I have to admit, it feels a little weird for me to be writing this, but I have to get over it. The truth is that it would make a big difference in my output if I had access to premier tools. So I’m swallowing my pride.

What Am I Doing These Days?

Most people know that some months ago, @eddiespino, @kesolink and I created a small organization, if you will. We called it @mantequilla-soft. Not long after, @tibfox joined us. Since this team formed, we’ve been cranking.

We completely revamped @threespeak. And I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say less than 10% of the original code is still alive and running.

I built a new Encoder, an easy to install app so community members can help power our decentralized video platform.

But the work on @threespeak didn’t stop there.

• I rebuilt the upload system, created what I call a staging server service, and simplified the entire flow to make integration with dapps much easier.

• I created a System Monitor that doubles as a fallback for when the legacy system has hiccups.

• I built a second video upload system that is platform agnostic, so any app can integrate video. This was developed in parallel with what we call Legacy 3Speak videos.

• I built a HotNode Service app that manages hosting of new IPFS videos. This ensures faster load times and uploads, while reducing the load on 3Speak’s Supernode, which is now used for long term cold storage.

• I built a Traffic Director, the MVP already deployed, which allows us to scale hot uploads by distributing videos across different nodes.

• I built an Audio Service that is already integrated into Snapie.io and Snapie Mobile. This service is also the backbone for 3Speak Audio, currently being developed by @kesolink.

• Earlier this year, my brother @joseamenac, my dear wife @ankapolo, and I built @snapie mobile. We successfully launched on both Android and iOS.

• I also built two point of sale systems, and other small apps that were gifts to the community: A free video encoder, a conversations forensic tool, etc. All of these apps are in our public repositories.

The list goes on. I think those paying attention already know.

Why Me?

I once read someone say that if a developer can’t pay for his own subscription, he’s probably not worth it.

I bit my tongue.

Economic realities are different for different people.

My wife and I live in South America. We are fine. We have a safe place to call home. But spending over a hundred dollars a month on AI subscriptions is not realistic for us. Minimum wage here is around 400 dollars a month.

This isn’t about capability. It’s about leverage.

All We Do Is Open Source

Applying for this does not mean I’m changing anything about what we are doing. The @mantequilla-soft team will continue building in the open.

If anything, I’d encourage @eddiespino and @kesolink to apply as well. Maybe @tibfox too. If we all had access to better tools, we could supercharge what we are already producing.

Not that we’re moving slow. hahahah

But imagine us with more leverage.

If you’ve read this far, you already have my gratitude.

— MenO