01
Get a Cashtab wallet
Cashtab is a free web wallet that holds and transacts XEC. It works in any browser and is the fastest way to create an eCash wallet.
How it works
Everything you need to read or write on Proof of Writing.
For readers
02
Buy some XEC
Once you have a wallet, you'll need a small amount of XEC inside it. Buy XEC from an exchange — create an account, purchase XEC, then send it to your wallet address (copy and paste carefully).
03
Come back and unlock
Open any article on Proof of Writing, use the pay button to send the payment from your wallet, and the full story unlocks after a few seconds. When you unlock an article it automatically logs you in as a reader, but you can also login by sending a dust transaction from your wallet and the site will remember which articles you've already unlocked.
Reader FAQ
What is eCash (XEC)?
eCash is cash for the internet. A decentralized form of electronic cash that is near instant, with low-fees, and censorship resistant. Its ticker is XEC. On Proof of Writing, readers send XEC to writers to unlock their stories in mere seconds.
How do I unlock an article?
Click the pay button on any article and your Cashtab wallet will open automatically with the payment pre-filled. Assuming you have enough funds, confirm the transaction and you will be redirected to the article and watch as it unlocks within a few seconds.
What's the minimum unlock price?
100 XEC. Writers can charge more, but never less.
How long does an unlocked article stay unlocked?
Permanently. Once your wallet has paid for an article, you can come back and read it any time.
What wallet do I need?
A Cashtab wallet. You can create one for free at cashtab.com. Make sure you have some XEC in your wallet before attempting to unlock an article.
What if I lose access to my wallet?
Your wallet is yours alone — Proof of Writing never holds your funds and can't recover a lost wallet. Always back up your Cashtab seed phrase somewhere safe. If you lose your wallet, you lose access to its funds and to the articles unlocked under that wallet.
Why eCash and not Bitcoin or a stablecoin?
eCash was seen to have the best infrastructure and roadmap to support a project like Proof of Writing. No other chain comes close.
I paid but the article didn't unlock — what do I do?
Reach out on Telegram or X and we'll make it right.
Is my personal information safe?
Readers don't need a traditional account that requires you to reveal any personal information. You only need a wallet.
For writers
01
Sign up with email
Click Start writing on the homepage and create an account with your email address. That's all the personal info we collect.
02
Set your wallet for payouts
Add your XEC wallet address in your profile settings. This is where all your payments are sent. If you don't have an XEC wallet address create a Cashtab wallet in seconds.
03
Publish and set your price
Write your post, set an unlock price and publish by paying 100 XEC (payment helps to limit spam on the platform). Readers send XEC to unlock. You keep 94% of every payment.
Writer FAQ
How do I sign up as a writer?
Click Start writing on the homepage and create an account with your email. You'll also need an eCash wallet address to receive payments.
How do I get paid?
Payments go directly to your XEC wallet — Proof of Writing never touches your funds. Make sure your wallet address is set correctly in your profile settings. You receive 94% of every unlock.
What is the 6% platform fee for?
The 6% covers the cost of running and maintaining Proof of Writing — hosting, development, and support.
Can I edit a post after publishing?
Yes. You can edit any of your published posts at any time from your dashboard.
Is there a minimum unlock price?
Yes — 100 XEC. You can charge more, but the floor is 100 XEC per unlock.
Still need help?
Reach us on Telegram or X — we usually respond within a day.