As blockchain technology continues to evolve, the decentralized nature of node-based systems is becoming an essential component of many platforms, particularly in the world of decentralized finance (DeFi). Running a node can provide users with opportunities to earn rewards, contribute to network security, and engage with a platform’s ecosystem. However, not all node experiences are created equal, and some platforms may fall short in terms of profitability, user experience, and ease of use.

In this blog post, we’ll review ETCMC Node, part of the Ethereum Classic Mining Consortium ecosystem, and share our candid experience as owners of a few of their nodes. While ETCMC has potential as a node platform, we’ve encountered several challenges that make it less appealing compared to other nodes we operate. This review will highlight both the positives and areas for improvement in a fair and constructive manner.

What is ETCMC?

ETCMC (Ethereum Classic Mining Consortium) is a platform built around the Ethereum Classic blockchain, offering users the ability to run nodes and participate in securing and validating transactions within the network. Node operators are rewarded for their contributions to the ecosystem, earning tokens in exchange for their work in maintaining the blockchain’s security and functionality.

However, while running nodes on ETCMC theoretically provides an opportunity for users to earn rewards, our experience with the platform has been less than ideal in several areas, particularly compared to other nodes we operate.

Our Experience with ETCMC Nodes

As owners of a few ETCMC nodes, we’ve encountered various difficulties that have made our experience with the platform less satisfactory. Here are the key areas where ETCMC nodes fall short and the reasons for our dissatisfaction:

1. Profitability: The Least Rewarding Node We Own

One of the primary reasons for running a node on any platform is the potential to earn rewards. Unfortunately, our ETCMC nodes have been the least profitable compared to other nodes we own across various platforms. While every platform has its unique structure for rewards, we’ve found that ETCMC’s return on investment (ROI) is much lower than expected.

Key issues with profitability:

• Low rewards: The earnings generated from running ETCMC nodes have been consistently lower than those from other platforms, making it a less attractive option for node operators seeking reasonable compensation for their efforts.
• High operational costs: When combined with the amount of time and effort required to maintain the nodes, the profitability of ETCMC nodes simply doesn’t justify the work involved.

2. High Maintenance and Effort Required

One of the most frustrating aspects of ETCMC nodes is the amount of work and technical know-how required to keep the nodes running smoothly. Unlike other platforms, where node management is more seamless and automated, ETCMC nodes require constant monitoring and manual interventions.

Specific challenges include:

• Frequent manual updates: Keeping the node software up-to-date requires frequent manual updates, which can be time-consuming and frustrating for users who are looking for a more hands-off experience.
• Troubleshooting issues: We’ve encountered several technical issues that required troubleshooting, which can be difficult without in-depth technical knowledge.
• Time-consuming maintenance: Compared to the more “plug-and-play” experience offered by other platforms, ETCMC’s node system requires significant time and effort to maintain.

3. User Interface and Software: Not User-Friendly

One of the biggest downsides to ETCMC is the lack of a user-friendly interface. The software is not as intuitive or easy to navigate as we’ve come to expect from other node platforms. Setting up and managing the nodes involves a steep learning curve, and the interface feels outdated and overly technical.

Areas for improvement in the interface:

• Difficult setup: The initial setup process is complex and not well-documented, requiring users to spend a lot of time figuring out how to get the node up and running.
• Limited support: There’s minimal guidance provided to help users navigate the interface, which can be a barrier for those without technical expertise. Having a support ticket answered can take weeks.
• Lack of plug-and-play functionality: Other platforms offer more seamless, plug-and-play solutions, allowing users to easily set up and manage their nodes. ETCMC, on the other hand, feels clunky and cumbersome in comparison.

What Could Be Improved?

While we understand that no platform is perfect, there are several areas where ETCMC could improve to provide a better experience for node operators:

• Increase profitability: Improving the reward structure or reducing the operational costs associated with running an ETCMC node would make it a more attractive option for users.
• Simplify node maintenance: Offering more automated solutions or a better support system for managing updates and troubleshooting would go a long way toward reducing the workload for node operators.
• Improve the user interface: A more intuitive and user-friendly interface is crucial for attracting and retaining node operators. Streamlining the setup process and offering better documentation would make ETCMC more accessible to a broader audience.
• Provide better customer support: Having a responsive and helpful support team could alleviate many of the frustrations users face when trying to troubleshoot issues or maintain their nodes.

Conclusion: Not Worth It

At its core, ETCMC has potential as a platform within the Ethereum Classic ecosystem, but there are significant challenges that need to be addressed to make it a more viable option for node operators. As owners of a few ETCMC nodes, we’ve found that the low profitability, high maintenance requirements, and non-user-friendly interface make it the least attractive node platform in our portfolio.

While we appreciate the decentralization and security that ETCMC offers, the amount of work involved in maintaining the nodes and the lower-than-expected rewards have made our experience less than satisfactory. For users who are new to node operation or looking for a more hands-off approach, we would recommend considering other platforms that offer a smoother, more profitable, and user-friendly experience.

That said, we hope that ETCMC will take this feedback to heart and make improvements to their platform and support systems/staff. With better profitability, easier maintenance, and a more intuitive interface, ETCMC has the potential to become a more attractive option for node operators within the Ethereum Classic ecosystem, but we will not purchase any more nodes for the time being.

CIL Rating: 1 star

Ty,
Team #CodeIsLaw