for your consideration! I welcome and encourage any feedback or questions you may have.
Craig Cole
CEO/Founder, CryptoMaps
Overview:
This proposal seeks funding to educate a broad number of merchants, consumers, academics and the next generation of business and tech innovators to the benefits of DASH. This will be achieved through the development and promotion of CryptoMaps and its associated University Tour, designed to reach students and educators at some of the world’s most influential institutions including Stanford University; University of California, Los Angeles; University of Southern California and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Please view our YouTube video here
Background:
Until now, locating a reliable, central source of current local and online merchants that accept DASH and other cryptocurrencies has been nearly impossible. In fact, according to a recent survey (2018) to establish the market and gain insight on consumer sentiment around cryptocurrency 75 percent of crypto owners don’t know where they can spend their digital currency [1]. There are singular resources, such as the DASH website and DISCOVER DASH, but locating this information on the go can be a huge challenge. Further complicating the issue is the fact that many resources depend heavily on crowdsourced information, resulting in an incomplete and out-of-date directory and a frustrating end-user experience.
CryptoMaps is designed to offer consumers an easy way to discover local and online merchants that accept DASH and other currencies. Providing merchants with increased exposure to a highly-vetted, built-in user base with high intent to purchase. The ultimate goal is to significantly increase awareness and adoption of DASH by a broad range of consumers and merchants. DASH is focused on, and capable of, becoming the first digital currency capable of mass-market adoption, and CryptoMaps wants to help move the needle.
Reference:
[1] Survata. “CryptoMaps US Consumer Awareness Survey”. Survey. 18 Jan. 2018 – 23 Jan. 2018.
Please view attached deck: CryptoMaps x DASH
Solution:
This proposal outlines the development and promotion strategy for this new platform, including a University-based program designed to educate the next generation of business leaders, tech innovators and policy makers to the specific benefits of DASH for the global economy. DASH would be the premier digital currency promoted by CryptoMaps and its educational series.
Why CryptoMaps? Craig Cole’s background and more on the project:
Craig Cole, creator of CryptoMaps, is a serial entrepreneur with businesses focused on the U.S. and Latin American regions. He is an early investor in blockchain-based technologies and the cryptocurrency markets. He possesses expertise in marketing, finance and the global markets and discovered DASH from research around how blockchain and cryptocurrencies can be improved to scale and power everyday transactions. Craig’s analysis of the market, paired with personal frustrations and a desire to make crypto more mainstream, led him to develop CryptoMaps, an easy-to-use interactive map of bars, restaurants, ATMS, event venues, brick-and-mortar and online stores that accept digital currency.
CryptoMaps is an in-development web and iPhone accessible platform (Android version coming soon – funds from this proposal would go towards development), designed to make it easy for crypto owners to discover and support merchants that accept digital currencies. It also serves as a platform for participating businesses (online as well as physical storefronts) to increase exposure and attract new business.
The free-to-use platform is already in development and CryptoMaps has received validation from top-tier media outlets such as Forbes, where Craig was quoted highlighting how DASH is a game changer for cryptocurrency transaction speeds. “Projects such as OmiseGO, DASH, Stellar, BitcoinCash and Litecoin have radically improved transaction speeds. This has eliminated some of the angst that Bitcoin has given business owners and consumers.” The project has been self-funded to this point and CryptoMaps has hired a global tech-focused publicity firm that accepts DASH and is intimately familiar with DASH’s benefits and goals (examples of recent DASH-related media coverage secured by this team includes: Finance Magnates, Inverse, ISO & Agent, Coinsquare, NBC Memphis, GigaOm, Bitcoin Warrior). We are working to expose the current market shortcomings affecting the widespread adoption of crypto and to propose solutions and resources like DASH and CryptoMaps to address the issues. Our research has found that people just don’t know where to spend virtual currency which is a big reason why there has not been widespread adoption of crypto. In just a few short weeks, CryptoMaps has been featured in mainstream media proposing solutions to this problem and how Dash can help bring cryptocurrency into the future.
CrytoMap’s PR team is well connected in the academic circles, having represented highly-regarded institutions including University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of Engineering, and is committed to supporting CryptoMap’s mission to help bring digital currencies to the masses. Through their efforts, major institutions including USC, UCLA and Stanford have already committed to having Craig as a guest speaker for a variety of upcoming classes, lectures and community events related to the benefits of blockchain and cryptocurrency on the national and global economies.
Proposed Timeline (Major Milestones):
COMPLETED:
Nov. 2017: Concept Inception
Dec. 2017: Product Development
Jan. 2018: Consumer Survey Commissioned to Measure Market Sentiment of Cryptocurrency
Jan. 2018: Landing Page Live, https://cryptomaps.info/ (view the press release here: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cryptomaps-offers-cryptocurrency-clarity-highlights-local-merchants-who-accept-virtual-currency-300597594.html)
UPCOMING:
Mid-March 2018: App Store Submission
Late March 2018: iOS Launch (Heavy PR and Marketing Support)
Early April 2018: Start of DASH University Tour (targeting one university per week for 5 – 6 weeks – Heavy PR Promotion and Support)
Mid-APRIL 2018: Android Product Development
Late April 2018: Full Website Launch (Heavy PR and Marketing Support)
Early May 2018: Android Launch (Heavy PR and Marketing Support)
Over the course of the next three months there will be a consistent PR and marketing campaign in place to promote CryptoMaps, with a weighted focus on DASH-friendly merchants. The reason we are branching beyond just DASH is so that the platform appeals to the broadest possible audience – not everyone knows about DASH (yet), but they may know of and/or own Bitcoin or Ethereum. We can leverage this to get them into the ecosystem, where they are exposed to DASH and will be able to see the growing number of DASH-friendly merchants in real time.
Additionally, Craig will be on the streets, along with a small team of ambassadors, to introduce local merchants to DASH, the benefits of accepting digital currencies and to get them on the CryptoMaps platform (listings will be free for all merchants – the goal is to create the most robust and comprehensive resource on the market. CryptoMaps may introduce additional advertising and promotional options to merchants in the future).
San Francisco and Los Angeles are our first target cities. Craig Cole resides in San Francisco and is widely connected to owners of Los Angeles’ most popular retail, restaurant and entertainment venues.
From there the team will branch out to large, influential cities including New York, Boston and the other locations on the university tour.
The plan is to add a new city each month, pending available resources. One of the best ways to grow DASH is to give users a place to spend it! We know that in order to keep people coming back to the platform, and adopting it as a frequently-referenced resource, it will be imperative to have a populated map and robust (always growing) listing of merchants.
Should you approve this proposal, over the following 90 days CryptoMaps will demonstrate its commitment to the DASH community and prove its ability to deliver upon the promised milestones. This is a long-term venture, which will require ongoing support in order to flourish. CryptoMaps will submit a new proposal at the end of the three months to further the platform and our community outreach, designed to broaden the network of DASH merchants, owners and general supporters.
Benefits:
For the DASH Community:
- The network gains new participants, which is a very important component to the growth and overall value of DASH.
- Introduction of DASH to significant influencers, including entrepreneurs, millionaires, and influencers in the entertainment, retail, restaurant, nightlife, FinTech and cryptocurrency spaces.
- Prominent DASH logo placement throughout the CryptoMaps website and mobile apps (which we will drive significant traffic to through paid and earned media) as well as in paid advertising.
- Links back to the DASH website and merchant resources from the CryptoMaps website.
- Mention of DASH and its benefits in media interviews.
- Distribution of “DASH Accepted Here” window stickers and promotional materials for all merchants we visit in person (will not offer marketing materials for any other crypto for the duration of your funding).
For Merchants:
- Greater reach and exposure to individuals looking to use their cryptocurrency.
- More secure option for transactions.
- Free and easy listings that are kept up to date by our customer service team.
For Consumers:
- More flexibility and control over how they use their funds.
- Overall, CryptoMaps hopes to be DASH ambassadors for all of the merchants and universities we visit across the nation. I am a strong believer that DASH is the best solution for everyday transactions and our goal is to create an ecosystem where people are using cryptocurrency on a daily basis for everyday purchases like a pint of beer, groceries or even rent. It is mutually beneficial to have the greatest number possible of merchants and consumers transacting with crypto.
- We are at a critical point with our industry. DASH and other organizations within the cryptocurrency space face enormous challenges, but we are dedicated to promoting the education, adoption and acceptance of this new technology.
Requested Funding: *Working on fixing ask, from a one time to a monthly, giving the MNO's an opportunity to review completed work on a monthly basis.*
815 DASH over 3 months (5 for proposal fee, 270 DASH/month)
Monthly Budget:
- Developer’s Salary (3 total - 2 front end and 1 back end): 37 DASH (@618.71 = $22,892.27)
- Street Team/New Merchant Onboarding Salary (2 people/city): 8 DASH (@618.71 = $4,949.68)
- PR Company Retainer: 17 DASH (@618.71 = $10,518.07)
- Paid Advertising Campaign: 162 DASH (@618.71 = $100,231.02)
- Web Server, API and Hosting Fees: 38 DASH (@618.71 = $23,510.98)
- Travel Expenses for University Tour and New Merchant Onboarding: 8 DASH (@618.71 = $4,949.68)
Note: Should any funding remain, we will apply it toward additional highly targeted paid advertising and consumer adoption strategies prominently featuring the DASH brand.
Reporting:
We will post monthly updates to show how we are tracking against our proposed timeline as well as all of our DASH campaign content and new media mentions on this forum.
*3/7/17* Below was a comment made by @masternodes and my reply. I decided to post it in the proposal as I believe it could provide additional insight for the MNO's
From: @masternodes
We already have https://discoverdash.com/ and brand new treasury funded merchant adoption based websites will be launching soon. Also launching at the end of the month will be phase one (online merchants) of the Dash Force merchant adoption program. Phase 2 will begin once we have proper POS solutions for brick and mortar businesses. Other treasury funded merchant adoption programs will be launching in the next few months as well. We will all be collaborating with country specific merch adoption initiatives in places like Venezuela and Africa etc etc etc.
Reply: @craig_cryptomaps
Thanks for the comments DASH community, and for diving into this proposal. Let me try to address most of your concerns in one response below;
I totally understand and get, we have Discover Dash, Merchant Adoption programs, and POS Solutions on the way, all completely Dash focused. These are all great initiatives, and obviously needed. Naturally, we will want to align with these projects.
However, with CryptoMaps try to see the different strategy this initiative is taking.
Let me give you an example; WeedMaps.com and the WeedMaps app. WeedMaps is unquestionably the top cannabis platform in America, particularly in California due to it being legal (I’m also very close with the founders) If I am a cannabis consumer, and I’m looking to find weed in my area, what am I more likely to download/view, WeedMaps?.. a) A platform that shows me all cannabis dispensaries and types of weed in my area? or.. b) download a singular strand of weeds platform. The answer to that question is 99% of people would prefer a platform that shows all locations in the area. (note: by showing ALL weed in the area, you capture 99% of the market, btw, guess who owns WeedMaps? 2 of the always featured brands) So then the question remains, well, why would we help CryptoMaps if we’re also helping our competitors at the same time? The answer is simply, they wouldn’t be our partners, and that’s exactly how I would look at this relationship. They would not be featured and traffic driven to them in every possible way. Look at Weedmaps.com again, and see how they have featured brands, that’s just one small example how we would always feature and drive customers to DASH. Yelp, another simple way to look at this opportunity, if you own a restaurant, what would you rather, have.. a) Have multiple websites and platforms? or.. b) always come up and be featured first on yelp and google … zero dispute you want to be on top of yelp and google ten fold over having all your money in only your own platforms.
Thank you for your consideration! I welcome and encourage any feedback or questions you may have.
Craig Cole
CEO/Founder, CryptoMaps
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Discussion: Should we fund this proposal?
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1. No pre-proposal discussion.
2. We pay to be a partner, and Litecoin and all the other cryptocurrencies don't pay. This does not make us feel special.
3. Clumsy presentation that totally looks like you are asking for the whole lump sum right up front.
4. Duplication of efforts we already have under way.
5. Pretty expensive, what is our Return On Investment?
6. This is your first involvement with the Dash community, to ask for money.
You make some reasonable points that somewhat offset these concerns, but practically speaking, I doubt that will get you enough yes votes in this budget cycle. Let's assume the worst, that your proposal fails. What would your proposal look like next month that really addresses these problems? We could call this a somewhat expensive pre-proposal discussion.
solarguy
We do indeed already have some services which overlap with yours, but yours is simultaneously more specific in some ways and more general in others in scope, and that differentiation and utility has some merit in my eyes.
I do think this would have not suffered so much immediate criticism if your asking price had been correctly displayed in its proper monthly increments and more importantly if you had taken the time to go through the pre-proposal process and addressed these concerns from the get-go. It probably would have saved you some headaches long-term. Pre-proposals aren't absolutely necessary, but going to full proposal without one is a big gamble, especially when you're coming with a high-asking project like this.
I would, though, urge other MNOs to carefully consider Craig's responses and view the platform and pages before voting.
I will personally wait for the project to go live and check out the app myself before deciding on my vote.
In hindsight, I should of done a pre-proposal. The launch of CryptoMaps combined with partnering with a top market cap coin makes for a heck of a story right out the gate. So I wanted to get aligned before launching in order to maximize exposure. I'm going to hold on to hope that we can still make this happen.
You're dead on in the coverage we can get from this has the chance to be pretty unreal. I wrote a detailed response to @stealth93 referencing a weekly update email covering our impressions for the week. This past week alone CryptoMaps was featured in 23 publications, garnering over 300,000,000 impressions including Forbes twice. A few upcoming media opportunities include Bloomberg, Fast Company, and an opt-ed for International Business Times to name a few. Separately, our initial press release was picked up by over 200 publications including Yahoo Finance and Business Insider.
Here is a link: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cryptomaps-offers-cryptocurrency-clarity-highlights-140000836.html
I say this to give an example of what will be in store if this partnership comes to fruition. All media efforts going forward would be a strategic combination of DASH and CryptoMaps.
This is just the press side of things, which, is only one aspect of how much exposure this proposal has the opportunity to garner.
Contrary to my original plan, I will submit to the app to app store this week, solely, for the MNO's to have a look. I don't plan on announcing anything publicly until the end of the voting period, so if this tide turns, we can jointly benefit from the exposure that will follow suit.
I will keep the forum updated when the app goes live. Cheers, thanks again.
Also launching at the end of the month will be phase one (online merchants) of the Dash Force merchant adoption program. Phase 2 will begin once we have proper POS solutions for brick and mortar businesses. Other treasury funded merchant adoption programs will be launching in the next few months as well. We will all be collaborating with country specific merch adoption initiatives in places like Venezuela and Africa etc etc etc.
Not sure if you did a pre-proposal or if I missed it but helping to avoid situations like this is partially what they are for.
There are other areas where we could use your help but a lot of the stuff you want to do is being done on multiple fronts already.
I totally understand and get, we have Discover Dash, Merchant Adoption programs, and POS Solutions on the way, all completely Dash focused, which is all great, and obviously needed. Which, we would naturally want to align with. However, with CryptoMaps try to see the different strategy this is taking. Let me give you an example; WeedMaps.com and the WeedMaps app. WeedMaps is unquestionably the top cannabis platform in America, particularly in California due to it being legal (I’m also very close with the founders) If I am a cannabis consumer, and I’m looking to find weed in my area, what am I more likely to download/view, WeedMaps?.. a) A platform that shows me all cannabis dispensaries and types of weed in my area? or.. b) download a singular strand of weeds platform. The answer to that question is 99% of people would prefer a platform that shows all locations in the area. (note: by showing ALL weed in the area, you capture 99% of the market, btw, guess who owns WeedMaps? 2 of the always featured brands) So then the question remains, well, why would we help CryptoMaps if we’re also helping our competitors at the same time? The answer is simply, they wouldn’t be our partners, and that’s exactly how I would look at this relationship. They would not be featured and traffic driven to them in every possible way. Look at Weedmaps.com again, and see how they have featured brands, that’s just one small example how we would always feature and drive customers to DASH. Yelp, another simple way to look at this opportunity, if you own a restaurant, what would you rather, have.. a) Multiple websites and platforms? or.. b) Always be featured first on yelp and google, and on top … zero dispute you want to be on top of yelp and google ten fold over having all your money in only your own platforms.
DASH community, we are primed to be the Yelp/WeedMaps/Waze of this crypto-currency community, I believe in DASH, and want to partner with you. Some people may call this as a more sponsorship opportunity, some may call it a grant, I look at it as a partnership. If you want social media, we have it, anyone you want American based, name them, it’s done. I own an entertainment feature film distribution company and our territory is Latin America, our output deals are with Netflix, Sony, HBO, etc. You want me to make a call to Netflix and start a conversation regarding accepting DASH in Latin America including Venezuela and Africa? Done. You want me to speak at every major University on the benefits of blockchain, crypto, then we present how we have identified Dash as the best platform? Done, already booked. You want your own cannabis dispensary in California with a DASH branded weed? Done, one phone call to LA city council, they’re friends. Continue to shout out DASH when Forbes and other publications call me for quotes? Done, I will continue to do so. I could go on forever… DASH community, let me work for you, disregard the one time payment, I revel in the opportunity for the MNO’s to be able to vote on my completed work. It’s what I do, and the people I surround myself know how to do best. Lets tokenize the world.
Side note, we can’t get our YouTube video to post on the proposal page, please advise if anyone has an idea what the problem is. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/m5rWGr3aboA
Thanks for reading!
If I am a Dash holder I don't care to see what places don't take Dash and only take litecoin or monero etc. I understand when litecoin or monero people use your platform they will be exposed to Dash branding but not sure that is worth 840 Dash. Maybe if you had large Dash discounts and incentives and a 36 month exclusivity contract and escrow and asked for less it might be worth moving forward.
I for one, some may not agree, strongly believe that we are at one of our most critical junctures yet in the crypto space. The best projects are going to break away from the pack. Coinbase Commerce has already launched, and frankly, is doing well. LitePay is right behind. Some may not like to here it but we're losing the merchant battle right now, we're two months behind. It may not sound like much be being first to market is one of the most important aspects in business. I'm extremely looking forward to the end of the month phase one (online merchants) adoption program, and I'm anxious for better POS solutions to be in place. So when that happens, and more merchant adoption happens, with CryptoMaps we'll be in a much better place to distribute this information to the ENTIRE crypto community, not just the existing DASH owners already on the DiscoverDash platform. We would be making the standard BTC, ETH holders indirectly aware of all there is to offer with DASH by being attractive to a broader audience, on a broader platform. Consumers NOT familiar with DASH will be introduced to it, and driven to DASH.
DiscoverDash is great, and needed, but I ask you, how many people who use DiscoverDash don't already own DASH? While it's important to always maintain your customer, it's just as or even more important, to attract NEW customers. That's why companies put so much dang money into new customer acquisition. I'm sorry but DiscoverDash is not going to do that. You need to be at the top of example Yelp (restaurant industry) to get new customers, and that's exactly how we plan to feature DASH on CryptoMaps.
I understand you would like me to prove my worth a little more, and like I said before, that would probably be my biggest concern if roles were reversed. But again, we're out of time. I wasn't about to wait and let someone else launch a (legit) crypto mapping platform and take the market, just as DASH cannot afford to let other projects extend their lead. It's a gamble I thought long and hard about, whether to do a pre-proposal or not, but decided we just couldn't wait.
Right now decisions need to be made to actually move the needle, period. We have to go big.
So, back to proving my worth, currently I'm building as much hype as possible for CryptoMaps ---> which indirectly builds hype for DASH when they open the platform and see how DASH centric it is. And once/if this partnership gets officially aligned, all press will be directly aligned together, including press releases etc.
Also, I've decided to push it to the app store before the end of this voting period, so hopefully all the MNO's will have a chance to check out the platform, which will also, build trust in this process as I'm delivering on a promise. (Pending any crazy App store drama, which does happen, so fingers crossed there)
Against some of my teams better judgment, I'm copying our weekly update email I just received from a team member to give you a small idea of whats in store ahead. (mind you, CryptoMaps isn't even live yet) And right now, big reminder, it needs to be attractive to the broadest audience possible, so if Forbes calls to inquire about a rival coin, Ripple example, I'm still going to respond in promoting CryptoMaps. --> Then Ripple owner becomes curious about CryptoMaps, opens and is introduced to DASH ---> new customer.
See below,
3.9 CryptoMaps Weekly Recap
Inbox
4:45 PM (24 minutes ago)
to me, CryptoMaps
Hi Craig,
We hope that you had a great week!
We have had a monumental media week for CryptoMaps! The Forbes (124,930,000 monthly impressions) contributor who featured the survey and quote from you in his column last week reached back out to us again seeking to add your expert commentary to his latest column about Ripple. This is all because of our direct survey pitch and the fact that he had a positive experience working with you and us. Your commentary was featured first in a list that included other experts in the cryptocurrency and financial space. You were featured in Forbes twice in just two weeks!
The article was not only featured in Forbes but it was cited and syndicated in nearly two dozen other online cryptocurrency and financial websites, including Bitcoinist, Daily Express, Forbes France and NewsBTC.
You also had a live 40 minute interview with Chris DeRose who is considered to be an expert in the cryptocurrency space.
With all of these postings, the amount of monthly impressions in just one week totals a whopping 336,974,185! Just to give you an idea of how exceptional this is, the CryptoMaps launch release which we distributed on PR Newswire, garnered 337,979,634 monthly impressions. Though our reasons for issuing a release over the wire (credibility, reputability) were separate to our individual media pitching efforts, it goes to show how our targeted approach can lead to phenomenal results.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns! Congratulations on a truly wonderful week! Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Media Coverage:
Abitco.in (N/A): Experts Claim Ripple Could Be The Next Bitcoin
Bitcoinist (4,210,000 monthly impressions): Experts Claim Ripple Could Be The Next Bitcoin
Bitcoin Realmthai (N/A): Will Ripple Be Even Bigger Than Bitcoin? Experts Say Of Course
Bitinintruder (N/A): Experts Claim Ripple Could Be The Next Bitcoin
Chris DeRose Podcast (8,595 subscribers): Owning Cryptocurrency: It's Not A Man's World! With Craig Cole
Coinage News (N/A): Will Ripple Be Bigger Than Bitcoin? Experts Say Yes
Coindelite (59,760 monthly impressions): Ripple: The Next Bitcoin
Coins News (N/A): Experts Claim Ripple Could Be The Next Bitcoin
CryptoGo (N/A): Experts Claim Ripple Could Be The Next Bitcoin
CryptoReader (94,760 monthly impressions): Experts Claim Ripple Could Be The Next Bitcoin
Cryptotolerance (N/A): Is Ripple The New Bitcoin?
Cryptocurrency Ropidex (N/A): Ripple Could Be The Next Bitcoin
Daily Express (114,590,000 monthly impressions): Ripple Price Prediction 2018: XRP To Be Next Bitcoin & Make Crypto Mainstream, Expert Says
Daily Express (114,590,000 monthly impressions): Ripple price: Why is it falling today? Will it take over Bitcoin?
Ecooin (N/A): Experts Claim Ripple Could Be The Next Bitcoin
Elevenews (107,640 monthly impressions): City Business News Bitcoin Price Prediction 2018: Will Ripple Ever Overtake Bitcoin? - Experts Claim Yes
Forbes (124,930,000 monthly impressions): Ripple Could Be The Next Bitcoin
Forbes France (725,960 monthly impressions): Ripple, Quel Avenir Pour Cette Cryptomonnaie?
Indilens News Times (N/A): Experts Claim Ripple Could Be The Next Bitcoin
Joe.ie (4,280,000 monthly impressions): An Up-And-Coming Cryptocurrency Deemed 'The Next Bitcoin' Is Set To Soar In December 2018
NewsBTC (3,190,000 monthly impressions): Will Ripple Be Bigger Than Bitcoin? Experts Say Yes
Planet Crypto Currencies (N/A): Experts Claim Ripple Could Be The Next Bitcoin
Robosem (N/A): Experts Claim Ripple Could Be The Next Bitcoin
The Breaking News Headlines (N/A): Will Ripple Be Bigger Than Bitcoin? Experts Say Yes
TheCryptoDB (65,370 monthly impressions): Owning Cryptocurrency: It's Not A Man's World! With Craig Cole
Tradebeat (122,170 monthly impressions): Could Ripple Become The New Bitcoin?
Pending Media Opportunities:
Bloomberg: Contributor requested additional survey information; PMBC provided information and will provide updates to Craig if any.
Bitcoin Warrior: Editor would like a byline from Craig based on survey pitch; PMBC to draft byline.
Crypto 101: Host requiring payment for guest appearance; Craig is considering payment option; PMBC working to get more information on payment process.
Crypto Spendthrift: Craig had to cancel; PMBC waiting for final confirmation for new date.
Fast Company: Reporter requested additional survey information; PMBC provided information and will provide updates to Craig if any.
Fortune: Reporter requested additional survey information; PMBC provided information and will provide updates to Craig if any.
International Business Times: Reporter requested an op-ed from Craig based on survey pitch; Craig to draft editorial.
Reuters: Reporter requested additional survey information; PMBC provided information and will provide updates to Craig if any.
If your still reading, I appreciate it, I'll make the community aware when CryptoMaps goes live hopefully next week so we can dig in.
Cheers.
I'll be voting Yes for now. Though I don't fancy your chances.
1) For a $500k investment, I'd like to see a completed website with traffic already.
2) This proposal should be broken up into three pieces since the MNOs need the opportunity to vote you out if you are not fulfilling your promised work.
3) For a non-Dash specific site, you should have your own revenue streams and be self-sufficient. If you want additional funding, ask Dash for sponsorship in exchange for premium placement/exclusivity.
Overall, this project needs to be further along before I can offer my support to sponsor cryptomaps.com.
1) For a $500k investment, I'd like to see a completed website with traffic already.
We should, pending any App Store hiccups, be live next week in the App Store. We already have a built in user base as we are converting an existing platform. Once we go live in the App Store, we will begin driving traffic to the website and app. www.cryptomaps.info
2) This proposal should be broken up into three pieces since the MNOs need the opportunity to vote you out if you are not fulfilling your promised work.
I 100% agree with you, we are currently trying to figure out how to fix that as we never intended the ask to be a one time payment.
3) For a non-Dash specific site, you should have your own revenue streams and be self-sufficient. If you want additional funding, ask Dash for sponsorship in exchange for premium placement/exclusivity.
In re-reading the proposal, I should make more clear that a big part of this grant is going towards DASH ambassadors indoctrinating merchants. The reason we are branching beyond just DASH is so that the platform appeals to the broadest possible audience – not everyone knows about DASH, but they may know of and/or own Bitcoin or Ethereum. We can leverage this to get merchants and consumers into the ecosystem, where they are exposed to DASH and will be able to see the growing number of DASH-friendly merchants in real time. So to address your concern, if we were just a DASH branded site/platform, I strongly believe our market potential shrinks immensely, where instead by indirectly exposing them to the benefits of transacting with DASH this gives us an opportunity to come from a place of "help" for merchants and consumers alike.
1 This budget proposal is not solely focussed on Dash, there is a focus on other cryptocurrencies as well.
2 This budget proposal was created with a large one-time payment, instead of a three month time period as intended by budget proposal owner himself. Once a
budget proposal goes live, the payment methode in that budget proposal can not be altered anymore. Currently i find the one-time payment weighing too much
on our budget system.
Also, we currently have messages in to fix the ask, it was never intended to be an upfront ask, rather, a monthly, allowing me to deliver on promised work giving the MNO's the opportunity to vote. Hopefully this can get resolved and reflected shortly. Thanks!