eSteem FAQ
This post will be kept up to date with new information and will be used inside app to help users find answers to their questions.
What is eSteem?
eSteem is a blockchain based mobile social application - powered by Steem and Golos. It was initiated and founded by @good-karma in August of 2016 as an alternative interface to Steemit and later to Golos.io as well. Since then project has grown to much larger list of contributors.
What is Steem?
Steem is a blockchain-based social media platform where anyone can earn rewards. The Steem blockchain not only holds a cryptocurrency token called STEEM, but also content created by its users, a system to vote on that content, and many other features you would find on popular social networking sites.
What is Golos?
Golos is the same media blockchain that with a consent of the Steem developers was forked off Steem blockchain to power Russian speaking community and countries (by CyberFund). The Golos blockchain holds token GOLOS and has its own user base and content separate from Steem.
What is Steemit.com and Golos.io?
Steemit is a social networking website launched in 2016 by Ned Scott and Dan Larimer. The site offers a full suite of tools to manage your Steem account, discover content (much like Reddit), and create content on the Steem blockchain. While Golos.io was is similar website that was forked off Steemit.com and managed, improved by Golos.io Foundation.
What is the difference between eSteem and Steemit?
The primary difference between eSteem and Steemit is in features they offer.
eSteem offers social experience where you can share any type of content, pictures, quick thoughts, short status updates from your mobile device through app; while Steemit encourages users to create longer blog posts/articles with an emphasis on reading. There are a lot more feature set differences which you can find some of them below or under #esteem-features tag.
Why would I use eSteem over Steemit?
eSteem mainly focuses improving mobile experience and choice of the platform is really depend upon your personal preferences. Some of the features that stands out, bookmarking, multiple post drafts, scheduling posts, in-app picture uploads, real-time push notifications, have multiple account, quick transfer of funds, ability to choose connection to any network nodes, interface has more than 50 languages, more than 10 currencies to view rewards in local currency.
Using eSteem
How does eSteem work?
eSteem reads the same blockchain as Steemit and Golos.io, and thus the same posts, from the Steem and Golos blockchain.
How do I sign-in?
You can sign-in to eSteem by using your Account Name and Master/Main password or by using Posting and Active Private Key from the blockchain. You can use QR scanning from Advanced login option to quickly copy your private keys from your computer. If you need assistance finding your posting private key, check out this guide.
Can I create an account on eSteem?
Currently no, you cannot. To participate, you must create an account through Steemit or Golos.io.
The reason being that to create an account, the account needs to be given/delegated an initial amount of Steem Power to be created. eSteem currently does not have the funding to create accounts - but soon as platform evolves we will be able to provide in-app signups.
When I vote or post on eSteem, what does that do on Steemit/Golos.io?
Every action on either eSteem or Steemit is performed on the Steem blockchain - and in turn - on all apps powered by it.
For example - you can read a post on eSteem, which was written by someone on Steemit or Busy and reply to it through eSteem, and then someone from chainBB could respond to you.
There are number of different apps all powered by the Steem blockchain that create one massive community of users.
Is eSteem application free to use?
eSteem application is provided for free and can be download from Apple AppStore and Google PlayStore as well as from out official Github, but there is a beneficiaries reward split where 5% of your post and comment rewards shared with eSteem project. These funds are used for further development of the application and continue to bring services for its users. Part of these funds are allocated for notification server, image hosting and other service costs. eSteem also runs encouragement, spotlight and translation programs where anyone can earn extra reward by participating. Those rewards are also part of these expenses.
How does the rewards work on eSteem?
Rewards are part of the blockchain and you can learn more about reward distribution here. On eSteem, posts and comments rewards split as follows: 70% Author, 25% Curators and 5% eSteem.
How does multi-chain support work?
Multi-chain support means that eSteem gives user possibility to connect to multiple chains. In this particular case, Steem and Golos platform. Their user-base, community and language is totally different from one another but they rely on similar technology. You can change chain during login or from Settings page of the app.
How does multi-account work?
Multi-account feature allows you to add/login to multiple account from eSteem and use them within app. eSteem allows you to switch between accounts with ease. Each account is separate from one another and in order to operate/use one account you should select that from main menu.
How does multi-notification work?
Just as you are allowed to login and add multiple accounts on eSteem, you can also allow notifications for each account on a single device. Once you select appropriate account you can go to Settings page and enable notifications for that particular account. When you receive notification, notification title will have specific account name indicating that received notification belongs to it.
How does multi-language work?
Multi-language feature allows you to use eSteem in your own native language, it is powered by community members who are voluntarily contributed to translate interface into different languages. As of today we have eSteem in over 50 languages and more than 300 contributors.
How does multi-currency work?
Multi-currency feature gives you ability to see your post or comment rewards in your national currency. That way, you can see how your posts and comments are doing without extra hassle of currency conversion, it is handled by eSteem automatically for you.
Where can I learn more about each feature?
We create weekly eSteem feature set posts to give an overview of features and their usage with animated pictures. Those posts can be found under #esteem-features tag and post links are also listed under each feature set post.
Account Safety and Security
What security risks do I face by using my passwords on eSteem?
By using your Posting private key, Active private key or Main password on eSteem, the biggest risk you face is that if someone gets access to your physical device they might perform some actions on your behalf. We have PIN code security in place, if you choose to enable, can protect you from these type of situations.
Your keys will never leave your device, all transactions are generated locally and broadcasted to the network through websocket of your choice.
Where can I leave feedback or suggestions or report bugs?
You can report them either on network with post under #esteem-feedback or directly on the github issues page, steemit.chat, telegram or by email: info@esteem.ws
Additional Resources
The Steemit FAQ Golos Wiki
Do you have questions you'd like answered?
Feel free to reply directly to this post and the original will be updated to reflect an appropriate answer.
Changelog
2017/07/18 - Initial FAQ created