Account Registration Guide

Documentation
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What is an ATProtocol Identity?

When you log into Smoke Signal, you’re not creating a traditional account tied to our platform. Instead, you’re using an ATProtocol identity – a portable, decentralized identity that works across multiple applications and services.

Think of it like having a universal passport for the decentralized web. Your ATProtocol identity belongs to you, not to any single platform, which means you have more control over your data and online presence.

Why Smoke Signal Uses ATProtocol

Smoke Signal doesn’t have its own account system. Instead, we use ATProtocol for identity and data management because it offers several advantages:

  • Portability: Your identity works across different ATProtocol-compatible apps
  • Data ownership: You control your data, not the platform
  • Interoperability: Connect with friends and communities across multiple services
  • Security: Decentralized authentication reduces single points of failure

How to Get Started

If You Don’t Have an ATProtocol Identity

  1. Visit Smoke Signal and click the green “Log in” button at the top-right of any page
  2. On the login page, click the big blue “Register on bsky.social” button
  3. You’ll be redirected to https://bsky.social/ where you can create your account
  4. Complete registration on Bluesky Social with your chosen handle (like @yourname.bsky.social)
  5. Return to Smoke Signal – you’ll be automatically redirected back and logged in

If You Already Have an ATProtocol Identity

Simply enter your handle (like @yourname.bsky.social or @yourname.yourdomain.com) or your DID (decentralized identifier) on the Smoke Signal login page and sign in.

What Creating an Account Means

When you create an ATProtocol identity, you’re getting:

Your Unique Handle

  • A human-readable identifier (like @alice.bsky.social)
  • Can be customized with your own domain if desired
  • Works across all ATProtocol applications

Decentralized Data Storage

  • Your data is stored on a Personal Data Server (PDS)
  • You can migrate between different providers
  • No single company controls your information

Cross-Platform Identity

  • Use the same identity on Smoke Signal and other ATProtocol apps
  • Your connections and reputation travel with you
  • Seamless experience across the ecosystem

Benefits of Using ATProtocol Identity with Smoke Signal

For Event Creators

  • Verified Identity: Your events are associated with your established identity
  • Cross-Platform Promotion: Share events across ATProtocol networks
  • Data Portability: Keep your event history even if you change providers
  • Community Building: Connect with your existing ATProtocol network

For Event Attendees

  • Trusted Registration: Attendees can verify event creators’ identities
  • Integrated Social Experience: Connect with other attendees through the broader ATProtocol ecosystem
  • Consistent Profile: Your identity and reputation are consistent across platforms
  • Privacy Control: You decide what information to share

For Everyone

  • No Vendor Lock-in: Your identity isn’t tied to Smoke Signal alone
  • Future-Proof: As the ATProtocol ecosystem grows, your identity grows with it
  • Reduced Password Fatigue: One identity for multiple compatible services
  • Enhanced Security: Decentralized authentication reduces security risks

Beyond Bluesky Social

While Smoke Signal’s registration button connects you to Bluesky Social for convenience, it’s not your only option. Smoke Signal supports any ATProtocol-compatible OAuth authorization server (PDS). This means you can:

  • Choose from different identity providers
  • Run your own Personal Data Server if you’re technically inclined
  • Switch providers while keeping your identity and data

Getting Help

If you encounter issues during registration or login:

  1. Check your handle format: Ensure it includes the @ symbol and correct domain
  2. Verify your provider: Make sure your PDS is online and functioning
  3. Clear browser cache: Sometimes cached data can cause login issues
  4. Try a different browser: Rule out browser-specific problems

The Future of Your Digital Identity

By choosing an ATProtocol identity, you’re not just signing up for Smoke Signal – you’re joining a growing ecosystem of decentralized applications that respect user ownership and interoperability. Your identity will work with future ATProtocol applications, making your digital life more seamless and secure.

Ready to get started? Click that green “Log in” button and join the decentralized web!