Using .hiphop with Web3

What is ENS?

ENS, or Ethereum Name Service, is a decentralized domain name system built on the Ethereum blockchain. It connects human-readable names, like 'yourname.hiphop', to machine-readable identifiers such as Ethereum addresses, content hashes, and metadata. ENS operates in a similar manner to the internet's traditional Domain Name System (DNS), providing a way to link complex codes, addresses, or data to a simple, easily remembered name. Furthermore, ENS supports all kinds of resources on the Ethereum blockchain, including ETH addresses, contract addresses and IPFS content hashes.

What is domain linking?

Domain linking in this context refers to the process of associating your Ethereum Name Service (ENS) domain with your existing ICANN domain (e.g., yoursite.hiphop). This is achieved by creating a DNS TXT record on your ICANN domain, which the ENS system checks to verify your ownership of the ICANN domain. Once verified, an ENS name can be claimed (e.g., yoursite.hiphop), and consequently, an ENS compatible NFT is generated.

The resulting ENS domain can then be used to point to your Ethereum addresses, decentralised website content, and other resources, effectively "linking" your traditional domain and your blockchain-based ENS domain. This process improves the interoperability of traditional internet systems with blockchain systems, allowing users to have unified, consistent domain names across different platforms.

What can I do with my .hiphop ENS domain?

With your ENS domain integrates with many web3 services, for example you can:

Simplify Digital Transactions: Instead of sharing your Ethereum account's complex hexadecimal address, you can provide your ENS domain. For example, 'yourname.hiphop' can replace '0x1234abcd...'
Interact with dApps: Many decentralized applications (dApps) recognize ENS domains. You can use your ENS domain to log in, specify a receiving address, and more.
Point to Content: You can use your ENS domain to point to decentralized web content on systems like IPFS and Swarm.
Display Metadata: You can associate your ENS domain with metadata such as avatars, profile information, and social media handles.
DeFi Integration: Some DeFi platforms support ENS addresses, allowing you to use your ENS domain for transactions.
Subdomains Management: You can create and manage subdomains under your ENS domain (like 'mydapp.yourname.hiphop'), providing a powerful tool for organization or community management.

Note that your ability to use these features may depend on third party supports and integration of ENS.

What can I do with .hiphop ENS subdomains?

With .hiphop ENS subdomains, you essentially have the same capabilities as with any ENS domain, but they can be utilized under a hierarchical structure determined by the parent domain. Here's what you can do:

Personalized Addresses: You can use subdomains to create personalized Ethereum addresses for different purposes. For example, if you own "beats.hiphop", you can create subdomains like "jayz.beats.hiphop" or "drdre.beats.hiphop".
Business or Community Use: If you run a business or community, you could assign subdomains to members or different departments. This can make organizing Ethereum addresses much easier and clearer.
Rent or Sell Subdomains: You could rent or sell subdomains to others, creating potential for a digital real estate business. This could be done manually, or you could use a dApp to automate the process.
Decentralized Websites: Just like with top-level domains, you can point ENS subdomains at content on the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) or Swarm. This could allow you to host decentralized websites or dApps under specific subdomains.

Just note that, as the owner of the parent .hiphop ENS domain, you have control over all its subdomains. Therefore, the security of these subdomains is tied to the security of the parent domain.

It is also important to note that creating a subdomain through the ens dashboard at app.ens.domains does not create an associated NFT. To do that you must create the subdomain through getweb3.hiphop.

Why did my transaction fail?

There are a few reasons why your transaction might fail on the Ethereum network:

Insufficient Gas Fees: Transactions on the Ethereum blockchain require a "gas" fee. If the transaction doesn't have enough gas, it will not be processed.
Out of Gas: If the transaction runs out of gas during execution due to an underestimation of the necessary gas, the transaction will fail. All the gas provided will still be consumed.
Network Congestion: During periods of high network usage, transactions with lower gas prices might be delayed or potentially fail.

If a transaction fails, consider checking the transaction status with an Ethereum block explorer like Etherscan for more specific information about what went wrong. If the problem persists, reach out for technical support.

How does DNS domain verification work for creating the .hiphop ENS NFT?

DNS domain verification is an essential step in creating an ENS NFT. Here's how it works:

Connect Your Wallet: This provides the wallet address that will manage and own the ENS NFT.
Create TXT Record: You then add a DNS TXT record in your domain hosting service. This TXT record should contain your Ethereum wallet address. The method to add this may vary depending on your DNS provider.
Verification by Linking Service: The linking service checks the TXT record on the DNS system. If the TXT record contains a valid Ethereum wallet address, the service confirms that you have control over the DNS domain and the corresponding wallet.
ENS NFT Creation: Once your DNS domain has been verified, the service creates an ENS NFT corresponding to your .hiphop domain attached to the provided Ethereum wallet address.

Remember*: You only need to set the TXT record once. As long as the record remains in your DNS settings, the linking service will recognize that you have control over the ENS domain through the specified wallet.

How can I set up a TXT record for my domain?

Setting up a TXT record for your domain typically involves the following steps:

Log into your DNS provider: Access your DNS settings by signing into your DNS hosting provider's webpage.
Navigate to DNS settings: Once logged in, navigate to the DNS settings for the specific domain you're interested in. This is usually located under the domain management or advanced settings section.
Add TXT record: Look for an option to add or create a new record. When prompted, select 'TXT' from the record type options.
Configure the TXT record:

In the 'Host' field or 'Name' field, enter "_ens".
In the 'Value' or 'Text Value' field, enter "a=your_wallet_address" where "your_wallet_address" is your Ethereum wallet address.

Example: If your Ethereum wallet address is "0xabc123", you would enter "a=0xabc123"

Save changes: Save your new TXT record.

Please note that DNS changes may take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate globally due to DNS propagation times.*

If you encounter any issues, refer to your DNS provider's documentation or reach out to their support service for guidance. The interface and options may vary slightly across different DNS providers.

Keep your DNS and registry login details secure as they provide control over your domain settings.

What does ".hiphop" represent in ENS domain names?

In ENS domain names, ".hiphop" is the top-level domain (TLD) that is used to categorize or group the names. Much like ".com" or ".org" in traditional web domains, ".hiphop" offers a thematic or categorical identifier for the ENS domains it precedes.

However, in this specific context where you are creating an ENS NFT for the .hiphop TLD, ".hiphop" is a special TLD that signifies your domain has been validated through a DNS record on the traditional internet that ties it to an Ethereum wallet, creating a seamless link between the traditional web and the Ethereum blockchain.

The ".hiphop" TLD is a valid ICANN TLD, and using this as part of your ENS domain also signifies that the domain name is part of a larger group of domains associated with the cultural, artistic, and social movement of hip hop.

How are .hiphop ENS domains different from traditional domains?

While ".hiphop" is a unique case where the domain is a recognized TLD both in the traditional DNS system and the Ethereum Name Service (ENS), there are still some fundamental differences between ENS domains and traditional domains:

Decentralization vs Centralization: Traditional domains operate under a centralized system managed by domain registries and overseen by ICANN. ENS operates on the Ethereum blockchain, which is a decentralized network.
Implementation of Blockchain Technology: ENS domains exist as blockchain assets, and the ownership of the domain is controlled by the possession of the associated non-fungible token (NFT) tied to an Ethereum wallet. Regular domains don't have a similar model.
Integrated Cryptocurrency Support: ENS domains can directly resolve to Ethereum addresses, and be associated with other types of cryptocurrency addresses as well. Traditional domains do not support this feature natively.
Interoperability with dApps: ENS domains can interact with decentralized apps or dApps built on Ethereum in ways DNS domains cannot. With an ENS domain you can login into dApps, specify receiving addresses, and more.
Integration with Decentralized Storage: ENS names can be linked to content hosted on decentralized storage systems like IPFS and Swarm.
Unified Naming Across Services: The same ENS domain can be used across different services (wallets, dApps, decentralized websites), simplifying user experience. Traditional domains are primarily used to point to websites and email servers.

However, it's important to note that in the context of a .hiphop domain - due to its unique bridge between DNS and ENS - one needs to own the traditional domain and ensure it is verified via a DNS TXT record to create the corresponding ENS NFT. This factor gives the .hiphop ENS domain a blend of both decentralized and traditional domain properties.

An ENS NFT (Non-Fungible Token) represents the ownership and control of an Ethereum Name Service (ENS) domain on the Ethereum blockchain. However, in the case of a domain like ".hiphop" that exists both in the traditional DNS system and ENS, the traditional DNS remains the source of truth.

Here's how a .hiphop ENS NFT relates to your domain:

Ownership: When you register an ENS domain, such as yourname.hiphop, an ENS NFT is minted. This NFT signifies the ownership of the domain on the blockchain, but the traditional DNS system remains the primary authority for ownership.
Control: Control of the ENS records (which specify things like Ethereum addresses, other blockchain addresses, or decentralized content storage) is given to the Ethereum address that owns the NFT.
Transferability: Although the ENS NFT can be transferred from one Ethereum address to another (like other NFTs), keep in mind that the traditional DNS holds ultimate control. If the ENS NFT is transferred without transferring the corresponding DNS domain, the DNS domain owner can reset the ownership of the ENS domain to their control.
Identity: Your ENS domain and associated NFT can serve as a digital identity in the blockchain space. However, since the traditional DNS has ultimate authority, ensuring control of both is vital to maintain this digital identity across both systems.

It's important to remember that for the dual system to work — i.e., for the ENS NFT to remain valid, the ownership of the traditional DNS domain needs to be maintained. Failure to do so can result in a reset in the ENS domain ownership.

Can I sell or transfer my .hiphop ENS domain/NFT?

Yes, you can sell or transfer your .hiphop ENS domain, which is essentially an NFT. However, there are specific conditions related to .hiphop domains due to their connection with the traditional DNS system:

Sale/Transfer: .hiphop ENS NFTs can be sold or transferred, like any other NFTs, on any platform that supports ERC721 tokens such as OpenSea or Rarible.
Recipient Wallet: When you transfer your ENS NFT, ensure that you enter the recipient's wallet address correctly. Once an NFT is transferred, it cannot be undone.
DNS Ownership: This is where the main difference lies for .hiphop domains. The traditional DNS system is the source of truth for .hiphop domains. This means that simply transferring the ENS NFT isn't sufficient to pass full control to a new owner. The ownership of the traditional .hiphop domain name should also be transferred in your DNS registrar for the recipient to maintain complete control over the ENS NFT.

Remember, transferring or selling the ENS NFT without transferring the corresponding .hiphop DNS domain means the original owner can still reset the ownership of the ENS domain back to their Ethereum wallet using the DNS linking mechanism. So, ensure that if you're passing full control of your .hiphop ENS domain to someone else, they should also have control of the traditional .hiphop domain in the DNS system.

What are the costs involved in getting a .hiphop ENS domain?

Getting a .hiphop ENS domain involves several steps, each with its own cost:

Domain Registration: The first step is to purchase the .hiphop domain from a traditional domain registrar, like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or others. The price for this can vary depending on the registrar and the specific domain name you choose.
Link Fee: After you've purchased your domain, you'll need to pay a 'link' fee to connect your .hiphop domain with ENS. This fee is equivalent to $20 in ETH.
Transaction Fees (Gas Fees): Finally, to register your domain on ENS and perform activities like updating your records or transferring your ENS domain, you'll need to pay gas fees. These are the costs of conducting a transaction on the Ethereum blockchain, which vary based on network congestion.

Remember, all the prices and fees paid on the Ethereum network, including the link fee and gas costs, are subject to the price fluctuations of ETH.

Can someone else claim my .hiphop ENS domain name? How is this prevented?

Once you have correctly claimed your .hiphop ENS domain – which involves owning the corresponding .hiphop DNS domain and paying the link fee – no one else can take it from you while it remains under your ownership. The security of your ENS domain is enforced in two ways:

Blockchain Security: The ENS system is built on Ethereum, a decentralized network that provides robust security. Once the ENS domain is registered, the ownership details are stored on the blockchain, a tamper-resistant and highly secure digital ledger.
DNS as the Source of Truth: For .hiphop domains, the DNS system is considered the source of truth. This means that if you own the .hiphop domain name in the DNS system, you have the ultimate right to the ENS domain. Even if the ENS domain gets transferred without your knowledge, you can demonstrate you own the DNS domain and reassert control over the ENS NFT.

Keep in mind that the security of your ENS domain also depends on the security of your Ethereum wallet and DNS domain account. Always be sure to use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication where available, and exercise overall good cyber hygiene to protect your accounts from unauthorized access.

What is an ICANN TLD and how does it connect with ENS?

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is an organization that oversees the allocation and registration of domain names on the internet. A TLD, or Top-Level Domain, is the last segment of a domain name – the part that follows immediately after the "dot" symbol. Examples include .com, .org, .net, and many others.

One of these TLDs is .hiphop, which is recognized and validated by ICANN.

In the context of ENS (.eth domains), ICANN TLDs weren't directly acknowledged because ENS has its own namespace. However, through mirroring DNS domains, ENS has allowed a certain degree of interoperability between DNS and ENS systems.

In the case of .hiphop domains, they exist both under ICANN's DNS system and Ethereum's ENS system. To create an ENS NFT for the .hiphop TLD, you need to first own the domain in the DNS system. Then, through a TXT record verification process, ownership is validated and the corresponding ENS NFT is minted on the Ethereum blockchain.

This creates an opportunity where a domain name can operate both on the traditional web (DNS) and on the Ethereum blockchain (ENS), providing a unique bridge between these two distinct systems.

How do I connect my .hiphop ENS domain to my Ethereum wallet?

When you link your .hiphop domain with the Ethereum Name Service (ENS), it takes several automatic steps to connect your ENS domain to your Ethereum wallet:

Default to Public Resolver: The .hiphop ENS domain defaults to using the Public Resolver for ENS. This is a smart contract on the Ethereum blockchain that has built-in functions to enable activities like looking up addresses.
Set Owner as Address Record: Upon linking and minting the ENS NFT, the address record is automatically set to the Ethereum wallet address of the NFT owner. This means your .hiphop domain will immediately point to your Ethereum wallet address.
Transfer Updates Address: If the .hiphop NFT is ever transferred to another Ethereum address, the address record on the ENS domain is automatically updated to reflect the new owner's Ethereum address.

Additionally, you have control over the Address record using the DNS TXT record:

TXT Record Control: If you update the TXT record of your .hiphop domain in your DNS settings to point to a different Ethereum address, you can bring this change onto the ENS by going to getweb3.hiphop.
Sync Changes: On the getweb3.hiphop website, there is an option to 'sync' your domain. When you press this, the ENS records for your .hiphop domain update and the 'Address' record will change to the Ethereum address specified in the TXT record of your DNS domain.

These mechanisms ensure that your .hiphop ENS domain stays connected with your Ethereum wallet in a straightforward and secure manner.

Will my .hiphop ENS domain expire? If so, how do I renew it?

The expiration of your .hiphop ENS domain is tied to the expiration of your .hiphop DNS domain. Unlike traditional .eth ENS domains, which require renewal directly through ENS, your .hiphop ENS domain doesn't expire so long as your .hiphop DNS domain remains in good standing.

Here's how it works:

DNS Domain Expiration: If you purchase a .hiphop domain from a traditional DNS registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap, you'll typically have an expiration date. If you let this domain expire, it will become available for others to register, and you will lose subsequent control of the corresponding .hiphop ENS domain.
Renewal of DNS Domain: To prevent this from happening, you will need to renew your .hiphop domain through the domain registrar where you purchased it. Be sure to follow their given procedure for renewing domain names.
Maintaining ENS Domain: As long as your .hiphop DNS domain is active and under your control, the corresponding ENS domain will remain attached to your Ethereum address. There is no separate renewal process for the .hiphop ENS domain, because it uses the DNS domain as a source of truth.

Always remember to be cautious of the expiry date set by your traditional domain registrar to ensure uninterrupted control over both your DNS and ENS domains.

Are there any technical skills needed to use my .hiphop ENS domain?

Though operating in the blockchain space often requires certain technical skills, the processes involved in using your .hiphop ENS domain have been made as user-friendly and straightforward as possible, making it accessible even for those without a deep technical background.

Here's what's involved:

Ethereum Wallet Operation: While it's helpful to understand how Ethereum wallets work, many such as MetaMask or WalletConnect are designed with a user-friendly interface that makes sending and receiving transactions simple.
Linking the Domain: To associate your .hiphop domain with ENS, you need to add a TXT record to your DNS settings. The process for this is typically straightforward and well-documented by domain registrars.

Once these steps are completed, you can use your .hiphop ENS domain in various ways:

Simplified Transactions: Your .hiphop ENS domain can be used as an Ethereum wallet address. This means, instead of sharing your long, complex Ethereum address for transactions, you can use your .hiphop ENS domain. This simplifies the process of sending and receiving cryptocurrency.
Ownership and Transfer: The ownership of ENS domains is easy to establish and transfer. Tools built into the Ethereum blockchain allow the .hiphop ENS domain to be securely owned and transferred between Ethereum addresses without needing deep technical knowledge.

Essentially, while there's a certain level of initial setup that requires interacting with Ethereum wallets and DNS settings, ongoing use of your .hiphop ENS domain is designed to be as simple as possible, making this technology accessible even to those new to the world of blockchain.

What should I do if I lose access to my wallet tied to my .hiphop ENS domain?

Losing access to your Ethereum wallet can be concerning, but because the .hiphop domain uses the DNS system as the source of truth, you have a backup mechanism for re-establishing control over your ENS domain.

Here are the steps to regain control:

Access DNS Configuration: Firstly, make sure you have access to your account with your DNS provider where you registered your .hiphop domain.
Set TXT Record: Update the TXT record for your .hiphop domain in your DNS settings to point to a new Ethereum address – this should be the address of a wallet you have access to.
Sync With ENS: Next, go to getweb3.hiphop and use the 'sync' feature to update your ENS records according to the TXT record in your DNS domain. You'll need to pay the link fee (equivalent to $20 in ETH) again for this process.

This will change the Address record for your .hiphop ENS domain to your new Ethereum wallet, effectively transferring the ENS domain to it.

Moving forward, consider utilizing wallet security best practices, such as creating wallet backups and protecting access keys, to prevent future loss of access. Also, never share confidential wallet information with anyone, in order to maintain the security of your ENS domain and any associated cryptocurrencies.

Can I link my existing website to the .hiphop ENS domain?

Yes, you can connect your existing website to your .hiphop ENS domain. Typically, this can be done in two ways:

DNS Resolution: A user typing your .hiphop domain into a regular web browser that doesn't understand Ethereum can be directed to your traditional website through normal DNS resolution. This means your .hiphop ENS domain acts like a standard domain name, allowing people to access your site on the traditional web.
ENS Integration: For browsers or extensions that integrate ENS (like MetaMask, Brave, or Opera), your .hiphop ENS domain can resolve to an InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) or Swarm content hash you've added in the ENS records as a "Content" entry. For these users, browsing to your .hiphop domain could open your decentralized website.

In case you're intending to point your .hiphop ENS domain to a decentralized website, this does require more technical skills, specifically understanding how to upload a website to IPFS or Swarm, and then how to add the resulting content hash to your ENS records.

It's also vital to remember that changes made to your ENS domain, like setting a content hash, take place on the Ethereum blockchain, and thus incur gas fees.

Why does the transaction to create my .hiphop ENS NFT take so long sometimes?

The primary factor that influences the time taken to create your .hiphop ENS NFT is the current level of congestion on the Ethereum network. This network operates on a system of gas fees, which are a form of transaction cost incurred by users to perform actions, such as creating an NFT.

When the Ethereum network is busy, more people are trying to perform transactions, which can lead to the following situations:

Increased Gas Prices: Since miners prioritize transactions with higher gas prices, the more congested the network, the higher the gas prices users typically need to set in order to have their transactions processed in a timely manner.
Longer Wait Times: If you set a lower gas price and the network is congested, your transaction may face longer wait times as it sits in the transaction pool waiting for a miner to include it in a block.

Always note that fluctuations in wait times are an inherent aspect of blockchains that use this kind of model for transaction confirmation. The exact time can vary greatly depending on network conditions and the gas price you're willing to pay.

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