🔗 Link - Viral Message Spreading Platform

A platform where users can create messages and spread them virally through verified networks. Track who sees your content as it spreads person-to-person.

✨ Features

• 📝 Message Creation: Write compelling content with titles that spread through networks
• 🔐 Simple Authentication: Easy @username/password login (no email required)
• 🌐 Viral Spreading: Messages spread person-to-person through verified handshakes
• 📊 Real-time Tracking: See exactly who has viewed your message and when
• 🤝 Verified Networks: Only registered users can view and share messages
• ⚡ Bot-Friendly: Easy signup process allows organic and bot participation

🚀 Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Node.js (20+ recommended)
• MongoDB (local or cloud instance)

Installation

1. Clone and install:

npm install --force

2. Set up MongoDB (optional - defaults to localhost):

# Contact me for the .env file
echo "MONGO_URI=mongodb://localhost:27017/link-app" > .env
echo "PORT=3001" >> .env

3. Start the servers:

npm run dev

4. Visit the app:
   • Frontend: http://localhost:5173 (or port shown in terminal)
   • API: http://localhost:3001

📖 How It Works

1. Landing Page

• Marketing page explaining viral message spreading
• Clear call-to-action to join the platform

2. Simple Signup/Login

• Just @username and password (no email required)
• Designed to be bot-friendly for organic growth
• Instant account creation

3. Message Creation (Coming Soon)

• Create titled messages with rich content
• Set initial sharing targets
• Track viral spread analytics

4. Viral Sharing (Coming Soon)

• Share messages with specific @usernames
• Handshake verification system
• Recipients can then share with their networks

🔧 API Endpoints

• POST /api/auth/signup - Create new account
• POST /api/auth/login - User login
• GET /api/users/:username - Get user profile
• GET /api/health - Health check

🗃️ Database Structure

MongoDB Collections:

• users - User accounts with hashed passwords
• messages - Created content (coming soon)
• shares - Viral spread tracking (coming soon)

🎯 Current Status

✅ Completed:

• Landing page with viral messaging marketing
• Simple @username/password authentication
• User registration and login
• Basic dashboard structure
• MongoDB integration with password hashing

🚧 Coming Next:

• Message creation and management
• Viral sharing system with handshakes
• Real-time spread tracking and analytics
• User profiles and message history

🤖 Bot-Friendly Design

The platform is intentionally designed to allow easy bot participation:

• No email verification required
• Simple username/password signup
• API-first architecture
• Programmatic account creation supported

📱 Tech Stack

• Frontend: Svelte 5 + SvelteKit + TypeScript
• Backend: Express.js + TypeScript
• Database: MongoDB with indexes
• Auth: bcrypt password hashing
• Styling: Custom CSS with CSS variables

🚀 Deployment Ready

The app is designed for easy deployment:

• Environment variable configuration
• Graceful MongoDB connection handling
• Production-ready build scripts
• Health check endpoints

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Ready to spread your message? Visit the landing page and join Link today!