The Solana blockchain has found itself as a destination for projects hoping to build on a supportive ecosystem with very low transaction fees. I originally published this article first on Bulb, itself is building on Solana. So let's cover that project first, shall we?

Bulb

If you follow me or some other Web3 writers around the web, then there's a good chance you're at least somewhat familiar with the Bulb platform. But if you're not, to sum up, Bulb is a Web3 publishing platform building on Solana that rewards users for writing on and interacting with the site. Writers, readers, and commentators can earn Bulb's native token, $BULB, each week for their efforts. Bulb also recently introduced their first NFTs which can add earning boosts to specific tasks, like commenting or reacting.

Bulb has also recently introduced a basic AI tool to the platform, allowing writers to get a 'second opinion,' as it were, to how to best express their thoughts. I found this to be an innovative way to incorporate AI into writing without completely forgoing the effort and natural creativity that each writer brings to the table. Give it a try the next time you post!

Solarplex

Solarplex is a relatively new SocialFi platform - with a UI similar to Twitter - also building on the Solana ecosystem. While Solarplex might *look* like Twitter, the platform is already bringing additional perks to users, including platform-based tips (available in $SOL or other Solana-based tokens) and the ability to earn a free NFT based on your use of the platform each day.

Solarplex is creating communities not only based on cryptocurrency topics, but also for artists who specialize in areas such as NFT creation. Solarplex is currently operating under an invite-only system - comment below for an invite code if you'd like to join!

Access Protocol

I was introduced to Access Protocol through the CoinGecko airdrop back at the beginning of the year. Access Protocol has launched their own token on the Solana Blockchain, $ACS, to interact with their multimedia platform where users can stake their tokens in exchange for access to premium content from their favorite publications and NFT artists.

In the past few months, Access Protocol has recently launched two new arms of their service, the Scribe platform (in beta) for writers, and the new Sketch platform for NFT artists. Scribe appears to be an extension of what's offered on the Access Protocol dashboard - there are currently only a handful of writers and NFT artists available to stake on and follow. I applied myself for beta access a few weeks ago, hoping the platform might turn into something similar to the other Web3 platforms I publish on, but as yet I've heard no response. The Sketch platform seems to be following a similar plan - it appears all of the current NFT artists are the same as the ones available through the Access Protocol Hub, with no way to really buy or trade unless you've already staked your tokens on a specific artist. It'll be interesting to see if Access Protocol opens up these two new sites to additional creators NOT already on Access Protocol Hub. Personally, I'd like to see a curated mix of premium and freely accessible content on both sites.

Solcial

My fellow Bulb writer, Andrew Saul, recently published a more thorough review of the SocialFi platform, Solcial, which is also building on Solana. While I personally may not get quite as much traction thus far on the site, the user interface is top notch AND it's the first platform I've interacted with that's allowed me to create my own token (also on Solana) to allow users to buy my premium articles or support my work on the platform. At the time I created my tokens, it cost roughly $0.50 in SOL - so even if at the end of the day I'm just there for my own vanity tokens, it's still a pretty cool experience. I hope with the efforts of folks such as Andrew and others the platform can grow and become another solid SocialFi platform where we can share our thoughts and creative works.

Summary

These are the four Solana-based projects that I'm interacting with the most currently. Are there other projects building on Solana that you're bullish on, or at the least, interested in? If so, I'd love to hear about them - comments (including referral links) are always welcome below!

Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. It's your responsibility to do extensive research and consult a professional before investing. Also, this post contains some affiliate links which may give a small payout to the author and/or a bonus to new users who may choose to use apps or services mentioned. Please consider using these links to help support this blog series!

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Valdyr is a "crypto-curious" blogger living in Texas with her husband and their ancient dachshund, Henry. When she's not working as an audio/visual technician or stagehand, you'll frequently find her traveling, hiking or enjoying a good craft beer. For more reading, check out www.laurahofford.com/blog/