Frequently Asked Questions

... And their answers, preferably.

Why do I pay?

To better explain the fees, we would love to briefly explain how Pheme works.

When you post a story, IPFS encrypts your stories and images, divides them into tiny pieces, and distributes these pieces to many computers around the world. At the end of this process, IPFS provides Pheme with a tracking number, looking something like;

QmYwAPJzv5CZsnA625s3Xf2nemtYgPpHdWEz79ojWnPbdG

After receiving the tracking number to your post, Pheme stores it on the Ethereum blockchain to have 24/7 public access.

First part of this process, IPFS encrypting and distributing your post, has no cost. But the second part, Ethereum storing your tracking number, requires thousands of computers to validate your tracking address and store it as securely as possible, hence requiring you to make a micro-payment using Ether. Since making a payment to a group of computers to store something for you is similar to putting gas into a car to take you places, this is commonly referred as burning gas. In this scenario the type of gas you burn is Ether, the fuel of web 3.0.

How much does Pheme collect from each payment?


Nothing. Pheme does not collect a share from your payments or any of your data, because it does not have to. It is a self-sustainable platform since all of it users pay for their own actions.

Why do I have to wait after every action?


Ethereum is not only a blockchain but also a global super computer, which receives hundreds of requests per second. On average, it processes 200-225 request every 15 seconds. This ritual of processing requests in batches is also referred as 'Mining a Block'.

As soon as you make a request, it gets queued along with others and waits to be 'Mined'. Depending on the congestion of the network this might take anywhere between 15 seconds to (although unlikely) many hours.

What is an Alias?


In Pheme, aliases are usernames.

How can I get in touch?


Send us an e-mail! We would love to hear from you! aloha@pheme.app