TL;DR

The Ethereum Tag Service (ETS) aims to revolutionize web tagging by creating a universal tagging system that reduces redundancy and data siloing common in current tagging systems. ETS uses blockchain technology to establish a verifiable, decentralized tag graph where tags are treated as ERC-721 non-fungible tokens, allowing for versatile reuse and many-to-many data relationships. This system not only aims to save developer time and costs by standardizing tagging infrastructure across platforms but also enhances data connectivity and user interaction across decentralized social networks. The project is in testnet phase, and plans to expand by integrating with major decentralized platforms.

Project Summary:

The Ethereum Tag Service (ETS) aims to rectify the inefficiencies of current web tagging systems by introducing a universal tagging system. This initiative seeks to reduce fragmentation and redundancy in tagging infrastructure, which is prevalent due to the monopolistic tendencies of major social media platforms. By leveraging blockchain technology, ETS creates a decentralized, verifiable tag graph where tags serve as ERC-721 non-fungible tokens that can be reused across multiple records and applications, enhancing interoperability and user experience across the web.

Objectives:

• Develop a Decentralized Tagging Protocol: Implement a universal tagging system on the blockchain, similar to the Ethereum Name Service but for tags, to streamline developer operations and reduce duplicated efforts.
• Enhance Interoperability: By making tags composable and reusable across various platforms and applications (such as Farcaster, Lens, and Mirror), ETS aims to connect people, places and things across Web 3 and foster a more interconnected digital ecosystem.
• Improve User Experience: Create a global, freely accessible tagging graph that allows for a comprehensive view of "who tagged what, with what, where, when, and why."

Innovation:

ETS introduces "CTAGs", or Composable Tags, which act as data hubs within the decentralized web, connecting diverse elements across the blockchain. This design allows for a many-to-many relationship between tags and content, drastically improving the efficiency and utility of web tagging.

Implementation:

• Tagging Infrastructure: Tags are implemented as ERC-721 NFTs, enabling unique and verifiable ownership and usage rights.
• Relayer System: Utilizes independently owned smart contracts for recording tagging data, ensuring flexibility and adaptability for developers integrating ETS into their platforms.
• Cross-Platform Integration: Plans for future compatibility with major decentralized platforms to showcase ETS's functionality and promote widespread adoption.

Current Status:

• Prototype: Running a proof-of-concept on Arbitrum Sepolia, continuously expanding use cases and functionality.
• Funding: Self-funded and supported through grants. No venture capital has been accepted, and no tokens have been issued. Additional funding is being sought to continue development.
• Open Source Commitment: Presently closed source, we are 100% committed to open-sourcing the project upon testnet launch to encourage community participation and development.

The funds will be used for:

• Development: Further development of the ETS protocol and integration with other blockchain layers and applications.
• Community Building and Management: Expanding the team and fostering a community around ETS for support and feedback.
• Outreach and Education: Initiatives to educate developers and users about the benefits of a decentralized tagging system.

Impact on the Ethereum Ecosystem:

ETS aspires to emulate the success of the Ethereum Name Service by providing a new Web3 primitive that enhances privacy, interoperability, and user experience. By decentralizing tagging, ETS will enable more seamless interactions and integrations across the Ethereum ecosystem, benefiting developers and users alike by creating a more robust and user-friendly digital environment.

Team Members:

MHPALER: Co-founder & Lead Architect Sero: Co-founder, Project Manager & Software Engineer Vid: Frontend Software Engineer Sasquatch: Financial Manager

Conclusion:

With a seasoned team and a visionary approach, Ethereum Tag Service is poised to redefine web tagging and significantly contribute to the Ethereum ecosystem. We believe that with the support from Gitcoin Grants, ETS can achieve its full potential, promoting a more open, interoperable, and user-centric web.