SLictionary by Structured Linguistics LLC
Last updated
Last updated
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Product: SLictionary dictionary platform
Company Name: Structured Linguistics LLC
Industry: Digital Media / Knowledge Marketplace
Website:
Geographic Reach: Global (Primary operations in the U.S.)
BSV Integration Start Date: 2021
BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Traditional dictionaries are centralized, slow to evolve, and controlled by academic gatekeepers. They lack input from real-world subject matter experts and provide no economic incentives for contributors. Additionally, modern platforms like Wikipedia rely on donations and unpaid volunteers, which can limit quality and sustainability.
SLictionary identified an opportunity to modernize language definition using a dynamic, user-driven model. The goal: return language to the people while rewarding expert contributors for their knowledge.
WHY BSV?
SLictionary chose the BSV blockchain for its unmatched ability to support micropayments, low transaction fees, and on-chain data storage. These features are essential to the platform’s economic model, where contributors earn a small amount (e.g., seven-tenths of a penny) every time their definition is “liked.”
BSV’s stable protocol and high scalability made it the only blockchain capable of handling a high volume of micro-interactions at low cost. Competing blockchains could not match this efficiency or reliability.
SOLUTION ARCHITECTURE
SLictionary operates as a “self-learning dictionary” on the BSV blockchain. Users can:
Define words and phrases, often informed by their unique expertise.
Like definitions by sending micropayments (“like bulbs”).
Submit entries for word bounties funded by others.
Key features include:
Data Logging: All definitions, user ownership, and micropayments are immutably recorded on-chain.
Micropayments Engine: Enables small payments to authors each time a definition is liked or used.
Ownership Container Model: Like a digital shipping container, a definition can be owned and generate income as intellectual property.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
SLictionary launched in phases:
Prototype – A basic platform with early word entries and micropayment integration.
Platform Launch – Public access for word submission and monetization.
Bounty System Introduction – Users can fund word bounties and own the resulting IP.
As a consumer-facing web platform, it did not require integration with traditional ERP systems. Contributors and users onboard themselves through a user-friendly interface, and the wallet integration is designed to be simple for non-technical users.
OUTCOMES & BUSINESS IMPACT
Over 1,600 words currently defined by global contributors.
New monetization model for content creators using micropayments.
Expert-driven content – Definitions provided by people with domain-specific knowledge.
On-chain intellectual property – Definitions as assets that generate recurring income.
Stakeholder feedback is overwhelmingly positive, especially among contributors who value being paid for their creative and intellectual efforts.
CHALLENGES & MITIGATIONS
Public Understanding: The concept of micropayments and on-chain definitions is new to many users.
Mitigation: Educational content and intuitive user interface to explain the value proposition.
Blockchain Skepticism: General mistrust in cryptocurrencies.
Mitigation: Focus on real-world use case and utility, not speculation.
Scaling User Adoption: Competing with traditional platforms with massive user bases.
Mitigation: Word bounties and influencer involvement to accelerate traction.
FUTURE VISION
SLictionary aims to become the dominant dictionary of the digital age—and potentially the foundation of a broader “information economy.” Future expansions include:
New knowledge formats (e.g., encyclopedic entries, voice/video definitions).
NFT-style word ownership.
Corporate or academic partnerships.
Expansion into non-English languages.
Micropayments and user-funded bounties will continue to be core to the business model, with the platform potentially expanding to other areas of expert content creation.
TESTIMONIAL HIGHLIGHTS
“Language has always belonged to the people. SLictionary lets us take it back—and get paid to shape it.”
– John Pitts, CEO, Structured Linguistics LLC
“This isn’t just a dictionary. It’s the start of an entire content economy powered by Bitcoin.”
– John Pitts on Messy Times Podcast
“If Bono wanted to define a word or a song lyric, he could—and his voice would be preserved forever on the blockchain.”
– John Pitts, CoinGeek TV
