Considering I was not addressing that how can I be in any disagreement. The hardware+s/w is not the person. This was for the specific topic’s name talking of the hardware to run the Node s/w.
The network device (S/W + hardware) is already called “Node”, every update is calling it that and its in the code comments as that.
Now why do we need a special name for the person running the nodes? It seems that so many systems run without the person having a name according to name of the s/w running on whatever hardware.
Do we call someone in a shop running “Ubeaut cash register s/w” a “Ubeater”?? No we call them by their job title of shop assistant.
Now the person running a node on their machine might be a wife, husband, teen, child. They provide resources and earn safecoin. Provider seems like a action that applies to 1000’s of actions in everyday life.
The simplest term to define their action is just SafeNode operator. Like the operator of digging machines is a JCB operator for example.
I am honestly scratching my head why we need a term to describe a person who has safenode software running in the background on their computer while they do their business/education/entertainment on the computer in the foreground. Just because the nerdy BTC people just had to call themselves by the software running on their computer doesn’t mean we have to.
How about Joe Blow is earning SNT by running the SafeNode. I guess that might work. But I still cannot see why a special term is needed to call Joe Blow.
As an example an operator (person) operates machinery. The machinery is not called by the same name as the person. It could be cooking machines and the person is a chef. Digging machines and the person is called the JCB operator.
Overall, adopting cool and meaningful names can elevate the sense of community and cooperation among node operators, enhancing their dedication to the network’s success and growth.
I believe “Sentinel” is a cool and appropriate name for a node operator due to its underlying meaning and connotations. A sentinel is traditionally a guard, protector, or watchful guardian of a particular area or community. When applied to a node operator, it evokes an image of someone diligently SAFEguarding the integrity, security, and reliability of the Safe Network.
Here’s why “Sentinel” is cool for a node operator:
Guardian Role: The term “Sentinel” implies a strong sense of responsibility and vigilance. Node operators are akin to guardians of the network, ensuring its smooth functioning and security.
Protection and Security: Sentinels historically serve to protect against threats or dangers. In the Safe context, node operators play a crucial role in maintaining the network’s security and ensuring that it remains resistant to attacks and unauthorized modifications.
Active Watchfulness: The name suggests a proactive approach to monitoring and maintaining the node. Node operators are attentive and diligent in their duties, watching for any signs of potential issues or breaches.
Sense of Duty: Sentinels are associated with a sense of duty and dedication to their task. This reflects the commitment that node operators have to contribute to the Safe community by running nodes.
Cool names help create a community of people by fostering a sense of identity, camaraderie, and shared purpose among the members. When individuals in a community adopt meaningful and cool names, it creates a positive and engaging atmosphere with the following effects:
Engagement and Inclusivity: Cool names can make people feel included and valued within the community. It encourages members to participate actively and contribute to the common goals.
Shared Identity: A catchy and cool name like “Sentinel” gives node operators a shared identity and purpose, strengthening the bond among them and encouraging cooperation.
Recognition and Pride: Being associated with a cool name can instill a sense of pride in the role a person plays within the community. It recognizes their importance and contribution.
Brand Building: Cool names contribute to brand building within the community. It helps create a distinct and recognizable image of the node operators and their collective efforts.
Motivation and Enthusiasm: Cool names can enhance motivation and enthusiasm among node operators, making them more excited to take part in the community’s activities.
Not bad. The only tasks not implied by this name might be the fee-to-store and distribution of data. But, overall, I think it fits. Maybe a derivation of “Sentinel” though: Sentnel, Centinel, etc.
I think this is being overthought, we run safe nodesand what do they do, they are resource providers be that storage, compute or what I am super hopeful for in the future shared gpu.
There is a project making good progress on that front and with AI on SAFE being discussed it would seem needed when that time comes?
I also like Sentinel. It is non-technical (important) and creates an appropriate mental picture of a trusted guardian. It doesn’t really matter if another project is using it.
On a similar theme, how about Keeper, or even Safekeeper?
FWIW I was never a fan of farmer. I had to go around too many corners to connect the image of someone in a tractor with running a bit of software and earning some coins.
So if “Operator” becomes the chosen name then people will immediately ask “operator of what”.
Operator does not immediately say what it is for. When talking of crypto then miner is immediately obvious. When thinking of storage operator is not clear and maybe not sensible. When talking of digging machinery then operator is immediately obvious. When talking of a nuclear reactor then operator is obvious. Operator is a so overloaded word and when talking of a network, or storage system it doesn’t make it obvious what it means. Does it mean that there is a central control of the network and the person controls the network as a whole?
For these reasons I don’t think its good.
@Dimitar 's suggestion is good for describing a node and can be translated to the person running the node. But may have problems because another project is using it already and confusion may arise.
Maybe even a “Safer” could be better.
Another question is if SNT will be called that at launch. Maybe the name will become obvious when the final name for SNT will be revealed.
A node in the network. They are a “node operator”.
But since everyone and anyone who has heard anything about the network knows we are talking about nodes, then “operator” for short.
@Dimitar even naturally suggested “node operators”.
Obvisously we should have ‘sentinals’ too, but that could be for AI agents… oh wait, that didn’t end well for the operators in the movie version
But we need to answer one question - are we talking about the Safe app or the new Safe Network?
If we are developing software for developers, the crypto industry, nerds, geeks etc, then why call people anything?
But if we are creating a new Safe Network with mass adoption in mind and we want to have hundreds of millions or billions of users, then defining the people who will join the network and defining the functionality in a way that everyone understands is crucial.
I don’t want to repeat myself, but the average person is “crushed” by the amount of technology, applications, terms, etc., and he or she is left at the stage of very basic computer or smartphone literacy.
And you are right:
However, before they can run a node on their computer and be a resource provider, you first have to explain to them how it works and why they should do it, and I assure you this is not going to be easy - hence my approach.
With the term “farming” I think of planting something and waiting. I would rather have a concept along the lines of “generating”, “expanding”, “creating” any word that shows what you put there is immediately available and has expanded the network. “Mining” sounds like you are taking something. We want makers of safenet space. Making instead of mining.
So what is the person running the node doing or achieving.
storing data - a Librarian? Archiver?
running a node - a Node Operator?
Earning SNT - a Worker? a Earner?
a Ant?
For me the “Node Operator” best describes the function of a person running their nodes.
For a more notable name i would then go for “Librarian” or “Archiver”
Here Archiver is not really referring to the suggest archive nodes, but in the sense of what the nodes are achieving for the world’s storage.
Using the “earning” seems to say its all about the money rather than the earning being a consequence of performing the actions the Node does. Puts the wrong idea on the purpose of the network.
It occurred to me that, since SafeNet is to become an online public trust network (i.e. a civilised version of Clearnet), the person who achieves Elder status through its resources (I don’t know how this will be in the current version of SN, as I am still waiting for Primer to be updated) could be called a Notary…
Since the name Notary is not reserved it can be used as a technical term for SN, and since from a legal point of view the node operator called Notary cannot charge for confirming the correctness and integrity of the data on the network, it cannot be taxed
The role of the Notary in public life (from Investopedia):
A Notary Public can be used to create trustworthy documents or to confirm that a transaction has taken place and has been officially registered. The document must also contain the original signatures of the parties involved.
Before signing the document, the notary will ask the parties to produce an identity document with a photograph. The notary can refuse to certify the document if he or she is not sure of the identity of the signatories or if there is evidence of fraud. The document will then be certified and stamped by the notary who witnessed the signatures.
Notaries cannot refuse to certify a document on the grounds of race, nationality, religion or sex.
A notary is a publicly appointed official who acts as an impartial witness to the signing of a legal document. (…) The main reason for using a notary is to prevent fraud.
