Hicetnunc, meaning “Here and Now” in Latin, was a groundbreaking NFT platform that redefined how digital artists and collectors engaged with blockchain art. Built on the energy-efficient Tezos blockchain, it gave creators a decentralized, accessible space to mint and sell NFTs. While its original platform was unexpectedly discontinued, its influence continues through community forks and mirrors, solidifying its legacy in the crypto art scene.

The Rise of NFT Art in the Digital Age

The digital art landscape has transformed dramatically with the introduction of NFTs. Unlike traditional art forms, NFTs allow artists to tokenize their work, providing proof of ownership and authenticity. Hicetnunc played a vital role in making this technology more inclusive, open-source, and environmentally friendly. It wasn’t just a platform—it was a movement.

Why Tezos Made a Difference

Unlike Ethereum-based NFT platforms, Hicetnunc leveraged Tezos, a proof-of-stake blockchain. This choice significantly reduced transaction fees and environmental impact. Artists could mint NFTs at a fraction of the cost compared to Ethereum, encouraging a flood of indie creators to join without worrying about gas fees or high upfront costs.

Hicetnunc’s Minimalist User Interface

Hicetnunc was known for its ultra-minimal design. While some users criticized it as confusing, others praised it as artist-centric and distraction-free. The platform removed unnecessary UI clutter, letting the artwork take center stage. This approach attracted avant-garde digital artists who valued creative expression over marketplace aesthetics.

A Decentralized Approach to NFT Art

Hicetnunc championed decentralization not just technically, but culturally. Anyone could join, mint, and list their artwork with minimal barriers. There was no gatekeeping or curation committee. This openness attracted a diverse user base, including underrepresented artists from around the world who found it hard to break into traditional NFT spaces.

The Unexpected Shutdown of Hicetnunc

In November 2021, the Hicetnunc platform abruptly shut down, leaving thousands of artists and collectors in limbo. The founder cited stress and burnout. The sudden closure shook the community but also demonstrated the platform’s decentralization in action. Within days, mirrors and forks of the original site emerged, built and maintained by users themselves.

Community-Led Revival and Forks

After the shutdown, several forks like HEN.teztools.io and hic.af emerged to preserve artists’ work and continue the spirit of the original platform. These versions mirrored the smart contracts and allowed users to continue trading and discovering art. The open-source nature of Hicetnunc ensured it couldn’t truly die—it just evolved.

Creative Freedom on Hicetnunc

Artists on Hicetnunc enjoyed unparalleled creative freedom. There were no algorithmic preferences or curation biases. From glitch art and generative pieces to audio NFTs and AR experiments, anything was welcome. This approach built a raw, authentic vibe that felt like the internet of the early 2000s—wild, free, and experimental.

Environmental Sustainability and Digital Art

One of the core reasons artists flocked to Hicetnunc was its commitment to eco-friendly technology. With growing criticism of energy-heavy NFT platforms, Tezos offered a sustainable alternative. Creators felt more comfortable minting work without the guilt of harming the environment, aligning digital art with climate consciousness.

Low-Cost Minting for Emerging Artists

Minting on Hicetnunc cost only a few cents compared to Ethereum’s sometimes hundreds of dollars. This low barrier empowered emerging artists and students to participate in the NFT space without significant financial risk. It democratized digital ownership and gave everyone a shot at visibility and sales.

Integration with IPFS for Art Storage

Hicetnunc used the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) to store artwork. This decentralized file storage ensured that even if the original platform went offline, the artwork would remain accessible. Artists had greater confidence that their work wouldn’t just disappear—a common fear in centralized platforms.

Collaboration and Experimental Art Projects

Hicetnunc encouraged collaboration among artists. Many joint drops, creative challenges, and experimental collections emerged organically. Projects like “objkt4objkt” allowed artists to swap NFTs without using money—fostering community and appreciation over profit. It was a throwback to the days when the web was more about sharing than selling.

Contrast with Commercial NFT Platforms

Unlike heavily monetized platforms like OpenSea or Rarible, Hicetnunc didn’t chase profits. It had no advertisements, no promotions, and no investor-driven roadmap. This grassroots, almost punk-rock approach resonated with creators tired of commercialism. Hicetnunc felt like art for art’s sake, rather than an endless cash grab.

Educational Value and Onboarding

Hicetnunc inadvertently became a teaching tool. Many artists learned about crypto wallets, IPFS, and blockchain principles through using the platform. Communities on Twitter and Discord would guide newcomers, creating a shared knowledge base. It was DIY in the best sense—hands-on, messy, and deeply educational.

The Legacy and Continued Influence of Hicetnunc

Though the original site no longer exists, its spirit lives on. Countless artists minted their first NFTs on Hicetnunc. Many continue to create on Tezos-based successors. The open-source culture it championed has inspired newer platforms to maintain transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability. Hicetnunc wasn’t just a marketplace—it was a philosophy.

Future Possibilities for Decentralized Art Platforms

Looking forward, Hicetnunc’s model offers a blueprint for future platforms. Decentralized, open, and community-run models may become more common as creators demand autonomy. The NFT space is still young, and the seeds planted by Hicetnunc could sprout into more equitable, innovative ecosystems for art and expression.

Conclusion

Hicetnunc proved that a digital art platform didn’t need a billion-dollar valuation, flashy design, or VC backing to make a difference. It showed us that with community, transparency, and a touch of idealism, a revolution in digital art was possible. Even though its original form has vanished, its heart beats on through every piece of generative art, every eco-friendly mint, and every artist who dares to experiment without limits. In many ways, Hicetnunc was never just a platform—it was a movement, and that movement is far from over.

FAQs

What does Hicetnunc mean in English?
Hicetnunc is Latin for “Here and Now,” symbolizing immediacy and presence in the world of digital art.

Is Hicetnunc still active today?
The original site is offline, but several community mirrors and forks like hic.af and HEN.teztools.io are still operational.

Why was Hicetnunc important for NFT artists?
It offered a low-cost, eco-friendly, and decentralized space where anyone could mint and sell NFTs without gatekeeping.

What blockchain did Hicetnunc use?
Hicetnunc was built on the Tezos blockchain, known for its energy-efficient proof-of-stake mechanism.

Can I still buy and sell Hicetnunc NFTs?
Yes, NFTs minted on the original Hicetnunc smart contracts are still available via alternative platforms that support Tezos.

The Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) is a central component in video conferencing that enables three or more participants to connect in a single call. Acting as the digital bridge between users, it facilitates real-time communication by managing audio, video, and data streams. Without the MCU, true multiparty conferencing would be chaotic and inefficient, as devices would need to establish separate, direct links to every other participant. In today’s hybrid working environment, the MCU plays a crucial role in keeping people connected across geographies.

Why MCUs Are Essential in Communication

In a world that thrives on global collaboration, MCUs remove the complexity of individual peer-to-peer links. They centralize the processing and ensure that only one stream needs to be sent from each participant, saving bandwidth and improving quality. This centralized approach reduces latency, enhances clarity, and delivers a seamless experience in multipoint meetings.

How an MCU Works

An MCU receives incoming streams from all participants, decodes them, composes a unified layout (like a grid view), re-encodes the stream, and sends it back to each endpoint. This process ensures that each participant gets a synchronized, high-quality video and audio feed. Whether it’s a boardroom, home office, or mobile device, the MCU ensures everyone stays in sync.

Types of Multipoint Control Units

There are two main categories of MCUs: hardware-based and software-based. Hardware MCUs are physical appliances designed for large enterprises or mission-critical conferencing. They offer superior performance but are expensive. Software MCUs, on the other hand, run on general-purpose servers and are widely used by cloud conferencing providers. They are more scalable, affordable, and suitable for flexible deployment.

Key Functions of an MCU

An MCU performs several core tasks. It mixes audio streams, transcodes video formats, manages layouts, and handles participant controls such as muting or dropping from the call. It also supports features like conference recording, encryption, and bandwidth adaptation. These functions are vital to creating a consistent, high-quality experience across different devices and networks.

MCU vs. SFU: What’s the Difference?

An important distinction in conferencing technology is between MCU and Selective Forwarding Unit (SFU). While MCUs process and re-encode media streams, SFUs simply route them without alteration. MCUs are ideal for legacy systems or when centralized control is necessary. SFUs, however, offer lower latency and better scalability, making them popular in modern WebRTC-based platforms like Google Meet or Zoom.

Deployment Options for MCU

MCUs can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or in hybrid setups. On-premise MCUs are suitable for organizations with strict data control policies, while cloud-based MCUs provide flexibility and easier maintenance. Hybrid MCUs blend the benefits of both, allowing organizations to optimize performance and compliance.

Security in MCU Conferencing

Security is critical in any form of communication. MCUs provide end-to-end encryption, secure signaling protocols, and firewall traversal techniques to protect sensitive data. Many enterprise-grade MCUs also support advanced authentication, access controls, and compliance logging to meet regulatory requirements.

MCUs and Interoperability

A significant advantage of MCUs is their ability to bridge different video conferencing standards. They can connect SIP, H.323, WebRTC, and other protocols into one seamless meeting. This ensures that participants using different platforms or devices can still join and communicate effectively.

Applications of MCU in Various Industries

MCUs are used across industries for a range of applications. In healthcare, they support remote consultations and multidisciplinary team meetings. In education, they enable virtual classrooms and teacher collaboration. In the corporate world, they power board meetings, client presentations, and cross-functional team discussions. Governments and legal entities also rely on MCU-based systems for secure, formal communications.

Advantages of Using MCU Technology

MCUs offer superior video and audio quality, centralized control, improved bandwidth management, and compatibility with legacy systems. They provide layout customization, which is particularly useful in webinars and large conferences. For businesses that demand reliability and full control, MCUs are a preferred solution.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite their advantages, MCUs come with limitations. They can be expensive to set up and maintain, particularly hardware-based ones. They also have scalability limits due to the need for media processing. In very large deployments, this can become a bottleneck. Additionally, the re-encoding process introduces a slight delay compared to SFU solutions.

MCU in the Era of Hybrid Work

As remote and hybrid work continue to evolve, MCUs remain relevant. They offer the control and security needed for enterprise environments. By integrating with scheduling systems, unified communication platforms, and collaboration tools, MCUs provide a comprehensive meeting infrastructure that supports hybrid work policies.

Future Trends in MCU Technology

MCUs are evolving to meet modern needs. Integration with AI is becoming common—features like noise suppression, speaker tracking, and real-time transcription are being powered by machine learning. Cloud-native MCUs are being developed for better elasticity. We can also expect improvements in 4K video handling, immersive conferencing, and edge computing to support local media processing.

Choosing the Right MCU for Your Needs

When selecting an MCU, consider your organization’s size, budget, infrastructure, and compliance requirements. Evaluate whether a software or hardware MCU fits your needs. Assess vendor support, interoperability, and future scalability. It’s also important to consider whether you need advanced features like recording, AI enhancements, or integrations with third-party platforms.

MCU Integration with Unified Communications

Modern MCUs can be integrated with Unified Communications platforms like Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, and Zoom. This ensures seamless transitions between chat, voice, and video, boosting productivity and streamlining workflows. With APIs and connectors, MCUs become an essential component of a broader communication strategy.

Cost Considerations of MCU Solutions

Pricing varies widely based on the type, features, and scale of the MCU. Hardware MCUs require significant upfront investment and recurring maintenance costs. Software MCUs usually follow a subscription model, which can be more predictable and scalable. Organizations must weigh total cost of ownership against performance and feature requirements.

Conclusion

The Multipoint Control Unit remains a foundational pillar of video conferencing in enterprise environments. Despite the rise of newer technologies like SFUs, MCUs continue to provide unmatched reliability, control, and interoperability. They are the silent orchestrators behind many of today’s most important virtual collaborations—bringing people together, no matter where they are.

FAQs

What is a Multipoint Control Unit used for?
An MCU is used in video conferencing to manage and distribute audio, video, and data streams among multiple participants in a centralized manner.

Is MCU better than SFU for video conferencing?
MCUs are better for scenarios requiring high control, legacy support, and media mixing, while SFUs are preferable for low latency and scalability.

Can MCUs be used with cloud platforms?
Yes, many modern MCUs offer cloud-based deployment options or hybrid setups, making them adaptable for different IT environments.

Are hardware MCUs still relevant today?
Yes, especially in large enterprises or secure environments where performance, control, and compliance are priorities.

How many participants can an MCU support?
It depends on the type and capacity of the MCU. Some can support hundreds of concurrent users with proper infrastructure.

Marko Oolo is a well-respected figure in the affiliate marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) world. Known for his data-driven strategies and deep understanding of organic traffic generation, Oolo has helped numerous businesses scale their online presence through affiliate programs and performance-based marketing. Based in Estonia, he has become a well-known voice among digital marketers and is often featured on blogs, podcasts, and SEO forums for his insights.

Early Career and Background

Marko began his journey in digital marketing with a passion for understanding how Google’s algorithm worked. Initially experimenting with niche sites and content monetization, he quickly gained traction in the affiliate SEO landscape. His early projects taught him the value of patience, data analysis, and SEO testing—skills that would later become his trademark.

Co-Founder of ContentGecko and SEO Strategy Leader

One of Marko Oolo’s most notable achievements is co-founding ContentGecko, a company specializing in high-quality content services and SEO optimization for affiliate marketers. His leadership role involved developing editorial strategies, topic clustering, backlink building, and monetization through affiliate partnerships. Through ContentGecko, Oolo positioned himself as a go-to consultant for content-based SEO strategies.

Specialization in Affiliate SEO

Marko is especially recognized for his niche in affiliate SEO, where content is optimized to rank for high-intent keywords and monetized through affiliate links. His method is not just about creating blog posts—it’s about building topic authority, clustering content, testing what converts, and measuring ROI. He often shares case studies that break down his strategy for selecting niches, researching competitors, and generating passive income through strategic content placement.

Thought Leadership in SEO Communities

Marko Oolo is a frequent contributor to respected SEO communities, including SEO Signals Lab, Niche Pursuits, and Authority Hacker. His interviews and guest posts are highly regarded for their honesty, depth, and actionable advice. He discusses everything from the importance of internal linking to the evolution of AI content in search rankings. Oolo is not shy about sharing failures and lessons learned, which has earned him credibility in a crowded industry.

Teaching and Mentorship

Apart from consulting and growing websites, Marko has mentored many aspiring SEOs and affiliate marketers. He often speaks at events and participates in online mentorship groups, focusing on building long-term SEO strategies rather than chasing trends or shortcuts. His emphasis on sustainable growth and white-hat practices makes him a trusted advisor for newcomers and professionals alike.

Emphasis on Content Clusters and Authority Sites

One of Marko’s standout tactics is his belief in content clusters and authority site building. Instead of launching dozens of micro-niche sites, he advocates for developing large, authoritative domains with well-structured content. By organizing articles into topical silos and using smart internal linking, Oolo helps sites gain Google’s trust and rank higher over time.

Use of Tools and Automation

Marko leverages a range of tools, including Ahrefs, Surfer SEO, Google Search Console, and Screaming Frog. However, he is known for avoiding over-reliance on automation. Instead, he prioritizes human-edited content, manual outreach for link building, and detailed keyword mapping. His balance between tech and human expertise is what makes his strategy robust.

Transparency and Community Value

What sets Marko Oolo apart is his transparent approach. He regularly shares income reports, site traffic data, and SEO test results. This transparency helps other marketers learn and trust his methods. He promotes the idea that SEO is not just a tactic but a long-term investment, and he backs it up with real data.

Looking Ahead: Future of Affiliate SEO

Marko believes the future of SEO lies in adapting to AI tools, prioritizing user intent, and understanding E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness). He encourages affiliate marketers to future-proof their strategies by focusing on helpful content, brand building, and diversified income sources like info products and email marketing.

Conclusion

Marko Oolo is a trailblazer in the world of affiliate SEO. With a firm grip on organic traffic, content marketing, and monetization strategies, he continues to influence how affiliate websites are built and scaled. Whether you’re a beginner trying to understand SEO basics or a pro looking for fresh insights, Marko’s work is a valuable resource in a constantly evolving digital space.

FAQs

What makes Marko Oolo different from other SEO experts?
His data-driven transparency and focus on long-term affiliate growth set him apart. He shares real-world results and builds authority sites, not just quick wins.

Where can I follow Marko Oolo’s content?
You can find him on SEO communities, blogs like Niche Pursuits and Authority Hacker, or through his company, ContentGecko.

Does Marko offer SEO courses or consulting?
Yes, he provides mentorship and consulting for select clients, focusing on affiliate SEO, keyword research, and site structure.

What niches does Marko specialize in?
He’s worked in finance, SaaS, health, and lifestyle niches, but his strategies apply to nearly all affiliate sectors.

Can beginners learn from Marko Oolo’s methods?

absolutely. His content is beginner-friendly, and he often breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps for new marketers.