Status: not built. This page describes how something is intended to work, not a feature you can use today. Read it as a design note. Anything that launches is announced on What's New first.
The "Letters" protocol is an innovative system that enables users to send messages in the form of gated NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) directly to the inboxes of other users. This protocol introduces a unique twist to traditional email communication by incorporating the security and ownership benefits of blockchain technology.
When a user sends a letter using the "Letters" protocol, the message is encapsulated within a gated NFT. This means that the content of the letter can only be accessed and viewed by the owner of the NFT. The gated nature of the NFT ensures that the message remains private and confidential, visible only to the intended recipient.
Once the recipient receives the NFT letter, they have several options. They can choose to keep the NFT in their collection, effectively preserving the message as a digital keepsake. Alternatively, they can decide to sell the NFT on a marketplace, allowing other interested users to acquire the letter. This introduces a unique element of ownership and value to the communication process, where letters become collectible items.
Furthermore, users also have the option to burn the NFT letter. Burning an NFT means permanently destroying it, thereby removing the associated message from the blockchain. This feature ensures that users have complete control over their correspondence, allowing them to delete or dispose of letters if they wish to maintain privacy or control over their personal data.
By leveraging blockchain technology and the concept of NFTs, the "Letters" protocol offers a secure, private, and customizable method of communication. Users can send messages that are exclusively accessible to the recipient, preserving the integrity of the content and ensuring that it remains confidential. The ability to collect, sell, or burn these letter NFTs adds a layer of personalization and flexibility to the communication process, allowing users to engage with their messages in a manner that suits their preferences and needs.