The Peer-to-Peer Solution
How GetSmart Token Actually Works
Last week, we established the problem: 2 billion workers lack credentials, 90% of learning goes undocumented, and $1.7 trillion in student debt traps millions.
This week: The solution.
The Four-Step Process
How Peer-to-Peer Credentialing Works
1. Sponsor Creates Badge
Employer or client defines the achievement: title, description, evidence required, tokens offered. Cost: ~$0.01 on blockchain.
2. Earner Applies for Badge
Worker submits proof via photos, optional voice notes. Takes 30 seconds. No fees, no barriers.
3. Sponsor Reviews & Approves
Sponsor verifies work, reviews photos, clicks Approve/Reject. Takes 10-30 seconds.
4. Badge Minted on Blockchain
Smart contract creates: 1 NFT badge (unique, permanent) + 1,000 tokens (fungible, tradable). Both sent to earner’s wallet. Verifiable forever.
Four steps. Zero gatekeepers. Global access from day one.
Traditional vs. GetSmart: Direct Comparison
| Metric | Traditional | GetSmart Token |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (earner) | $500-$250,000 + fees | $0 (sponsors pay ~$0.01) |
| Time to Earn | Months to years | Minutes to hours |
| Prerequisites | Prior degrees, test scores | NONE – Anyone can apply |
| Verification | Call school, wait days, pay $50-500 | Check blockchain – instant, free |
| Portability | Limited (country-specific) | Universal (blockchain-based) |
| Forgery Risk | High (diploma mills) | Cryptographically impossible |
| Ownership | Institution holds records | Individual owns NFT forever |
A Real Example: Maria’s Journey
Maria’s 3-Month Results
56
50,400
+40%
Before: $80/cleaning, no proof of experience
After: $120/cleaning, 52 verified completions
The Dual Token System
Badge NFTs
Token IDs: 1, 2, 3…
- • Non-fungible (unique)
- • Your credential
- • 1 per badge claimed
- • Includes metadata, photos
- • Permanent proof
GetSmart Tokens
Token ID: 0
- • Fungible (identical)
- • Economic value
- • 1,000 per badge
- • Tradable, stakeable
- • Powers debt relief
Why Blockchain?
The Trust Problem
Centralized Database: Requires trust in company. Can be hacked, shut down, censored. Single point of failure.
Blockchain Solution: Trustless verification. Cryptographically secured. Immutable records. Censorship-resistant. Verifiable by anyone.
Benefits for Everyone
For Earners:
- True ownership – credentials in YOUR wallet
- Global portability – works anywhere with internet
- Instant verification – no waiting, no fees
- Survives company bankruptcy
For Sponsors:
- Fraud prevention – can’t fake blockchain transactions
- Cost efficiency – ~$0.01 per badge
- No database hosting needed
- Scales automatically
For Employers:
- Zero-cost verification (traditional: $50-500)
- Instant confirmation
- Trustless proof – math verifies authenticity
The Network Effect
Each badge makes the next more valuable:
1 badge: “Okay, she cleaned one house”
10 badges: “Good track record”
50 badges: “Professional with extensive experience”
100 badges: “EXPERT – I trust this person more than someone with a degree but no practical proof”
Common Objections Answered
What about fraud?
Four-layer fraud prevention:
- AI photo analysis – Detects duplicates, reverse image search
- Sponsor accountability – Verified via email, phone, ID
- Blockchain transparency – All transactions public and auditable
- Economic incentives – Fraud damages reputation long-term
How do we ensure quality?
- Sponsor reputation system – Build trust over time
- Earner selectivity – Workers avoid scammy badges
- Market signals – Employers weight known sponsors higher
- Badge taxonomy – Standard templates for common skills
Will this replace degrees?
No – it complements them. Ideal scenario: Engineer with CS degree + 50 coding badges. Nurse with RN license + 200 patient care badges. Both coexist, serving different needs.
Key Takeaways
- Four-step process: Create → Apply → Approve → Mint
- Zero cost for earners, ~$0.01 for sponsors
- Dual token system: NFT credentials + fungible tokens
- Blockchain enables trust without intermediaries
- Network effects: each badge makes the next more valuable
What’s Next?
Next week: Design for accessibility – How we serve users who can’t read
Get involved: getstoken.org |
