Swan protocol, as introduced in the LOST (TV Series), is to type a sequence into a computer every 108 minutes in order to avert the worldwide catastrophe. Typing the numbers and pressing "execute" (a.k.a. pushing the button) on the keyboard discharges an electromagnetic buildup, continually averting worldwide catastrophe.
The motivation of the survivors to execute the protocol is to stay alive. On the other hand, since no one really knows what happens if the countdown timer reaches zero, there is a source of demotivation to execute the protocol – lack of trust to the film, describing the protocol.
The protocol can be considered as a psychological test, aimed at making participants to perform a meaningless action every 108 minutes.
We propose a blockchain-based implementation of the Protocol 108, based on the economical motivation and demotivation.
The idea behind the protocol is to make participants execute the protocol at least once every 108 minutes.
The creator deploys a Protocol 108 smart contract into the network and initializes it with the initial value – the reward. After the initialization the countdown starts from 108 minutes and the creator becomes the last executor.
The protocol terminates if the countdown reaches zero, meaning the protocol is not executed within 108 minutes timeframe.
During the countdown anyone can send some value to the protocol in order to execute it, adding this value to the reward, reseting the countdown back to 108 minutes and becoming the last executor.
The last executor receives the reward as soon as protocol terminates.
Protocol lifecycle consists of three states: inactive, active, terminated.
This is the initial state of the protocol, the protocol is deployed in this state. Protocol balance is zero and countdown timer is stopped.
Inactive protocol may be executed at any moment by sending a value to it. Once the protocol is executed it becomes active.
Active protocol terminates once it is not executed for 108 minutes. Terminated protocol cannot be executed.
Last executor can send any value to it to withdraw the reward. Once this happens, protocol state changes back to inactive.
Version 2 requires the numbers (4 8 15 16 23 42) to be used as part of the transaction. The value sent to the protocol must contain a sequence 4815162342.
Issues to address in future releases:
- There is no motivation to initiate the protocol, moving its state from inactive into active.
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Mainnet
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Ropsten:
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Rinkeby: