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# Agenda/Notes: Zoom Call Gordon Brander⇔@ChristopherA

[e-mail]
[e-mail]

meet.google.com/cif-svsw-jqx

Backup: Use Signal or zoom

## Notes

## Gordon Brander

### About

Open-ended ecosystems are where innovation comes from. The innovation is the system surprising itself.

My goal is to understand and create open-ended ecosystems through software. The internet is like this, and so is the web. My question is, how can we make more software like this?

I like to understand software ecosystems through the lenses of evolution and ecology.

Areas of interest: decentralizing the internet and web, user-controlled keys, credible exit.

### Links

- Speculative spec for decentralized archiving format https://hackmd.io/@bRTh4L1SRgKncdTocEj4fg/BJs73CFj1l
- Cryptography scales trust https://newsletter.squishy.computer/p/cryptography-scales-trust
- Centralization is inevitable https://newsletter.squishy.computer/p/centralization-is-inevitable
- Building new weblike things https://newsletter.squishy.computer/p/weblike-things
- Redecentralization - puzzling out how to decentralize the web somewhat https://newsletter.squishy.computer/p/redecentralization
- Trustless protocols are better than trustful ones https://newsletter.squishy.computer/p/trustless-protocols-are-better-than
- Wiki as an Ostrom commons https://newsletter.squishy.computer/p/wiki-as-a-commons
- Protocols as Weberian Bureaucracy https://newsletter.squishy.computer/p/protocols-as-weberian-bureaucracy
- Fukuyama, Origins of Political Order https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Origins_of_Political_Order
- Fukuyama, Political Order and Political Decay https://www.amazon.com/Political-Order-Decay-Industrial-Globalization/dp/0374227357
- Wittgenstein Language Games https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_game_(philosophy)

## Links from @ChristopherA

### My Work & Mission

#### #AboutChristopherA
I'm **Christopher Allen**, an entrepreneur, technologist, and advocate for **trust, security, and digital sovereignty**. My journey began with co-authoring the **IETF TLS internet standard**, the foundation of secure web commerce. Over the years, I've been privileged to contribute to the evolution of **self-sovereign identity (SSI)** and decentralized identity standards.

My career path includes roles such as **Principal Architect at Blockstream**, **VP of Developer Relations at Blackphone**, and **CTO of Certicom**. Currently, I lead **Blockchain Commons**, focusing on **cryptographic security**, **open infrastructure**, and ensuring that individuals—not corporations or governments—control their own digital destinies.

My approach to technology is deeply rooted in values that prioritize **human dignity, individual autonomy, and security by design**. I believe that trust and transparency should be fundamental to digital infrastructure, ensuring that people—not corporations or governments—remain in control of their own data and identities. More about my design philosophy can be found in [How My Values Inform Design](https://www.blockchaincommons.com/musings/ValuesDesign/).

#### #RecentAppearances
- **Interview on #SSI Orbit Podcast:** [The state of self-sovereign identity](https://youtu.be/4La6wDQ2JGk)

#### #MusingsOfATrustArchitect
Through my writing, I explore **trust, security, and digital sovereignty**, challenging how we design identity, privacy, and cryptographic systems.

- **How My Values Inform Design:** [Why principles matter in digital identity](https://www.blockchaincommons.com/musings/ValuesDesign)
- **The Case for an International Right to Freedom to Transact:** [Why financial sovereignty is essential](https://www.blockchaincommons.com/musings/RightToTransact)
- **Has our #SSI Ecosystem Become Morally Bankrupt?:** [Challenges in the self-sovereign identity landscape](https://www.blockchaincommons.com/musings/musings-ssi-bankruptcy)
- **Edge Identifiers & Cliques:** [A new model for cryptographic identity](https://www.blockchaincommons.com/musings/musings-cliques-1)
- **Building Trust in Gradients:** [Moving beyond binary trust models](https://www.blockchaincommons.com/musings/musings-progressive-trust-lifecycle)

#### #OpenDevelopment
I believe **open source isn’t enough**. Code alone doesn’t build communities, ensure longevity, or protect users. We need **Open Development**—a model that integrates **transparency, governance, and long-term stewardship**.

##### Open Development means:
- ✅ Open **infrastructure, governance, and decision-making**
- ✅ Public **discussions, transparency, and collaboration**
- ✅ **Long-term** stewardship beyond individuals

- **Article:** [Why Open Development is the future of open source](https://www.blockchaincommons.com/OpenDevelopment)
- **More Info:** [[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail])

#### #BlockchainCommons
**Blockchain Commons** is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating **open, interoperable, secure, and compassionate digital infrastructure**. Our mission is to empower individuals to control their digital destinies and maintain human dignity online.

##### 2024 Initiatives:
- **Advocacy and Education**: We continued to promote the importance of self-sovereign identity and digital rights, engaging with policymakers and the community to influence legislation that protects individual freedoms in the digital realm.
- **Advocacy Efforts:** [advocacy.blockchaincommons.com](https://advocacy.blockchaincommons.com/)

- **Community Engagement**: Through events like the Rebooting Web of Trust workshops, we facilitated discussions among experts to advance decentralized trust and identity solutions.

- **Open Development**: We championed the principles of open development, ensuring that our projects are transparent, community-driven, and aligned with the broader goals of the open-source movement.
- **Article:** [Why Open Development is the future of open source](https://www.blockchaincommons.com/OpenDevelopment

For more details see our [Blockchain Commons 2024 Overview](https://www.blockchaincommons.com/quarterlies/Yearly-2024/).

#### #GordianTechnology
The **Gordian Technology** stack embodies Blockchain Commons’ commitment to practical tools and specifications that enhance digital security and privacy. In 2024, we focused on several key advancements:

- **Gordian Envelope**: Our smart document architecture designed for secure, reliable, and deterministic data storage and transmission. It emphasizes privacy through data minimization and selective disclosure, allowing users to control what information is shared. [oai_citation_attribution:1‡developer.blockchaincommons.com](https://developer.blockchaincommons.com/envelope/)

- **dCBOR**: A deterministic profile of the CBOR data format, ensuring consistent data representation across different platforms. This standardization is crucial for applications requiring reliable data interchange.

- **FROST (Flexible Round-Optimized Schnorr Threshold Signatures)**: We supported the development and implementation of FROST, a cryptographic scheme that enables secure, efficient, and private multisignatures. This technology enhances the resilience and security of digital signatures.

- **Gordian Seed Tool**: An iOS application that allows users to create, store, and manage cryptographic seeds securely. It serves as an independent, private, and resilient vault for the foundational secrets used in various cryptocurrencies.

- **Gordian Reference Apps**: A suite of applications, including Gordian Server and Gordian Wallet, demonstrating best practices in secure and private digital asset management. These tools exemplify our architectural principles in real-world scenarios.

These developments reflect our dedication to providing individuals with the tools and knowledge necessary to maintain sovereignty over their digital identities and assets.

For more details:
- **Gordian Envelope:** [developer.blockchaincommons.com/envelope/](https://developer.blockchaincommons.com/envelope/)
- **FROST Resources:** [developer.blockchaincommons.com/frost/](https://developer.blockchaincommons.com/frost/)
- **Gordian Seed Tool:** [Gordian Seed Tool Release](https://www.blockchaincommons.com/apps/SeedTool-Release/)
- **Reference Applications:** [Gordian Reference Apps](https://developer.blockchaincommons.com/architecture/apps/)

#### #OpenIntegrityProject
The **Open Integrity Project** is an initiative by **Blockchain Commons** aimed at integrating cryptographic trust mechanisms into Git repositories. By leveraging Git’s native SSH signing capabilities and structured verification processes, this project ensures transparency, provenance, and immutability for software projects.

##### Objectives:
- **Establish Cryptographic Roots of Trust**: Implement mechanisms that authenticate the origin and integrity of code within Git repositories.
- **Enhance Software Transparency**: Ensure that all code changes are traceable and verifiable, promoting accountability in software development.
- **Promote Secure Development Practices**: Encourage the adoption of cryptographic signing and verification to protect against unauthorized code modifications.

##### Key Components:
- **Inception Commit**: A specially crafted initial commit that serves as the cryptographic foundation for the repository, establishing an immutable trust anchor.
- **Allowed Commit Signers File**: A configuration that defines authorized committers, ensuring that only verified contributors can make changes to the codebase.
- **Structured Verification Processes**: Tools and scripts that automate the validation of commit signatures and enforce repository integrity policies.

For more detailed information and to contribute to the project, visit the [Open Integrity Project GitHub repository](https://github.com/OpenIntegrityProject/core/).

#### #SelfSovereignIdentity
My passion for **Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI)** stems from a commitment to individual autonomy in the digital realm:

- **The Path to Self-Sovereign Identity:** In 2016, I authored [this foundational article](https://www.lifewithalacrity.com/article/the-path-to-self-soverereign-identity/), outlining the principles of SSI and advocating for user-controlled digital identities.
- **5-Year Reflection:** In 2021, I reflected on the progress and challenges of SSI in [Self-Sovereign Identity: 5 Years On](https://www.blockchaincommons.com/musings/SSI-5-Years-On/), also published in [CoinDesk](https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2021/04/26/self-sovereign-identity-5-years-on).
- **Origins of SSI:** I explored the historical evolution and foundational goals of SSI in [The Origins of Self-Sovereign Identity](https://www.lifewithalacrity.com/article/origins-SSI/).
- **More Writings on SSI:** [Explore all my articles on SSI](https://www.blockchaincommons.com/musings/).

#### #RebootingWebOfTrust
I am the **founder and host** of **Rebooting Web of Trust (RWOT)**, an ongoing collaborative event where thought leaders, researchers, and developers come together to advance decentralized identity and trust technologies. Since 2015, RWOT has played a significant role in shaping the evolution of **self-sovereign identity**, **decentralized identifiers (DIDs)**, and **verifiable credentials (VCs)**.

Through these gatherings, we have facilitated the development of key principles and technologies that have influenced standards bodies such as the **W3C and IETF**. If you’re interested in contributing to the next wave of digital trust solutions, you can learn more at [WebOfTrust.info](https://www.WebOfTrust.info).

#### #Foremembrance
History has shown us the dangers of centralized identity control. During WWII, **75% of Dutch Jews perished** due to meticulous identity records, while only **23% in France**—where census records were disrupted. **Regime change happens. Identity can be weaponized.**

We must design **digital identity to protect, not endanger**. That’s why I created **Foremembrance**, a yearly moment to reflect on the consequences of identity mismanagement and recommit to ethical design principles.

- **Article:** [How history informs our identity systems](https://www.blockchaincommons.com/foremembrance)
- **Video 2024:** [Reflections on Foremembrance & Identity](https://youtu.be/R9KuIlAg4wg)
- **More Info:** [[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail])

#### #LifeWithAlacrity

**Life With Alacrity** is my long-standing blog where I delve into themes of **trust, collaboration, digital identity, and community dynamics**. Below is a curated selection of articles, organized by related topics:

##### Collective Governance and Decision-Making

- **A Revised “Ostrom’s Design Principles for Collective Governance of the Commons”**
An updated interpretation of Elinor Ostrom’s principles, tailored for modern collective governance scenarios.
- [Read More](https://www.lifewithalacrity.com/article/a-revised-ostroms-design-principles-for-collective-governance-of-the-commons/)

- **A Spectrum of Consent**
An exploration of various consent and consensus models, analyzing their effectiveness in decision-making processes.
- [Read More](https://www.lifewithalacrity.com/article/a-spectrum-of-consent/)

- **Systems for Collective Choice**
A comprehensive examination of different methods societies use to make collective decisions, including voting systems and consensus-building techniques.
- [Read More](https://www.lifewithalacrity.com/article/systems-for-collective-choice/)

##### Community Dynamics and Social Structures

- **The Dunbar Number as a Limit to Group Size**
Analyzing the cognitive limit on stable relationships and its implications for social networks and online communities.
- [Read More](https://www.lifewithalacrity.com/article/dunbar-number/)

- **Dunbar & World of Warcraft**
Extending the Dunbar Number concept to online gaming, studying how community size affects player interactions and social cohesion in virtual worlds.
- [Read More](https://www.lifewithalacrity.com/article/dunbar-wow/)

- **Community by the Numbers Series**
A deep dive into how communities function at different scales, from intimate groups to large networks, and how size impacts governance, trust, and collaboration.
- [Read More](https://www.lifewithalacrity.com/article/community-by-the-numbers/)

- **Dyads & Triads — The Smallest Teams**
Exploring the effectiveness of two-person (dyads) and three-person (triads) teams in decision-making, innovation, and trust dynamics.
- [Read More](https://www.lifewithalacrity.com/article/dyads-triads-the-smallest-teams/)

##### Shared Language and Artifacts

- **Creating Shared Language and Shared Artifacts**
Discussing the importance of developing common terminologies and collaborative tools to enhance group cohesion and understanding.
- [Read More](https://www.lifewithalacrity.com/article/creating-shared-language-and-shared-artifacts/)

- **Deep Context Shared Languages**
Investigating how shared languages with deep contextual meanings can facilitate complex communication within communities.
- [Read More](https://www.lifewithalacrity.com/ephemera/deep-context-shared-languages/)

These writings reflect my ongoing exploration of how **trust, identity, and collaboration** shape our digital and social worlds. For the full archive, visit **[Life With Alacrity](https://www.lifewithalacrity.com/)**.

#### #GameDesign

I am fascinated by the art and craft of collaboration, and have its practice and the study of how and why collaboration works at the center of my professional career as an entrepreneur, a software architect, as also as a creator, producer & publisher in the game and graphic novel industries.

My passion for **game design** to support collaboration has led to several collaborative projects:

- **Meeples Together**
Co-authored with Shannon Appelcline, this 384-page book delves into the design of cooperative board games, analyzing various game mechanics and dynamics.
- [Learn More](https://www.meeplestogether.com/about/)

- **Tableau Game System**
An innovative collaborative storytelling game system emphasizing character development and versatility across various genres.
- [Discover Tableau](https://www.dyvershands.com/games/Tableau/)

- **Polis Play**
Polis Play is a game that blends the art of governance with the dynamics of play. At its core, it's about the ever-evolving landscape of rules and strategies, where players engage in crafting, discussing, and amending rules to shape the game's progression. Polis Play is designed to accommodate 3-9 players, and offers two distinct versions - Competitive and Cooperative - each providing a unique experience.
- [Polis Play Draft 2024-03-19](https://gist.github.com/ChristopherA/a37289af02633204b7453830c28faa0b)

#### #Collaboration
If my work resonates with you, let’s connect! I’m always open to **collaborations, discussions, and partnerships** that advance **privacy, security, and sovereignty**.

- **Email:** [[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail])
- **Cell/iMessage/Signal:** [phone]
- **GitHub:** [@Christopher](https://github.com/Christopher)

I’m based in **Lafayette, CA (PDT)** and open to **video calls, lunch meetings, or in-person discussions at events like IIW**. Let’s build a better future together!