Near is a decentralized blockchain platform designed to enable the development and deployment of decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts. It aims to provide a scalable and high-speed infrastructure that allows for a smooth user experience and fast, cost-effective transactions. Near utilizes a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus model, which ensures security and efficiency within its network. Within the Near ecosystem, numerous projects have emerged, leveraging the capabilities and features offered by the Near blockchain. These projects span various sectors and have contributed to the growth and innovation within the blockchain industry.

• One sector that has gained significant attention and adoption is non-fungible tokens (NFTs). NFTs are unique digital assets that can represent ownership or proof of authenticity for items such as digital art, collectibles, virtual real estate, and more. Near has seen the development of NFT marketplaces and platforms that enable creators and collectors to mint, buy, sell, and trade NFTs securely and efficiently.

• Decentralized Finance, or DeFi, is another sector that has flourished within the Near ecosystem. DeFi refers to the use of blockchain technology and smart contracts to recreate traditional financial systems and services in a decentralized manner. Near has seen the emergence of DeFi protocols that enable activities such as lending, borrowing, yield farming, decentralized exchanges, and other financial instruments, all without the need for intermediaries.

• While Near promotes decentralization, there are still centralized exchanges (CEXs) that facilitate the trading of Near tokens and other cryptocurrencies. These exchanges act as intermediaries, allowing users to buy, sell, and trade digital assets. CEXs often offer user-friendly interfaces and high liquidity but may require users to trust the exchange with their funds.

• In contrast to CEXs, Near also supports decentralized exchanges (DEXs), which operate on the blockchain without a central authority. DEXs enable peer-to-peer trading, allowing users to maintain control of their funds throughout the trading process. Near has witnessed the development of DEXs that provide secure and transparent platforms for trading various tokens, providing users with greater autonomy and eliminating the need for intermediaries.

Flipside is an on-chain analytics platform that provides insights and data analysis for various blockchain networks, including Near. It offers a comprehensive set of tools and metrics to track the activity and engagement of users within the Near ecosystem.

By utilizing the Near labels on Flipside, we can gain valuable insights into the performance and adoption of different Near projects and sectors. These labels allow us to segment and analyze user activity based on specific criteria, such as project affiliation or sector involvement.

One key metric to monitor is the number of active users on each project. This metric indicates the level of user engagement and can help identify the popularity and success of specific projects within the Near ecosystem. By tracking active users over time, we can assess user growth and retention rates, providing valuable insights for developers and investors.

Additionally, Flipside's on-chain database enables the tracking of transaction fees. Monitoring transaction fees allows us to understand the cost associated with utilizing the Near blockchain and can help identify trends or patterns in fee structures. This information is crucial for users and developers who want to optimize their transactions and manage costs effectively.

Another important metric is the average transactions per user. This metric provides an indication of the level of user activity within a specific project or sector. By analyzing this data, we can gauge the level of interaction and usage patterns of Near users, which can inform decision-making and resource allocation for projects and sectors.

Furthermore, Flipside allows us to identify the stickiest users within the Near ecosystem. Stickiness refers to the level of engagement and loyalty of users towards a particular project or sector. By identifying the stickiest users, developers and project teams can gain insights into what drives user loyalty and engagement, enabling them to further enhance and tailor their offerings to meet user needs.