Introducing Basenames for Onchain ID

Basenames are revolutionizing onchain identity, making it easier than ever to connect, collaborate, and contribute on Base.

TL;DR:

• Basenames provide a user-friendly alternative to complex wallet addresses, simplifying transactions and interactions in the Base ecosystem.

• Users can customize their profiles with bios, skills, and achievements, showcasing their growth and expertise as builders.

• The launch features a Dutch auction mechanism to ensure fair distribution, with discounts available for early adopters and community contributors.

Introducing Basenames: Your Gateway to Onchain Identity

In the rapidly evolving world of blockchain technology, the need for a more intuitive and user-friendly way to identify and interact with others has become increasingly apparent. Enter Basenames, a groundbreaking solution designed to address this challenge head-on.

Basenames offer a refreshing alternative to the long, unwieldy wallet addresses that have long been a source of friction in the crypto space. By providing users with easily readable and memorable identifiers, Basenames are set to transform how we connect, transact, and collaborate within the Base ecosystem.

The Problem with Traditional Wallet Addresses

Let’s face it: traditional wallet addresses are a mess. They’re long, complex strings of characters that are virtually impossible to memorize and prone to errors when copying and pasting. This complexity has been a significant barrier to entry for many potential users and a constant source of anxiety for even experienced blockchain enthusiasts.

Moreover, these addresses offer little in the way of personality or context. They tell us nothing about the user behind the address, making it challenging for builders to identify their most engaged users or for collaborators to find like-minded individuals within the ecosystem.

Basenames: A Solution Built for Builders

Basenames have been created with the needs of builders in mind. They’re not just a cosmetic improvement; they’re a fundamental reimagining of how we establish and manage our onchain identities. Here’s what makes Basenames so powerful:

1. Customizable Profiles: Users can create rich, detailed profiles that showcase their skills, accomplishments, and interests. This allows for a much more nuanced and informative onchain presence.
2. Skill Attestations: The ability to have skills attested adds a layer of credibility and trust to user profiles, making it easier for projects to find qualified collaborators.
3. Growth Tracking: As users participate in hackathons, meetups, and other onchain activities, their profiles evolve, creating a dynamic record of their journey and accomplishments.
4. Simplified Transactions: Sending and receiving assets becomes as simple as using a username, dramatically reducing the risk of errors and improving the user experience.
5. Audience Insights: For builders, Basenames provide valuable insights into who’s using their apps, allowing for more targeted development and community-building efforts.

Built on a Foundation of Openness

In line with Base’s commitment to decentralization and open-source technologies, Basenames are built on the ENS (Ethereum Name Service) protocol. This ensures that the system remains transparent, interoperable, and resistant to centralized control.

How to Claim Your Basename

Getting started with Basenames is straightforward. Simply visit base.org/names to claim your unique identifier. Once you’ve secured your Basename, you can begin building out your profile with key onchain details such as:

• Talent Builder Score • Coinbase Verifications • Buildathon participation • And more

The team behind Basenames has committed to continually expanding the range of onchain actions and accomplishments that can be integrated into your profile, ensuring that your Basename becomes an ever more comprehensive representation of your onchain identity.

Fair Launch with Dutch Auction

To ensure a fair and equitable distribution of Basenames, the launch will utilize a Dutch auction mechanism. This means that prices will start high and decrease exponentially over the first 36 hours until they reach their normal pricing levels.

This approach is designed to prevent bots from snatching up all the desirable names while giving everyone a fair shot at securing their preferred identifier. For those interested in the specifics of this mechanism, ENS provides a detailed explainer on the temporary premium system.

Pricing and Discounts

Once the Dutch auction period concludes, Basenames will transition to a normal pricing structure based on name length. Additionally, various discounts are available for community members who meet certain criteria, including:

• Onchain Summer Buildathon NFT holders • base.eth NFT holders • Coinbase Verification holders • CB1 subscribers with Verification • Onchain Summer Pass holders (Level 3+) • cb.id owners • Holders of names from Base Name Service

These discounts reflect Base’s commitment to rewarding early adopters and active community members.

Expanding Functionality with Frames

In the near future, Basename holders will be able to enhance their profiles further by pinning personalized Frames. These Frames will serve as customizable spaces where others can interact with you in various ways, such as:

• Sending payments via Paycaster • Nominating you as a favorite builder on Build.top • Purchasing products from your Slice.so store • Subscribing to your content on Hypersub • Minting your NFTs on Highlight • RSVPing to your events on Events.xyz

This feature will significantly expand the utility of Basenames, turning them into powerful hubs for onchain interactions and transactions.

A Unified Vision for Onchain Identity

The launch of Basenames marks a new chapter in the development of onchain identity on Base. It’s worth noting the contribution of the Base Name Service (BNS) team, who pioneered early efforts in this space. As a gesture of appreciation, BNS name holders are eligible for special discounts when registering their Basenames.

Building a Better Onchain Future

Basenames represent a significant step forward in making the onchain experience more accessible, user-friendly, and engaging. By simplifying interactions, fostering community connections, and providing a richer context for onchain identities, Basenames are poised to play a crucial role in bringing the next billion users into the blockchain ecosystem.

For builders looking to integrate Basenames into their applications, OnchainKit offers a streamlined way to get started. The Base team is also actively seeking input on new features and badges that could be incorporated into the Basename system.

As we embark on this exciting new phase of onchain identity, the possibilities are truly boundless. Whether you’re a seasoned blockchain veteran or a curious newcomer, Basenames offer a powerful tool for establishing your presence and making your mark in the rapidly evolving world of Web3.

For more information, support, or to share your ideas for the future of Basenames, join the vibrant community in the Base Discord. Together, we’re building a more connected, collaborative, and user-friendly onchain future.

Disclaimer: Your use of the Basenames Interface is subject to the Base Terms of Service.