Qortal Project

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====== Project FAQ ======
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THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION... Keep in mind, the [[Qortal 101]] page has some of the same info that can be found here. In fact, it would be best to start with reading the [[Qortal 101]] page, then come back to the FAQ section of the wiki.

===== What is Qortal? ===== 

Qortal is a blockchain project, and QORT is the native asset (coin). Qortal is a project focused on providing the world with sovereign infrastructure by use of blockchain technology. Qortal's roadmap is a focus on building a base platform where peer-to-peer (P2P) solutions, or in other words, true decentralization can thrive:

  * P2P Sponsorship (Minting System)
  * P2P Trading (Trade Portal, QDN & Q-Apps)
  * P2P Communications (Q-Chat)
  * P2P Data Distribution (QDN & Q-Apps)
  * P2P Data Service (Mesh Network)

What this means, is that Qortal is being designed to avoid any sort of reliance upon centralized control. Of course we have to start somewhere, so there are certain aspects of the project that are less decentralized as will be over time, but even so, you will be hard pressed to find a single area that is entirely centralized. This extreme commitment to true decentralization is vital to building a sovereign platform that is unstoppable. While we are not claiming to be a project focused on "anarchy" per se, we are in fact building an anarchistic platform that is free from any sort of direct regulation by outside forces. Please note that we are founding this platform with the intention to restore balance, not empower illicit activity. Without getting too political, part of the founding mindset is that the world is becoming too reliant upon centralized services and to some degree, can and will be compromised over time (as private interest tends to take precedence over the common good of the people).

Qortal aims to provide the world with an alternative infrastructure where individual sovereignty and collective consciousness can thrive. Furthermore, Qortal will be a platform where new systems can be built securely - even if that is not on Qortal, but to simply store their codebase (as opposed to using GitHub). There are many ways in which Qortal will be developed, both at a base platform level, and as infrastructure for other projects to make use of. Qortal's potential is much deeper than surface-level features. Refer to [[The Big Picture of Qortal]] page.

===== When was Qortal launched? =====

These dates are also on the wiki's home page. Qortal launched its first block on June 29th 2020 - this is referred to as 'Genesis' in blockchain terminology. The Trade Portal launched on August 6th 2020. The Qortal Data Network (QDN) launched on January 14th 2022. Refer to the [[Launch Phases]] page.

===== Why launch in phases? =====

Qortal did not have a ICO/pre-mine, which is when a project sells coins to investors prior to launching the blockchain, and when the Genesis block goes live, those coins sold to investors are pre-mined and available at Genesis. Qortal's founding mindset is that this kind of fundraising is unethical, as most of the projects with ICOs very rarely produce what they promised to investors. In fact, some of these projects produce nothing at all and set off into the sunset with investor funds (for example, 80% of ICOs in 2017 turned out to be scams)! Therefore Qortal was decided to launch without an ICO and could be that much more rich in principles! 

Everything has its trade-offs. Without an ICO and millions of dollars in immediate funding, Qortal development would require creative solutions. Of course no plan ever goes perfectly, and you can read more about that on the [[Founding Team Hardships]] page. Ultimately Qortal was intended to develop and launch in phases, as this project is much more than a coin, ledger, exchange, etc.

===== What is the current status of Qortal? =====

As of February 2023, we are still in Phase 3 of the [[Launch Phases]]. The first iteration of Q-Apps is nearing launch, and will lead to greater capabilities of QDN (phase 3). Voting System is still not live, but is nearing launch. Refer to the [[Qortal Status Updates]] page for the latest news on development.

===== How is Qortal free from regulatory oversight? =====

Qortal cannot be regulated directly by outside forces. While centralized exchanges and leveraging services are under scrutiny for bad practices (or outright scams), Qortal is being built in a completely different fashion: Qortal has no central point of attack, it has no intellectual property, it has no owners, and not a single person controls updates to the codebase. Each user is in complete control over their account, and KYC is not required. By running a node, we all take part in building a distributed network of nodes which creates the blockchain (currently worldwide). 

Qortal’s users never relinquish control over their coins - both with their wallets and peer-to-peer (P2P) trading. Each user mints their own coin and has complete control over in their wallets: QORT is not a security (USA regulatory definition for assets subject to federal regulation). In addition, Qortal alleviates counterparty risk! Even during a P2P trade, the buyer's and seller's coin are exchanged by Trade Bots (otherwise the coin is returned to the proper owner). Therefore our users are in 100% control over their accounts and assets - which means there is no centralized party invovled in these features!

When it comes to data distribution, our nodes may be used in the middle to relay data across the network. It is important to point out that each person who runs a node is not at risk for data being relayed across the network. If there was illicit activity occurring on the network, the data that our nodes help distribute is 1) chunked and 2) encrypted. We are not able to view the data being relayed, and the data will EXIT our nodes as fast as it ENTERS (it is simply being relayed across the network to the peer downloading the data). This is an important aspect to highlight, as we are building a P2P network where individuals can host their data freely, and access other peers' data freely. To do so, the receiver must download the data onto their node, from the host’s node. If anyone were to host illicit content for example, it would first have to be on the host’s node, and the recipient would be the only node during this process to collect all of the chunks, then decrypt to view; the nodes used during this process to distribute the data would not have all of the chunks on a single node, nor are they able to decrypt the chunk (again, the data will EXIT as fast as it ENTERS). For those who are still unsure about the technicalities of this secure design, you can simply add a setting to your ‘json settings’ to disable the ‘relay mode’. Otherwise, fear not, as this is a clever design that alleviates risk.

Centralized exchanges and leveraging services should be (and absolutely will be) regulated in the future. Services with a central authority that owns users’ keys to coins are responsible for those assets. Historically these services “lose” or "freeze" assets for various reasons and are exactly what proper blockchain technology is meant to alleviate: relinquishing control and counterparty risk. We just explained how Qortal is different in this regard, so now let’s also remind our readers that there is no central authority and no intellectual property with anything associated with Qortal's base infrastructure! Meaning Qortal cannot be regulated directly and why decentralized infrastructure with P2P solutions is the only way to ensure this kind of soveriegnty. 

**Please note:** we will never require KYC (know your customer/ID verification) to create a wallet, utilize the Trade Portal, utilize Q-Chat, nor any other default feature. Qortal’s users will be able to decide for themselves what apps or services they choose to opt into as the platform evolves and options arise. For example, Crowetic Hardware Development (CHD) is a third party service provided to the Qortal community with pre-built computers and other products/services. CHD is completely optional, and is one of many examples we’ll see in the future on the [[Qortal Data Network (QDN)]]. Once [[Q-Apps]] is live, third party projects can build apps freely which may require KYC, and they will be free to do so (Qortal’s users will be empowered to choose if they want to opt into the service - never forced). 

===== What do I need to take part? =====

Since Qortal is decentralized, this is not like Facebook or some sort of centralized service where you log into a server. You will need to setup a 'node' so you can communicate with other nodes on the network. While this may seem like a daunting task, it is relatively simple (in theory). Virtually any average computer will work. First you'll need to download the CORE and UI - which are two separate downloads. Next, you'll need to double check your router settings and configure 'port forwarding' if you are able to. For those who only have wifi and no access to the router, we have a workaround for that too. Ultimately you will get your node synchronized, and then be able to take part in the network. The most important step at this point is following the [[Account Setup & Recovery]] page as you are in 100% control over your account - so we cannot assist you in recovering your account if you do not secure your account properly!

Please note: you do NOT have to be sponsored and become a Minter in order to use the platform (other than to mint, level up your account, and be able to take part in the future Voting System which will be based on blocks minted).

===== What is the difference between the Core and UI? =====

The core, is what runs the blockchain and should be left running 24/7 (otherwise you'll simply need to synchronize before using - there is no penalty for not running a node 24/7, just the inconvenience of synchronizing). The UI is what you'll open when you'd like to use the graphical representation like buttons and icons, and communication can be performed by interacting with these icons rather than the usual text-based or command-based communication (such as the command terminal on your computer). We still use the command terminal in some instances, but it's usually copy and paste if you ever have to make use of. 

===== How is the code updated? =====

We have two different codebases: one for the CORE and one for the UI. At the moment, both code repositories are located on GitHub - a centralized service that Microsoft recently purchased. One of our goals, which is nearing launch, is our GitHub replacement on the Qortal Network. This solution will not only be for Qortal's codebase, but also for any other project which would like to make use of this feature: a codebase repository alternative that allows the coders complete ownership and control of their work. Qortal devs will not be able to tamper with these third party codebases in any way. Stay tuned!

The current GitHub setup for our codebases, allow for the general public to submit 'pull requests' which are then reviewed by those with 'push access'. There are certain layers of security that stretch beyond the need to articulate here as what matters most, is that we have the safeguards in place, and every soon we'll have our GitHub replacement that will provide even greater features.

===== Where should I start on the wiki? =====

The best starting point, is the home page which has a video walkthrough of the wiki. This way you'll become more familiar with the layout of the wiki! Remember, there is also a search bar at the top of the wiki in case you are looking for anything specific.

===== Who should I reach out to if I have any suggestions for the wiki? =====

Suggestions are always welcomed! Please reach out to G Factor:

Discord: G Factor QORT#4844
Telegram: gfactorQORT
Q-Chat: G Factor
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