
It was **1971** when Ray Tomlinson invented and developed electronic mail, as we know it today, by creating ARPANET's networked email system. It is one of the Internet’s oldest and (still!) most widely-used applications, with four [billion daily emails](https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/email-marketing-stats)! Email predates the web, and predates the blockchain era. Over the years, it has seen many competing platforms come and go, but, for better or worse, email has remained the most frequently-used communication tool because it relies on open and decentralized protocols like [POP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post_Office_Protocol), [SMTP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_Mail_Transfer_Protocol) and [IMAP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Message_Access_Protocol).

![Email required](/images/blog/email-required/email-required-share.png)

As of now, web3 still does not have a widely-used alternative messaging protocol, which means that email is the best option for creators to reach to their members and communities.

At Unlock, when using our [checkout flow](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tools/checkout/) (which is [completely optional](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/getting-started/unlock-without-frontend)), creators can choose to require purchasers to enter their email addresses at purchase (mint) time. This has been possible for a long time through the use of our [“metadata” collection mechanism](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tools/checkout/collecting-metadata), and we now have simplified this experience for creators by making email address collection an option when building a checkout URL by using `emailRequired` in the lock options.

![Email required](/images/blog/email-required/collecting-email.png)

You can test it out by getting a free Unlock community membership, if you don't already have one! [Click here](https://app.unlock-protocol.com/checkout?redirectUri=https%3A%2F%2Funlock-protocol.com%2Fblog%2Femail-required&paywallConfig=%7B%22network%22%3A1%2C%22pessimistic%22%3Atrue%2C%22locks%22%3A%7B%220xCE62D71c768aeD7EA034c72a1bc4CF58830D9894%22%3A%7B%22name%22%3A%22Unlock%20Community%22%2C%22network%22%3A100%2C%22emailRequired%22%3Atrue%7D%7D%2C%22icon%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fraw.githubusercontent.com%2Funlock-protocol%2Funlock%2Fmaster%2Fdesign%2Fbrand%2F1808-Unlock-Identity_Unlock-WordMark.svg%22%2C%22callToAction%22%3A%7B%22default%22%3A%22Get%20an%20Unlock%20membership%20to%20access%20our%20Discord%2C%20blog%20comments%20and%20more!%20No%20xDAI%20to%20pay%20for%20gas%3F%20Click%20the%20Claim%20button.%22%7D%7D)!

Once collected, the email address is tied to the NFT owner address, and is only accessible by the lock manager through the Unlock Dashboard or through our Locksmith API.

One of the common questions that creators have in the web3 space is “how do I stay connected and engaged with my members and NFT-holders?” We know that this new feature can help!

**Implementation note:** Of course, since the email address is tied to the NFT owner’s wallet address, if the NFT is transferred, the email address is not accessible anymore.


Lock managers can configure Unlock's checkout UI to collect their members' email addresses.

Now there's a way to keep in touch with your members!

New Feature! Easy Email Collection for Creators

<p>It was <strong>1971</strong> when Ray Tomlinson invented and developed electronic mail, as we know it today, by creating ARPANET's networked email system. It is one of the Internet’s oldest and (still!) most widely-used applications, with four <a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/email-marketing-stats">billion daily emails</a>! Email predates the web, and predates the blockchain era. Over the years, it has seen many competing platforms come and go, but, for better or worse, email has remained the most frequently-used communication tool because it relies on open and decentralized protocols like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post_Office_Protocol">POP</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_Mail_Transfer_Protocol">SMTP</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Message_Access_Protocol">IMAP</a>.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/email-required/email-required-share.png" alt="Email required"></p>
<p>As of now, web3 still does not have a widely-used alternative messaging protocol, which means that email is the best option for creators to reach to their members and communities.</p>
<p>At Unlock, when using our <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tools/checkout/">checkout flow</a> (which is <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/getting-started/unlock-without-frontend">completely optional</a>), creators can choose to require purchasers to enter their email addresses at purchase (mint) time. This has been possible for a long time through the use of our <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tools/checkout/collecting-metadata">“metadata” collection mechanism</a>, and we now have simplified this experience for creators by making email address collection an option when building a checkout URL by using <code>emailRequired</code> in the lock options.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/email-required/collecting-email.png" alt="Email required"></p>
<p>You can test it out by getting a free Unlock community membership, if you don't already have one! <a href="https://app.unlock-protocol.com/checkout?redirectUri=https%3A%2F%2Funlock-protocol.com%2Fblog%2Femail-required&#x26;paywallConfig=%7B%22network%22%3A1%2C%22pessimistic%22%3Atrue%2C%22locks%22%3A%7B%220xCE62D71c768aeD7EA034c72a1bc4CF58830D9894%22%3A%7B%22name%22%3A%22Unlock%20Community%22%2C%22network%22%3A100%2C%22emailRequired%22%3Atrue%7D%7D%2C%22icon%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fraw.githubusercontent.com%2Funlock-protocol%2Funlock%2Fmaster%2Fdesign%2Fbrand%2F1808-Unlock-Identity_Unlock-WordMark.svg%22%2C%22callToAction%22%3A%7B%22default%22%3A%22Get%20an%20Unlock%20membership%20to%20access%20our%20Discord%2C%20blog%20comments%20and%20more!%20No%20xDAI%20to%20pay%20for%20gas%3F%20Click%20the%20Claim%20button.%22%7D%7D">Click here</a>!</p>
<p>Once collected, the email address is tied to the NFT owner address, and is only accessible by the lock manager through the Unlock Dashboard or through our Locksmith API.</p>
<p>One of the common questions that creators have in the web3 space is “how do I stay connected and engaged with my members and NFT-holders?” We know that this new feature can help!</p>
<p><strong>Implementation note:</strong> Of course, since the email address is tied to the NFT owner’s wallet address, if the NFT is transferred, the email address is not accessible anymore.</p>



![CSV airdrop](/images/blog/unlock-csv-airdrop/main.png)

Many creators and event organizers want to airdrop NFTs in bulk. To make this easier, we’ve added the ability to upload a spreadsheet (CSV) containing recipients and metadata.

After you upload the spreadsheet, we will show you a list of addresses with the number of NFT keys to be airdropped to them. We automatically remove duplicates, invalid entries, resolve ENS names, and run validation before showing the members.

![Members](/images/blog/unlock-csv-airdrop/members.png)

If you want to store additional metadata, you can put it as a column and fill in the value, which will be automatically added. To make it public, `.public` suffix can also be added.

We’re excited to bring more no-code tools to lock managers so they can easily manage members!


Creators can now upload a spreadsheet of recipients and metadata to airdrop NFTs directly to multiple recipients.

Creators can now upload a spreadsheet of recipients and metadata to airdrop NFTs directly to multiple recipients

Unlock Dashboard Now Supports Airdropping NFTs in Bulk

<p><img src="/images/blog/unlock-csv-airdrop/main.png" alt="CSV airdrop"></p>
<p>Many creators and event organizers want to airdrop NFTs in bulk. To make this easier, we’ve added the ability to upload a spreadsheet (CSV) containing recipients and metadata.</p>
<p>After you upload the spreadsheet, we will show you a list of addresses with the number of NFT keys to be airdropped to them. We automatically remove duplicates, invalid entries, resolve ENS names, and run validation before showing the members.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/unlock-csv-airdrop/members.png" alt="Members"></p>
<p>If you want to store additional metadata, you can put it as a column and fill in the value, which will be automatically added. To make it public, <code>.public</code> suffix can also be added.</p>
<p>We’re excited to bring more no-code tools to lock managers so they can easily manage members!</p>



Locksmith is our backend service. It is used for handling metadata, NFT ticketing, processing payments, [Unlock accounts](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tools/sign-in-with-ethereum/unlock-accounts/) and other features.

Many developers have asked for documentation and tooling to interact with Locksmith to build applications or to automate various tasks such as updating metadata in bulk, adding ticket verifiers, and more. Since it would be unwieldy to handle all of these use cases on our frontend without increasing complexity, we are releasing an [OpenAPI](https://www.openapis.org/) spec for our endpoints and a client SDK in `unlock-protocol/unlock-js`.

Our [docs site](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com) has been updated to show endpoints relevant to developers with examples and usage.

![docs explorer](/images/blog/open-api-support/docs.png)

Here is an example of how you can use the new Locksmith service client. It is fully typed so you will get intellisense for arguments and responses in your editor.

```js
import { LocksmithService } from '@unlock-protocol/unlock-js'

const service = new LocksmithService()

async function main() {
  // Get unlock address balance on each network
  const balanceResponse = await service.balance()
  console.log(balanceResponse)
  // Get keys metadata on goerli.
  const keysResponse = await service.keysMetadata(
    5,
    '0xb77030a7e47a5eb942a4748000125e70be598632',
    '1'
  )
  console.log(keysResponse)
}

main()
```

Note: It is experimental so expect breaking changes until `@unlock-protocol/unlock-js` reaches v1.x.

For languages other than JavaScript, you can use our [OpenAPI spec](https://github.com/unlock-protocol/unlock/blob/master/packages/unlock-js/openapi.yml) and generate a client using the [OpenAPI generator](https://openapi-generator.tech/).

If you have any feedback or find an outdated [OpenAPI spec](https://github.com/unlock-protocol/unlock/blob/master/packages/unlock-js/openapi.yml) for any of our public endpoints, please open an issue on Github.


Explore all our APIs and play around with the Locksmith client.

Explore all our APIs and play around with the Locksmith client

Unlock Adds OpenAPI Support and TypeScript Client For Locksmith

<p>Locksmith is our backend service. It is used for handling metadata, NFT ticketing, processing payments, <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tools/sign-in-with-ethereum/unlock-accounts/">Unlock accounts</a> and other features.</p>
<p>Many developers have asked for documentation and tooling to interact with Locksmith to build applications or to automate various tasks such as updating metadata in bulk, adding ticket verifiers, and more. Since it would be unwieldy to handle all of these use cases on our frontend without increasing complexity, we are releasing an <a href="https://www.openapis.org/">OpenAPI</a> spec for our endpoints and a client SDK in <code>unlock-protocol/unlock-js</code>.</p>
<p>Our <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com">docs site</a> has been updated to show endpoints relevant to developers with examples and usage.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/open-api-support/docs.png" alt="docs explorer"></p>
<p>Here is an example of how you can use the new Locksmith service client. It is fully typed so you will get intellisense for arguments and responses in your editor.</p>
<pre><code class="language-js">import { LocksmithService } from '@unlock-protocol/unlock-js'

const service = new LocksmithService()

async function main() {
  // Get unlock address balance on each network
  const balanceResponse = await service.balance()
  console.log(balanceResponse)
  // Get keys metadata on goerli.
  const keysResponse = await service.keysMetadata(
    5,
    '0xb77030a7e47a5eb942a4748000125e70be598632',
    '1'
  )
  console.log(keysResponse)
}

main()
</code></pre>
<p>Note: It is experimental so expect breaking changes until <code>@unlock-protocol/unlock-js</code> reaches v1.x.</p>
<p>For languages other than JavaScript, you can use our <a href="https://github.com/unlock-protocol/unlock/blob/master/packages/unlock-js/openapi.yml">OpenAPI spec</a> and generate a client using the <a href="https://openapi-generator.tech/">OpenAPI generator</a>.</p>
<p>If you have any feedback or find an outdated <a href="https://github.com/unlock-protocol/unlock/blob/master/packages/unlock-js/openapi.yml">OpenAPI spec</a> for any of our public endpoints, please open an issue on Github.</p>



Unlock Protocol sponsored the [ETHGlobal ETHOnline hackathon](https://online.ethglobal.com/) last month and there were many creative submissions for prizes that we’re excited to tell you about!

First, we’d like to give a shout-out to a number of participating teams we think did a really amazing job. All of these projects were very exciting and interesting use cases for Unlock Protocol.

## Runners-up

- [Subgrounds](https://ethglobal.com/showcase/unlock-protocol-subgrounds-gyhj8) showed us the potential of using Python for doing data analytics against Unlock subgraphs.
- [3toN](https://ethglobal.com/showcase/3ton-ftzq1) built a web3 pay-per-view Dapp using Unlock Protocol for [web3 subscriptions](https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/recurring-subscription-nft).
- [Streamharbour](https://ethglobal.com/showcase/streamharbour-h1uqk) built a tool for streamers to monetize their content, accept donations, and communicate with their fans — and also won prizes from Covalent, XMTP and IPFS.

Now, let's see the Unlock hackathon prize winners!

## Impact Self - 3rd place

The third place prize went to [Impact Self](https://ethglobal.com/showcase/impact-self-n5y5t). Impact Self built a platform for generating an environmental impact score on-chain. The score provides a quantifiable way for individuals to communicate their climate-positive actions and contributes to their sovereign web3 identity.

## Raindrop - 2nd place

The [Raindrop](https://ethglobal.com/showcase/raindrop-omz63) team created a decentralized platform alternative to subscription sites like Patreon or OnlyFans. Raindrop’s approach enables creatives to connect with their fans without the worry of being censored or de-platformed or having to worry about the portability of their user data.

[![raindrop.jpeg](/images/blog/ethonline-2022/raindrop.jpeg)](https://medium.com/@hidetaka.ko/summary-of-what-we-learned-from-protocol-who-developed-a-web3-version-of-patreon-at-ethonline-and-a0e4d1815952)

This team won several other prizes during this event including ones from Worldcoin, Livepeer and IPFS. [You can read more about their experience building on Unlock here](https://medium.com/@hidetaka.ko/summary-of-what-we-learned-from-protocol-who-developed-a-web3-version-of-patreon-at-ethonline-and-a0e4d1815952).

I think you’ll find that if you choose to build on Unlock Protocol, you’ll see the same thing that Raindrop’s Hidetaka Ko did when he said _“I was impressed that they were quicker and more polite than any other protocol.”_ I’m proud to say we have a supportive and encouraging community, not just the core team but the other people building who give back regularly because they embrace the WAGMI vision.

We hope that the Raindrop team continues their journey building on Unlock Protocol!

## Homebase - 1st place

Our first-prize winner, [Homebase](https://ethglobal.com/showcase/homebase-4kyoh), set out to tackle monetization for creators, a sweet spot for the use of Unlock Protocol. In contrast to Raindrop, Homebase focused on the social aspect and introduced social graph functionality through [Lens Protocol](https://lens.xyz/). In addition to implementing Unlock, Homebase paired with Next.js, The Graph, IPFS and Google Firebase. (Note: Unlock has integrations with [Firebase](https://david-layton.gitbook.io/novum/) and [many other](https://unlock-protocol.com/guides/category/plugins/) existing web2 and web3 tools. Interoperability continues to be a core reason people build on Unlock Protocol.)

[![homebase.png](/images/blog/ethonline-2022/homebase.png)](https://ethglobal.com/showcase/homebase-4kyoh)

Homebase did a beautiful job thinking through the design and flow of their application and it’s certainly the type of social platform I’d like to see more of.

If you’re interested in joining a hackathon where you can get some experience building in web3 on Unlock Protocol, come hack with us at [ETH San Francisco](https://sf.ethglobal.com/)! That said, you don’t need to be at an event to learn from us or ask questions. Join the Unlock Locksmith community by jumping into our [Discord](http://discord.unlock-protocol.com) server, where you’ll find the veteran builders and core team hanging out, answering questions, talking about the future of web3 and just generally supporting each other.


Here are the projects that walked away with prizes from Unlock Protocol.

Here are the projects that walked away with prizes from Unlock Protocol

ETHGlobal ETHOnline 2022 Hackathon Winners

<p>Unlock Protocol sponsored the <a href="https://online.ethglobal.com/">ETHGlobal ETHOnline hackathon</a> last month and there were many creative submissions for prizes that we’re excited to tell you about!</p>
<p>First, we’d like to give a shout-out to a number of participating teams we think did a really amazing job. All of these projects were very exciting and interesting use cases for Unlock Protocol.</p>
<h2>Runners-up</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://ethglobal.com/showcase/unlock-protocol-subgrounds-gyhj8">Subgrounds</a> showed us the potential of using Python for doing data analytics against Unlock subgraphs.</li>
<li><a href="https://ethglobal.com/showcase/3ton-ftzq1">3toN</a> built a web3 pay-per-view Dapp using Unlock Protocol for <a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/recurring-subscription-nft">web3 subscriptions</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://ethglobal.com/showcase/streamharbour-h1uqk">Streamharbour</a> built a tool for streamers to monetize their content, accept donations, and communicate with their fans — and also won prizes from Covalent, XMTP and IPFS.</li>
</ul>
<p>Now, let's see the Unlock hackathon prize winners!</p>
<h2>Impact Self - 3rd place</h2>
<p>The third place prize went to <a href="https://ethglobal.com/showcase/impact-self-n5y5t">Impact Self</a>. Impact Self built a platform for generating an environmental impact score on-chain. The score provides a quantifiable way for individuals to communicate their climate-positive actions and contributes to their sovereign web3 identity.</p>
<h2>Raindrop - 2nd place</h2>
<p>The <a href="https://ethglobal.com/showcase/raindrop-omz63">Raindrop</a> team created a decentralized platform alternative to subscription sites like Patreon or OnlyFans. Raindrop’s approach enables creatives to connect with their fans without the worry of being censored or de-platformed or having to worry about the portability of their user data.</p>
<p><a href="https://medium.com/@hidetaka.ko/summary-of-what-we-learned-from-protocol-who-developed-a-web3-version-of-patreon-at-ethonline-and-a0e4d1815952"><img src="/images/blog/ethonline-2022/raindrop.jpeg" alt="raindrop.jpeg"></a></p>
<p>This team won several other prizes during this event including ones from Worldcoin, Livepeer and IPFS. <a href="https://medium.com/@hidetaka.ko/summary-of-what-we-learned-from-protocol-who-developed-a-web3-version-of-patreon-at-ethonline-and-a0e4d1815952">You can read more about their experience building on Unlock here</a>.</p>
<p>I think you’ll find that if you choose to build on Unlock Protocol, you’ll see the same thing that Raindrop’s Hidetaka Ko did when he said <em>“I was impressed that they were quicker and more polite than any other protocol.”</em> I’m proud to say we have a supportive and encouraging community, not just the core team but the other people building who give back regularly because they embrace the WAGMI vision.</p>
<p>We hope that the Raindrop team continues their journey building on Unlock Protocol!</p>
<h2>Homebase - 1st place</h2>
<p>Our first-prize winner, <a href="https://ethglobal.com/showcase/homebase-4kyoh">Homebase</a>, set out to tackle monetization for creators, a sweet spot for the use of Unlock Protocol. In contrast to Raindrop, Homebase focused on the social aspect and introduced social graph functionality through <a href="https://lens.xyz/">Lens Protocol</a>. In addition to implementing Unlock, Homebase paired with Next.js, The Graph, IPFS and Google Firebase. (Note: Unlock has integrations with <a href="https://david-layton.gitbook.io/novum/">Firebase</a> and <a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/guides/category/plugins/">many other</a> existing web2 and web3 tools. Interoperability continues to be a core reason people build on Unlock Protocol.)</p>
<p><a href="https://ethglobal.com/showcase/homebase-4kyoh"><img src="/images/blog/ethonline-2022/homebase.png" alt="homebase.png"></a></p>
<p>Homebase did a beautiful job thinking through the design and flow of their application and it’s certainly the type of social platform I’d like to see more of.</p>
<p>If you’re interested in joining a hackathon where you can get some experience building in web3 on Unlock Protocol, come hack with us at <a href="https://sf.ethglobal.com/">ETH San Francisco</a>! That said, you don’t need to be at an event to learn from us or ask questions. Join the Unlock Locksmith community by jumping into our <a href="http://discord.unlock-protocol.com">Discord</a> server, where you’ll find the veteran builders and core team hanging out, answering questions, talking about the future of web3 and just generally supporting each other.</p>



We were happy to participate in
[Gitcoin's Grants Round 15](https://gitcoin.co/grants/) as a sponsor of a $25k
pool for the greater Unlock ecosystem and another $10k added to the larger DEI
pool! There are some really exciting numbers to share about what we saw this
round. Gitcoin distributed $4.2 million dollars in funding and saw contributions
from 39.6k community donors. Unlock Protocol doubled the number of grantees in
our ecosystem going from 14 to 28.

![Gitcoin's GR 15](/images/blog/gitcoin-round-15.png)

Not only were we excited to see the number of grant applications increase in our
ecosystem we were really excited to see the diversity in the types of initiatives
tagging us in.

## Climate Change

We're sure that launching Unlock Protocol on the [Celo](https://celo.org/)
network is why we saw many more projects this round focused on climate change.
[Bloom Network](https://bloomnetwork.org/) continues to be the most well
supported project in both climate change and in the entire ecosystem. So far
they've raised more than $81k through Gitcoin Grants and we're so glad to see the
progress they've made with that funding. Some other projects with great potential
for climate impact are [Green Academy](https://green-academy.webflow.io/),
[Plants & Pillars](https://www.plantsandpillars3.com/),
[dMeter](https://dmeter.super.site/) and [Foresta](https://foresta.live/).

## DeSci

Some impressive projects leveraging Unlock Protocol for decentralized science,
or DeSci, tagged us in this round.
[Omni Analytics](https://twitter.com/omnianalytics) maintaining the top spot for
community support in this category, has continued to use the funding they've
recieved by adding more content to their "Learning Data Science on the Ethereum
Blockchain" course. Congratulations to
[Active Inference Institute](https://www.activeinference.org/) who caught
community attention with their plans to create a first of its kind open-source
package Active Blockference which aims to implement Active Inference simulations
for congnitive modeling for the blockchain space, use Active Blockference to
understand behavior in ETH/Web3 ecosystems and improve educational materials
around use of Active Blockference.

## web3 Social

We saw an increase in the number of web3 social projects taking advantage of
the power of Unlock Protocol too! [Nimi](https://nimi.io/) was a crowd favorite
with a dApp that allows you to aggregate your soical profiles. Other notable
projects include [Cobogo](https://cobogo.io) for creator profiles and
fundraising for the creator economy, [Maven Foundation](https://maven.foundation/)
is continuing their work on building tools to empower social influencers and
[MeTag](https://www.getmetag.io) is creating a scannable QR tag which is also NFC
enabled to help users share their web3 wallet information and social profiles.
[Headline](https://viaheadline.xyz/) a decentrailized publishing platform which
got its start with a [UDT Grant](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/governance/grants-bounties-and-matchings) from Unlock Protocol jumped onto the Gitcoin
platform this round to continue their work.

## Education & Security

[VestLab](VestLab.io) is aiming to get you all the information about a crypto
project before you invest. [White Hat DAO](https://whitehatdao.com) is
looking to give deeper insights on blockchain projects with offerings that
include smart contract audits, safety ratings along with tokenomics analysis and
due-diligence. [Fractionalize](https://www.amwwaldorf.org) is implementing a
first-of-its-kind public education program to teach kids about web3 and NFTs and
the [Decentralized Library](https://decentralized-library.vercel.app/) will
include Unlock NFT library cards along with reading rewards stored in Unlock
NFTs for "proof of knowledge".

## Unicorns

We also some projects so unique we're daring to call theme unicorns.
[Trust Finance](https://www.trustfin.xyz) is looking to solve some challenges in
the traditional payroll and contractor payments space like slow posting times
and by making it easier for workers to invest a portion of their paychecks.
[Starksheet](https://www.starksheet.xyz/) is hoping to tackle some the largest
data silos by decentralizing business intelligence with a web3 spreadsheet
solution making use of Unlock NFTs.

## Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Last but not least there were several projects both utilizing Unlock Protocol
and tackling Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in web3. We continue to be
passionate about our support of these projects and we're so enthusiastic to see
so many in this round. Our friends over at [Blu3 DAO](https://www.blu3dao.com/)
continue to do such impressive work educating, preparing and sponsoring hackers
in the web3 space. The community seems to agree with our take on the work they
do, with hundreds of supporters and thousands of dollars in community support.
They were able to raise close to $60k this round with matching funds and we
couldn't be happier to see that happen for them!
[End Domestic Violence](https://EndDomesticViolence.Art) is on a mission to
create a powerful healing modality for domestic violence victims using art to
process trauma and is building an art workshop platform on Unlock Protocol to
deliver it. They continue to be the only grantee on the platform addressing the
issue of domestic violence so we're watching closely to see how the community
reacts to the progess they'll make between this round and next as they get off
the ground. Another project supporting women's reproductive rights while also
bringing you an innovative music experience is
[Beats Per Mint](https://tell.ie/beatspermint/j6upJTcHktEE) who will soon be
releasing their first collection _"Beam Me Down"_ and we couldn't be more
delighted to be enabling a truly feminist platform.


Unlock Labs 2nd Gitcoin round matched $25k in UDT tokens for projects in our ecosystem and another $10k for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI).

Unlock is funding public goods with UDT!

Gitcoin Grants Round 15

<p>We were happy to participate in
<a href="https://gitcoin.co/grants/">Gitcoin's Grants Round 15</a> as a sponsor of a $25k
pool for the greater Unlock ecosystem and another $10k added to the larger DEI
pool! There are some really exciting numbers to share about what we saw this
round. Gitcoin distributed $4.2 million dollars in funding and saw contributions
from 39.6k community donors. Unlock Protocol doubled the number of grantees in
our ecosystem going from 14 to 28.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/gitcoin-round-15.png" alt="Gitcoin&#x27;s GR 15"></p>
<p>Not only were we excited to see the number of grant applications increase in our
ecosystem we were really excited to see the diversity in the types of initiatives
tagging us in.</p>
<h2>Climate Change</h2>
<p>We're sure that launching Unlock Protocol on the <a href="https://celo.org/">Celo</a>
network is why we saw many more projects this round focused on climate change.
<a href="https://bloomnetwork.org/">Bloom Network</a> continues to be the most well
supported project in both climate change and in the entire ecosystem. So far
they've raised more than $81k through Gitcoin Grants and we're so glad to see the
progress they've made with that funding. Some other projects with great potential
for climate impact are <a href="https://green-academy.webflow.io/">Green Academy</a>,
<a href="https://www.plantsandpillars3.com/">Plants &#x26; Pillars</a>,
<a href="https://dmeter.super.site/">dMeter</a> and <a href="https://foresta.live/">Foresta</a>.</p>
<h2>DeSci</h2>
<p>Some impressive projects leveraging Unlock Protocol for decentralized science,
or DeSci, tagged us in this round.
<a href="https://twitter.com/omnianalytics">Omni Analytics</a> maintaining the top spot for
community support in this category, has continued to use the funding they've
recieved by adding more content to their "Learning Data Science on the Ethereum
Blockchain" course. Congratulations to
<a href="https://www.activeinference.org/">Active Inference Institute</a> who caught
community attention with their plans to create a first of its kind open-source
package Active Blockference which aims to implement Active Inference simulations
for congnitive modeling for the blockchain space, use Active Blockference to
understand behavior in ETH/Web3 ecosystems and improve educational materials
around use of Active Blockference.</p>
<h2>web3 Social</h2>
<p>We saw an increase in the number of web3 social projects taking advantage of
the power of Unlock Protocol too! <a href="https://nimi.io/">Nimi</a> was a crowd favorite
with a dApp that allows you to aggregate your soical profiles. Other notable
projects include <a href="https://cobogo.io">Cobogo</a> for creator profiles and
fundraising for the creator economy, <a href="https://maven.foundation/">Maven Foundation</a>
is continuing their work on building tools to empower social influencers and
<a href="https://www.getmetag.io">MeTag</a> is creating a scannable QR tag which is also NFC
enabled to help users share their web3 wallet information and social profiles.
<a href="https://viaheadline.xyz/">Headline</a> a decentrailized publishing platform which
got its start with a <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/governance/grants-bounties-and-matchings">UDT Grant</a> from Unlock Protocol jumped onto the Gitcoin
platform this round to continue their work.</p>
<h2>Education &#x26; Security</h2>
<p><a href="VestLab.io">VestLab</a> is aiming to get you all the information about a crypto
project before you invest. <a href="https://whitehatdao.com">White Hat DAO</a> is
looking to give deeper insights on blockchain projects with offerings that
include smart contract audits, safety ratings along with tokenomics analysis and
due-diligence. <a href="https://www.amwwaldorf.org">Fractionalize</a> is implementing a
first-of-its-kind public education program to teach kids about web3 and NFTs and
the <a href="https://decentralized-library.vercel.app/">Decentralized Library</a> will
include Unlock NFT library cards along with reading rewards stored in Unlock
NFTs for "proof of knowledge".</p>
<h2>Unicorns</h2>
<p>We also some projects so unique we're daring to call theme unicorns.
<a href="https://www.trustfin.xyz">Trust Finance</a> is looking to solve some challenges in
the traditional payroll and contractor payments space like slow posting times
and by making it easier for workers to invest a portion of their paychecks.
<a href="https://www.starksheet.xyz/">Starksheet</a> is hoping to tackle some the largest
data silos by decentralizing business intelligence with a web3 spreadsheet
solution making use of Unlock NFTs.</p>
<h2>Diversity, Equity &#x26; Inclusion</h2>
<p>Last but not least there were several projects both utilizing Unlock Protocol
and tackling Diversity, Equity &#x26; Inclusion (DEI) in web3. We continue to be
passionate about our support of these projects and we're so enthusiastic to see
so many in this round. Our friends over at <a href="https://www.blu3dao.com/">Blu3 DAO</a>
continue to do such impressive work educating, preparing and sponsoring hackers
in the web3 space. The community seems to agree with our take on the work they
do, with hundreds of supporters and thousands of dollars in community support.
They were able to raise close to $60k this round with matching funds and we
couldn't be happier to see that happen for them!
<a href="https://EndDomesticViolence.Art">End Domestic Violence</a> is on a mission to
create a powerful healing modality for domestic violence victims using art to
process trauma and is building an art workshop platform on Unlock Protocol to
deliver it. They continue to be the only grantee on the platform addressing the
issue of domestic violence so we're watching closely to see how the community
reacts to the progess they'll make between this round and next as they get off
the ground. Another project supporting women's reproductive rights while also
bringing you an innovative music experience is
<a href="https://tell.ie/beatspermint/j6upJTcHktEE">Beats Per Mint</a> who will soon be
releasing their first collection <em>"Beam Me Down"</em> and we couldn't be more
delighted to be enabling a truly feminist platform.</p>



Unlock continues to simplify and improve the user experience. With that goal in mind, Unlock has completely redesigned the Unlock Dashboard. The Dashboard is the key interaction point with Unlock Protocol for most users where they configure memberships, view their member information, and interact with the key functions of the Unlock smart contract and surrounding ecosystem.

There are three main sections to the Dashboard.

- Lock creation
- Lock listing
- Lock management

Let's see the details, step by step.

## Lock creation

The lock creation section of the Dashboard is where creators deploy new locks to create memberships for their community. The enhanced Dashboard takes a guided, step-by-step approach to lock creation.

In the first step, a form with the details to create a lock is shown to the user. The interface will indicate if a required field is missing before allowing the user to proceed to the next step.

![Screenshot 2022-10-03 at 11.29.54.png](/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-10-03_at_11.29.54.png)

The purchase (mint) price of membership NFTs can be priced in the native token of a blockchain, or can be priced using a token from a list of default ERC20 contracts. For pricing in custom ERC20s, the user can enter their own token address as well.

![Screenshot 2022-10-03 at 11.29.15.png](/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-10-03_at_11.29.15.png)

After configuration, membership details are shown to double check if everything is correct before creating the smart contract for the lock.

![Screenshot 2022-10-03 at 11.31.11.png](/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-10-03_at_11.31.11.png)

During the deployment, a block explorer link is shown to the user. The user can confirm the lock smart contract has been deployed on-chain via the block explorer.

![Screenshot 2022-10-03 at 11.32.26.png](/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-10-03_at_11.32.26.png)

## Lock listing

In the new dashboard, locks are now grouped and displayed by network. This makes it easier for creators to see all their memberships and locks in one place in a greatly streamlined interface.

![locks-by-network.png](/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/locks-by-network.png)

When there are no locks to show on the listing page, the user will be redirected to the “Create lock” page.

![Screenshot 2022-09-27 at 11.06.44.png](/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-09-27_at_11.06.44.png)

### Lock summary cards

Lock summary cards show the high-level information about the lock. Lock summary cards now have a new, cleaner interface and contain only the main high-level details for price, key duration, and key total for each lock. To dive into further details for a particular lock, clicking the arrow goes to the lock management page and shows further details for each lock.

![Screenshot 2022-10-03 at 12.11.08.png](/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-10-03_at_12.11.08.png)

## Lock management

Clicking through on a lock summary card brings up the lock management screen, which surfaces the details for a particular lock. This page has been redesigned for simplicity and readability.

On this page, the lock manager can update settings for the lock, as well as see a list of all the members.

### Customize NFT image

By clicking the NFT image, a popup will allow you to update the NFT image. This can be done by uploading a file or via a URL.

![Screenshot 2022-10-03 at 11.55.56.png](/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-10-03_at_11.55.56.png)

### Edit duration, quantity, and price

Duration, quantity, or price information for a particular lock can be changed by clicking on the pencil next to the respective field in the left sidebar. Clicking the pencil to edit `Key Duration`, for example, will bring up a popup to edit the details of that field. By default, the current field value will be shown, which can then be edited. This same process works for updating `Quantity` and `Price` as well.

![update-price.png](/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/update-price.png)

### Members list

The lock management page displays a list of members for the current lock, as well as metadata such as the expiration time for a particular key.

![Screenshot 2022-10-03 at 12.04.31.png](/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-10-03_at_12.04.31.png)

Clicking on a key will expand it, and shows basic information about the key, owner, and expiration status.

![Screenshot 2022-10-03 at 12.06.41.png](/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-10-03_at_12.06.41.png)

In addition, if the viewer is the lock manager, more details and metadata for the key are shown.

![Screenshot 2022-10-03 at 12.05.24.png](/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-10-03_at_12.05.24.png)

### Withdrawing funds from a lock

When the lock has a withdrawable amount, the `Withdraw` button will be active and allow the lock manager to withdraw the collected amount for the keys sold.

![withdraw-amount.png](/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/withdraw-amount.png)

### Generate purchase URL

By clicking the `Generate URL` button, the user can generate a URL that can be shared with fans and allow them to easily purchase this membership.

![generate-url.png](/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/generate-url.png)

## Mobile experience

The mobile experience is improved significantly with the new Dashboard. It features a fully responsive layout and provides a better experience and improved usability when using the app through a mobile device.

### Change network and header

![mobile-header.png](/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/mobile-header.png)

### Lock listing page

![Screenshot 2022-09-28 at 13.16.57.png](/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-09-28_at_13.16.57.png)

### Manage lock page

![manage-lock-mobile.png](/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/manage-lock-mobile.png)

## See the new Dashboard now

Ready to check it out? **[Try out the new Dashboard](https://app.unlock-protocol.com/locks)**.


Unlock launched a completely redesigned membership dashboard, focused on usability.

Unlock has a completely redesigned dashboard, focused on usability

Unlock Launches Redesigned Membership Dashboard

<p>Unlock continues to simplify and improve the user experience. With that goal in mind, Unlock has completely redesigned the Unlock Dashboard. The Dashboard is the key interaction point with Unlock Protocol for most users where they configure memberships, view their member information, and interact with the key functions of the Unlock smart contract and surrounding ecosystem.</p>
<p>There are three main sections to the Dashboard.</p>
<ul>
<li>Lock creation</li>
<li>Lock listing</li>
<li>Lock management</li>
</ul>
<p>Let's see the details, step by step.</p>
<h2>Lock creation</h2>
<p>The lock creation section of the Dashboard is where creators deploy new locks to create memberships for their community. The enhanced Dashboard takes a guided, step-by-step approach to lock creation.</p>
<p>In the first step, a form with the details to create a lock is shown to the user. The interface will indicate if a required field is missing before allowing the user to proceed to the next step.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-10-03_at_11.29.54.png" alt="Screenshot 2022-10-03 at 11.29.54.png"></p>
<p>The purchase (mint) price of membership NFTs can be priced in the native token of a blockchain, or can be priced using a token from a list of default ERC20 contracts. For pricing in custom ERC20s, the user can enter their own token address as well.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-10-03_at_11.29.15.png" alt="Screenshot 2022-10-03 at 11.29.15.png"></p>
<p>After configuration, membership details are shown to double check if everything is correct before creating the smart contract for the lock.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-10-03_at_11.31.11.png" alt="Screenshot 2022-10-03 at 11.31.11.png"></p>
<p>During the deployment, a block explorer link is shown to the user. The user can confirm the lock smart contract has been deployed on-chain via the block explorer.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-10-03_at_11.32.26.png" alt="Screenshot 2022-10-03 at 11.32.26.png"></p>
<h2>Lock listing</h2>
<p>In the new dashboard, locks are now grouped and displayed by network. This makes it easier for creators to see all their memberships and locks in one place in a greatly streamlined interface.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/locks-by-network.png" alt="locks-by-network.png"></p>
<p>When there are no locks to show on the listing page, the user will be redirected to the “Create lock” page.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-09-27_at_11.06.44.png" alt="Screenshot 2022-09-27 at 11.06.44.png"></p>
<h3>Lock summary cards</h3>
<p>Lock summary cards show the high-level information about the lock. Lock summary cards now have a new, cleaner interface and contain only the main high-level details for price, key duration, and key total for each lock. To dive into further details for a particular lock, clicking the arrow goes to the lock management page and shows further details for each lock.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-10-03_at_12.11.08.png" alt="Screenshot 2022-10-03 at 12.11.08.png"></p>
<h2>Lock management</h2>
<p>Clicking through on a lock summary card brings up the lock management screen, which surfaces the details for a particular lock. This page has been redesigned for simplicity and readability.</p>
<p>On this page, the lock manager can update settings for the lock, as well as see a list of all the members.</p>
<h3>Customize NFT image</h3>
<p>By clicking the NFT image, a popup will allow you to update the NFT image. This can be done by uploading a file or via a URL.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-10-03_at_11.55.56.png" alt="Screenshot 2022-10-03 at 11.55.56.png"></p>
<h3>Edit duration, quantity, and price</h3>
<p>Duration, quantity, or price information for a particular lock can be changed by clicking on the pencil next to the respective field in the left sidebar. Clicking the pencil to edit <code>Key Duration</code>, for example, will bring up a popup to edit the details of that field. By default, the current field value will be shown, which can then be edited. This same process works for updating <code>Quantity</code> and <code>Price</code> as well.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/update-price.png" alt="update-price.png"></p>
<h3>Members list</h3>
<p>The lock management page displays a list of members for the current lock, as well as metadata such as the expiration time for a particular key.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-10-03_at_12.04.31.png" alt="Screenshot 2022-10-03 at 12.04.31.png"></p>
<p>Clicking on a key will expand it, and shows basic information about the key, owner, and expiration status.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-10-03_at_12.06.41.png" alt="Screenshot 2022-10-03 at 12.06.41.png"></p>
<p>In addition, if the viewer is the lock manager, more details and metadata for the key are shown.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-10-03_at_12.05.24.png" alt="Screenshot 2022-10-03 at 12.05.24.png"></p>
<h3>Withdrawing funds from a lock</h3>
<p>When the lock has a withdrawable amount, the <code>Withdraw</code> button will be active and allow the lock manager to withdraw the collected amount for the keys sold.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/withdraw-amount.png" alt="withdraw-amount.png"></p>
<h3>Generate purchase URL</h3>
<p>By clicking the <code>Generate URL</code> button, the user can generate a URL that can be shared with fans and allow them to easily purchase this membership.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/generate-url.png" alt="generate-url.png"></p>
<h2>Mobile experience</h2>
<p>The mobile experience is improved significantly with the new Dashboard. It features a fully responsive layout and provides a better experience and improved usability when using the app through a mobile device.</p>
<h3>Change network and header</h3>
<p><img src="/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/mobile-header.png" alt="mobile-header.png"></p>
<h3>Lock listing page</h3>
<p><img src="/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/Screenshot_2022-09-28_at_13.16.57.png" alt="Screenshot 2022-09-28 at 13.16.57.png"></p>
<h3>Manage lock page</h3>
<p><img src="/images/blog/dashboard-redesign/manage-lock-mobile.png" alt="manage-lock-mobile.png"></p>
<h2>See the new Dashboard now</h2>
<p>Ready to check it out? <strong><a href="https://app.unlock-protocol.com/locks">Try out the new Dashboard</a></strong>.</p>



![sept-22-banner.png](/images/blog/sept-22-update/sept-22-banner.png)

## Partners and integrations

- Launched on [Arbitrum](https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/arbitrum)
- Launched on [Avalanche](https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/avalanche)

## Checkout

- [Support for fiat recurring subscriptions](https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/unlock-fiat-subscription)
- [Support for Apple Pay and Google Pay mobile payments](https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/support-for-google-and-apple-pay)
- [Password-protected NFT purchases](https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/password-required-hook)

## Members page

- [Enhanced Members Page filters](https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/new-filters-members-page)

## Dashboard

- Preview of an [entirely redesigned dashboard](https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/dashboard-redesign)

## Other

- [Subgraph upgrade](https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/subgraph-v2)

Want to know more and try stuff out? [Join our Unlock community in the Discord](https://discord.unlock-protocol.com/)!


Release Notes for September 2022. New Unlock Protocol dashboard preview, support for Arbitrum and Avalanche, and improvements to the checkout experience.

New dashboard preview, support for Arbitrum and Avalanche, and improvements to the checkout experience

Unlock Protocol Product Updates for September 2022

<p><img src="/images/blog/sept-22-update/sept-22-banner.png" alt="sept-22-banner.png"></p>
<h2>Partners and integrations</h2>
<ul>
<li>Launched on <a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/arbitrum">Arbitrum</a></li>
<li>Launched on <a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/avalanche">Avalanche</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Checkout</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/unlock-fiat-subscription">Support for fiat recurring subscriptions</a></li>
<li><a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/support-for-google-and-apple-pay">Support for Apple Pay and Google Pay mobile payments</a></li>
<li><a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/password-required-hook">Password-protected NFT purchases</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Members page</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/new-filters-members-page">Enhanced Members Page filters</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Dashboard</h2>
<ul>
<li>Preview of an <a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/dashboard-redesign">entirely redesigned dashboard</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Other</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/subgraph-v2">Subgraph upgrade</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Want to know more and try stuff out? <a href="https://discord.unlock-protocol.com/">Join our Unlock community in the Discord</a>!</p>



## Storing and retrieving data from chains

As the number of features grows, keeping track of changes in a contract can become tricky. The transaction data itself only hold changes in balances of native tokens of the sender and receiver. Changes in the state of the contract storage are recorded using events emitted by the transaction. For instance, an ownership change of an NFT will emit a `Transfer` event containing the id of the token, as well as the addresses of the previous and new owners.

While these events are recorded onchain, querying appears to not be very practical. To know the number of times a token has been transferred, you will have to replay all the `Transfer` events attached to the contract, filter only the ones for the relevant token and finally count them.

## What is the graph ?

To facilitate the query of transactions data, [the graph](https://thegraph.com/docs/en/) collects all the events in your contract and put them in the database so it can be easily used. The [Graph Foundation](https://www.notion.so/The-Graph-Foundation-e822e66d7b614fdd899a647f5db51a68) provides tools and libraries to index, store and retrieve graph data.

To facilitate the use of our protocol, Unlock offers several web services (checkout, user dasboard, etc) that use chain data to display info about locks and keys. The frontend queries rely on instances of the graph that are indexing and formatting transactions on each supported chain, called subgraphs. All subgraphs are public, and data about locks or keys can be retrieved using [graphql](https://graphql.org/) requests.

## Unlock subgraph V2

To continue upgrading existing services, we are now releasing a new version of the subgraph with better formatting and indexing. On the development side, we added extensive unit and integration testing, which will allow developers to more quickly adapt and update the protocol. The schema has been simplified and now natively support contract upgrades.

To query the subgraph, you can use a JSON request or a graphql client. Please refer to [our docs](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tutorials/misc/using-subgraphs/) for the most extensive explanation about how to use it.


An upgraded version of the subgraph which indexes onchain data is now available, with simpler data structure and more robust parsing.

An upgraded version of the subgraph is now available

Unlock Protocol Subgraph Upgrade with The Graph

<h2>Storing and retrieving data from chains</h2>
<p>As the number of features grows, keeping track of changes in a contract can become tricky. The transaction data itself only hold changes in balances of native tokens of the sender and receiver. Changes in the state of the contract storage are recorded using events emitted by the transaction. For instance, an ownership change of an NFT will emit a <code>Transfer</code> event containing the id of the token, as well as the addresses of the previous and new owners.</p>
<p>While these events are recorded onchain, querying appears to not be very practical. To know the number of times a token has been transferred, you will have to replay all the <code>Transfer</code> events attached to the contract, filter only the ones for the relevant token and finally count them.</p>
<h2>What is the graph ?</h2>
<p>To facilitate the query of transactions data, <a href="https://thegraph.com/docs/en/">the graph</a> collects all the events in your contract and put them in the database so it can be easily used. The <a href="https://www.notion.so/The-Graph-Foundation-e822e66d7b614fdd899a647f5db51a68">Graph Foundation</a> provides tools and libraries to index, store and retrieve graph data.</p>
<p>To facilitate the use of our protocol, Unlock offers several web services (checkout, user dasboard, etc) that use chain data to display info about locks and keys. The frontend queries rely on instances of the graph that are indexing and formatting transactions on each supported chain, called subgraphs. All subgraphs are public, and data about locks or keys can be retrieved using <a href="https://graphql.org/">graphql</a> requests.</p>
<h2>Unlock subgraph V2</h2>
<p>To continue upgrading existing services, we are now releasing a new version of the subgraph with better formatting and indexing. On the development side, we added extensive unit and integration testing, which will allow developers to more quickly adapt and update the protocol. The schema has been simplified and now natively support contract upgrades.</p>
<p>To query the subgraph, you can use a JSON request or a graphql client. Please refer to <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tutorials/misc/using-subgraphs/">our docs</a> for the most extensive explanation about how to use it.</p>



![Fiat subscription confirmation page](/images/blog/unlock-fiat-subscription/main.png)

We recently launched support for [crypto based NFT subscriptions](./recurring-subscription-nft) which allowed people to pre-approve an amount in erc20 to be charged at a regular interval set in the membership contract.

Today, we are extending the same support to fiat payment options we provide (including credit card, [Apple and Google Pay](/blog/support-for-google-and-apple-pay)). Creators can now add `recurringPayments: number` to the `paywallConfig` when building their checkout URL in order to charge their users on a regular frequency.

A really interesting tidbit is that even users who pay with their cards are receiving a **subscription NFT** that gets renewed every time their card is charged!

Here is an example of paywallConfig.

```json
{
  "title": "Recurring membership demo",
  "locks": {
    "0xf1e4861bbe6aa736084ff829507145a85f4958fc": {
      "name": "Recurring",
      "network": 5,
      "recurringPayments": 12
    }
  }
}
```

Learn more about how to build and configure the url on the [docs site](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tools/checkout/configuration/#building-your-url).

## How does it work?

Unlock's approach to recurring fiat payment has two distinct elements:

### Smart Contracts

We added support for `grantKeyExtension` method on our contracts which allows creators and anyone who is a [`keyGranter`](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/core-protocol/public-lock/access-control#keygranter) to extend the NFT duration.
This is available in all locks starting with v11. We use this internally to renew memberships of users who have subscribed via fiat payment options.

### Locksmith

When a user goes through a recurring purchase, we create a subscription object on the backend to keep track of how many times the user wishes to renew it and store all the details surrounding the purchase. Due to the volatile nature of many crypto-currencies, fiat prices can swing drastically between two payments. To avoid this and protect the users, we lock in the fiat price at the time of subscription for further renewals. This means if the user purchased an NFT for 0.1 tokens valued at $10 at the time of purchase, further renewals would only cost that $10, even if the price of the token is now much higher or much lower. We use the subscription object to renew keys when they expire.

An example of a lock with 5 minute renewal time below getting extended every 5 minutes.

![Etherscan](/images/blog/unlock-fiat-subscription/etherscan.png)

### Documentation

- Community & Support: [Join the Unlock Discord](https://discord.unlock-protocol.com/)

- Developer documentation: [Recurring Memberships](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/unlock/creators/recurring-memberships)

### Further resources

- Interview: [NFTs for Memberships: The Future of Business](https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/using-nfts-for-memberships-the-future-of-business/)

- Videos: [NFT Membership videos](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFpwtvsk_naOwR_w-vKXw-Q)


Users can now subscribe to NFTs using fiat payment options such as credit cards.

Unlock Launches Support for Fiat NFT Recurring Subscriptions

<p><img src="/images/blog/unlock-fiat-subscription/main.png" alt="Fiat subscription confirmation page"></p>
<p>We recently launched support for <a href="./recurring-subscription-nft">crypto based NFT subscriptions</a> which allowed people to pre-approve an amount in erc20 to be charged at a regular interval set in the membership contract.</p>
<p>Today, we are extending the same support to fiat payment options we provide (including credit card, <a href="/blog/support-for-google-and-apple-pay">Apple and Google Pay</a>). Creators can now add <code>recurringPayments: number</code> to the <code>paywallConfig</code> when building their checkout URL in order to charge their users on a regular frequency.</p>
<p>A really interesting tidbit is that even users who pay with their cards are receiving a <strong>subscription NFT</strong> that gets renewed every time their card is charged!</p>
<p>Here is an example of paywallConfig.</p>
<pre><code class="language-json">{
  "title": "Recurring membership demo",
  "locks": {
    "0xf1e4861bbe6aa736084ff829507145a85f4958fc": {
      "name": "Recurring",
      "network": 5,
      "recurringPayments": 12
    }
  }
}
</code></pre>
<p>Learn more about how to build and configure the url on the <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tools/checkout/configuration/#building-your-url">docs site</a>.</p>
<h2>How does it work?</h2>
<p>Unlock's approach to recurring fiat payment has two distinct elements:</p>
<h3>Smart Contracts</h3>
<p>We added support for <code>grantKeyExtension</code> method on our contracts which allows creators and anyone who is a <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/core-protocol/public-lock/access-control#keygranter"><code>keyGranter</code></a> to extend the NFT duration.
This is available in all locks starting with v11. We use this internally to renew memberships of users who have subscribed via fiat payment options.</p>
<h3>Locksmith</h3>
<p>When a user goes through a recurring purchase, we create a subscription object on the backend to keep track of how many times the user wishes to renew it and store all the details surrounding the purchase. Due to the volatile nature of many crypto-currencies, fiat prices can swing drastically between two payments. To avoid this and protect the users, we lock in the fiat price at the time of subscription for further renewals. This means if the user purchased an NFT for 0.1 tokens valued at $10 at the time of purchase, further renewals would only cost that $10, even if the price of the token is now much higher or much lower. We use the subscription object to renew keys when they expire.</p>
<p>An example of a lock with 5 minute renewal time below getting extended every 5 minutes.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/unlock-fiat-subscription/etherscan.png" alt="Etherscan"></p>
<h3>Documentation</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Community &#x26; Support: <a href="https://discord.unlock-protocol.com/">Join the Unlock Discord</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Developer documentation: <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/unlock/creators/recurring-memberships">Recurring Memberships</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Further resources</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Interview: <a href="https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/using-nfts-for-memberships-the-future-of-business/">NFTs for Memberships: The Future of Business</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Videos: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFpwtvsk_naOwR_w-vKXw-Q">NFT Membership videos</a></p>
</li>
</ul>



[Arbitrum](https://arbitrum.io/) is a "layer 2" environment on top of Ethereum's mainnet. It is an _optimistic rollup_, which means that it is able to benefit from Ethereum's security while providing significantly cheaper transaction costs, as well as much faster execution time.

![Arbitrum](/images/blog/arbitrum/arbitrum.png)

Today, we're excited to announce that you can start deploying your NFT membership contracts on Arbitrum!

Want to try it out? We deployed the first NFT membership contract on Arbitrum and you can "buy" a free membership [by going here](https://app.unlock-protocol.com/checkout?redirectUri=https%3A%2F%2Funlock-protocol.com%2Fblog%2Farbitrum&paywallConfig=%7B%22locks%22%3A%7B%220xcc04a8E25B712EBbdAD337dfDb59a154Bd6bbd06%22%3A%7B%22network%22%3A42161%7D%7D%2C%22pessimistic%22%3Atrue%2C%22persistentCheckout%22%3Atrue%2C%22icon%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fstaging-locksmith.unlock-protocol.com%2Flock%2F0xcc04a8E25B712EBbdAD337dfDb59a154Bd6bbd06%2Ficon%22%7D) (There are only 100 of these, so be quick!)

Unlock has now been deployed on 8 EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) networks: Mainnet, Gnosis Chain, Polygon, Optimism, BNB Chain, Celo, Avalanche and now Arbitrum! Every creator, brand or organization can chose the network of _their_ choice to deploy their membership contracts to create [NFT tickets](https://unlock-protocol.com/guides/how-to-sell-nft-tickets-for-an-event/), [subscriptions](https://unlock-protocol.com/guides/recurring-memberships/) and more!


Membership NFT contracts from Unlock Protocol can now be deployed on the Arbitrum network.

The Arbitrum network joins the expanding Unlock Protocol ecosystem

Unlock Is Live on Arbitrum

<p><a href="https://arbitrum.io/">Arbitrum</a> is a "layer 2" environment on top of Ethereum's mainnet. It is an <em>optimistic rollup</em>, which means that it is able to benefit from Ethereum's security while providing significantly cheaper transaction costs, as well as much faster execution time.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/arbitrum/arbitrum.png" alt="Arbitrum"></p>
<p>Today, we're excited to announce that you can start deploying your NFT membership contracts on Arbitrum!</p>
<p>Want to try it out? We deployed the first NFT membership contract on Arbitrum and you can "buy" a free membership <a href="https://app.unlock-protocol.com/checkout?redirectUri=https%3A%2F%2Funlock-protocol.com%2Fblog%2Farbitrum&#x26;paywallConfig=%7B%22locks%22%3A%7B%220xcc04a8E25B712EBbdAD337dfDb59a154Bd6bbd06%22%3A%7B%22network%22%3A42161%7D%7D%2C%22pessimistic%22%3Atrue%2C%22persistentCheckout%22%3Atrue%2C%22icon%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fstaging-locksmith.unlock-protocol.com%2Flock%2F0xcc04a8E25B712EBbdAD337dfDb59a154Bd6bbd06%2Ficon%22%7D">by going here</a> (There are only 100 of these, so be quick!)</p>
<p>Unlock has now been deployed on 8 EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) networks: Mainnet, Gnosis Chain, Polygon, Optimism, BNB Chain, Celo, Avalanche and now Arbitrum! Every creator, brand or organization can chose the network of <em>their</em> choice to deploy their membership contracts to create <a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/guides/how-to-sell-nft-tickets-for-an-event/">NFT tickets</a>, <a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/guides/recurring-memberships/">subscriptions</a> and more!</p>
